UK Climbing
The PICCHU is notably heavier than some kids' helmets, but its robustness and its double rating (for both climbing and cycling) are big plus points.go to full review
The OUISTITI seems less inclined to get twisted than some full-body harnesses - or even some adult harnesses come to that. If it comes out of your bag tangled, just grab the rear tie-in loop, give it a shake and it falls into shape. Putting it on is intuitive enough that it can be done unsupervised - it'd be pretty difficult to don incorrectly.go to full review
In a nutshell the SITTA is a lightweight fixed leg loop harness designed primarily for mountain and big route use. It has four gear loops and a small rear haul loop; two attachment points for ice screw clippers; a reinforced belay loop (reassuringly there has been no weight saving here - thanks Petzl!); elasticated leg loops and an exceedingly comfortable waist belt secured by a single speed buckle.go to full review
Overall the Scarpa Maestro is an excellent all-rounder which gives more performance than you might expect from a flat shoe, and particularly from a jack of all trades. Whilst the Maestro is comfortable to wear initially, I have experienced some discomfort when wearing it for longer routes due to the softness and lack of support. If you're looking for a flat shoe that will enable you to edge, smear and heel hook effectively without wrecking your feet, I would highly recommend the Maestro; but..." go to full review
The Cobras are great ropes, especially if like myself you're looking for a rope that will last and be up to many different days out across the disciplines. I am totally sold on the UNICORE construction, especially for stuff like sea cliff climbing where the chance of cutting through the sheath while abseiling into a crag is something you need to consider. They handle well and over the last few months have withstood repeated days out on rock and snow. The Cobras sell at £121 for 50m and £145..." go to full review
In recent years Scarpa seem to have hit some sort of magic formula, creating a whole host of rock boots that have swiftly become classics of their genre - the Helix, the Vapour and the Instinct being three particularly notable examples. This formula doesn't actually occur by magic though, it is a result of gettng the right fit, the right design, the right features and then melding them into a single package that feels, well, right.go to full review
Tough, protective, comfy and well fitting, the BOREO is great value at £55. With head coverage that comes low at the sides and rear, and an impact absorbing lining right down to the rim, the amount of protection on offer inspires confidence. It's neither the lightest nor the coolest of Petzl's helmets, but while it's not the best choice for hotter weather, or fast-and-light purists, it makes up for this with durability. If you're dishing out abuse, the BOREO can take it. For me this makes it..." go to full review
Overall the Anasazi Pro has transformed the classic version in to a more bouldering, indoor and performance oriented shoe through the addition of toe rubber and a tighter heel. It is certainly a different beast to the classic jack-of-all-trades Anasazi, and Five Ten have achieved the first-class competition shoe that they set out to make. It is excellent at edging, smearing, toe and heel hooking and so if you're looking for those qualities in a bouldering, competition or route climbing shoe..." go to full review
The Petzl ADJAMA is a very comfy, well-featured climbing harness. Covering all your needs in one model, it firmly sits in the jack-of-all-trades category. Petzl's years of experience in harness design really shine through and there are no minor design flaws or annoying niggles here. It would be the perfect harness for the UK based all round climber, capable of doing everything from alpinism and Scottish winter to multi pitch mountain trad and even big walling; but it's probably best suited..." go to full review
The Edelrid Skimmers are as about as specialised as ropes get. They aren't really aimed at British trad, and are certainly not a beginner's rope. However, take them to the big mountains and they would shine, their lightness making them perfect for the weight conscious user with the experience to know exactly what they're buying into. Their rating as both half ropes and twin ropes gives them versatility in a number of settings: Alpine ice and mixed; multi pitch sport routes with an abseil..." go to full review