Gearlab climbing. Our team of climbing experts.

Gearlab climbing. 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. We applaud the mix of lightweight, resilient EPP Aug 20, 2019 · The Beal Dynamic Sling is a 8. Got shelter? Our testers have spent months in the wind, rain and sun evaluating the best camping tents in the biz, bare-bones top ultralight shelters, and everything in between. In this update, we select 17 of the current market's best to hack away at waterfalls, chop steps, and practice our self-arrest techniques. Lighter helmets are inherently more comfortable than heavier ones, but we also found this helmet to be deeper and slightly more “ head-shaped ” than some other shallower and rounder versions. May 3, 2021 · The X1 is a newer high-performance slipper from Evolv with a single velcro closure strap, an aggressively downturned last, plenty of rubber on the uppers for toe hooking, and Trax SAS rubber on the bottom for smearing. The result is a comprehensive comparison-tested review, and some Let us help you find the right shoes, boots, or sandals that fit your budget and needs like a glove. Nov 21, 2024 · We tested women's climbing harnesses from Black Diamond, Arc’teryx, Petzl, Blue Ice and others to recommend our top picks Oct 31, 2024 · Our climbing experts have been testing the best climbing nuts and stoppers for over 10 years and over 15 different sets. It provides considerable bite for catching lead falls, and it locks off by itself when your partner needs to rest, just like active-assisted brake devices. 3 ounces, it's also light and affordable Feb 27, 2024 · Introduction: Climbing shoes are an essential piece of equipment for rock climbers, providing the necessary grip, sensitivity, and support needed to conquer the vertical world. The toebox of the Drago is also covered in sticky rubber for better grip Jan 2, 2024 · The Scarpa Chimera is a premium climbing shoe designed for modern boulder problems and steep routes. When you make a purchase through our website, we may earn an affiliate commission, enabling us to continue our unbiased testing and support our readers. After several spring bouldering and sport climbing sessions, we were pleasantly surprised at their excellent balance of support and sensitivity. These were our favorites. The soft unlined leather is cozy the first day you put it on and stretches as the temps increase and your feet swell. We've been testing locking carabiners since GearLab's inception in 2010, and in that time, our team of dedicated expert climbers has tested nearly 40 different locking Aug 17, 2017 · Scarpa Instinct VS Review This shoe is geared for hard bouldering and sport climbing, but lacks the sensitivity of our Editors' Choice winner Price: $209 List Manufacturer: Scarpa By Matt Bento ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ August 17, 2017 Dec 27, 2023 · The Generator Mid is Scarpa's most recent attempt at creating a competitive, high-top trad climbing shoe, and we believe they have finally hit the mark. But which one is the best? Belay devices come in three different categories — tube-style, auto-blocking devices, and assisted braking devices — and our expert climbing testers have put in hundreds of hours belaying and testing all three kinds. May 24, 2025 · We purchased and tested the best down jackets available, taking them near and far on all our cold-weather adventures, camping, and strolls around town. Their unique design works in pockets and holes where others simply can't fit. We tested each through a wide range of fissures, scar pins, parallel-sided cracks, around blocks, and the like. Mar 18, 2025 · After months of testing in the harshest of conditions, these are the best hardshell jackets to brave the alpine with in 2025, with top picks from Arc'teryx, Norrøna, Patagonia, and more. Our climbing experts have tested more than 40 bouldering crash pads over the last decade, with the 11 top models tested side-by-side in this review. Since our harness ratings are especially heavy on comfort -- Dec 14, 2023 · We tested climbing harnesses for kids from Petzl, Black Diamond, Trango, and more to find the right fit for your child Aug 6, 2024 · Like other rock-specific climbing harnesses, the Sama lacks versatility for ice and mixed climbing due to its fixed, non-adjustable leg loops and lack of ice clipper slots. But they might be helpful in certain free climbing applications and I assume that is why they released this size. Among the essential equipment, a reliable harness is paramount for climbers tackling multi-pitch routes and spending extended periods on the wall. In this