The Mad Rock Duo is unparalleled when it comes to carrying multiple pads at once. Its well-padded suspension is designed for this task, making it comfortable to carry on long approaches. If you don't want to carry a second pad then the Duo may be too heavily featured and more affordable options might be more appealing.go to full review

These shoes can turn a good crack climber into a crack ninja thanks to their low profile toe and edging abilities. They get our Top Pick for Crack Climbing, beating out traditional crack favorites like the Five Ten Moccasym and the Evolv Addict. While these old slipper designs feel comfy in cracks they can't match the performance of the Katakis, a modern shoe for taking down modern test pieces.go to full review

The Petzl Boreo is our Top Pick as the most Rugged and Protective helmet in this review. If protecting your dome piece at all costs is your number one priority, then we don't think you could find a better option. It is also affordable, reasonably comfortable, and accommodates a headlamp very well. While the very lightest helmets are tantalizing, the Boreo is one you can rely on.go to full review

The CAMP USA Storm takes some of the popular elements of their Speed 2.0 helmet (a combination climbing and ski mountaineering helmet), and puts them in a climbing specific helmet. We really liked what they've created, and it's a great option for a variety of uses.go to full review

The Petzl Sama is the highest rated harness in this review, leading us to award it our Top Overall Award. It is the most versatile climbing harness for rock climbing, and is being sold at a pretty reasonable price considering the performance. The new improvements will be appreciated by both longtime users and those climbers new to this harness, and we had a nearly impossible time finding anything that could be improved upon while testing it.go to full review

The Butora Endeavor shoe edges great. On friction moves, the Endeavor held it’s own there too. I felt that the ‘sticky’ rubber on the Endeavor shoe made up for the stiffness. I liked the small amount of extra stiffness because it shielded my foot from fatigue and pain. I will be pulling these shoes out of my backpack often as my climbing days continue! I would highly recommend it for any all-around climber!go to full review

In use, the Dyon is a pleasure to handle, with or without gloves. The gate is large enough to easily open with cold fingers encased in thick gloves, and the biner is a cinch to clip to screws, bolts or gear loops. I’ve not had it come even close to freezing up, despite the whole draw becoming encased in ice.go to full review

The Black Diamond Impact is one of the lightest and best crashpads on the market. It’s so light that it even makes sense to carry two of them. This is my go-to pad for international trips, but when it comes to high-ball projects, I’d much rather have a Mondo (or three) beneath me.go to full review

For pure performance, the Katakis took a slight lead over the Otaki. But if you’re looking for wide-foot comfort, and on-and-off ease, the Otakis are a great choice. It’s hard to go wrong with either of these versatile performers, but I’ll be sticking with the Katakis from now on.go to full review

If you already own a relatively new Grigri2, there’s no real rush to run out and buy a GriGri+. The Grigri 2 is still a fantastic and totally safe belay device. However, I would absolutely consider making the GriGri+ the next one you get because it’s even more fantastic and safer by a significant degree.go to full review