Our Editors’ Favorite Approach Shoes (Updated for 2022)
This isn't a guide to 2022's newest approach shoes—it's the pairs we return to time and again.
Gear Review
Field Tested: The All-Paca Fleece Hoodie
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.
First Look: La Sportiva Zenit, a Durable Rock Shoe for Newly Minted and Intermediate Climbers
Bottom line: The Zenit earned its place in my shoe quiver for moderately difficult, high-volume days when I wanted support, comfort, and durability to not burn through my more expensive pairs.
One Belay Jacket to Rule Them All: Arc’teryx’s Alpha Parka, Field Tested
The Alpha Parka is a lightweight, durable, and incredibly warm jacket designed for ice climbers and alpinists.
The TC Pro, Great All-Arounder Just Got Greater
Updated gear often takes a step back from the original design, but this redo of a classic is actually better.
The prana Chalk Bag with Belt Gets the Job Done in Style
Soft, comfortable, and never spills. The Prana Chalk Bag with Belt will not disappoint.
Half-Finger Gloves Save Your Hands, So Why Don’t You Have A Pair?
Tough and breathable the Black Diamond Crag Half-Finger climbing glove protects your hands for belaying, rappelling, jugging and route prepping.
First Look: Sea To Summit’s Ether Light XT Extreme Sleeping Pad
Check out Anthony Walsh's author page.
First Look: The Coros VERTIX 2, a Watch for Climbers
Check out Anthony Walsh's author page.
Field Tested: Blue Ice Reach 8L
Check out Francis Sanzaro's author page.
Outdoor Research Helium Down Jacket Is Featherlight But Takes a Thrashing
Check out Matt Samet's author page.
New Edelrid Neo 3R Is 50% Recycled
This new offering might be the greenest climbing rope out there.
Field Tested: Blue Ice Choucas Pro Harness
Check out Anthony Walsh's author page.
First Look: Wave Tools Therapy Riptide Sport Cupping Set
Check out Matt Samet's author page.
Field Tested: Metolius Anchor ‘Draws, the “Dad Draws” to End all Dad Draws
Check out Matt Samet's author page.
Field Tested: Outdoor Research Echo Hoodie
Check out Francis Sanzaro's author page.
First Look: The Kilter Home Wall
Check out Matt Samet's author page.
Review: Patagonia’s alpine jack-of-all-trades, the Ascensionist 55L
Check out Francis Sanzaro's author page.
Editors' Choice 2017: Alpine Start Coffee
The best instant coffee ever
Review: Boreal Lynx Climbing Shoe
Check out JP Whitehead's author page.
Review: Metolius Contact Board
Check out Julie Ellison's author page.
Editors’ Choice Classic: The Climbing Gear Hall of Fame
Check out Climbing Staff's author page.
Editors' Choice Classic: Petzl Grigri Belay Device
Check out Climbing Staff's author page.
Editors' Choice Classic: Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket
Check out Climbing Staff's author page.
Editors' Choice Classic: La Sportiva Mythos Climbing Shoe
Check out Climbing Staff's author page.
Editors' Choice Classic: MSR Reactor Stove
Check out Climbing Staff's author page.
Editors' Choice Classic: CAMP Pink Tricam
Check out Climbing Staff's author page.
Editors' Choice Classic: Organic Full Pad Crash Pad
Check out Climbing Staff's author page.
Editors' Choice Classic: Black Diamond Camalot c4
Check out Climbing Staff's author page.
Editors' Choice Classic: Five Ten Guide Tennies Approach Shoe
Check out Climbing Staff's author page.
Editors' Choice Classic: Mountain Project Phone App
Check out Climbing Staff's author page.
Editors' Choice Classic: Petzl Meteor Helmet
Check out Climbing Staff's author page.
Editors' Choice Classic: Black Diamond ATC-Guide Belay Device
Check out Climbing Staff's author page.