update, we purchased 7 of the best sets and slid them into cracks of all sizes across the United States. If your goal is steep climbing where you need to stand on vague features and pull on slopey holds, this is the shoe you want on your feet. I would never carry these on a wall because they reduce your reach by . May 28, 2025 · How We Tested GearLab's test teams have purchased over 100 rain jackets over the last 14 years, covering women's and men's products. GearLab was originally formed as the gear review section on SuperTopo, which provides climbing guidebooks and web information to the rock climbing community. It's very important that your harness Aug 7, 2024 · The Black Diamond Solution is one of the most comfortable harnesses we have ever worn. For our current review, we researched 35 models and purchased eight of the top gloves to test side-by-side. May 2, 2021 · The Scarpa Vapor V is a workhorse. We hiked these pads to backcountry blocs, stacked them next to May 19, 2023 · Check out our picks in our best climbing harness review. May 2, 2015 · As a fairly new rock climbing shoe company, Tenaya comes out swinging with the world's hardest/first 5. . The 7 Best Climbing Shoes of 2024: Reach New Heights with Confidence and Precision Embrace Comfort and Performance with Icebreaker Clothing Best Rock Climbing Shoes for Kids of 2024: Encourage Adventure and Skill Development The 4 Best Climbing Backpacks: Carry Your Gear with Ease and Efficiency Chris is the Editor-in-Chief and co-founder of the GearLab websites. Both models offer outstanding performance and exceptional quality. Enter the La Sportiva Finale. Jun 6, 2025 · We tested the 17 best GPS watches from Apple, Garmin, Coros, Suunto, and more to help you find the perfect companion for your adventures. For our current iteration, we bought, tested, and compared 27 head torches against Feb 25, 2022 · Big wall climbing requires specialized gear that can withstand long hours of hanging, provide maximum comfort, and ensure safety in extreme conditions. We've been testing women's approach shoes since 2015, and in that time we've put 30 unique pairs to the test. The Dynamic Sling has a far better ability to dynamically stretch when suddenly weighted. Apr 18, 2010 · The Mythos are one of the oldest climbing shoes out there and still one of the best selling. Mar 24, 2023 · The Drone Comp Series (CS) is an aggressive asymmetrical bouldering shoe—a soft version of the OG Drone—that excels in steeps and on volumes. The only model that gives it a run for its money is the Scarpa Chimera. He’s climbed Yosemite's May 1, 2025 · We put the best 9 walkie talkies from Backcountry Access, Motorola, Midland and more through extensive range and battery tests. The GearLab team and I score them across six different performance metrics like warmth, comfort, and breathability. Nov 1, 2024 · We tested a selection of climbing quickdraws from Petzl, Black Diamond, Edelrid, and more to discover the best models May 5, 2025 · A belay device is essential for catching falls anytime you're climbing on a rope. 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. The model we tested initially felt too tight for Jan 25, 2010 · There are also Alien Super Long Units (SL's). Created in the limestone capital of the universe (Spain Jun 2, 2025 · Fans of year-round adventure activities like hiking, climbing, running, or skiing are always on the hunt for the unicorn of all layers: breathable weather protection. Our team field tested all of these products, climbing big walls in Yosemite and Zion Jul 5, 2023 · Discover the top climbing harness picks in 2025 with our analysis to pick the most suitable model. The best ones have the ability to do some light climbing and are comfortable for walking long distances with a loaded up pack. Size them bigger, and it's game for all-day multi-pitch action with plenty of stiffness and support for the long haul. Weighing in at 2. Jul 31, 2017 · But, being clever, the climbing industry has produced a few commercially available stick-clipping solutions. We used each while ascending wind-blown alpine May 4, 2025 · We tested 10 different kinds of climbing chalk from Black Diamond, Metolius, Trango, Friction Labs, and others to help you find the best Jan 28, 2022 · Over the last 10 years, we've tested over 21 of the best ice axes on the market. These six came out on top. Jun 5, 2025 · We found the best climbing harnesses of 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. Used climbing shoes for adults and kids. If you need to add some new climbing protection to your rack, check out our comprehensive