UK Climbing

The Oxi QC shines in a variety of climbing styles - particularly for sport climbing, indoor climbing and bouldering, for which they've proved an excellent all-round performance shoe. They'll also work on trad if the sizing isn't too tight, though they would not be my first choice for long easy routes. I particularly rate the heel!go to full review

In conclusion, the Five Ten Gambit is a narrow-fitting, comfy, well made, semi-technical rock shoe. Performance is good, but erring more towards support than sensitivity, so I would say they are ideal for a middle to low grade climber - anyone who doesn't need the ultimate performance and crippling pain associated with super technical shoes. That said I'm sure that on the feet of the talented they could climb very hard indeed. Irrespective of the grade, they would also be a good option for..." go to full review

The latest SIROCCO is very light, looks good and fits well - a major improvement in appearance compared to the original giant tangerine. And thanks to its hybrid construction there's been a welcome reduction in overall size too. I wouldn't want to stand on it or drop a heavy bag on it, but despite appearances it has proved solid and durable. Whilst using the SIROCCO for trad and sport throughout the UK I've hardly noticed that it's on my head. If you're looking for a helmet that's light,..." go to full review

In conclusion, the Edelrid Gambit is a very comfortable and compact harness. Weighing just 340g (+/- a bit, depending on the size) it is one of the lightest fully featured, fully adjustable harnesses on the market. Although the gear loops are positioned slightly further back than I would ideally like, and the excess webbing doesn't always stay put, I am yet to fail on a route because of these things. With an RRP of £130 it has the added bonus of making your wallet substantially lighter too...." go to full review

With the Orion, Climbing Technology may not be doing anything that we haven't seen before, but their verison of the now-standard EPS helmet is certainly a good one. Lightweight and well built, this eye-catching model suits any use from mountain rock and scrambles, through trad days to sport climbing. Though it might prove a bit bulky for use with a winter shell, its copious ventilation makes it a cool and airy choice for summer. As with any helmet, it's wise to try this on for size before..." go to full review

So first off, it’s worth making clear that the GRIGRI+ isn’t a direct replacement for the GRIGRI 2, as both will be available side by side in shops - it’s just that the GRIGRI+ has a number of features that set it apart. Realistically it’s unlikely that many GRIGRI 2 owners will flock out to buy the GRIGRI+, but if you’re an owner of the original GRIGRI (like me) and haven’t yet upgraded, trying out the GRIGRI+ may make you think twice; however, there’s definitely a few things that might be..." go to full review

OK, there's not a lot to it. But it's light, it offers loads of grip for secure belaying, and it works smoothly on a wide range of rope diameters... what's not to like? If you're after a simple, effective and versatile belay device - and if you don't require the option of a guide plate mode - then the Mantis has to be one of the best choices currently available. I take mine everywhere.go to full review

At £125 the DMM Raptor is not a budget option, but its price is roughly on a par with similar models from other well regarded brands. Since this is an axe that's built to last, you're going to get years of service for your money. Its relatively high weight may be a little off-putting on paper, but in use it reflects its general sturdiness, and the T-rating that makes it suitable for use in belays. A refined design makes this a superb all-rounder, with plenty of technical juice in the tank..." go to full review

There may be nothing remarkable about it, but the Grivel Salamander 2.0 is a good solid, well built helmet at a very fair price. As it is available in only one size, and a large one at that, it is best suited to those with larger heads. The strapping adjustment system has simplicity in its favour, and while it does not suit everyone, I've personally found it comfortable and effective. The key message here is to try it on before you buy it.

With its effective headtorch clips and tough..." go to full review

The big advantage of the Eddy is revealed when you start to use it. Somehow, the device seems to recognise the difference between a fall and an energetic payout of rope - it locks cleanly during the former whilst allowing the rope to pull through unhindered for the latter. The device locks when you apply force through the brake-hand on the dead end, when you are feeding rope through, the lack of braking force allows the device to remain open. A proper sharp tug will lock the device even if..." go to full review