Gear

Revere but replace. You'll be amazed and amused at all the other uses people come up with for them.

The bag is eloquently uncomplicated

Interestingly, the star cooler was created by a company within a country which has decidedly little to do with the cooler business

Unfortunate developments are: the price, the excessive use of plastic, the feeding of the pervasive and socially-sanctioned consumerism, and, far and wide, the zippers and drawstrings. 

I wrote off the potential repercussions of alcohol because I don’t identify as someone who has a drinking problem. But then I realized my performance was still being negatively impacted.

This isn’t a guide to 2024's flashiest bivy gear—although there are some instant-classics included below. This is the gear we return to time and again when we’re headed for the hills.

A roundup of all the old gear we can’t stop using

How to care for and extend the life of the most important piece of climbing equipment.

Field Tested: Trango's Stratus Crashpad

Check out Michael Levy's author page.

If you are in need of a durable winter-climbing pack that shirks frills and prioritizes convenience, the Prism is a worthy choice

When my only complaint after a winter of testing is that the boot doesn't ski particularly well, I know I've found a category leader.

Field Tested: Outdoor Vital's Ventus Active Hoodie

Like any smart climber will tell you: “It’s all in the feet.”

Putting the new Mago to work on everything from board-style granite boulders to limestone sport routes, our testers loved the shoe’s versatility

This isn't a guide to 2023's freshest gear. It's just what we're psyched on.

Check out Josh Howard's author page.

Check out Scottie Alexander's author page.

You can toss out those dryer sheets. This is your fool-proof, cheap solution for fighting stubborn shoe odor.

The Bloody Mary’s laundry list of features makes it much more than “just” a winter bag.

All told, it only took about a month of using the R8 Plus (and, taking it easy on the pull-ups!) for my elbow pain to completely dissipate. 

With the help of digital scans, Athos is creating shoes that climbers won’t downsize.

The Superset 30 truly has a place for everything.

I can’t deny that I’ve laughed (silently, of course) at climbers wearing watches on the wall before. But this new release, on both the hardware and software side of things, speaks straight to climbers.

Patagonia’s Venga Rock Pants are climbing pants—pure and simple. They’re not the sort of fancy hybrid jeans that will serve you equally well at the gym and some overpriced gastropub.

The Indalo offers high performance and versatility in an incredibly comfortable, low-volume package.

Enter to win a pair of G22 Plus EVO Crampons and a Rapido 18 mountaineering pack from Grivel

Gym-climbing movements are more varied than ever. And amidst the deadpoint hucks and run-and-jump dynos, the Mantra is perhaps the best new shoe to take on such limitless variety.

Toothy front points and a super-secure adjustment system make the G22 PLUS EVO a must-have for technical mountain travel

When you don't have climbing gear, you can make your own, and suffer the consequences.

We tried to best this suit's waterproofness while camped out in a coastal rainforest, climbing slushy spring ice, on backcountry ski approaches, and long winter routes. The Dual Aspect hung tough. 

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

Though he’s stepped out of the climbing spotlight in recent years and has always been a reclusive, enigmatic figure—a soft-spoken “man of the forest”—he has something new to offer the community.

New goodies are coming to the market soon!

Instead of leather, the Skwama Vegan uses a “SkinLike” insole, which is as comfortable as leather and conforms to the foot like leather but (surprise!) isn’t actually leather.

Scarpa’s Quantix SF is a high-end all-arounder that outperforms many specialized shoes—and costs less.

I’ll level with you, dear reader: while I don’t trust gear reviews that don’t name at least a few cons, the only con here is the hefty price.

Enter for a chance to win a pair of Scarpa Drago or Drago LV climbing shoes

Despite the price, it’s a worthy investment for those who frequently tie into the sharp end. 

Enter to win new climbing shoes and power through your next project

Jim Erickson looks back on the past half century to chronicle how the gear we rely on has changed and improved over the years.

Joy is the best fuel for performance. Dynamite Starfish wants to help you find it again when personal pressures and fears weigh you down.

Andrew Bisharat dissects the art of the gear review, and relates some of his more memorable (mis)adventures during the process of gear testing.

Grade VII Equipment’s new line of climbing packs are comfortable, durable, and climb like a dream.

Harnesses, shoes, carabiners, oh my! Top climbing brands reveal new and soon-to-be-released gear for climbers at Utah’s outdoor trade show.

C-clamps mount over most any doorway and don't harm the trim or walls. Choice of three grips: textured holds, rings and bar.

The large, rectangular footprint was perfect for Forest Service campsites across the Rocky Mountain West, as well as city-park camping and crashing in friends’ backyards.

Racking them, placing them, threading them, stacking them, trusting them. Here's what you need to know about using nuts.

Think expedition climbing sounds glamorous? Allow pros Bronwyn Hodgins and Jacob Cook to pull back the curtain.

Win a cutting-edge new summer kit just in time for climbing season

What to look for in buying your first set of draws, and a list of some of our favorites.

Single? Double? Dry? Double dry? Here's everything you need to know before buying your next climbing rope.

Field Tested: Roll Recovery’s R1 is cheap, portable, and powerful, an excellent product that has insinuated itself into my daily routine.

The Instinct S nails the sweet spot for slipper fans who thrive on sensitivity and feedback, but who also want a solid dash of edging support.

Scarpa’s stiffest, most supportive shoe, the Vapor Lace, is an edging machine.

Patagonia’s DAS Parka is warm, lightweight, and designed for climbers. Pricey, but worth the investment.

A no-frills all-arounder that does well across disciplines, especially in the gym.

Enter to win a lightweight, durable backcountry kit. Carry less, enjoy more!

Enter to win a pair of Scarpa’s new INSTINCT S, perfect for steep sport climbing, bouldering, and training

In the backcountry, a lightweight, durable, weatherproof kit lets you focus on what really matters

When tackling trad routes, every piece of protection counts. Use this quick, easy hack to reduce the risk of cross-loaded carabiners on your slung cams, keeping your fall as short and safe as possible.

"Your climbing shoes are your tools and should be treated as such."

Field Tested: the 2022 Katana Lace.

These meals are a worthy option for overnight climbers and campers who want to eat real, delicious food with a finite lifespan.

Our field test results for the new Wild Country Zero Offset Cams, Sterling's dry Aero 9.2 rope, the Rab Xenair Alpine Light Jacket, Valandre's Bloody Mary 5° F sleeping bag, the Metolius System Climbing Holds, Outdoor Research Direct Route II gloves, Black Diamond's Super Chute Rope Bag, and Patagonia's DAS Light Pants.

Like with Walmart versus Armani jeans, there are differences in the quality of yarns and construction used to make your harness. Here's how to pick the right harness for your objective.

Father's Day is just around the corner. It's not too late to order your dad something awesome.

A lightweight, supple hoodie, warm but highly breathable, and versatile across climates—equally great for a damp spring climbing day or a cool summer evening.

Stop wasting your money on shoes that don't fit or are painful or fail you. Don't be disappointed again. Here's how to buy what' just right, just for you.

Check out Bob Bjornsen's author page.

A simple, effective solution for tight wrists, which almost all climbers have.

Enter to win climbing ready gear for your next adventure

These rigs make car camping easy if you're climbing on the road.

The best comfort and performance for all levels of activity

Focus on your session—not your clothes

A lightning-fast water filter makes staying hydrated on the trail easier than ever

Don’t be afraid to sweat it out in these running pieces

The comfiest base-camp bedding

Give the pack the slip