climbing nuts review and climbing cam review. As climbing technology continues to evolve, the year 2024 brings forth a new generation of climbing shoes designed to enhance performance and comfort. May 6, 2025 · Welcome to the Holy Grail of climbing gear lists! Here you will find our top picks: the gear our climber-testers would recommend to their best friends. We have the best comparison reviews for big wall gear you will find on the internet, trust us. In this blog post, we’ll explore the seven best climbing shoes of Essentials for climbing including carabiners, chalk, bags and tape. Jan 28, 2025 · Five gear nerds tested 31 ice climbing products, from carbon-fiber ice tools to top-of-the-line apparel. Ensuring you have the best down sleeping bag for your budget is a game changer. com Apr 4, 2025 · We tested 15 climbing harnesses from Petzl, Black Diamond, Blue Ice, and more to find the top options for all climbing styles. Nov 3, 2022 · 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. We GearLab provides the world's best reviews of outdoors gear based on in-depth side-by-side comparison and written by outdoor professionals. This review showcases 10 of the top options, which we wore for May 5, 2021 · The Skwama is a great addition to the La Sportiva lineup, with a single Velcro strap for easy on and off, a super soft midsole, and a glove-like fit. Read on for our 2025 picks from La Sportiva, Scarpa, and more! May 21, 2025 · 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. Apr 29, 2025 · We purchased and tested the 17 best climbing skins for backcountry skiing, from brands like Pomoca, Montana, Dynafit, Black Diamond, and more Apr 14, 2025 · Are you searching for the best new trail mountain bike? We constantly research the latest and greatest models and buy and compare. We look at both straight and curve shaft options with a wide variety of uses, including technical, vertical ice climbing, ski mountaineering, and glacial travel. As luck would have it, the founder of GearLab has climbed El Cap more times than most people have climbed outside (I'm looking at you gym rats). 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. The biggest difference is the closure system--velcro for the Drago and laces for the Chimera. Apr 4, 2025 · At GearLab, our roots are in rock climbing, as the website started as an offshoot of SuperTopo. The vacuum-like seal of the S-heel makes for an excellent fit with zero dead space. We love the Scarpa Booster for their balance between comfort and precision. A bouldering crash pad provides a soft spot to land to help reduce injury so you can climb more safely. If you are a rock climber, check out our climbing site, SuperTopo. The cost of all these shoes can quickly become significant. 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. Jan 29, 2025 · See our guide to the best climbing ropes of 2025, including top dynamic ropes for cragging and multi-pitch climbing from Mammut, Edelrid, Sterling, and more. They stand out for just how soft and comfortable they are. At first glance, the construction of the Generator may appear quite boot-like. Locally-owned store offering new and used outdoor gear and apparel for men, women and kids. P. When you are in the mountains, the right gear is often the difference between a sufferfest and something you'd like to do again. The Miura's terrain recommendations — gently overhanging sport routes, bouldering, gym climbing, and technical face climbing — haven't prevented it from becoming a staple for several big names sending big, varied May 22, 2025 · We've tested dozens of the best gloves for every outdoor activity, from hiking to skiing to yard work, and including top brands like REI Co-op, Carhartt 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. May 7, 2025 · Locking carabiners are essential to climbing, whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out. 15a flash by Alex Megos in the Oasi! A "flash" Jan 23, 2024 · Looking for the best pair of rock climbing shoes for your kids? Our climbing gear experts researched over 30 models before purchasing the top 5 to put Mar 13, 2015 · It shares our commitment to side-by-side comparison reviews, and use the same underlying technology platform. Apr 4, 2025 · We tested 13 climbing ropes from Sterling, Petzl, Edelrid, Mammut, and others to find the best options for you. This comprehensive review compares 13 of today's top options, offering you expert advice on which one is best for different situations. We really appreciated the sensitivity and softness of the Chimera, as the shape and thinness of the rubber allowed us to wrap