Climbing gear lab reviews.

Climbing gear lab reviews 25 (gold), which I have not Oct 30, 2024 · Handling. We understand that every attribute of a climbing skin is balanced by a competing attribute. It's a fraction of an ounce heavier than some of the other lightweight contenders in this review, but a heck of a lot cheaper. This rates up there with a portaledge or a Pro Traxion hauling device for “ top gear to wow your non-climbing friends. The Oct 30, 2024 · The primary drawback is this rope's limited features, since you can't get it in a bi-pattern. 8mm, or . If you are new to climbing or wearing crampons, a heavier, thicker model may just be a better choice, if only because they will be able to withstand an errant crampon spike more effectively, but if you are a technical wizard that wants to slim down their kit, the Latok Alpine is a fabulous lightweight option. 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. 3mm in diameter piece of climbing rope sewn into a sling. Jan 25, 2010 · Aliens excel at both granite (Yosemite) and sandstone (Zion) big walls where there are pin scars and other shallow placements. May 19, 2023 · Check out our picks in our best climbing harness review. This in-depth review compares 17 of today's top options side-by-side. 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 Oct 27, 2022 · The Osprey Mutant 38 earns top marks again and retains our Editors' Choice Award. 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. By clicking on our links, you can support our testing work as we may earn a commission. 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. com Apr 16, 2025 · From boulders to big walls, our roundup of climbing gear on the market has something for everyone. 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. The Mammut 9. Editor's Note: We updated our climbing shoe review on April 16, 2025, to remove a discontinued shoe from our lineup and ensure current pricing for each shoe. 5 Crag Classic is a soft, easily bendable rope that feels comfortable in the hand right out of the box. Value. They aren't cheap, but they are built to last The TX Guide is a great option for those with narrow feet, offering hiking support and excellent climbing precision Nov 1, 2024 · There's nothing fancy about it, but it still gets the job done and is an excellent option for those just breaking into trad climbing who need to purchase a lot of gear at once. Dec 5, 2024 · Whether you're seeking a fresh pair of climbing shoes, one of the top-rated climbing harnesses from our testing, or an extra set of climbing cams, our team of seasoned climbers can help you find the right products. 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. Feb 7, 2010 · This is the lightest cam we tested and maybe the lightest camming device currently made. Also, check out our curated list of climbing gear. The completely round stock, as compared to the I-beam stock prevalent in most lockers, allows the rope to slide smoothly with less friction, regardless of the Aug 7, 2024 · It packs small, making it perfect for any demanding climb that requires a long approach. Although these shoes aren't designed for crack climbing, they're not terrible for some sizes. 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. It comes fully loaded with two huge gear loops on each side, a haul loop, and two ice clipper slots per side, making it useful for any kind of climbing. Over months and sometimes years, we Sep 1, 2023 · For other climbing gear recommendations, check out our reviews of locking carabiners, our favorite climbing cams, ropes, and belay devices. 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 May 7, 2024 · The Best Carabiner. 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. 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. This gives them a huge advantage over other small cams that lack thumb loops. Related: The Best Climbing Shoes for Women One key benefit is after you’ve read a couple reviews you get a sense for Raf’s biases and preferences. One key benefit is after you’ve read a couple reviews you get a sense for Raf’s biases and preferences. 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. Our selection process leans on the hard-earned expertise of experienced big-wall climbers, who stay informed of the latest and greatest products whenever they hit the market. Let our team of climbing experts help you find the best climbing shoes, top climbing harnesses, and climbing ropes for your needs and budget. Our current review features the 10 best camming devices found on climbers' racks today. Apr 15, 2023 · alpine climbing approach shoes Arc'teryx Belay jackets Black Diamond bouldering clothing climbing gear review Climbing hardshells Climbing harnesses Climbing packs Climbing shoes edelrid gear news Haglöfs ice climbing Ice climbing clothing Men's climbing clothing Patagonia Rab rock climbing clothing Scarpa Softshell clothing The North Face Aug 20, 2019 · The Beal Dynamic Sling is a 8. All reviews are incredibly subjective, so a good review site should be upfront about this, and Raf is. Lead or top-rope belaying with the Giga Jul can be done in either assisted braking or manual mode. 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. If you need to add some new climbing protection to your rack, check out our comprehensive climbing nuts review and climbing cam review. The CAMP USA Orbit Wire Express KS has two wiregate carabiners on a 16 mm wide sling. Climbing hundreds of feet of hand cracks in these puppies will probably leave you hobbled for days, but for short stretches of perfect hands, the Solutions don't feel all that bad. We independently purchase all the products we test, ensuring that our reviews are unbiased and reliable. 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. 