The Mega Jul is not intuitive. I recommend you watch the instructional videos and spend time with it in low-commitment scenarios before using it in the backcountry.

Despite a rocky start, Edelrid’s Mega Jul is now my belay device of choice for all alpine and multi-pitch rock climbing. It is a light, small, durable, and multi-function device. The added security of its bomber, near foolproof assisted-braking component is reassuring on the mountain and the rock.go to full review

At £125 the DMM Raptor is not a budget option, but its price is roughly on a par with similar models from other well regarded brands. Since this is an axe that's built to last, you're going to get years of service for your money. Its relatively high weight may be a little off-putting on paper, but in use it reflects its general sturdiness, and the T-rating that makes it suitable for use in belays. A refined design makes this a superb all-rounder, with plenty of technical juice in the tank..." go to full review

There may be nothing remarkable about it, but the Grivel Salamander 2.0 is a good solid, well built helmet at a very fair price. As it is available in only one size, and a large one at that, it is best suited to those with larger heads. The strapping adjustment system has simplicity in its favour, and while it does not suit everyone, I've personally found it comfortable and effective. The key message here is to try it on before you buy it.

With its effective headtorch clips and tough..." go to full review

The Sum’tec is an alpine work horse that excels in modern mountaineering and alpine climbing.  Do you want to get out and cross glaciers, climb snow, ice and rock and really need a tool that will be there for you in every condition?  Or, maybe you need one great tool that will do everything needed for that summer mountaineering trip or course?  Either way, the Sum’tec is the way to go.go to full review

For really steep stuff (40-degrees overhanging or more), I do prefer a softer shoe than the Otakis, and, obviously, I’d never stick my Otakis in a crack, but if I had to choose just one shoe or 75% of climbing situations, the Women’s Otaki would be the one. I’d recommend the Women’s Otaki for any ladies looking for one go-to shoe that can get the job done for most sport climbing and bouldering, and for anyone looking for a shoe that slays on the tiniest of footholds.go to full review

Thankfully, things have evolved somewhat since then with Wild Country’s beautifully made and color coded “Rocks”. They come in sizes from 1 to 14 giving protection from 0.2” through to 2”. That whole range of sizes will weigh in at approximately the weight of 4 cams, giving 15 placement options instead of 4. Rocks are the foundation of most climbing racks, especially at places like Lumpy Ridge. These Rocks taper in lots of directions giving the option of placing in flares and conventional..." go to full review

I can say with certainty that the CAMP HMS Compact Locker is always in my kit for rock and alpine climbing.  Its large bay allows the rope to feed smoothly for a belay or rappel.  The round stock design has no corners, so it’s less likely for ropes to get hung up and load the carabiner incorrectly.   It features a wide gate opening so I can clip and unclip easily even while wearing gloves.  One of my favorite attributes of this carabiner is the key locking design, allowing me to unclip..." go to full review

In summary, the Scarpa Chimera draws on all of the aforementioned technology and years of developing and constructing such a complete range to design and forge possibly THE ultimate shoe for steep, high performance bouldering and sport climbing…go to full review

The Ultralights may not be quite as long lasting as the standard models depending on how rough you are with your gear, but for fast and light ascents I am sure a lot of people will be happy with that.  They are also more expensive, but again you might feel that is a price worth paying.  I certainly guarantee you won't be disappointed if you do choose them - they are light on your harness, light in your hand, have a great expansion range per piece and have what, as mentioned above, l reckon..." go to full review

In Alpine terrain the North Machines are superb, like any technical tool they are not going to compete or replace a classic piolet on easy snow or glacial terrain but they’ll get by. Once you hit more technical terrain they excel. Their well balanced swing and easy penetration reduced fatigue on route and their light weight helped make the approach sack less of a burden. They have already become my favourite alpine tools (and its not just because of the sexy black and yellow colour scheme..." go to full review