Gear Junkie

The point of these exercises was to demonstrate just how important it is to be on your game: Even with an assisted belay device like the GRIGRI, both hands stay on the rope with slack carefully managed at all times. From what I could tell, the improved features of the GRIGRI+ would benefit everyone, especially professionals, guides, and instructors.go to full review

In two decades of climbing, I’ve never coveted a piece of gear as much as the Camalot Ultralight. A standard component on a climbers’ gear rack, sling-loaded camming devices (SLCDs) are placed in cracks to protect lead climbers as they ascend rock faces. Climbers carry many of them on long routes to stay safe, so light weight is key to moving faster and more efficiently.go to full review

These are my new send shoes. When I’m struggling on a climb, I swap to these shoes, and time and again they’ve helped me reach the top. I feel confident when they’re on my feet and I’ve been surprised more than once with what I’m been able to stand on and climb wearing them.go to full review

The Mega Jul is not intuitive. I recommend you watch the instructional videos and spend time with it in low-commitment scenarios before using it in the backcountry.

Despite a rocky start, Edelrid’s Mega Jul is now my belay device of choice for all alpine and multi-pitch rock climbing. It is a light, small, durable, and multi-function device. The added security of its bomber, near foolproof assisted-braking component is reassuring on the mountain and the rock.go to full review

Most climbing is done in a harness, and when you decide which one is right for your needs, the SITTA should be high on the list. Despite the strikes against it (high price, no adjustable leg loops, easy tangling in a pack), this is an exceptional harness that is comfortable, versatile, and plenty light.go to full review