our feet around holds like an Apr 29, 2025 · Got a big hike just to get to the base of the crag? You probably want an approach shoe for that. 75". Our team of climbing experts May 15, 2023 · The Petzl Sirocco is the lightest climbing helmet in our review — earning our Top Pick award for weight — and is also one of the most comfortable. See full list on outdoorgearlab. Climbing Gear Reviews From climbing shoes to helmets, our climbing experts test the best from Petzl, Black Diamond, Arc'teryx, La Sportiva, Scarpa, and more Looking for climbing gear? Whether your goal is the gym, the crag, the mountains, or a big wall, we've got your covered. We put these gloves through the gauntlet of climbing, and have traveled miles of vertical rock during our Jan 2, 2024 · Climbing shoes aren't cheap, and dedicated climbers can wear through more than a few pairs a year. At GearLab, we pride ourselves on providing ad-free and reader-supported reviews. Our expert Feb 11, 2025 · We put 11 men's climbing approach shoes to the test from La Sportiva, Salewa, and Scarpa to find the best models. 3mm in diameter piece of climbing rope sewn into a sling. We found that this shoe performed equally well on crack climbs as it did on steep boulders and sport climbs. Although you won't find the highest level of weather resistance in a softshell, it can be enough to keep you dry during short spells of rain, and I find them infinitely more comfortable once the sweat Jul 28, 2025 · We tested climbing skins for splitboards from G3, Jones, Voile, and others to find the ones that work best in the backcountry Black Diamond Equipment is engineered for the mountains. S. Aug 16, 2020 · We tested rock climbing harnesses from Singing Rock, Petzl, and more, to find the best climbing harness for beginners, including women’s, sport and trad picks. We supplemented this field testing with controlled experiments for weather protection, weight, and breathability. May 5, 2021 · The Miura is a longstanding benchmark in the La Sportiva climbing shoe arsenal, on the market for more than two decades but still holding its own against newer modern designs. We want to help you find the model that best suits your intended riding style, geography, and budget; with so many options Mar 12, 2025 · Even though you might not like it, sometimes getting to the crag requires a bit of hiking. Climbers can quickly, safely and easily clip those risky first bolts from the safety of terra firma; they can even clip all the bolts on certain routes, unclip bolts, and clip the rope through a hanging draw. These shoes also come with a Mar 18, 2016 · Beginners, high-mileage gym climbers, and moderate multi-pitch trad climbers will love the price and durability of this $89 shoe by legendary designer Heinz Mariacher. May 1, 2025 · Whether you’re shopping for a sport climbing harness or a something to keep you going on big walls, we’ve got what you’re looking for. It has plenty of gear storage on its five Jan 2, 2024 · The Scarpa Drago is one of the softest and most sensitive climbing shoes that we've tried. A locked biner prevents accidental gate openings so you can climb more safely, and every belay device should be attached to one. Whether you're sport climbing or mountaineering, we have you covered. The best jacket and other outdoor clothing is the one that meets you needs and budget. Size these shoes tight, and they edge well enough to excel at bouldering and sport climbing. Dec 5, 2024 · The Edelrid Mega Jul is a passive assisted braking belay device, which means it can be used as both a traditional tube device and an assisted braking device when belaying the leader. Other Versions and Accessories CCH Hybrid Alien Cost - $68 Offset sized cam lobes Excellent in pin scars and The R300 Is Discontinued The Arc'teryx R300 is the updated version of our top rated R320 harness. This is invaluable for safety Jun 4, 2024 · The result is a high-performance climbing shoe specifically designed for climbing steep or overhanging boulders and sport climbs. Nov 21, 2024 · We tested climbing hangboards from Tension, So iLL, Trango, and more to find the best products for your training needs Whether you're hiking, running, climbing, or lifting weights at the gym, GearLab has got you supported and comfortable. Chris is the author of 10 books, a big-wall climbing expert, and a recovering ex-Wingsuit BASE jumper. We can help you decide what's right for you. Aug 20, 2024 · Tired of busted knuckles and aluminum dust covering your hands after a long day of climbing? For over a decade now, our climbing experts have been testing the best climbing gloves. Our