UK Climbing

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

The Drago LV is hands-down my favourite shoe for climbing indoors. Even so, I'm tempted to keep them for my hardest bouldering projects outside because they are just so good for that too. However you've got to be a bit selective about what you use them for, as they definitely have a style of climbing that suits them best (soft and sensitive, as opposed to edgy and supportive). The fact they're comfortable, but still deliver a high level of performance, is also something I really like, as is..." go to full review

At £145 the Booster is the most expensive shoe in Scarpa's rock shoe range (with the exception of the highly specialist Maestro Alpine, that comes in at £220). As a result of this, and that differences between it and the others within the range are subtle, it might make people cynical about investing in it; however, what I'd always suggest to such cynics (myself included) is to try them all on and see which one works best for you. Whilst it is subtle, the Booster does provide a degree of..." go to full review

After an uncertain start I have been very impressed with the Edelrid Swift Protect Pro Dry. Its increased cut resistance increases my safety margin when mountaineering with two clients, for only a nominal weight gain. This together with it being easy to hold in the hand makes it my go to rope for mountaineering. I think the rope will be of particular interest to guides and instructors, but this would also be my rope of choice when climbing with friends on gnarly alpine routes. When it wears..." go to full review