Sneak Peak From The Big Gear Show—What’s New In Climbing Equipage
A new consumer and retail trade show in Salt Lake City unveils the latest offerings in this sneak peak.
Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app.
Nestled at the base of Deer Valley Resort in Park City Utah, a tent city sprung to life with the first-ever The Big Gear Show. Combining outdoor demos for climbing and outdoor, bike, and paddlesports with a retailer focused tradeshow, The Big Gear Show is an outdoor alternative to the Outdoor Retailer Show (OR), which is this week in Denver. With many climbing brands attending The Big Gear Show, most of which will skip the OR, we got a sneak preview at some of the latest gear offerings for climbers for spring 2022.
Beal The One 9.6mm $249.99 for a 60m
The limited-production One is OEKO-TEX® certified, with 100 percent recyclable packaging. Beal is also continuing to plant one tree for each rope purchased.
Blue Ice Aero $69.95
Featuring a three-tooth tip design, the Aero comes in at 90 grams for a 13cm steel ice screw, making it the lightest steel screw on the market. Thin walls shaved weight from the traditional steel screw design, while its large diameter allows it to be used to rebore existing holes. Once only a custom-made piece for sponsored athletes and a few folks with access to a machine shop, the Aero also offers ice specialists a 7cm version for desperately thin ice. A folding wiregate-like handle is low bulk, but allows for quick starts into the ice and low-profile racking.
Blue Ice Harfang Enduro $159.95
Compact and durable, the Harfang Enduro fits any boot with a heel welt. It packs down into a low bulk shape taking away any excuse to not have a pair of crampons on you for your next spring or summer alpine adventure. ChroMoly steel paired with UHMWPE and HTPE fabric keep this to a lightweight 581 grams (with antibots).
Cilo MOB WorkSack
Returning after a hiatus with a new eco fabric that took four years to develop and test, Cilo’s 800 D Mountain Ocean Blue (MOB) fabric is created from 40% reclaimed ocean waste—drift nets, rather than sending them to the landfill. The new material is as strong and durable as the non-woven fabrics previously used, but more environmentally responsible.
La Sportiva Katana Laces $210
For spring 22, the Katana Laces will now have a version designed for those weighing under 130 pounds. Featuring a spit sole to reduce stiffness rather than just shrinking the existing version, the split sole will also allow more sensitivity and control in the toe for supported edging.
La Sportiva Mantra $165
The latest iteration of the Mantra, this new version features their figure-8 slingshot rand and a glove-like fit. The no-edge technology for the sole allows for more even wear and greater surface contact for competition climbing on large volumes or compression problems like those found in Font or HP40.
Mammut We Care Crag Classic 9.5mm $149.95 for a 60m.
With a focus on sustainability, the We Care Crag Classic, for its sheathe, uses leftover yarns from the ropemaking process and weaves them into a unique pattern that will be different batch to batch. This rope is also Bluesign certified.
Mountain Hardwear Kor Airshell™ Warm Jacket
This hybrid jacket is an all-arounder with highly breathable insulation thanks to it’s use of Pertex Quantum Air fabric. Lightweight and highly packable this is a great mid-layer option for those fall or spring days at the crag, or as an active layer for ice climbing and alpine.
Scarpa Chimera $199
A companion to the popular Drago, the Chimera offers more support for steep sport climbing thanks to some of Scarpa’s new shoe technology. The Toe Power Support (TPS) System. A lace-lock system allows for precise adjustments without slipping while initially putting the shoe on. The outer Hyper Skin fabric is a TPU coated micro-suede which prevents the material from stretching over time and losing it’s performance.
Scarpa Quantix SF $175
For those wanting a high-performance sport and bouldering shoe at a better price-point, the Quantix SF is Scarpa’s latest offering. Utilizing ideas from their top-level performance shoes, this shoe was designed to take less time to break in and provide more comfort for your foot. Vibram XS Grip 2 rubber on the sole, with additional M50 rubber for the top of the toe for toe hooking will keep you on the wall. The Flex points on the toe allow the shoe to flex without the rubber bulging out creating dead space and uncomfortable pressure points.
Petzl Meteora
The popular, lightweight Meteor helmet now has a companion for those with longer hair. The internal harness (Omega Headband) is designed to accommodate a ponytail, and still fit comfortably and safely.
Singing Rock Serac Harness $79.99
This ultralight and packable harness was designed for ski mountaineering and glacier travel. Weighing a mere 96grams (size M) this harness definitely won’t slow you down.
