Become a Member

Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more.

Already have an account? Sign In

Become a Member

Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more.

Already have an account? Sign In

Brands

Gear

2020 Gear Guide: Editors' Choice Awards

Our top climbing gear picks for 2020.

Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app.

2020 has been an exciting year for innovation, with climbing’s inclusion in the Olympics and our ever-increasing knowledge of materials, engineering, performance, and training. We curated six kits—Sport, Bouldering, Alpine, Gym & Training, Multi-Pitch & Trad, and Basecamp—based on how we typically use gear. We also present our Editors’ Choice awards here. 

La Sportiva Solution Comp

Gym crusher

None

“The gym-focused Solution Comp features a softer midsole, bigger scumming patch, and narrower heel than the original—and was a runaway hit with testers.” Read full review

Metolius Light Rail

Pro-sesh

None

“At the crag to warm up, I did deadhangs and pull-ups—the smooth texture was spot-on (no wasting precious skin), and I was warm by go-time.” Read full review

Five Ten Hiangle 

Upgrade

None

“Of special note was the thin, sensitive, ergonomic heelcup, which rolls high over the Achilles and locked in hooks to a ‘supernatural degree.'” Read full review

Edelrid Boa Eco 9.8mm (70m)

Sustainability

None

“‘The Boa Eco was stretchy enough for a soft catch, but not so much that I was a pissed-off toproper,’ said one tester of the rope, which has an impact force of 8kN and weighs 62 g/m.” Read full review

Black Diamond Camalot Z4 and Z4 Offset 

Techno-logic

None

“Their most epic feature was the new RigidFlex tech, an accordion sheathe that stiffens the stem when retracted to let you bury the unit, but then softens up once placed to reduce walking.” Read full review. 

Beal Birdie

Value

None

“The Birdie has a reaassuring heft in the hand and an extended lowering lever whose only ding is that it can heat up on long, single-rope rappels.” Read full review.  

Scarpa Booster

Refinement

None
The Scarpa Booster climbing shoes.

“The Booster got a big makeover for 2020 with Scarpa’s new PAF heel, which splits the tension rand behind your Achilles, letting you downsize for max precision.” Read full review

Mystery Ranch Tower 47

Innovation

None
The Mystery Ranch Tower 47 backpack. 

“While we just reviewed the Tower 47 (No. 371), we would have been remiss not to give Editors’ Choice to what testers called ‘the best crag pack ever made.'” Read full review

See more 2020 Gear Guide reviews:

Film: How Matt Cornell Free Soloed One of America’s Classic Hard Mixed Routes

"The Nutcracker" explores the mental challenges of solo climbing and the tactics Cornell used to help him send the route.