The Black Diamond Cobra Ice Tool is a good-looking and highly capable tool for almost all routes, including mixed. With a very lightweight but unwaveringly sturdy design, this tool has good accuracy and sticks well in the ice, with low vibration and an easy, relatively warm grip to hold onto. The Cobra is very durable to years of hard use, and its versatility increases with the simple change of the adze or pick and its ability to be easily racked together. Overall, there is not much to complain about with this tool, as it performs well on most routes and lasts a long long time.
The Arc’teryx AR-385a Harness for women is an easy-to-slip-on, mobile, and functional option for climbers who prefer to quickly transition between climbing styles instead of spending numerous hours hanging in a harness. The thinner leg loops may be uncomfortable over long periods of time, so this harness is best used for light and fast expeditions.
The Scarpa Instinct Climbing Shoe -XS Edge is a shoe that is well-loved for its high performance on edging and heel hooking, making it a good fit for sport climbs, bouldering, and overhangs. Although it requires a longer-than-normal break-in period, many users find this worth it for the snug heel fit, sensitive toe, and the good balance of stiffness and flexibility in the sole. While this shoe is not ideal for beginner climbers, more experienced climbers looking for a grippy and snug-fitting shoe are likely to find a lot of happiness in the Instinct.
The Tenaya Tarifa Climbing Shoe is a multifaceted, comfortable, and narrow option that can perform well on edging, bouldering, and slab climbing routes. The combination of stiffness and flexibility allows this to be a versatile choice for any level climber. The durability isn’t the best due to the flexible feel, and the sizing issues may cause some problems when buying, but if you are looking for a snug all-around option, this is a great choice.
The Petzl Arial Dry Climbing Rope – 9.5mm is a great option for climbers who mainly go ice-climbing and forego rough-terrain rock-climbing. The lighter weight, good feel, and adequate handling make this great for ice-climbing, but the conflicting reports about durability and wearing of the sheath make this not the best for tough rock-climbing routes.
The Black Diamond Shadow Climbing Shoe is a lightweight, precise, and snug shoe that provides a balance between aggressive shape and flexibility, allowing for versatility to use on a variety of climbing routes. The ample rubber on the heel and the toe section allows for toe and heel-hooking, while the lightweight upper keeps the shoe breathable, and flexible enough to balance out the aggressive shape.
The Mammut Infinity Dry Climbing Rope – 9.5mm is a great option for climbers who want a durable, safe, water-resistant, and versatile rope. The good feeling of the rope, combined with the high UIAA safety rating, makes this a solid choice for any level of climber, while the stiffness provided comes down to personal preference.
The Butora Acro Wide Fit Climbing Shoe is great for those with wider feet who want a comfortable, toe-hooking, and downturned climbing shoe, without worrying about heel-hooking problems. The limited breathability and heel-hook ability may deter some intense outdoor climbers, but the adequate toe rubber, proficiency on smearing and edging, and downturned shape will suit most climbers.
The Edelweiss Curve ARC 9.8mm Unicore Climbing Rope is a good option for climbers who want soft catches, versatility, and a high UIAA rating. The stiffness, difficulty of feeding through a belay device, and durability issues need to be taken into account, but still may suit those who want soft catches.
The Petzl Sitta Harness is a lightweight, easily packable, and organized option for climbers who favor weight-savings over durability. The lightweight features like elastic and thin polyethylene material makes this a great choice for longer endurance climbs, but not the top choice for rougher climbs that require a durable and secure harness.