UK Climbing

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

The new iteration of this classic is a worthy successor to the original Testarossa, and a useful 'all round' rock shoe, particularly on routes. The fit is superb, especially considering the last is slightly too wide for my foot. This excellent fit owes a great deal to the attention that La Sportiva have given to distributing pressure evenly around the shoe, helped by the new, studier heel design. Whilst I would have enjoyed a more sensitive heel to really feel what I'm pulling on, I..." go to full review

The Vision MIPS is a fantastic helmet that is appropriate for any sort of climbing thanks to its combination of low weight and relative durability. Its lightweight composite construction helps provide excellent protection, while the MIPS insert is a great addition providing further protection against rotational forces that impact the helmet. All of this does come at a price however, and at £150 for the MIPS version, this is very much a premium helmet. Interestingly there is only one colour..." go to full review

The Ace are a breath of fresh air as far as supportive shoes are concerned, insofar as they appear to be a dying breed, despite the fact that this is what the vast majority of British Trad climbers are likely in need of. The rubber toe patch, coupled with their flat last, makes them an ideal crack climbing shoe. The only issue is that their fit is definitely quite unique, with a very central point that will suit some, but not others. In light of this it's very much one to try before you buy..." go to full review

At £150 this isn't a cheap harness, but within the category of extremely lightweight, high performance harnesses the airNET sits proud in its place at the top, not just in terms of price, but in terms of its actual weight, its comfort, durability and features. Whilst I didn't use it in any Comps myself, I can see the airNET being used as my standard sport climbing harness for many years to come. Yes, it isn't for everyone, but it doesn't pretend to be either - it's designed to be the..." go to full review

Tough, capable and relatively light, the Beast is well worth a look if you're in the market for some all-round technical crampons for ice and mixed climbing, alpine days or Scottish winter. It's broadly comparable to popular models from brands with more of a presence in the UK crampon market, but the Beast is arguably more than averagely versatile, offering not only twin and monopoint, but also three different front bindings for the price of just one pair of crampons. They've been my crampon..." go to full review

In conclusion the Mont Blanc Pros are hard to fault. They are warm, waterproof, and - assuming they fit - very comfortable. The boots are very well made, from durable materials, which should last many years. I would recommend them to any climber or mountaineer, looking for a solid boot that can be used from winter hill walking, to technical ice and mixed climbing.go to full review

Black Diamond have taken the old C4s and improved the overall unit again. This time the most noticeable steps forward have been in weight saving, and the addition of the very innovative trigger keeper on the larger units. The solid feel and build quality has been maintained, so long term users of the C4s will probably like this new version too. Aside from the small but significant upgrades, the C4 is recognisably still a Camalot... well if it ain't broke, don't fix it! The new C4s range from..." go to full review