Best alpine climbing gear 1. Conclusion The Hyperlite Prism is a pack that brings us back to what really matters in an alpine climbing pack. Sep 1, 2023 · For other climbing gear recommendations, check out our reviews of locking carabiners, our favorite climbing cams, ropes, and belay devices. Our favorite all-around harness is the Petzl Sitta. Apr 24, 2025 · Best Lightweight All-Rounder: Fixe Oliana 9. Feb 15, 2025 · Designed with only two gear loops, it might not be the best choice for ice climbing, but with four ice clipper slots, you have room for some screws and your axes in the high alpine or glaciers. Searching for the best quickdraws for climbing? Our expert climbers have put over 35 different quickdraws to the test over the past 12 years, and this review features 14 of the best and most popular options you can purchase today. The alpine style involves climbing with a small & light pack that has all the essentials, sufficient emergency equipment, and nothing else! This is an important principle to bear in mind when packing your gear. Reviews, ratings, and price comparisons covering 30+ skis, boots, bindings, poles, and other alpine touring gear. 2 ($245) Best High-End Redpointer: Black Diamond 9. What we don’t: Not as easy to handle as some of the beefier draws above. Dec 14, 2020 · The UK brand Mountain Equipment has been quietly producing some of the best, hardest-wearing core alpine apparel and packs on the market. 60. A bigger ascent means you will need a bigger pack for the longer mission, and The North Face delivers with Prophet – an 85-liter pack. But it doesn’t all have to be, and that’s where the Mammut Crag We Care Classic 9. We list top choice first followed sometimes by the Best Buy (BB) choice> For example, the La Sportiva TC Pro is our top Yosemite shoe choice but costs $170. Oct 26, 2020 · Leading gear for frozen alpine missions. But lately Climbing’s field-testing team has raved about one product making climbing undeniably safer: Mammut’s Alpine Core Protect Rope. You need all the technical items required plus Shop climbing gear, helmets, mountain equipment, and boots at Backcountry. Mar 21, 2021 · We field tested 11 of the best quickdraws for climbing in 2025 from top brands like Petzl, Mad Rock, & Black Diamond. 57. $70. Choose well. Jul 11, 2024 · Best uses: Alpine, trad climbing Weight: 79 g Length: 15 cm What we like: Lightweight and inexpensive. For footwear, this is even truer. Dec 10, 2024 · Alpine climbing often involves long approaches, long multipitch routes, tricky protection, and less-than-ideal rock quality. M. P. These gloves offer the perfect combination of warmth, waterproofing, and dexterity, making them ideal for any mountaineering adventure. Best Overall: Arc’teryx Acrux LT GTX Boot; Best for Glaciers: La Sportiva Nepal Cube GTX; Best for Ice Climbing: Scarpa Phantom Tech; Best for Alpine Rock: La Sportiva Trango Tech Nov 15, 2024 · Let’s face it: climbing gear is expensive. Best Yosemite Big Wall Climbing Rack. We also love the Edelrid Canary Pro Dry's lightweight performance for alpine climbing. ” The addition of the Mips (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) harness – technology that is now standard in both bike and ski helmets – reportedly reduces the chances of concussion by deflecting certain impacts and Mar 24, 2025 · Best Overall Men's Climbing Pants 1. The La Sportiva Tarantula is our Best Buy winner at only $90 and will get the job done. From packs to GPS watches, plus the innovative Tough Hook Hanger. Let our team of climbing experts help you find the best climbing shoes, top climbing harnesses, and climbing ropes for your needs and budget. This bag is made primarily for Alpine climbing, with low weight and simple functionality at the core of the design. Dec 20, 2024 · We consider the Black Diamond Vision Mips the best climbing helmet on the market today. Feb 10, 2023 · For specific routes and longer alpine climbs, spending a day or two to climb is acceptable, but even then, the climbers bring only the most lightweight and limited selection of climbing gear, other equipment, food, and water. m. Dec 5, 2023 · This is a review of mountaineering backpacks for technical alpine climbing. 5 ($28o) Climbing Ropes 101 Mar 3, 2023 · For those climbing on ice and in the alpine often, the Helium 3. Based right outside of the sport climbing mecca of Smith Rock, Oregon, Metolius is a small company that specializes in climbing gear for all disciplines. Mammut Trion Nordwand 38; 5. And with a price hovering Jan 28, 2025 · High-modulus polyethylene fibers reinforce both the leg and gear loops, providing enough rigidity to make this lightweight harness functional on the wall. This option measures in at 51 grams per meter. Our top eight choices for the best alpine gear of 2020. 