Light yet solid; simple but effective - DMM's new Spire walking axe and Spire Tech mountaineering axe may not set out to win awards for innovation, but they very competently get the job done. You can spend rather a lot on a fancy axe these days. While I understand the urge to get 'the best', and I'm sad enough to covet a shiny axe as much as the next anorak, I'd say these models from DMM are proof that less showy quality and functionality don't necessarily need to cost a lot. Most of us will..." go to full review

If you have low-volume feet and you're looking for a shoe for smearing, volumes and competitions then the Nitro is a great choice. It's comfortable, extremely flexible and sticky. If you've got slightly wider feet, or are looking for something that has a lot of power on edges, check out the Ocun Bullit.go to full review

The Aequilibrium ST is a remarkably comfortable and lightweight boot that's been in its element on steep winter snow slopes, mountaineering ridges, and rough walking/scrambling terrain in Scotland. Despite a few minor niggles, these boots will now be my go-to for covering long distances in the Scottish winter hills, or for a summer rock trip to the Alps when fast and light is prioritised and clunkier and more technical winter boots would be overkill. In terms of modern design and technology..." go to full review

Since Neon sent me these Speedracks for this review I would say I have upgraded my organization game quite a bit. I no longer have to clip all my wide gear in a chain that will inevitably frustrate me when its time to take one piece off. I now know that every sling in the bottom of my 55L bag is for climbing and not some tangle of knots that keeps my micronuts and minicams separated from my rack. I no longer have a pile in the floorboard when I’m returning from a day of climbing, and I don’t..." go to full review

You have the power to make your gear organized to have faster and smoother transitions. Whether you use a Love Handle (or similar alternative), organizing your gear will make for a cleaner start to the day. It can also make moving between climbs significantly faster.In cragging situations, the Love Handle (particularly the Double Rainbow edition) gives a leg up over a standard sling in every way other than price. If you can’t personally justify the cost to splurge on yourself, we think the..." go to full review

I like the Petzl Corax LT. The foam is far more comfortable compared to Black Diamond’s Momentum. I have had to learn how to unclip from my gear loops slightly different, but it hasn’t stopped my progress. Before buying, though, measure your hips and your thighs to receive a harness geared toward your size.go to full review

In short, if you’re going to be up there wasting away on the big stone choosing to let your body wither and your brain crumble, you might as well be standing in the ladder that suits your style best. At the end of the day, that wall rat will always stumble to his bivy behind the bear boxes with conviction that he had you beat but as long as you keep getting after it, let them stare up at your headlamp as you use whatever ladder you like.go to full review

The Zenit earned its place in my shoe quiver for moderately difficult, high-volume days when I wanted support, comfort, and durability to not burn through my more expensive pairs. For those just entering the sport, the Zenit is a big step up from flat-lasted, imprecise entry-level or rental shoes, and will suit your climbing abilities much better than those banana-shaped boomerangs you see strapped to the pros as you dive deeper in the sport and strengthen your feet.go to full review