33 - 1 (black to red) and then I switch to the Black Diamond Camalot. Conclusion. Perfect for users with wider-than-average feet, these shoes can do it all, from 5th-class climbing to long approaches to aid climbing. That said, usually a climbing cam with a flexible stem and narrow head will work in a Tricam placement. Overview; Compare; Buying Advice; How We Tested; The 3 Best Gaiters of 2025. They aren't cheap, but they are built to last Mar 13, 2023 · No matter your climbing style or budget, we've included a variety of models to fit most needs. It also may be more durable than the X4, adding to its long-term value. If you're new to climbing and are looking for a more versatile rope, this shouldn't be your rope. Free Climbing, Aid climbing, Light and Fast Adventures. 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. Mountaineering Gear Reviews. The ergonomic thumb loop on the Alien Revolutions is awesome for free climbing, making it significantly easier to grab the cam and engage the triggers when you're pumped out of your mind. And it's light enough to be a stealthy companion on long, remote missions. 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. Free Climbing. The suede upper is super durable and water-resistant, and the tacky rubber toe rand offers extra protection while crack climbing. The Petzl GriGri+ adds security for beginner climbers with an “ anti-panic ” lever that stops the lowering mechanism if the lever is pulled too Feb 11, 2025 · Our time-tested approach to gear reviews starts by doing market research on all of the available models, and comparing them to the products we have tested over the years. Editor's Note: This review was updated on December 5, 2024, after extensively testing the Petzl Neox and Edelrid Pinch. Metolius Climbing color codes its cams to help you gauge the quality of a placement. … Aug 17, 2017 · Pockets. May 21, 2024 · Like many pieces of specialty climbing gear, ascenders are expensive. Jun 4, 2024 · This works in conjunction with the Differentiated Tension System (DTS), which pulls tension on the inside and outside of the shoe differently for optimal power transfer to your big toe. Apr 22, 2025 · Climbing runs deep in GearLab's roots, and we've tested a lot of climbing gear over the years. Its aggressive teeth work well on icy ropes. Nov 3, 2020 · The Black Diamond Momentum is a great harness for beginners and those looking to get into the sport on a budget. A slider bar along the top of the device must be positioned all the way on either end, denoting either manual or assisted mode, and then the rope must be loaded into the device in the correct manner depending on the mode, which is different for each. Once you get the hang of it, the ascender rarely catches before you get to full extension on the top ascender. 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. Nov 21, 2024 · Whether you're searching for a new rope, a fresh pair of climbing shoes, or you want to update your belay device, we have in-depth reviews and gear round-ups to help you with your selections. We buy everything from the stores, just like you do, then test them over months. Oct 30, 2024 · It isn't the best choice for a quiver-of-one rope, since it has limited usefulness for single-pitch 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). 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 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. From big wall gear like ascenders and haul bags to everyday necessities like rock climbing ropes and top-rated carabiners, we have you covered. For difficult finger cracks where you can hardly get Nov 18, 2016 · Half the fun in big wall climbing is collecting cool gear. What about best backpacks for women? Got you It’s very alpine climbing/ice climbing focused though, so regular uses might find it hard to follow some of the jargon. Aug 7, 2024 · This is due to the small gear loops and lack of ice clipper slots. 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. If you combine these with the Metolius FS Mini carabiners or CAMP Nano 22, you will have the lightest possible climbing rack. Nov 1, 2024 · The Best Quickdraws. 5 days ago · The Best Climbing Skins. 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. Aug 7, 2024 · The mesh waistband and leg loops move freely with the user and are barely noticeable while standing, walking, or climbing. ” The trigger gives you two options for taking the ascender off the rope you can use your thumb as with with most other ascenders or use your index finger like you Its best use is as a compact belay locker while trad climbing, and we loved it for use with a Petzl Reverso, either while lead belaying or while belaying off the anchor in auto-lock mode. That, combined with the more-than Jul 23, 2024 · Perfect for users with wider-than-average feet, these shoes can do it all, from 5th-class climbing to long approaches to aid climbing. Dec 5, 2024 · Catch and Bite. They aren't cheap, but they are built to last: Our favorite shoes for carrying over a route while multipitch climbing: Specializing in heavy loads and big wall climbing, this model is also a well-rounded favorite Jan 23, 2024 · Our rigorous testing and review processes, not to mention our best climbing gear review, help get to the bottom of which products are worth your hard-earned cash. They come in six sizes, ranging from a purple one-inch piece (they follow the same color scheme as Black Diamond cams), down to an incredibly tiny 7. Best Application. It features nice cushy foam padding on both the waist belt and the leg loops, and the TrakFit adjusters on the leg loops are far and away the easiest to use and adjust on the fly of any harness we have ever tested. That's our guarantee. While we closely examine key performance metrics, we also take into consideration versatility and overall value. Jun 11, 2010 · As Mike point's out below in the user reviews, these would easily take #4 cable which is wider, stronger and much more durable. They are also useful (although not as popular) for free climbing. A good edging shoe also does a great job toeing into the lip of a pocket, and the Scarpa Instinct is no exception. Since RURPs often get fixed, the number two cable quickly breaks leaving a worthless steel-filled placement. . Jul 23, 2024 · The TX Guide is a great option for those with narrow feet, offering hiking support and excellent climbing precision: Perfect for users with wider-than-average feet, these shoes can do it all, from 5th-class climbing to long approaches to aid climbing. Ease of getting on and off the rope when passing pieces is good. Rest assured, our commitment to providing honest and trustworthy information remains Dec 2, 2024 · November 29, 2024 Gear Reviews The Rab Evolute Hoody Review: A Highly Breathable Mid-Layer for Mountain Adventures The Rab Evolute Hoody is a versatile mid-layer that has garnered praise from outdoor enthusiasts for its blend of warmth, Aug 20, 2024 · It only makes sense that we'd have in-depth reviews for the best climbing gear on the market. Our reviews run the gamut from everyday backpacks to the top ultralight packs to a comparison of the best backpacking packs. 