The Tenaya RA Climbing Shoe is a secure and comfortable option that is well-suited for climbers who frequently smear and climb on technical faces. Despite the toe-box preventing the best fit for pockets and the construction being too soft for edging, the shoe is designed for proficiency on smearing, a slight down-turn for more aggressive climbs, and medium-stiffness for added versatility.
The Sterling Canyon C-IV Rope – 9mm is a durable, weather-resistant, and lighter-weight rope that is well-suited for those who specialize in canyoneering and want an all-around option. Despite a lack of reviews and the longer break-in time, this rope provides a good feel for beginners, resists wear-and-tear, and is easy to handle.
The Metolius Ultralight Curve Nut Packaged Set #1-10 is a lightweight, functional, and secure set that is great for those who want to save on weight without limiting the functionality. Despite being more expensive than other options, this is a good choice for trad climbers who want versatility due to the various sizing options, and easy placement due to the two grooved sides.
The Evolv X1 Climbing Shoe is a versatile, comfortable, and moderately-aggressive shoe that works well for steep terrain, indoor routes, and slabs. The ability of this shoe to work on various routes makes it a great option for advanced climbers who frequently change between indoor and outdoor climbing. Despite some issues with the heel and the sizing running small, this is well-suited for advanced climbers in need of an all-around shoe.
The Black Diamond Stubby Haul Bag is a durable, functional, and lightweight option that is great for cragging, all-day trips, and various outdoor activities. We recommend using this bag to carry gear for one day, or for transporting awkwardly shaped and heavy items you might not place in a usual backpack. It also can be used as a smaller secondary haul bag for longer trips. Despite not being watertight and not as big for some who need to pack ample gear, this is a great all-day excursion pack.
The Sterling Evolution Velocity Bi-Color Rope – 9.8mm is a great all-around option that performs well on various types of climbing, providing security and a supple feel during use. Despite some reports of fraying after minimal use and getting dirty, the ability to easily slide through belaying devices, soft catches, and abrasion-resistant material makes this a great choice for climbers who want versatility over a variety of terrain.
The Petzl Volta Dry Climbing Rope – 9.2mm is a lightweight, versatile, and smooth-handling rope that works well for those who transport their ropes on longer hikes, and want a reliable option that can pass quickly through a grigri. The downsides of this option are lack of durability, which may limit some of the routes this rope should be used on, such as those passing over continuous rocky and tough terrain. We recommend this option for climbers who want an easy to use option that provides safe catches.
The Petzl Summit Evo Ice Axe is a technical and versatile option that works well on basic mountaineering, hill walking, cutting steps, and digging into snow. There are better axes for continuous ice use and cutting, but for routes up to Grade III, this axe can last a whole career in the mountains.
The Petzl Glacier Ice Axe is a lightweight, aggressively-toothed, and functionally-designed axe. It is not ideal for consistently steep routes or use as a walking aid due to the shaft length. For those who want a lightweight option that is easy to carry and deploy, this is a great choice.
The Misty Mountain Cadillac Harness is an adjustable, functional, and long-lasting option that is best suited for long and trad routes, due to the ample storage and convenience provided. Since it is a heavier option that has multiple gear loops, it wouldn’t be the best option for sport and gym climbing, or climbers who want to travel light. For those who want easy customization of fit, a full range of motion, and functional storage, then this option is great for you.