Climbing Zine

Which is why I’m a huge fan of the DMM Alpha Sport Draw. These quickdraws seem to be created for ease of use and a luxurious clip. “They clip themselves”, a climber partner of mine said after using mine. The dog bone is also a healthy size (26mm) for picking it off your harness and clipping in, or at a last resort grabbing the draw at a bolt to clip in and avoid taking the whipper.go to full review

The division between those willing to spend top-dollar on a climbing harness and those who aren’t should be pretty self-evident: if you are, you probably know it already. There are many cheaper options, and lighter options if the most you carry is 16 quickdraws, but if you regularly find yourself on long routes with a rack of cams, jacket, shoes, etc. clipped around your waist, AND want a harness that performs for winter climbing too, the AR-395a harness is a great, versatile tool. These..." go to full review

This is a great all-around medium-thickness climbing rope for intermediate and advanced climbers, ideal for alpine climbing with the Golden Dry coating and well suited for sport climbing as well. The soft ‘hand’ offers little resistance while pulling up rope to clip and helps save energy while leading. There are lighter ropes optimized for fast backcountry pushes and heavier ropes for workhorse abuse (wall climbing, gym training, excessive sport whipping), and this rope excels for everything..." go to full review

I love these unique shoes. Between the soft rubber, the lightweight nature and the tight, but forgiving fit, these are my go-to shoes for my sport and bouldering projects, especially when there’s plenty of required trickery.go to full review

I’ve been more than pleased, and even a little surprised with the Luchador SC’s. As long as the rubber holds strong, I think these are a solid value. In the day and age when shoes are so specialized the Luchador SC’s could be the only shoes in your pack, and would work for most types of climbing.go to full review

This is another high quality rope from Mammut. It fits perfectly into the category of light and functional, not something you use merely for your sport climbing project, but one you can also trust for a long day climb. All things considered probably one of the best all around ropes on the market right now.go to full review

The Singing Rock Penta is a good-looking helmet that is light and affordable. Buy it if weight and having a helmet that can be packed into a bag are important – just make sure it fits if you have a bigger head.go to full review

The Tenaya Tarifa’s are like Cadillacs. Built to perform, but comfortable enough to cruise all day. The Vibram XS Grip 3.5 mm rubber provides precise grip and edge control, while not being too stiff or thick for techy, overhanging terrain.

I got to test these in as a ton of different environments: dime pockets at Smith, all-day slab sessions at Squamish, Indian Creek splitters, greasy gym plastic holds, City of Rocks huecos and even Black Canyon choss. While they may perform better..." go to full review

This is a well-constructed moderate crack climbing shoe which will take a lot of abuse. If sized right (more roomy than a sporty shoe) you can wear it all day with happy feet. I wouldn’t try routes with heel hooks, thin pockets, steep roofs, or dime-edges, but this isn’t a face climbing shoe. At $155 it’s on the high end for moderately priced, stiff laced shoes, which range from $140 to $160. Given the cost and its jamming and slab performance, it’s a good choice for climbers logging a lot..." go to full review

Given the price, the Rebel and Venus harness are a fantastic value. The dual buckle design and elastic leg loops make them the best-fitting harnesses we’ve owned. The unique virtues of the flat-webbing design—light weight and minimal bulk—make them optimal for multi-pitch adventures with long approaches. Since these qualities come as some sacrifice to comfort, they’re not the ideal sport climbing harnesses. We love the simplicity and utility of these harnesses while climbing long routes in..." go to full review