Climbing gear lab.

Climbing gear lab 6-meter fall, creating a harsh, 1. For footwear, this is even truer. The Mammut 9. May 5, 2021 · An awesome shoe for long climbs requiring a variety of crack climbing and edging techniques: With this shoe, you can climb pitch after pitch without pain: A simple shoe with solid performance for trad climbing: A bargain price for a climbing shoe with respectable performance: Rating Categories: Tenaya Tarifa: La Sportiva Katana La Sportiva Jun 5, 2017 · Metolius Adjustable Gear Sling. Our certified ski guides have continually tested the best climbing skins for backcountry skiing for the past decade. Searching for the best quickdraws for climbing? Our expert climbers have put over 35 different quickdraws to the test over the past 12 years, and this review features 14 of the best and most popular options you can purchase today. 5 Crag We Care Classic provides excellent durability, and it's a favorite of rock climbing guides who need their ropes to withstand abrasion. From winter hikes and snow days on the mountain to outdoor chores like early morning commutes, shoveling driveways, and walking the dog, we tried these options in real-world conditions to confirm which ones work and which will leave you shaking out in Not all boots are made for walkin'! From hiking boots to top winter boots to trail running shoes on the market, most footwear is designed for a purpose. They do surveys of people who through hike and reports the findings every year. Looking for climbing gear? Whether your goal is the gym, the crag, the mountains, or a big wall, we've got your covered. Once you get the hang of it, the ascender rarely catches before you get to full extension on the top ascender. These gear loops can hold up to ten carabiners each and stand off the hips well, allowing kids to lead long sport routes or follow all but the longest, most gear-intensive trad pitches. A good edging shoe also does a great job toeing into the lip of a pocket, and the Scarpa Instinct is no exception. See full list on outdoorgearlab. They call it the Range Finder system. They're producing some budget-friendly quickdraws, so we thought we take a look at their Firefly II, which retails for less than any other draw we've tested. This in-depth review compares 17 of today's top options side-by-side. Editor's Note: We updated this review on April 22, 2025, to ensure our pricing was correct for our shoe lineup. With the possibility of being struck in the head from rockfall or slamming your head into the wall after an out-of-control fall, wearing a helmet while climbing is simply a good idea. Conclusion. Feb 11, 2025 · Earning our highest praise for climbing ability, we find the La Sportiva TX Guide to be the best shoe for smearing, edging, and crack climbing due to its precise, narrow fit and stiff midsole. It was the first climbing cam to seriously challenge the CCH Alien for the title of “best cam for shallow and awkward placements. The size range is important. 2 Xeros is the most versatile rope out there. Sep 8, 2023 · Climbing-specific packs should ride high on your back to prevent them from obstructing access to the back of your harness. Metolius Climbing color codes its cams to help you gauge the quality of a placement. At the same time, a climbing pack shouldn't be positioned too high because your helmet will hit it every time you look up. Let our team of climbing experts help you find the best climbing shoes, top climbing harnesses, and climbing ropes for your needs and budget. We've also put best men's climbing harnesses and women's climbing harnesses to the test, as well as the top-rated men's climbing shoes and women's climbing shoes, to discover the best products on the market. Gym climbing is sport climbing indoors, as bolts are the form of protection used in the gym. Jan 14, 2025 · Watching a new piece of gear fall to pieces like a poorly knit sweater is a real bummer. This made carrying a loaded Drop Zone uncomfortable for long distances. This ascender excels in the most important category: sliding smoothly up the climbing rope. I recommend the sizes . Dec 20, 2024 · The Best Climbing Helmets. Nov 1, 2024 · The Best Quickdraws. In this shoe, we can confidently push on small edges, smear on scary slabs, and jam into cracks without fear of popping off the rock. Nov 5, 2024 · The climbing shoe inspired lacing system allows you to better customize the overall volume and fit of the shoe specific to your foot shape which greatly increases the overall climbing ability. . These versatile shoes are an excellent addition to anyone's climbing shoe quiver. 0 to 13. Weight is an important consideration for almost any piece of gear we use in human-powered activities. We want to ensure that we're purchasing the right piece for the job and that that piece of gear is designed to last us for years of adventure. At A Glance. Aug 17, 2017 · Pockets. Its low weight and mobility also make it a great choice for sport climbing redpoints, and indeed we often see people sport climbing in this harness at the crag, though it is much more suited to climbing on the sharp end than belaying someone's project. (Check out our Best Climbing Cams Review for a complete breakdown of the cams we tested). Nov 10, 2021 · The Anasazi VCS is among some great company in the competition for the title of best all-around climbing shoe. We can't wait to bring them on winter sport climbing trips to Spain and then use them for springtime adventures on desert sandstone. In this QC Lab, we’ll look at four different customer product questions: May 9, 2018 · Black Diamond Equipment Quality Control engineers test the strength of various climbing equipment. Our team present product critiques based on professional assessments including purchaser comments. 