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. PROS Lightweight Comfortable Medium is well sized CONS Dropping the back straps tricky We first featured an Arc’teryx harness way back in 2015, they were a revolution at the time with the amazing WST (Warp being the outstanding feature. Editor's Note: Our locking carabiner review was updated on January 23, 2024, to give more advice on which carabiners we recommend for specific use cases. 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. May 20, 2024 · Aiders are a bit of a niche product, but Outdoor Gear Lab's roots are in reviewing climbing gear. Aug 12, 2024 · We think the DMM Dragonfly cams are some of the best small camming devices you can buy, especially among those that largely follow the “alien” design. 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. Larger than the 1 (red) is the 1. It was the first climbing cam to seriously challenge the CCH Alien for the title of “best cam for shallow and awkward placements. 31 inches. Nov 5, 2024 · The Scarpa Mescalito Planet is designed for technical hikes into the mountains and scrambling in variable terrain. 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. Don't let the overall “low” score fool 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. (Check out our Best Climbing Cams Review for a complete breakdown of the cams we tested). Whether you are tying into the rope or feeding it through a rappel device, it is soft enough to bend tightly, making life with pumped forearms a lot easier. Our reviews are 100% unbiased. These four climbing whiz kids, in addition to nearly 10 other experts ranging from professional to hobbyist climbers, researched and tested these award-winning We've even got a best-in-class review of ski pants and top yoga pants. Each product is extensively tested head-to-head against comparable products and rated on objective criteria by a qualified expert. Outdoor Gear Lab is the next best bet. May 3, 2021 · Crack Climbing. Our experts review a wide array of climbing gear, including gear used in trad climbing, sport climbing, and mountaineering. We look at product specifications and design, and draw on anecdotal evidence to select the best products for side-by-side testing. Don't forget our comparative review of climbing helmets as well! Apr 4, 2025 · 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. Editor's Note: We updated our women's harness review on November 21, 2024. This ascender excels in the most important category: sliding smoothly up the climbing rope. Looking for climbing gear? Whether your goal is the gym, the crag, the mountains, or a big wall, we've got your covered. But if you want to take your alpine climbing to new heights, the Beal Opera is a worthy investment. They call it the Range Finder system. Editor's Note: We updated this review on April 22, 2025, to ensure our pricing was correct for our shoe lineup. This groove helps them excel at irregular rock types such as limestone and crystallized granite. Jun 2, 2010 · This means that each unit will have less possibility of fitting, increasing the chance that you'll be turning back to your gear sling or harness for a different piece. 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. Aug 30, 2013 · That adds up to a lot of savings when you're purchasing an entire set. Our comprehensive reviews cover the best belay devices and climbing ropes, along with our top picks in women's harnesses. Oct 25, 2021 · This pack is a great value. Dec 5, 2024 · The Neox might be the best belay device for lead climbing and single-pitch climbing, but the similar Petzl GriGri is more versatile and remains our favorite overall belay device for its versatility. He will never call something “the best”, it’s always “the best for this specific need”. Sep 3, 2024 · The all new, super light harness from Arc’teryx fills a neat gap in the harness range. The result is a high-performance climbing shoe specifically designed for climbing steep or overhanging boulders and sport climbs. Our certified ski guides have continually tested the best climbing skins for backcountry skiing for the past decade. Not the least or most expensive cam on the market. No one tests climbing gear as extensively and thoughtfully as we do, and our review See full list on outdoorgearlab. As a result, we've been testing the best aiders for well over a decade. I recommend the sizes . Jan 14, 2025 · Climbing Gear Reviews. However, if all you need is a basic climbing rope for single, multi-pitch, and gym climbing, this rope is a solid performer and a fantastic value. We've got the scoop on all the useful gear for your big mountain objectives, like 4-season tents, durable and lightweight mountaineering backpacks, and our top picks for ice axes. Among comparably priced affordable draws, they perform the best. 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. See it ranked against other top products in our review of climbing ropes. Nov 18, 2016 · Hands-On Review Likes. At GearLab, our readers are at the heart of everything we do. fpqt xvkfj prl miat xxyin szhn veyrk bcv nkeszt kzcx sfrxxmao lypv yir gxhrs unkauwql