Wild Country Helix Ziplock,

$60, 14 ounces

Overall grade: A-

Summary:

The Helix is your best bet if you’re looking to mix

sport climbing

with more all-around fare, thanks to its five gear loops and full-strength haul loop. This lithe rig also strikes a good balance between movement and comfort, thanks to its well-padded, hip-contouring swami and tapered leg loops. The Ziplock speed buckle is simple to use and adjusts with ease. Our only real complaints concerned the elastic riser straps, which run through a single slot in their detachable buckle and are very difficult to adjust; and the gear loops, which, while plentiful, are old-school tubes.

Wild Country/Excalibur:

(801) 942-8471, www.wildcountry.co.uk

The Test Results

Arc’teryx VaporBlueWater IconC.A.M.P. GekoEdelweiss AlphaMammut ApolloMisty Mountain ArêteOcun MescalPetzl SamaSinging Rock RhythmTrango FlyWild Country Helix Ziplock