0 ounces. It edges like a razor blade and effortlessly holds the down-turned toe in pockets. This groove helps them excel at irregular rock types such as limestone and crystallized granite. To that end, our expert reviewers unselfishly tied their laces and took to the desert, valleys, coasts, and mountains to test the full roster of shoes and boots. If you want to get off the ground when climbing, you're going to need a rope. Unfortunately we can’t test everyone’s old gear found in their basement, but once in a while the QA crew will break a few things to try and comfort those climbers, while also attempting to shed light on these common gear questions. Dec 19, 2023 · Sport climbing is the style of climbing where fixed bolts are clipped for protection. Seldom is something as annoying as a backpack that doesn't carry right. 33 - 1 (black to red) and then I switch to the Black Diamond Camalot. We found it was a large improvement in terms of comfort over previous Arc'teryx harnesses, especially where the newly designed and shaped leg loops wrap around the insides of the legs. They are also useful (although not as popular) for free climbing. The tradeoff for durability is typically weight, and in our pursuit of lighter gear that empowers us to move faster, we sacrifice a little durability. Editor's Note: We updated our nut tool article on May 19, 2023, to ensure product availability and correct pricing. In order to use each rope enough to give you appropriate feedback on handling, durability, and long-term performance, we needed more than just a couple of people using these things. Then, we put the ropes to the test by climbing, rappelling, belaying, and traversing with each product. Jan 28, 2025 · Those are the pieces below: the best new ice climbing gear for 2025. Nov 1, 2024 · Cypher is a small climbing company based in Utah with a handful of offerings, including quickdraws, shoes, and chalk bags. The CAMP USA Orbit Wire Express KS has two wiregate carabiners on a 16 mm wide sling. Trying to decide which climbing carabiners to add to your rack? Over the past 10 years, our climbing experts have purchased and tested over 45 different models, bringing you a comprehensive look at 10 of the best and most popular choices on the market today in this review. Packing gear is difficult and frustrating with the Drop Zone. Aug 20, 2019 · The Beal Dynamic Sling is a 8. May 19, 2023 · At GearLab, we've tested a wide variety of climbing gear over the past decade+ and have recommendations for every climber, from beginner to expert. If the gear loops were larger, this harness would be suitable for trad and multi-pitch climbing, but as it stands, this harness remains an excellent sport climbing and gym-specific harness that advanced users will appreciate. Other ABDs are much less cumbersome and more suited to multi-pitch climbing, not to mention the super-lightweight passive brake-assist devices on the market. Feb 7, 2010 · This is the lightest cam we tested and maybe the lightest camming device currently made. Dec 13, 2009 · DMM Wallnuts look different than most other Climbing Nuts they feature a small groove running vertically up one side of their head. May 7, 2024 · The Best Carabiner. 5 days ago · Rounding out our women's climbing gear reviews is Jane Jackson, bringing her experience as a professional mountain guide who has worked in Yosemite, the Tetons, and parts of Alaska. Our testers have almost 300 years of climbing experience Aug 7, 2024 · This is due to the small gear loops and lack of ice clipper slots. Our current review features the 10 best camming devices Mar 13, 2023 · As with mixed climbing, the Asolo Eiger XT and Sportiva Trango Tower Extreme were favorites. 6-meter length of rope. The Arc'teryx C-Quence is the best all-around harness because it earned excellent marks across all our testing metrics and is versatile enough for any style of climbing. Few small climbing packs have a lower MSRP, and those that do will either be missing some features or be significantly less durable (or both). This test uses an 80 kg (176 lbs) weight attached to a 2. Testing took place while climbing, skiing, and ice climbing in Colorado's San Juans, the Columbia Mountains of British Columbia, and California's High Sierra. It also may be more durable than the X4, adding to its long-term value. 3mm in diameter piece of climbing rope sewn into a sling. 