The Best Climbing Gear of 2019
Go up, up, and away with a light harness, a versatile shoe, and more.
Climbing Gear
Compare the latest climbing gear with expert advice from Backpacker’s climbing gear reviews. Our gear experts test the best harnesses, ropes, helmuts, slings, cams, and more to help you choose the best gear for your next rock climbing trip.
The Best Ice Climbing Gear of 2024
Six testers tried 75 bomber products, and these were the ones that rose above the rest
Latest in Climbing Gear
The Ultimate Mountaineering Kit
Steep slopes and snow make for fun—but hazardous—terrain. Bring the right gear to get to the summit and back.
The Best Gear for Canyoneering
If you’ve experienced one slot, odds are good you’ll be back for more. Use these picks from Steve Howe, owner of Redrock Adventure Guides in Torrey, Utah, to stay safe and mobile in the Southwest’s iconic canyons.
The Best Climbing Gear of 2018
Get high with the best gear for going vertical.
Scarpa Force V
Do-it-all shoe
Black Diamond Solution
Versatile harness
Petzl Grigri+
Belay device
Mammut Wall Rider
Hybrid helmet
Black Diamond ATC-Guide Belay Device
We liked this standard tube-style belay device's auto-blocking mode.
Petzl Contact 9.8 Climbing Rope
This climbing rope offers top-notch durability, handling, and versatility.
La Sportiva Jeckyl VS Rock Shoe
This durable rock shoe is comfortable all day long.
CAMP Energy Harness
It’s the perfect entry-level climbing harness.
Black Diamond Vector Helmet
This helmet is so lightweight and sleek you’ll actually want to wear it.
Edelrid Python TouchTec 10mm Climbing Rope
This classic, durable rope now has an added safety feature, which will help prevent accidents and teach good climbing practices.
Gear Guide 2013: Climbing Gear
Crag-tested picks from the editors of Climbing magazine
Gear Review: Stonelick BLU Crashpad
Don't break the bank or yourself with this affordable crashpad from Stonelick.
Gear Review: Scarpa Force X Rock Climbing Shoe
Stay comfortable without sacrificing performance with the Scarpa Force X Rock Shoe.
Gear Review: Black Diamond Equipment Vapor Helmet
Stay protected without being weighed down wearing this ultralight helmet from Black Diamond Equipment.
Gear Review: Mammut 10.0 Sensor Rope
Feel secure with this Mammut rope with built-in safety features.
Gear Review: Petzl Lynx Crampon
Crampons that switch between automatic and semi-automatic, for all boots and situations.
Gear Review: Climb X High Mountain Axe
A high-performance axe for an unbeatable price.
Gear Review: Mammut El Cap Helmet
An hip and multifunctional helmet for all uses.
Gear Review: Black Diamond Aspect Harness
The Aspect will take you anywhere a harness needs to go.
Gear Guide 2012: Climbing Equipment
A lightweight, crag-tested collection for new climbers
Gear Guide 2012: Scarpa Reflex Climbing Shoes
A shoe that easily transitions from gym to sport climbing to bouldering to multipitch routes.
Gear Guide 2012: Trango Smooth Quickdraws Carabiner
Big and beefy carabiners
Gear Guide 2012: Metolius Climbing Safe Tech Comp Harness
A harness that's great for both beginners and experts
Gear Guide 2012: Petzl Xion 10.1 Climbing Rope
Deemed a 'go-to workhorse rope' by the editors of Climbing Magazine
Editors' Picks with Climbing Gear Editor Julie Ellison
Climbing's gear editor weighs in on her favorite harness and ice axe.
Gear Review: Austri Alpin SI-KO FX Ice Climbing Screw
These screws cost half as much as comparable models but still grind into bulletproof ice with ease.
Gear Review: Black Diamond Sabretooth Crampons
These stainless steel crampons are perfect for all your winter climbing needs.
Gear Review: Cassin X-All Mountain Ice Climbing Tool
A all-mountain tool that truly lives up to its name.
Gear Review: Petzl Crevasse Rescue Kit
Check out Shannon Davis, Julie Ellison, Dougald Macdonald's author page.
Gear Review: CAMP XLC Crampons
The all-aluminum XLC is about half the weight of comparable steel spikes
Gear Review: Black Diamond Half Dome
Check out Shannon Davis, Julie Ellison, Dougald Macdonald's author page.
Gear Review: Black Diamond Contact Crampons
Stainless steel crampons that bite into ice and repel slushy buildup.
Gear Review: Mammut Smart Alpine Belay Device
A versatile belay device that works with single, double, and some twin ropes. It also offers active braking support.
Gear Review: Black Diamond Couloir Harness
Stay comfortable and safe with this easy on and off harness.
Gear Review: Metolius Full Strength Mini Carabiner
The lightest carabiner
Gear Review: Petzl Summit Ice Axe
Gross a glacier or handle snow travel on big peaks with this versatile mountaineering axe.
Gear School: Crampons
Traverse snow and ice safely with the right set of points.
Gear Review: Head Sweats Alpine Reversible Beanie
Get sweaty and stay warm–this is the ideal hat for cold weather climbing.
Fighting Death on Mt. Foraker
Stunned by the loss of his friends, a stranded climber struggles down one of Alaska's toughest peaks.
Lightweight Climbing Gear
With a light climbing rope, shoes, and harness, you'll be packed and ready to hit the rock in no time.
Next Level: Survive an Emergency Rappel
Learn the Dülfersitz rappel and safely lower yourself off of a steep pitch with only a rope.
Mountains: The World At Your Feet
High above the trees you'll find the hike of your dreams: a ridgeline trail where your only companion is an occasional mountain goat.
Approach Shoes Instead Of Hiking Boots?
Consider these points when deciding if an approach shoe is right for you.
'Biner Basics
If I had to pick, I'd take a carabiner instead of a pocketknife when I hike.