The Arc’teryx FL-365 Harness is a functional, mobile, and comfortable option that is versatile for a variety of climbing conditions. Despite being expensive and a little heavy for longer approaches, this harness can be compacted to travel easily, distribute weight evenly, and provides safety and security.
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 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 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 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.
The Metolius Ultralight TCU is a classic design that persists because it works well, and the ultralight upgrade makes it one of the lightest sets available. Easy to use and with smooth action, the Ultralight TCU offers good range and is an ideal fit for clean cracks in granite, as they can walk a bit in rougher scars. Even though these are very lightweight, they will hold up for years of hard use, especially with some regular maintenance, making the already reasonably-priced pieces worth the money.
The Black Diamond Camalot C4 is an easy-to-use, durable, and reliable cam, that will aid any level of climber on the wall. Besides horizontal placements, this cam will perform proficiently in almost all other types of climbing scenarios, with easy color coding, a Trigger Keeper for organization, and double-axle design.
The Black Diamond Creek 50L Haul Bag is big enough for all of your gear at the crag, and sturdy enough for years of hard use on and off the wall. With a smart and durable design, the Creek 50L holds just about everything you may need, with useful organizer pockets for easy access to smaller things. Despite the technical design, the pack also carries weight well, for comfortable approaches. While there are some small features that users miss, the overall consensus is that this is one of the best haul bags you can get, and one that will hold up for years to come.
The Tenaya Masai Climbing Shoe is a flexible, precise, and supportive option for those who want a snug, slim, and lightweight climbing shoe. The lack of stiffness means this shoe will likely not be as proficient on more aggressive problems, but for those who want flexibility, this is your best bet.
The La Sportiva Finale Climbing Shoe for women is a supportive and durable shoe that is designed for beginner and intermediate climbers. The solid grip for bouldering makes this a great beginner sport shoe, while the toe shape and stretch over time make this not suitable for advanced climbers who need to use tiny footholds. The longer break-in time and average sensitivity may deter some from this model, but for beginners who want a comfortable and versatile option, this is a great bet.