UK Climbing

The Zone is a great performance all-rounder, which is hard to fault despite our best efforts. It's an attractive harness on several levels, not least that it's capable of doing a bit of everything, and doing it well, irrespective of whether you're climbing sport or trad, winter or alpine. The fact its fully featured, light and durable makes it even more appealing. In light of this, it feels like it justifies its price tag of £85.go to full review

The Mosquito is an excellent and super lightweight harness ideal for higher end sport climbing. It has all the features you need - including ample gear loops - making it a top performer in its class. The only caveat is that it's not comfortable for sitting in for long periods of time, so it's best worn for climbing rather than long belays.go to full review

The updated Boostic is definitely a more refined product than the original, being lighter, stretching less and being much easier to wear in than its predecessor. That said, it is a very different shoe, offering much more sensitivity, but in turn not offering quite so much support. As a result it will suit some but not others. If you were a fan of the original, there's a chance you'll like it, but there's an equal chance you'll be a little disappointed. If you didn't like the original, or had..." go to full review

Overall the NIAD VCS LV offers excellent build quality while preserving the much-loved Anasazi VCS's function as a high-performing yet comfortable all-round shoe. While aficionados of the Anasazi may have some bones to pick with the modified toe patch and toe shape, there are plenty of wins with the NIAD including a tighter heel on top of the classic combination of edging and smearing comfort. If you are a climber with a lower volume foot, or just a lighter climber, it is definitely worth..." go to full review

The Phantom's clean, simple and functional design makes it ideal for both sport and trad. It's light, but not super light, and is durable enough to take the knocks courtesy of its ripstop outer. Whilst it's pitched as being a harness for high end sport climbers, it's actually far more versatile, and is well suited to a broad range of climbers and activities, including both sport and trad. The fact that it's easy on the wallet makes it all the more attractive, and I can find very little fault..." go to full review

With its light weight and refined design, the Black Diamond Raven Pro is a joy to handle. Its angled, trapezoidal shaft and sculpted head give it a satisfyingly ergonomic feel, whether you're using it in walking mode or swinging it on steeper ground. While the B-rating rules it out for more demanding mountaineering, it is spot on for a one-axe day on UK winter hills or big non-technical snow peaks overseas. The lightness will also appeal to ski tourers or anyone looking to save some weight..." go to full review

I almost wish I had reviewed the Sendero's fixed leg loop sibling the Sirana, purely so I could pinch and adapt the last American president's nickname from No-drama-Obama to No-drama-Sirana. The Sendero is completely no-drama; it is well designed, comfortable, environmentally friendly, and not even particularly expensive. It just doesn't rhyme so well. 2020 has been a chaotic year in so many ways, so it's definitely been a summer to appreciate things that just do their job well, while not..." go to full review

At £150 this shoe is right at the upper end of the price scale, but after a lot of use my pair has worn well so far, so I'd say that they represent reasonable value. Where the Crawe really shine is on small edges, and thanks to their comfortable and snug fit they make an excellent pair of shoes for route climbing. They're also well-fitting and precise so they're great for all-round bouldering, although if you're looking to tick your hardest projects there are a couple of niggles that are..." go to full review

The Mastia is a good all-rounder with a varied focus, ranging from overhanging sport to bouldering on rock types which require that little bit of extra sensitivity. Out of the box the forefoot feels quite stiff, but given a bit of use the shoes soon soften up and enter their prime, which is perfect for smearing, albeit with a bit of support left over for edging. Their synthetic uppers mean that whilst they give a little, they don't give much, so don't buy them too small, and be aware that..." go to full review

Now in its seventh version, the Manta remains a benchmark mountain boot in the B2 category, and should equally appeal to mountaineers and more ambitious winter hillwalkers. This is a robust and unashamedly chunky boot, and while you'll find lighter models, and others that may cost a little less, the Manta Tech sets a high bar for build quality, all-day comfort, and all-round performance. Aside from the weight, which in any case feels less significant on the foot than in the hand, I struggle..." go to full review