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 Five Ten Anasazi Lace-up Climbing Shoe shines for its exceedingly sticky rubber and medium stiffness that makes it particularly good for crushing granite faces and cracks. While the laces wear out quickly, the lacing does allow for a very adjustable fit, and the design of the heel has been re-worked for maximum comfort and snugness. While the shoe does not excel while bouldering or on overhanging terrain, it is a great all-around shoe that is exceptionally versatile and comfortable for most feet.
The Petzl Calidris Harness is a top choice for climbers wanting a comfortable, breathable, and adjustable harness for big wall climbs. We recommend trying the harness on before buying due to lack of sizes, but once you find the right fit, this is a good option for any type of climbing and any level of climber.
Everyone loves a good cam, and almost everyone loves the Black Diamond Camalot Ultralight. These cams are 25% lighter than their predecessor, the beloved C4, and they feel like it, particularly in the larger sizes. The decreased weight does not compromise on quality, and these are still durable pieces that hold really well during falls and are easy to place and remove. These are not inexpensive, however, and the stiff stems may not be perfect for every placement, even though almost all reviewers covet the lightness and wish they could work in every crack.
The Petzl Micro Traxion Pulley is one of the smallest, lightest, and most efficient pulleys on the market, and yes, it is as good as it sounds. This versatile piece is incredibly lightweight while also offering 91% pulling efficiency and a fast catch when you need it. The grip is almost too reliable, and it can be quite difficult to undo the pulley, but the security it offers is worth it, especially for the ease of use compared to bulkier models.
The Five Ten Anasazi LV Climbing Shoe for women is built for low-volume feet, and runs smaller and narrower than typical climbing shoes. The shoe offers good, sticky rubber and a sole that performs exceptionally well on edging and small footholds, and is responsive to the rock. Their comfort is top-notch, although for an expensive shoe, it is not very durable and the rubber wears out quickly.
The Black Diamond Stopper Set #4-13 is a great set for people looking to build their trad rack with reliable, durable nuts. Although not suitable for flared cracks, they work well in most other settings and are easy to remove when finished. The color coding makes it easy to select the right piece, and the size range makes it perfect for almost any wall.
The Arc’teryx AR-395a Harness is made to be your best friend on all pitches, glaciers, and everything in between, and it lives up to that expectation. With a light build and superior comfort for its weight, this harnesses is designed to hold enough gear for a multi-pitch climb while being comfortable enough to belay in or wear under a backpack. While the leg loops are the weak point in terms of comfort and size, most users are willing to look past this for the superior comfort that the harness offers in the waist and its overall durability and usefulness.
The Black Diamond Big Gun Harness shines on multi-pitch trad routes because of its maximized padding and comfort, gear loops, and double belay loop. While there are debates about the usefulness of many smaller gear loops instead of a few larger ones, many users like the option for increased organization with the Big Gun’s smaller loops. Although this is an overall much-appreciated and lauded harness, it is important to pay attention to the sizing for the best possible fit, especially as the “unisex fit” is likely more geared towards male bodies.
The Five Ten Anasazi VCS Climbing Shoe is an adjustable and supportive shoe that is a great choice for all-day wear and versatile climbing. The fit is good for beginners and also may suit experts, combining technical ability, stiffness, and comfort into one shoe.