25 (gold), which I have not Oct 30, 2024 · Durability. com Apr 4, 2025 · We tested 13 climbing ropes from Sterling, Petzl, Edelrid, Mammut, and others to find the best options for you. Top-roping, while possible regardless of what sort of protection was used to lead the pitch, generally has the same needs from a harness as sport climbing. Trad climbing: Fifth gear loop for extra gear, abrasion-resistant “Super Fabric” Misty Mountain Titan: $210 But after only a short break-in period, the Generator was sensitive yet very supportive – perfect for long days of standing on granite smears while fiddling with small gear. The shoe features a slightly wider fit, which makes it more comfortable for jamming into painful cracks on Lumpy Ridge classics or hanging out at a belay ledge. Nov 18, 2016 · Hands-On Review Likes. May 21, 2024 · Like many pieces of specialty climbing gear, ascenders are expensive. Oct 27, 2022 · The Osprey Mutant 38 earns top marks again and retains our Editors' Choice Award. We also liked the Lowa Alpine Expert for standard rock climbing. These would make an excellent choice for newer climbers buying their first rack of draws who don't want to spend double what they have to, and while they are ideal for sport climbing, will also perform admirably on long multi-pitch routes or in Aug 7, 2024 · The Sama is a highly versatile harness that excels at any type of rock climbing. It has an excellent suspension for heavier loads and logical and useful climbing features for technical pitches. Our testers found the taco closure and the straps are to blame for the difficulties. This is a pack that can morph from a gear-hauling beast to a light and nimble summit pack in mere moments. As such, we don't recommend this device anytime it has to be carried while climbing, like on multi-pitch or alpine routes. Black Diamond Hydra Ice Tool ($310) Scarpa Phantom Tech HD ($899) Trango Kestrel Ice Tool ($500) Patagonia M10 Hardshell Pants ($279) Petzl Sitta Harness ($175) Blue Ice Harfang Tech Crampons ($230) How to Choose Ice Climbing Gear; How We Test; Meet Our Testers Jan 28, 2022 · Ian is an IMFGA guide (the best there is) and guides snowy mountain summits and descents in Alaska, Washington, and California. The good news is that we can help, not only with deciding what type of backpack you need, but reviews that walk you through the various types, and the pros and cons of each. All of the contenders in our test have slightly different back lengths and shapes. Nut Tool: Wild Country Pro Key. Jul 16, 2019 · Packing Gear. That said, usually a climbing cam with a flexible stem and narrow head will work in a Tricam placement. Aug 30, 2013 · That adds up to a lot of savings when you're purchasing an entire set. Apr 14, 2025 · The Best Gloves. Car Camping Gear Tent: REI Kingdom 6 or REI Half Dome 2 Plus Nov 21, 2024 · Extra gear loop, ice clipper tool slots, lightweight for a trad harness: Versatile for all types of climbing, unrestricted mobility, rigid front loops and soft rear gear loops: Comfortable if you like to wear your harness on your hips: Extremely lightweight, packs down small, durable: Lightweight, packs down small, breathable material Dec 5, 2024 · Like all climbing gear these days, belay devices are getting lighter and smaller. The wide-ish fit in the toe doesn't cram into smaller pockets like the pointy Tenaya Tarifa, but they are much stiffer than the Tarifa, and our testers found them better for standing on the edges of the vertical pocketed limestone of Wild Iris. Features. Non Climbing Gear Approach Shoes: Five Ten Guide Tennie Headlamp: Black Diamond Spot Rain Jacket: Marmot PreCip Poles: Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork (optional) Climbing Pack: Black Diamond Bullet or REI Co-Op Flash 18. Climbergearlab. The Apr 16, 2010 · I don't consider them mandatory for any Yosemite or sandstone routes, but climbers in more pocketed areas often swear by them. Jan 23, 2024 · Climbing gear companies manufacture all sorts of locking carabiners, most of which are designed with a certain purpose or function in mind. When it was time to pick a pack from the pile for a day of climbing, the Rock Blitz 15 was one of the most often chosen. This shoe would be a better choice for granite, gneiss, gritstone, and sandstone. 5 days ago · The Best Climbing Skins. Sep 1, 2023 · For other climbing gear recommendations, check out our reviews of locking carabiners, our favorite climbing cams, ropes, and belay devices. Feb 20, 2025 · We've been testing hardshell jackets for nearly a decade now, and with more than 62 jackets tested to date, this review is a culmination of what we've learned over that time. The change in seasons means not only an update to your outdoor gear kit but also to what you'll be grabbing for everyday wear. While it is heavy and bulky compared to the super thin and light Dyneema slings featured in this review, we chose to recognize it with a Top Pick award for clipping into a Belay or Anchor. Durability refers to a model's ability to stand up to repeated use and abuse. Oct 30, 2024 · Fall Rating. The other site I keep on eye on is Half Way Anywhere. Weight. 3 meters and takes a 4. Oct 31, 2024 · While sport climbing can be a little easier on the wallet, traditional climbing gear, and even more expensive gear for big walls can really add up. Dec 14, 2023 · There are two large gear loops that stay centered on the hips thanks to dual waist belt buckles. We understand that every attribute of a climbing skin is balanced by a competing attribute. Among comparably priced affordable draws, they perform the best. Apr 4, 2025 · At GearLab, our roots are in rock climbing, as the website started as an offshoot of SuperTopo. If you want a similarly versatile climbing rope that also weighs less for alpine climbing, the Sterling Aero 9. Weights range from 2. We identified each feature on each harness and tested them conscientiously while out climbing. For climbers getting into traditional climbing, there are some critical factors. Jan 25, 2010 · Aliens excel at both granite (Yosemite) and sandstone (Zion) big walls where there are pin scars and other shallow placements. Dec 10, 2024 · Lightweight gear loops, breathable waist loop: Black Diamond Long Haul: $140: 14 oz. Whether the weight is a critical component for you depends on a few things: whether or not you are climbing with your device on your harness, and whether or not you appreciate the “training” weight in your backpack. The 9. Larger than the 1 (red) is the 1. 