Climbing

As the first bi-directional assisted-braking belay device, the Revo promises that a climber will never misthread the rope, which eliminates one of the biggest dangers in assisted-braking devices. The Revo opens easily, and the rope can be threaded with the climber’s end coming out of either side. Testers found that the device never locked up while pulling out slack, meaning no short-roping, even on long and fast clips. Despite this, the device locked up quickly when climbers, both light and..." go to full review

Based on the Grigri 2, this new version operate like its predecessor but features an anti-panic handle that, if the user pulls too far, automatically arrests the descent. This safety feature was incorporated to prevent the belayer from lowering the climber too quickly and pulling farther back on the handle instead of letting it go (which allows the cam to catch the rope). This new handle initially made lowering more complicated and jerky, but after testers learned how to use it, it worked..." go to full review

The Vergo locked quickly and firmly, according to our tester who used it while training mileage on gym routes. While it lowered, fed slack, and caught falls smoothly, this device shines in the ergonomics department. The Vergo is designed to sit horizontally when in use, and testers found it was a natural position that “caused a lot less short-roping than other devices.” Thumb and pointer-finger grooves helped testers hold the device correctly. This required some adaptation, as most devices..." go to full review

Experienced and new users alike felt comfortable belaying and being caught by the Lifeguard, because the cam engaged quickly when a falling climber weighted it, providing reliable and soft catches. The device lowered well, albeit slowly, especially for lighter folks, but testers never felt out of control. Built from forged aluminum, the Lifeguard is extremely durable, and weighing only 5.4 ounces, makes an excellent choice for trad climbers looking to shave ounces off their rack. go to full review

“For the aggressive downturn, amount of rubber, and high-performance design, these are crazy comfortable,” one tester said after six months with the Skwama, “and that makes me a better climber because I’m not babying my feet and toes.” Proprietary S-Heel construction pushes power forward, so everything is funneled to the front, where a chiseled toe helped one tester find tiny pockets in the limestone of the Calanques in Southern France and another tester seek out granite nubbins in Yosemite..." go to full review

“Super-impressed with all the places I can wear these slippers.” Rubber covers the toe, heel, entire sole, and Achilles but doesn’t prohibit sensitivity, and an aggressive shape and toe help the foot find holds.go to full review

“With unbeatable performance, quality construction, and top-notch fit, I expected a price much higher than $140.” Consider this your next shoe for any bouldering, sport, or gym project.go to full review

They’re the “sweet spot” between an aggressive shoe’s performance and a slipper’s comfort. A powerful, technical slipper that lets you stand on small edges and pockets for a long time with help from a stiff, rubber-wrapped toe.go to full review

A multipurpose all-star slipper offering both comfort and performance for intermediate to advanced climbers. “My go-to shoe. They stay in my car, go wherever I’m going, and do whatever I’m doing.”go to full review

A high-performance lace-up for every climbing excursion, but especially long days and trad. Primo comfort and a fully lined interior to soak up your sweat make them perfect for lengthy multi-pitches.go to full review