So there you have it, Black Diamond’s Mondo Crash Pad. You can call it The Motherload if you like, for in the world of highball bouldering pads this thing is made out of pure muscle. Just don’t call it a ‘fat bastard’.go to full review

If you are looking for one harness that does it all, this is the one for you. Light enough for sport climbing, supportive enough for big walls, with plenty of options for racking gear to satisfy even the biggest gear freak.go to full review

The harness is aimed at the sport climbing market and it performs quite well for that. It looks great, it enhances, it shaves off a spoonful of breakfast in weight and it won’t rub you up the wrong way. It performs reasonably as a trad harness – there is enough room on the gear loops to fit a rack, though you might have trouble getting your belay device off the back loops. I give it three-and-half out of five “Fuseframe Technologies”.go to full review

Most climbing is done in a harness, and when you decide which one is right for your needs, the SITTA should be high on the list. Despite the strikes against it (high price, no adjustable leg loops, easy tangling in a pack), this is an exceptional harness that is comfortable, versatile, and plenty light.go to full review

A great ice tool for steep ice and multi-pitch ice (use with the optional leash). Lightweight, easy swing and offers great hooking potential with the high-clearance shaft.go to full review

SCARPA has really made something for everyone with this shoe in three different styles.  A unique feature that they all share is SCARPA’s patent pending Bi-Tension rand.  This innovative use of the rand acts like a reverse slingshot, pulling power from the toes rather than jamming them forward.  The rand anchors under the toe box, giving focused power and a surprising amount of comfort.  Another plus they all share is a minimal amount of rubber compared to many rock shoes, making them quite..." go to full review

There are so many ice climbing tools on the market and deciding on which one to buy is about as tough as choosing what dress to wear on Saturday night. The Nomic is the equivalent of that little black dress that is perfect for every occasion. Do yourself a favor and choose the one tool that does it all. I have a personal philosophy that if you’re going to buy something, buy the top of line and you won’t regret it. One swing of the Nomic and I promise you will have no regrets and that’s what..." go to full review

Perhaps one of the most important gear buying decisions you can make is the climbing helmet. When it comes to choosing a helmet, there are a many options available, but really there are only two types of helmets: light weight foam (like your bike helmet) and hardshell options. Since I’m pretty tough on my gear, I prefer a hardshell helmet like the Petzl Elia. Not only is it the most comfortable hardshell helmet I’ve worn, it’s durably constructed and dare I say stylish. It’s a great all..." go to full review

In the fall of 2014, when Kitty Calhoun and I made our gear list for climbing Tangerine Trip, a big-wall aid route on El Cap in Yosemite, it was I who said “I got the lead rope”.  I had been climbing with my 9.8mm Evolution Velocity for a summer and it had proven itself with strength, durability, and handling.  Just what you need when you’re about to head up the biggest piece of rock there is in the lower 48!go to full review

Petzl has done it again, leading the industry with the first harness to incorporate Dyneema into an ultra-lightweight, full strength harness.  Weighing in at only 150 grams (5.29 ounces), the Altitude harness is the lightest in the world.  You can bet you’ll see others follow suit in the coming years to catch up to Petzl’s innovation.  Currently other’s in it’s class weigh in at 215 to 260 g. (9.17 oz).go to full review