This excels at wall routes where there is 90% free climbing with a couple aid pitches. For example, I would take this on the Regular Route on half dome because I want to travel light on the big approach and there are really only a few hundred feet of aid.go to full review

Overall, they are a specialty item only suitable for experienced wall climbers who climb walls fast (and even those climbers may not want them). The main competitors are the Yates Speed Stirrup, which is much heavier but more comfortable, and the Metolius Easy Aider, which is a little heavier and more bulky but also more comfortable and a hair cheaper. Overall, I lean toward the Petzl because the whole point of an aider like this is to be as light and streamlined as possible.go to full review

This is a durable and classic design. Chris Mac says he has never worn out a pair and has not seen any wear out. Because it doesn't have any extras, this aider is relatively light and less bulky than most other aiders when clipped to the side of your harness.go to full review

Chris Mac says, "I used these a ton and never managed to wear them out. And that was after my friend Mark used them a ton." These are the most bomber aiders we tested. One big advantage of not having urethane or big steps is that this aider is less bulky when clipped to your harness for free climbing. Also, this aider won't get stuck in cracks as easily and is easier to free when it does. This aider is only sold in the 5 step length. If you are going to do a lot of free climbing, like on The..." go to full review

The Metolius Alpine Aider is surprisingly comfortable considering how light and non-bulky it is. The Biothane step-stiffeners keep your feet relative comfortable despite the thin (0.80") webbing. The aider is not bulky so it feels nice when clipped on the side of your harness. Most of all, it is a great value considering how high it scored compared to other light aiders.go to full review

The Metolius 5 Step Aider is the best etrier-style aider we have tested. Chris McNamara has used this aider on more walls than any other aider and says it is comfortable and easy to walk up in due to its reinforced Biothane step. It is also the best aider at top-stepping of all the aiders we have tested because of the many sub steps. The only downside is durability, which only matters if you climb a ton of walls. Also, it is not quite as comfortable as the ladder-style aiders with spreader..." go to full review