Outdoor Gear Lab

The new Evolv Ashima is a shoe for the specialist - a kid who is pushing his or her limits in the gym, crag, or boulder field. Those who are just out to climb casually might find them overkill and expensive, but to the climber who needs high performance, this shoe should fit the bill. The downturned La Sportiva Maverink slipper, with its no edge technology, is another great choice worth looking into if high performance is an important characteristic.go to full review

When it comes to climbing style, these technical beasts are a one trick pony. High performance in the steeps means the Furias do not exactly shine on lower angle terrain where edging and smearing are required. Their hefty price tag also makes them a bit of a commitment, so we would only recommend these to experienced sport climbers who know what they are getting into.go to full review

The La Sportiva Otaki excels at overhanging climbing where heel hooking and precision footwork come into play. The Otaki breaks in to be fairly comfortable, but are designed with performance in mind rather than all-day comfort. If you can take them off in between burns, the Otaki may be the ticket to rock climbing glory.go to full review

Overall, the Scarpa Vapor V is a quality choice for a Velcro, slightly downturned climbing shoe. For gym climbing, steep climbing, or finger cracks, it might be your new best friend. On slabs and technical faces, you may want to look elsewhere for a more sensitive shoe.go to full review

If this is your first shoe purchase, consider something with a bit more of an edge and perhaps a less aggressive shape. The Futura is a very particular shoe and may not be for everyone. That said, we loved how these shoes performed on steep terrain, especially on small, smeary footholds, like those often found on steep limestone. For aggressive edging, they were not our first choice, but for more nebulous footholds, they seemed to stick to anything. We will definitely be bringing these shoes..." go to full review

If you want a versatile harness to do basic tasks such as top roping at the gym or high ropes courses at camp, the Simba is a tested, tried and true harness that won't disappoint. This is one of the most popular children's harnesses and for a good reason. Petzl has a history producing some of the best climbing gear available; this is no exception.go to full review

We love how easy it is to get on and adjusted quickly and how the front buckle holds everything together (including the shoulder straps) until the kids are ready to tie in. The two buckle tightening system is easy and saves having to fiddle much with the harness. The major drawback of this harness is the fact that the padding is stiff and is relatively uncomfortable for both hanging in and for approaching the wall or playing at the base. The Black Diamond Momentum Full Body has a similar..." go to full review

Security. Security. Security. Once this harness is cinched up, it is one of the most secure designs we tested. With easy shoulder, waist and leg adjustments, it will fit almost any kid up to 85 lbs and keep even the most top-heavy kids upright with its single, high, tie in point.go to full review

The Trango Junior makes an excellent option for a first harness. Super versatile sizing and good comfort make it a safe, easy bet for the little ones or those with special needs. You can throw this on your youngest daughter or her older brother, and as long as they are under the 80-pound max weight, it will provide a good, comfortable experience. If the kid is a bit older and has the capability of getting a good fit on the waist and can keep themselves upright when they hang, a seat harness..." go to full review

This all-around kids harness, while having a basic design, has most of the features needed in a kid's sit harness. Most importantly, the lightweight design is comfortable and adjustable. It makes a good choice for smaller kids ready to move up from a full body harness. Now the entire family can sport the Momentum.go to full review