climbing gear guides
We test and obsessively research climbing equipment, climbing shoes, and apparel so that you buy right the first time.
We want you to buy climbing gear right the first time—so you stay safe and they won't go to a landfill or hog up space in your garage.
We're dedicated to making an inclusive outdoor space where everyone—regardless of whether you climb in the gym, boulder, sport, trad, big wall, or mountaineer—can make smart climbing gear decisions.
Buy less junk. Help the planet. Climbing for everyone.
We test climbing chalk bags to find the best for climbers. From gym climbing, to alpine climbing and multi-pitch routes to chalk buckets for bouldering, we find chalk bags for all kinds of climbing.
We spent 4 years testing 24 of the most popular synthetic insulated jackets and tested the top models for months in conditions as diverse as mountains in Arizona to snow storms near Bend, Oregon to walking a toddler in Portland. We considered models by Patagonia, Arc’teryx, L.L.Bean, Mountain Hardwear, Rab, Outdoor Research, The North Face, and Montbell.
We reviewed 44 down jackets to find the 7 best puffy jackets for most outdoor activities: hiking, camping, backpacking—ultralight to extreme cold.
A softshell is perfect for when the wind is ripping or there’s enough of a chance of light rain or snow that you still want some protection from the elements.
We test approach shoes for scrambling to your climbing spot considering grip, traction, sticky rubber, packability, lightweight, and support and comfort for long hikes and gear hauls.
Our favorite choices for the best climbing quickdraws. We’ve tested the best options for beginners, lead climbers, sport climbing, alpine climbing, trad climbing, and more. Learn what to look for before you buy.
From rope tarps to crag bags and climbing packs, we test the best climbing rope bags for carrying your climbing rope and keeping it clean and unknotted.
Looking for your first pair of rock climbing shoes? We tested 30 top-rated climbing shoes in the gym, crag, and bouldering to find the best rock climbing shoes for beginners and mid-level climbers, with winners from La Sportiva, Five Ten, Black Diamond and Evolv
We test top-rated climbing ropes to find the best climbing ropes for most climbers, from gym to alpine climbing, to workhorse ropes that work with belay devices.
Discover the top contenders for the best climbing chalk! We've researched and tested the leading brands to help you make an informed choice.
We test climbing belay devices for all types of climbing. Find out how to pick the right one, use it safely, and keep it in top condition for your climbing trips.