Climbing Gear Reviews UK
After 50 days of climbing in these shoes, there’s an almost endless list of good things I can say about Veloce. As with every shoe though, there will always be some give and take. The rounded toe box, which makes them so comfortable, has its troubles when it comes to smaller pockets. Its super soft construction obviously doesn’t perform as well on those micro-edges as a stiffer shoe would either. I also wouldn’t recommend taking these outside, or that super soft will disappear like a heart-..." go to full review
A few years back I reviewed the ultra light Loopo Lite harness from Edelrid – a specialist harness aimed at ski mountaineering and high altitude mountaineering. Great though the Loopo Lite was, its range of applications was pretty narrow, you certainly wouldn’t use it at your local crag or a multi-pitch rock route in the Lakes. The Prisma Guide has that similar high tech Dyneema® look (Dyneema® makes up the edge binding) and a very low weight. Here though the similarities end. For alpine ..." go to full review
Overall I’ve been very impressed with the BD Method; fit, comfort, construction and performance including the rubber are excellent. It is up against some serious competition such as the well established Scarpa Vapour V (a slightly more edging orientated shoe) but it is a worthy competitor and if you tend toward a wider fit probably a better bet.go to full review
In Italian, Mago means Magician! To sum this shoe up, the new Mago is improved, feels leaner (it feels light but is it lighter than V2?), more precise, has better feel and a better fit. It edges brilliantly and excels where the footholds are small. You can really power into the footholds. It’s still more of a specialist tool for the rock but if you’re looking for shoe with the attributes I’ve described, then check it out. It’s certainly a magical “go-to” in my quiver. go to full review
In conclusion a brilliant stiff shoe that is in its element outside especially on longer routes where the support it gives will reduce fatigue. Probably not the best choice indoors or for smeary slabs and if you’ve never climbed in a stiff shoe there may be a short period of adaptation – but stick with it as the benefits a worth it. I wore the Magnet in an 8.5 UK size (same as my Voltage Lace) and I usually wear a 9 UK in trainers. I’m also a very wide foot (2E) and these still proved..." go to full review
Overall the Arakys is a great dry weather approach shoe that will cope with most terrain apart from wet mud and slick grass. They work well as an approach/scrambling shoe if you like the minimalist feel and as a general ‘knocking about’ camp, the crag or town shoe. They look quite funky so I’d go for a bright colour if you have the choice!go to full review
Overall the Mescalitos have become my all-time favourite approach shoes, if Scarpa were to stop making them I’d go out and buy another pair like a shot. This is the shoe that will work for crag approach in the UK, chilling at the cafe or pub and then see you right along an alpine rock ridge. Better yet it will continue to do this for years.go to full review
The weight penalty is noticeable but not an issue in actual use and the Mescalito Mids feel equally as agile as their lighter sibling. For hill walking and general UK scrambling they have proved excellent. Days out in the Lakes incorporating the likes of Pinnacle Ridge are ideally suited to these boots. The Goretex lining proves to be a real bonus as the wet grass and damp approach walks of a typical UK summer are shrugged off. My concerns about the Mescalito Mid GTXs being over hot because..." go to full review
The Duetto has proven to be an excellent all round climbing helmet – I can’t really vouch for it’s skiing prowess apart from a brief session on rolerskis when I’d forgotten my bike helmet and luckily had my climbing kit in the van! In terms of overall bulk it is similar to the Grivel Stealth HS and easily fitted beneath a variety of hardshell and belay jacket hoods although it is marginally ‘taller’ than the Petzl Sirocco. The one size fits all harness was extremely stable keeping the helmet..." go to full review
Though marginally more bulky than the original the new TIBLOC sits perfectly alongside my MICRO TRAXION on a pulley carabiner as my ‘hope I never have to use it’ crevasse rescue kit. As you can see from the photos the new TIBLOC is actually lighter than a medium length prusik! So; lighter than a prusik cord (won’t abrade/degrade in UV either), grips icy ropes better, lighter than the old TIBLOC, and can be used to increase security simul climbing! If you travel in crevassed terrain or may..." go to full review