CATEGORIES
CATEGORIESBefore you venture to a land of rope and rock, sweat and stone, find your bearings in the climbing gym. As you hunt for your first handholds, let this buyer’s guide serve as your roadmap.
The Tarantula was designed with new climbers in mind. It’s built to be comfortable across a variety of climbing styles and terrains. From slabs to overhangs to plastic and outdoor rock, the asymmetrical shape and 5mm FriXion rubber deliver the durability and performance new climbers need as they explore different types of climbing.
Key Attribute: Versatility
Best For: Whatever style your heart desires. This shoe can go anywhere.
With an aggressive downturned angle along with soft, supple and wildly sticky Stealth HF rubber, your steep projects get completed. The Team Shoe is minimalist with a thinner rubber sole for better response, fitted with a single hook-and-loop fastener; Team Shoe increases control compared to clunkier shoes costing about the same.
Key Attribute: Edge-sticking power
Best For: Micro feet and overhanging walls.
Substituting Vectran for traditional webbing, Black Diamond’s Kinetic Core Construction is why Ozone stays thin, light and oh-so comfortable. With an abrasion resistant shell and soft 3d mesh interior, it holds up while remaining pleasant to wear.
Key Attribute: Minimalist fit, durability
Best for: Rope guns and Hang dogs alike
Petzl’s standard for sport climbers, Sama straps in all-star performance and comfort to boot. Built with ENDOFRAME technology, Sama promises to distribute weight evenly, mitigating pressure points should you fall or remain suspended to work out a problem. A unique leg loop equipped with an elastic band provides perfect fit and greater movement.
Key Attribute: Comfort
Best For: All-around sport climbing and top roping
In braking assisted devices, GriGri 2 is the Kleenex of climbing. It’s ubiquitous in sport climbing crags for good reason; it works. Accommodating ropes from 8.9 to 11mm, GriGri 2 possesses super smooth action when feeding lead climbers slack. Likewise, lowering is simple and smooth. If you’re dealing with single pitch rope drag, this is the one.
Key Attribute: Reliability
Best For: Sport climbing, hang dogging, top roping
An upgrade from Old School tube style belay devices, the ATC-Guide contains far more than its tiny size suggests. For starters, ATC offers two friction modes based upon how much weight is suspended at rope’s end. The auto-blocking mode allows climbers to belay directly off the anchors while climbing multi-pitch. It’s light, durable and functions as a full service belay device in all scenarios.
Key Attribute: Versatility
Best for: Light and fast multi pitch
Made from recycled polyester micro twill, the Prana Mojo short’s a mainstay for those braving the heat. They’re soft, ultra comfortable and feature an elastic waistband prevent slipping down on the sweatiest days. Two front and one rear pocket travel well when you’re not climbing. Colors suit your style and quick drying is guaranteed.
Key Attribute: Comfort
Best For: Bouldering and sport climbing when the sun is out
For picky climbers, Rampart offers more coverage without sacrificing range of motion. The gusseted crotch and all-way stretch give the wearer an uncommon sense of freedom rarely found in below-the-knee styles. Plenty of colors and pocket capacity mean easy access to essentials whether starting a long approach or cruxing on a hard pitch.
Key Attribute: Coverage
Best For: Climbers who want knee protection for scrappy pitches.
Here’s the pick for climbers seeking a performance short. Made from TerraTex nylon and spandex for stretch (and complete with thoughtful articulation and gusseted crotch), Parapet dodges snags and sticks. Fast drying means comfort on hot days while four, easy access pockets stand at the ready.
Key Attribute: Movement
Best for: Bouldering and hiking
Many woman-specific shorts might as well be 1) pants or 2) underwear. The happy medium is Patagonia’s Quandary. The nylon/spandex blend has 40-UPF sun protection and feels cool to the skin on scorching days. Sporting a five-inch inseam, Quandary hovers at the convergence of comfort and modesty.
Key Attribute: Fit
Best for: Summer hiking and climbing
Some performance shirts look more marathon than multi-pitch. Avoid looking teched to the neck with the time-tested, Merino wool Icebreaker. Naturally odor-resistant, the shirt keeps you clean, comfortable and confident even in cramped, sweaty gyms.
Key Attribute: Fabric performance
Best for: Smelling nice in spite of conditions
There’s no substitute for a soft tank and Poler knows it. Their Rainbow Tank is simply a great looking, 100% cotton top for guys out for style points. No patented secrets here; Rainbow Tank pulls on good ol’ fashioned sleeveless comfort along with a touch of color.
Key Attribute: Style
Best for: Bouldering and turning heads
With a built-in bra, Crossback Tank is a flattering piece for the gym. Supplex Nylon construction provides excellent mobility as the crossed back keeps straps securely in place. Take note; there’s a small zippered pocket on the back for valuables.
Key Attribute: Form fit
Best For: Staying cool without losing your shirt
Luca is a top performer in woman’s tanks. Built with a loose fit, wearers find welcome breathing room. A relaxed fit is complemented by fast drying, soft polyester. Racerback construction keeps fabric off both back and shoulder blades. Three colors stand apart without being audacious.
Key Attribute: Relaxed fit
Best For: Climbers who aren’t looking to be wrapped up
All chalks accomplish a similar job in drying sweaty hands. Some simply accomplish the task faster and more completely. White Gold contains no added drying agent, instead relying on a 100% pure magnesium carbonate. Moisture sucks and so does this bomber chalk (in a good way).
Key Attribute: Drying without additives
Best For: Sweaty hands
The chalk bucket is indispensable as a bouldering accessory. Exhibit A: the Edge Chalk Bucket. Four brush holders and a large Velcro pocket organize your skin kit, tape, nail clippers, glue and idiosyncratic accessories. Nothing goes missing and Edge has a wide base to prevent spilling. The plush liner plus a durable exterior and handle make for easy toting from problem to problem.
Key Attribute: Organization
Best For: Bouldering