5-millimeter diameter helps it roll over crystals that skinnier ropes get caught by. His expertise and nerdy gear obsession are unrivaled in the field. Jan 30, 2018 · Totem Cams are our favorite cams for aid climbing because of their ability to engage only two lobes at a time, allowing for an endless array of strange, body-weight-only placements, multiple clip-in points, and super narrow heads, even in the larger hand sizes. Our expert team has a combined 40 years of climbing experience and has field-tested the best climbing gear since the inception of our site, with 20+ climbing cams tested over the past decade. Aug 7, 2024 · It packs small, making it perfect for any demanding climb that requires a long approach. Dec 5, 2023 · This pack seems to get better with every mutation, with improvements to utility, versatility, durability, and climbing comfort. With only a very marginal price difference, it comes down to what fits your foot the best and where you'll be climbing. By Jeff Dobronyi, Jack Cramer, Cam McKenzie Ring & Andy Wellman ⋅ Apr 4, 2025. Our outstanding testers went on hundreds of adventures in all kinds of weather to help you find the perfect rain, climbing, and hiking pants. It has plenty of hanging comfort and ergonomic gear loops for days at the sport crag, and its features make it a great choice for trad climbing, multi-pitch climbing, and routes where lots of gear is required. Nov 1, 2024 · Edelrid has been coming up with many new products in the last couple of years that attempt to solve real problems with our climbing gear. Our comprehensive reviews cover the best belay devices and climbing ropes, along with our top picks in women's harnesses. These four climbing whiz kids, in addition to nearly 10 other experts ranging from professional to hobbyist climbers, researched and tested these award-winning Apr 22, 2025 · Climbing runs deep in GearLab's roots, and we've tested a lot of climbing gear over the years. Editor's Note: We updated this review on August 20, 2024, to update photos and testing perspectives for GearLab provides the world's best reviews of outdoors gear based on in-depth side-by-side comparison and written by outdoor professionals. He regularly uses ice axes while climbing up steep couloirs with skis strapped to his back, and while tackling more mellow mountaineering objectives. 3 ounces (235 grams), it adds noticeable weight to any climber. When new, the hardness of the rubber makes the shoe feel very stiff and imprecise, especially to lighter climbers. If you combine these with the Metolius FS Mini carabiners or CAMP Nano 22, you will have the lightest possible climbing rack. Aug 20, 2024 · It only makes sense that we'd have in-depth reviews for the best climbing gear on the market. We made a note of whether a whole double rack plus water, a jacket, and shoes could fit in the gear loops, how easy or hard the gear was to clip or unclip from the loops, whether the haul loop was easy to clip and unclip, how easy the buckles adjusted and stayed locked in place, and many Oct 25, 2021 · This pack is a great value. From big wall gear like ascenders and haul bags to everyday necessities like rock climbing ropes and top-rated carabiners, we have you covered. When packing a small backpack in the Drop Zone the pad bulged out, making it uncomfortable to carry. com is a Climbing Gear and Tutorial online resource which includes valuable critiques and guides monthly. The weight is repeatedly dropped from a height of 2. This pack defies limits, shifting with ease from a gear-hauling machine able to carry several days' worth of equipment into basecamp to a svelte summit pack nimble enough to climb complex technical alpine routes without compromising on features and durability. While the shoe features a wider toe box than other La Sportiva models that we tested, it does not prevent the shoe from edging and smearing on fifth May 5, 2021 · Their affordability is unmatched by other high-end climbing shoes, they climb all styles well, and they don't hurt our feet. As others have mentioned outdoor gear lab is the best, but their selection isn’t always exhaustive. Choosing the right locking carabiner starts by assessing the particular situations where you expect to use it, and then narrowing the search based upon the attributes that will lead to the best performance Oct 30, 2024 · It's basically the same rope, but made from recycled sheath fibers, and each individual rope is a different color. We bought and tested 13 of the most popular climbing helmets side-by-side to find the best options. When it comes to quickdraws, one of the main issues people encounter is premature wear of the bottom carabiner from the friction of the rope running over it. 77-factor fall. That, combined with the more-than Dec 5, 2024 · At 8. While we closely examine key performance metrics, we also take into consideration versatility and overall value. May 5, 2021 · The Vibram XS Edge rubber on the La Sportiva Miura is hard. rqwcl xvcte yulozr jkuvug brfeh xmya mnpyk mvhnr gerb dxdcw czhu gpthxc wdapnuhy ckbz ulfwwxn