The integrated semi-gaiter adds quite a bit of warmth to the boot, and keeps scree and snow from coming in the top. It’s not of the zip-up kind like on the Phantom series, and the laces go over top of it rather than underneath, but it’s a neat design and adds to the sock-like feel of the boot. The semi-gaitered design also adds flexibility to the ankle, making the MBP slightly less supportive than the classic MB but also that much more comfortable when walking and more capable when climbing..." go to full review
The ICE is much warmer than its weight would indicate, and even on the colder -20C days my feet stayed warm during long belays. The gaiter adds a bit of warmth, I think, but the carbon insole and other high-tech outer materials have to to be given due credit as well. I wouldn’t hesitate to use these mid-winter, and though Sportiva doesn’t rate them as warm as Nepal EVO’s, I think they’re not far off.go to full review
For many durability is one of the main requirements of a winter mountaineering boot, you’ll often hear people wax lyrically about having this or that boot for 10 years or more… “and they’re still going strong!”. The fact they only wear them for their one trip of the year may have something to do with that. However, it is important when investing the price of a climbing holiday to Spain in your footwear. You want them to last. In testing, I did manage to tear the upper of the Cordura gaitor...." go to full review
These kept our testers feet nice and warm even when the temperatures were well below freezing. The tall thick rubber rand kept crampon damage in check. Good lace systems and comfortable footbed and lining. The sizing is is standard and normal so you can order online with confidence. The Lowa Weisshorn GTX is definitely a keeper. A great boot that is at home on ice and alpine routes.go to full review
As all outdoor enthusiasts know, long approaches in new, stiff boots usually means numb, painful, and sometimes even raw feet, but the Alpine Pro GTX were up to the task of being exceptionally comfortable on flat, uneven, and steep terrain. A well-built boot that I can trust to remain durable on extremely technical terrain is something I haven’t been able to find until Lowa. The combination of resilience and design of this boot makes it superior to its competitors in both comfort and..." go to full review
The Furia S is a very specific tool. This will not be the shoe you wear every day, or warm up in, and I wouldn’t want to waste its rubber in the gym (if gym climbing is your main thing, then you may feel differently and these will probably excel at volume hopping). If you climb regularly anywhere with steep rock and small, smeary footholds, these shoes will shine and you should consider add them to your kit.go to full review
Strangely, when Scarpa contacted us to ask if we would review the latest 2019 version (version three) there was no 7.5, the choice was just a size 7 or 8. Although looking at the Scarpa website just now it looks as if half sizes are an option. So I’ve tested a U.K. size 8 for this review. I do use a size 8 for indoor climbing and bouldering circuits so I am used to the fit. The fit of the new version is relatively tight compared to previous models even though the shoe is built on the same FR..." go to full review
The weight savings come from the construction: the screw’s body is made of a green-tinted, forged aluminum, while the tip is stainless steel. The tip is essentially a sleeve that overlaps with aluminum body by about a centimeter. So feel free to bring an extra couple of stubbies or one long V-thread-specific screw without worrying that you’re packing on the gear pounds.go to full review
Overall, the Reactor is a versatile and well-engineered tool that provides an excellent new addition to the Black Diamond family of ice tools. The only major shortcoming is the lack of a hammer (which must be bought separately). Although this is fine on most routes (and maybe preferred by some climbers), you'd need to make an additional purchase if you were planning thin, mixed or alpine routes that required specters and/or pitons.go to full review
The updated Nomics (585g each with standard accessories included, 500g without) are only slightly lighter than their predecessors while adding useful features including an integrated bi-material rubber grip over the shaft (making tape unnecessary), a built-in smaller hammer for pounding in pins, a steel spike at the bottom for use in cane mode, and tapered pick weights that slot better in cracks.go to full review