UK Climbing

With the Pinch, Edelrid have done something distinctly Edelrid, by taking a completely fresh look at a product and category that has seen little decent innovation in years. The result is a bit of a game changer. I really like the fact you can attach it directly to your belay loop, as this gives you much more precise performance. And in contrast to most designs of assisted braking device, which tend to need a practised knack, its intuitive functionality will appeal to beginners and..." go to full review

With the Rapid XT, walking comfort may come first, but on-the-rock performance is a close second. This is a capable approach shoe, and while I would still prefer my TX4s for something meatier like a Cuillin Ridge traverse or a big mountain Diff, I'd happily choose the Rapid XT for hillwalking, scrambling days, and rugged crag approaches. It's well built, too, and looks like solid value at the price.go to full review

The Qubit contrasts with a lot of modern day performance climbing shoes as a result of the higher-than-average level of stiffness it offers in the toe. As a result of this it is particularly suited to harder single-pitch sport climbing and bouldering on more edgy rock types. I'm sure over time these shoes would soften nicely for use on gritstone or sandstone, but straight out of the box they are the perfect shoe for slightly overhanging limestone, which is what the majority of our sport..." go to full review

Back in 2021 Scarpa released a new version of the Boostic. Whilst it was a lovely shoe, it was far from a direct replacement to the original, as it sought to balance the scales towards sensitivity, and away from the outright stiffness and support of its predecessor. This of course had pros and cons, and made the shoe quite a different proposition. Fast forward to 2025 and Scarpa have released the true heir to the original - the Boostic R. Whilst cosmetically it's been given a facelift, this..." go to full review

This is an excellent, warm, lightweight boot that's proved perfect for technical winter and alpine climbing. You would have to be an exceptional winter climber to outgrow the capabilities of these boots. The uppers are reasonably waterproof - perhaps their only failing in this regard being above-zero Scottish bog walk-ins. By the standards of a modern lightweight boot they have a very durable, yet sticky sole, that Scarpa have designed to be easily resole-able. Whilst heavier leather boots..." go to full review

If you're looking for a fresh set of higher-end technical ice tools, two much-discussed models new this season are bound to turn your head. Enter the Black Diamond Hydra - a highly refined and versatile tool - and the DMM Cortex - a strikingly burly yet lightweight workhorse. Both seem destined to become familiar sights on winter crags in the coming seasons, but which is the axe for you? We put them to the test this winter to see how they stack up for UK climbers.go to full review

This is a brilliant tool, which climbs ice as well as any axe I've used. The carbon shaft is light, stiff and warm. However it's unashamedly specialist. I'd be reluctant to use an expensive carbon fibre axe for mixed climbing in Scotland, as a standard aluminium tool would do the job as well, and better withstand the rough usage. And at £343.95 per axe, they're not exactly a budget option. For your average UK winter climber the benefits may not justify the price tag, but if you really need..." go to full review

For UK winter mountaineering, however, decision making becomes more complex. The G-Summits are an excellent choice for challenging winter climbs, offering technical ability, warmth, durability, and the convenience of BOA lacing. If you frequently contend with cold feet (or your partner regularly subjects you to 2-3 hour belaying stints), investing in G-Summits might be justified. However, if cold isn't the overriding concern then that price tag is bound to start looking a bit off-putting. If..." go to full review

The Crag Sender is a lightweight and affordable helmet that performs equally well for sport climbing, mountain routes, winter climbing and scrambling. Its secure fit is for the most part easy to adjust and offers barely-there-feel comfort. While it may not match the durability of pricier EPP models, it offers solid protection and looks like good value at this price.go to full review

We've really rated the Origin VS. Its last means that it should fit just about everyone (no guarantees - do try them for yourself) and the fact that it's comfortable yet still manages to give a good level of performance makes it really appealing for indoor bouldering, whether you're an outright beginner of just a fan of non-crippling footwear. The blend of features, such as the super sticky sole and toe patch, also mean that it's future-proofed for when you begin to move up through the..." go to full review