Gear Guru

Red-tagging designates a route as under construction/still unclimbed by its “owner.” The practice, though logical, rubs people various ways.

This new climber didn't know how to belay or even lower from a fixed anchor, bungling both in unimaginably awful ways.

Plastic holds are either made from polyester resin or polyurethane. Neither material is simple to recycle.

Violating the rule "never take your brake hand off the rope," is bad enough, but this belayer took it to a whole new level of danger.

Dealing with undisciplined climbers who curse and have fits at the crag is an uncomfortable situation most climbers will deal with at some point.

Our gear expert weighs in.

I have this knot I’ve invented, a take-off on the trace-8, and am wondering if it would weaken the rope?

We've all been there: an undisciplined leader with no pride pitches a fit like a little child. Gear Guru knows what to do then.

Check out Gear Guru's author page.

Once you get higher than 20 feet, a spot might still seem useful. A reality check.

Check out Gear Guru's author page.

It's an age-old problem, and a dangerous one. Here's three ways to minimize the risk.

Over the years there's been some really, really terrible climbing gear that surprisingly made it to market.

Feet come in infinite sizes, but rock shoes come in about 12. Still, with a bit of thought, you can find a pair that fits.

Going vegetarian isn't just animal friendly, it can help your health and the Earth, and giving up meat isn't difficult nor does it impose any hardships.

Check out Gear Guru's author page.

Check out Gear Guru's author page.

Trad Climbing Doesn't Have a Bolt to Protect Every Other Move, and How You Sew Up a Pitch Can Be a Matter of Life and Death, or at Least Life and Being Seriously Gripped.

Stop suffering with lightweight backpacking gear at the crag. Go heavy when you car camp—literally bring the kitchen sink—and watch your attitude, if not your climbing, soar.

All-around rock shoes, as the name implies, can do a bit of everything from slabs to vertical edging to cracks, and are supportive and comfortable enough for all-day wear.