The DMM Revolver reduces rope drag friction by inserting a small metal pulley wheel into the basket. While it is advertised as being applicable for lead climbing or even top-roping anchors, we didn't feel like its weight and price were worth the impaired function for these uses. However, we highly recommend that guides, alpine climbers, and mountaineers who traverse glaciers pick up a couple for use with hauling and emergency systems, as they present a compact and very versatile..." go to full review
Deciding whether to spring for the Trango Agility 9.1 is a little tricky. Its scores in most of the usual areas we measure climbing rope performance were less than outstanding. At the same time, its price is rather high. Ordinarily, this would equate to it being a poor value. However, its distinctive RED FLAG markings do provide a clear safety benefit. If you would like to reduce the likelihood of a lowering or rappeling accident and can afford the added cost, the Agility 9.1 could be an..." go to full review
The author needs two hands to count the number of climbers he knows that have been lowered off the end of a rope. Fortunately, none of these accidents ended in tragedy, but many resulted in lower leg injuries and shattered confidence that took months to recover from. In many of these cases, a clear middle mark would have prevented the accident. The Tommy Caldwell Eco Dry 9.3 features the best middle mark we've ever seen and for this reason alone we would highly recommend it. When we add to..." go to full review
The Blue Ice Addax harness is ideal for alpine climbs that prioritize weight savings, making it the perfect choice for alpine climbs. Despite its minimalist design, it is remarkably durable, defying our expectations that this ultralight piece of gear would wear out faster than heavier alternatives. Thanks to a full-fledged set of features, it really is a four-season, jack-of-all-trades kind of harness. Yet, we firmly believe that the Addax excels in an alpine environment.go to full review
The Cuesta is a great three-season harness, one that is equally comfortable on long routes in the mountains as it is at your local crag. It strikes a nice balance between comfort and functionality without adding a bunch of extra bulk. We particularly appreciate the women's specific fit – if you need a harness that has a higher rise for curves and larger leg loops, then this might be the perfect fit for you.go to full review
This harness is divine for lightweight gear enthusiasts who are constantly trying to shave weight from their kit. It has all the features you need on any technical alpine route and nothing you don't. However, the major caveat is that this harness isn't comfortable for hanging. If you plan on doing long rappels or hanging from anchors for extended lengths of time, you'll wish you brought a more comfortable harness with more padding.go to full review
The Scarpa Mescalito Planet is the epitome of bomber construction, making it a reliable option for technical alpine objectives. However, these high-end approach shoes are the most expensive pair we tested, and they might not be a necessary purchase for someone looking to casually approach rock climbs. Even though they offer top-notch performance, their wide toe box may not be the right fit for your foot. But if you have the cash and they fit you well, the Mescalito Planet provides the..." go to full review
As an entry-level, high-top trad shoe, the Yosemite Bum has all the performance characteristics you need to romp around on moderate multi-pitches across the country. Unfortunately, the price tag doesn't reflect this shoe's mid-range feel, and we have a hard time justifying the cost based on its performance. With that said, if you have wide feet or Morton's toe and have been struggling to find a capable shoe with a comfortable fit, the Yosemite Bum is well worth your consideration.go to full review