Alpinist

A well-built, all-around shoe with good performance and excellent comfort, the Force is my go-to shoe for long, moderate routes. While I may not send my biggest numbers in these babies, the shoes' simplicity and comfort will make it hard to leave them at home when I'm packing for my next trip...." go to full review

I believe that these are the best shoes on the market and hope that La Sportiva never stops making them. If you like a stiff and aggressive shoe that offers supreme advantages for edging and toeing in pockets, then this is the shoe for you. Be wary though, because once you have a pair, you'll never go back!..." go to full review

Overall, the TC pro is undoubtedly one of the best traditional climbing shoes I have ever worn. They are comfortable, offer great protection while jamming and edge powerfully. However, because these shoes lack the sensitivity and aggressive shape of a sport-climbing shoe, face-climbing bolt clippers might not be impressed.go to full review

The Xenos holds up well to abuse with a hydrophobic shell material that keeps it from freezing stiff on wet-and-wild climbs. During a series of freezing, wet-ice days, I forgot to unpack and dry my gear one night. The next day the Xenos was one of the only items not frozen into uselessness by the time we hiked to the day's first pitch. The harness is also foldable and light, while retaining structure—all features I appreciate. While there are drawbacks to the design, I've often..." go to full review

The C.A.M.P. USA XLC 390 is the lightest semi-rigid twelve-point crampon in the
world. CAMP achieves this featherweight construction by using 7075 aluminum
alloy. The XLC 390 automatic binding (also available in new-matic and strap-on
styles), designed for alpinism and ski touring, has been valuable to me this
spring and early summer. I have used these crampons to compete in the grueling
Pierra Menta, a four-day ski-mountaineering competition held in France, as..." go to full review

In all, I (along with many clients) found these spikes perfect for everything from
moderate water ice to long glacier routes to mixed alpine climbs. If a single pair
of do-it-all crampons is what you're after, then the G12s won't let you down.
Pros: Versatile; excellent antibott plate design that prevents balling; durable.
Cons: Trimming the sizing bar may be necessary to compress the crampons fully
for storage...." go to full review

The Dartwins have performed solidly all winter in various conditions on varied
terrain. They've become my number-one pick for vertical and overhanging flows,
and I'd recommend them for anyone serious about steep ice and mixed climbs.
Pros: Precise; stable; technical; easy to adjust without any tools
Cons: Delicate sidelock heel lock; don't fit bigger-heeled boots well; would be
improved with the addition of anti-snow plates...." go to full review

Even though stainless steel doesn't create the miracle metal upgrade that one might want, Black Diamond's design and construction still make the newest Cyborg one of the best tools available for hard winter climbing.
Pros: perform well in a variety of climbing conditions; lightweight; low-profile
design; easy to put on and take off.
Con: difficult to switch to monopoint setup...." go to full review

Overall, C.A.M.P.'s XLC Nanotech crampons have exceeded my expectations on
all grounds: performance on rock and snow, lightness, ease of use, fit and
durability. The release system and adjustment bar could function more smoothly,
but these details don't take much away from my overall approval of the design.
Pros: Lightweight; durable steel front points; supportive plastic toe bail.
Cons: Not easily adjustable; front points don't reach the ground..." go to full review

I'm still climbing with the Spire, six months in, and have seen no signs of sheath wear or damage, and no lessening of the dry coating's effectiveness. Despite the slightly greater weight, this rope will not be removed from my "climbing-gear-in-use closet" and added to my dog's ever-growing "rope rug" anytime soon. Because of the inexplicable weight difference between this rope and other similar ropes, I'm shying away from five stars, but it deserves..." go to full review