Chicks With Picks

Perhaps one of the most important gear buying decisions you can make is the climbing helmet. When it comes to choosing a helmet, there are a many options available, but really there are only two types of helmets: light weight foam (like your bike helmet) and hardshell options. Since I’m pretty tough on my gear, I prefer a hardshell helmet like the Petzl Elia. Not only is it the most comfortable hardshell helmet I’ve worn, it’s durably constructed and dare I say stylish. It’s a great all..." go to full review

In the fall of 2014, when Kitty Calhoun and I made our gear list for climbing Tangerine Trip, a big-wall aid route on El Cap in Yosemite, it was I who said “I got the lead rope”.  I had been climbing with my 9.8mm Evolution Velocity for a summer and it had proven itself with strength, durability, and handling.  Just what you need when you’re about to head up the biggest piece of rock there is in the lower 48!go to full review

Petzl has done it again, leading the industry with the first harness to incorporate Dyneema into an ultra-lightweight, full strength harness.  Weighing in at only 150 grams (5.29 ounces), the Altitude harness is the lightest in the world.  You can bet you’ll see others follow suit in the coming years to catch up to Petzl’s innovation.  Currently other’s in it’s class weigh in at 215 to 260 g. (9.17 oz).go to full review

If you’re looking for a great all around crampon to tackle the ice, snow and rock then look no further than the Petzl Dartwin. The Dartwin is ideal for vertical and steep waterfall ice climbing. You’ll find that it’s an excellent choice for kicking around the Ouray Ice Park as well as backcountry ice climbing destinations from the Rockies to Iceland.go to full review