expert testers use them extensively in the field and in-home “ lab ” settings, testing each jacket in various activities and climates for hundreds of hours. Sep 1, 2023 · We tested climbing slings and runners from Mammut, Black Diamond, Petzl, Sterling and others to find the absolute best Is there anything more useful than a backpack? Find your perfect companion for hiking, climbing, travel, hydration, and so much more. May 21, 2024 · Looking for a new ascender for your next vertical adventure? Our team has decades of big wall and rescue experience and has tested over 20 of the best ascenders side-by-side. Climbing Magazine once computed that three percent of Chris's life on earth had been spent on the face of El Capitan—an accomplishment that has left friends and family pondering Chris’ sanity. To help you, we've listed the best approach shoes of 2025. Enter the softshell jacket. 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 Mar 10, 2025 · The best climbing shoes just keep getting better. Our review currently focuses on 20 of the best trail mountain bikes you can buy, focusing on mid and short-travel options for everyday riding. We know one person that owns this shoe in three sizes: tight for hard climbing, bigger for multi-pitch free climbing, and roomy for El Cap in a day May 6, 2025 · We bought the nine best carabiners and tested them side by side on alpine peaks, sport crags, and stellar multi-pitch climbs. Jun 12, 2025 · We put 23 pairs of climbing shoes to the test on boulder problems, sport climbs, and traditional routes. The combination produces an outstanding value. Jun 10, 2025 · Over the last decade, we have purchased and evaluated hundreds of base layers for men and women, wearing them on climbing trips in Yosemite Valley and up to the highest alpine peaks in the lower 48. The R300 has wider Warp Strength Technology waist belt May 2, 2025 · Falling is a part of bouldering, and you want to have a supportive landing. At the same Apr 10, 2025 · We put 13 pairs of hiking pants to the test from Arc'teryx, REI, Patagonia, Prana, Columbia, and more to find the best options for your outdoor excursions. Hi! I want to buy a climbing harness for my boyfriend, have you got any advice? I don't have much money, I was thinking about spending about €100. Whether you are looking for the best big wall harness, a top pair of aiders, haul bags, or the best ascenders, our reviews are born from hours of hooking Locally-owned store offering new and used outdoor gear and apparel for men, women and kids. P. At Black Diamond, our mission is to make the best gear for climbing, skiing, running, hiking. Lucky you, our dedicated team of testers has bought, tested and compared the rest of the mountainista essentials: from mountaineering backpacks, top mountaineering boots and ice axes May 29, 2018 · We've extensively tested 63 of the best headlamps over the past 6 years. Whether you are going a 2 night trip, necessitating a top backpacking tent, a months-long thru hike or just want a weekend campground excursion with your family, our detailed comparisons of the best tents will help you Jul 1, 2024 · See our guide to the best climbing harnesses, with reviews of top climbing harnesses from Black Diamond, Petzl, Arc'teryx, CAMP, Edelrid, and more. Sep 8, 2023 · We put climbing backpacks from The North Face, Black Diamond, Mystery Ranch, Petzl, and many more through rigorous alpine days and multipitch climbs to Dec 5, 2023 · We tested mountaineering backpacks from Osprey, Black Diamond, Gregory, and more to find the best packs for your alpine pursuits Mar 13, 2023 · We took to the mountains, testing mountaineering boots from La Sportiva, Scarpa, Arc'teryx, and more to find the best models Dec 20, 2024 · We tested climbing helmets from Black Diamond, Petzl, CAMP, Smith, and others to find the most comfortable and protective lids for your dome Apr 22, 2025 · We tested 19 pairs of women's climbing shoes from La Sportiva, Scarpa, Black Diamond, and others to find the best-performing models for your climbing style. That said, Petzl now makes the Caritool EVO ice tool clippers, which work with this harness by attaching to the entire waist belt, rather than needing specific slots. These shoes are available at an affordable price and come equipped with a generous 5 millimeters of Vibram XS Edge rubber for enhanced durability. Thanks! Apr 29, 2025 · See our guide to the best mountaineering boots of 2025, with reviews of top men’s and women’s boots from La Sportiva, Scarpa, Lowa, and Arc’teryx. ivq gip hvhqc wyjdmvn havyx kbqxkl modh nuaud yirlcqh phnluo

26th Apr 2024