On first impression, the Ophir didn't blow us away. It seemed basic and like nothing special, but after digging in a little, we started to appreciate everything it offers. It has tons of useful features that make it the best overall sit harness in our test, perfect for any kid regardless of how experienced they are or what their goals may be. Not only does it have features that the climber can appreciate, but it also has safety features that give peace of mind to the adults in the room (or..." go to full review

This harness won't ever be a limiting factor for kids who use it. It could very well be more harness than most kids would ever need, but with the great price, comfort, and security, it would work well for almost every kid who needs a full body harness. For extra adjustability or kids over 65 pounds, we would recommend the Petzl Simba but at the cost of comfort and bonus features.go to full review

If you want a bomber all around ice tool that can serve you well cragging at the ice park as well as climbing mixed routes high in the alpine, this is the tool for you.  Its low weight makes it a dream for long approaches to routes in the backcountry and allows you to fight off the pump you get from swinging heavy tools repeatedly.  I would give these tools a 4.5/5. The only reason it didn’t get a full five is the lack of a spike on the end of the shaft for plunging.go to full review

These shoes are designed for steep sport climbing and bouldering and that’s what they do best. Five Ten is known for a narrower toe box, but the Aleon’s have a wider toe box that accommodates users with wide feet. Due to the tight fit, they hold up well when heel hooking, and also perform very well on the smallest edges.go to full review

The Ceros is virtually impossible to crossload, which adds a higher degree of security while belaying. An ingenious little protrusion on the carabiner’s spine prevents the GriGri from sliding down onto the spine, and the mini gate at the base of the carabiner keeps the Ceros from shifting once its clipped to your harness belay loop.go to full review

The new Furia S is a softer iteration of the Furia, with some other great improvements as well. Whereas the original Furia had two bulky Velcro Straps, the Furia S has slimmed down to a single, thin Z-pull strap. I really like this change; it just makes the shoe feel even more high-performing and it’s easier to get on. The other big change is the addition of more toe rubber, which makes the Furia S one of the best toe-hookers I’ve worn. The idea that one “toe-hooks” becomes an outdated term..." go to full review

The Petzl Meteor is a lightweight helmet that complies to mountaineering helmet standards and CE’s new “ski touring” standard. If you’ve shied away from helmets in the past because they were too heavy and uncomfortable and / or you’re looking for a ski touring or mountaineering helmet that comes in at a reasonable price and amazingly low weight, definitely check out the Meteor.go to full review

I have really enjoyed using the new and redesigned  Edelrid Jay harness. It’s comfortable, versatile and has plenty of great features. I’ve used it for both trad and sport climbing and I can easily see it performing as well on planned ice trips this winter.go to full review

I’d say that the Choucas Light Harness is perfect for minimalist missions where you need a harness but likely won’t use it (by this I mean hang in it) so much. Ski touring and mountaineering, ski racing,  easy alpinism and glacier travel are its forte. It’s light, comfortable (you barely feel like it’s there) and packs down to nothing. I’ve used mine a lot over a 6 week period and it’s also proving to be durable too.go to full review

In conclusion, the Edelrid Giga Jul is an excellent belay device. It does take some practice to use it correctly and it’s definitely worth the time investment to do so. I like the flexibility and extra security it offers over standard guide plates and for bolted style multi pitch routes it is outstanding. It is heavy but I’m happy to trade that for the flexibility it offers. I’d say it is more suited to those climbers with some experience and for mountain professionals it is great addition..." go to full review