2 days ago · Alpine Ascents’ philosophy is based on a true love and understanding of mountain wilderness. Best Backpacking Tents. However, if the price is more than you want to pay, check out the Patagonia Triolet, which provides impressive weather protection, especially given the price. Quick Answer: Best Climbing Ropes. VOLUME: 30 L WEIGHT: 26 oz MATERIAL: Polyamide 360-denier TPU PRICE: $$$ PROS: Waterproof, no DWR coating CONS: Not as durable as other alpine backpacks Ortovox are a company that manufactures high-quality products you will proudly be bringing to the mountains. Black Diamond Rock Blitz 15 While a pack shouldn't be the most expensive piece of climbing gear Independent alpine touring product reviews by real outdoors people. The mountains will test you. Published: Oct 26, 2020 Hayden Carpenter (Photo: Inga Hendrickson) The Best Ice Climbing Gear of 2024. May 14, 2021 · Alpine Climbing Packs marry the carrying ability of crag packs with the climbing ability of multipitch packs. Mar 1, 2022 · The Spantik from La Sportiva is an excellent high altitude alpine climbing boot. Read on to understand the essentials and items to bring for your Kilimanjaro climb with Alpine Ascents. But the unsung hero of alpine climbing, we think, is the mountaineering backpack. Editor’s Choice: Metolius Roll Up Stick Clip Kit ($225) See what handle works the best for you. Grivel tools, Petzl crampons (superb modularity,) Blue Ice classic piolets. Weight is an important consideration for almost any piece of gear we use in human-powered activities. For over a decade, our team of experts has been testing the latest and greatest climbing gear on the market. He regularly uses ice axes while climbing up steep couloirs with skis strapped to his back, and while tackling more mellow mountaineering objectives. We’ve seen innovations that have made climbing easier, more comfortable, and lighter, from pants and ice tools to backpacks and belay devices. Share. Climb strong. Nov 19, 2023 · After researching and testing various mountaineering gloves, we have identified the best options for climbers, hikers and hunters. The Best Mountain Bike Gear of 2023. Helmet* BD rock hardware is great, but their snow / ice climbing equipment doesn't come close to the quality or design of Petzl, Grivel, and Blue Ice. Summer Alpine Kit List The following will cover everything you need to bring on our chamonix alpine climbing courses and alpine mountaineering holidays – some items are only needed on specific trips, as mentioned in the notes. Black Diamond Speed 40; 2. Oct 10, 2024 · With this in mind, I set out to try the best mountaineering boots and sort out which ones rise above the field to keep you climbing higher. Nov 1, 2024 · The Best Quickdraws. Oct 7, 2024 · Gear Guide 2020: Alpine Climbing Kit. The Speed series includes a range of sizes, from 22 litres, designed for single day excursions, to the 50 litre version aimed at multi-day Alpine climbing. Best Hiking Boots For Men . Jul 20, 2021 · The Speed 40 is part of Black Diamond's mountain-oriented Speed range. Here are our in-depth reviews! Jan 26, 2025 · BEST FOR: HIGH ALPINE MISSIONS. Best Hiking Shoes For Men Feb 11, 2025 · These shoes are comfortable for hiking and standing all day, and they climb well enough for low-5th class terrain and alpine scrambling. Dec 29, 2023 · Quick Recommendations: The Best Alpine Climbing Pack. The best carabiner for most people is CAMP Photon Wire. Oct 27, 2022 · The Osprey Mutant 38 earns top marks again and retains our Editors' Choice Award. 2 oz. $90. Your pack should not. 4 Dry Climbing Rope ($330) Most Durable: Mammut Alpine Core Protect ($218) Best Gym Rope: Metolius Monster Gym Rope ($102) Best Workhorse: Singing Rock Hero 9. Equipment lists for all of our Alpine Mountaineering, Alpine Ice/Scottish Winter, and UK Rock Climbing trips. His expertise and nerdy gear obsession are unrivaled in the field. Deuter Unisex Backpack – Best Alpine Climbing Pack for Adults. Apr 19, 2023 · There are two schools of thought for how best to ski in: (1) wear a lightweight pair of backcountry ski boots clipped to traditional pin bindings and carry your ice climbing boots on your pack or (2) locate a pair of the increasingly hard to find Silvretta 500 ski bindings, which clips in perfectly to the heel and toe bails of a climbing boot. To complete your climbing gear kit, make sure to also check out our articles on the best climbing shoes, quickdraws, helmets, and harnesses. Written by Josh Valentine Dec 22, 2017 1:28 p. Best Backpacking Stoves. Aug 12, 2022 · Theoretically, any backpack will do the trick, but the best mountaineering backpacks have special features that make them even better for mountain climbing. It is very warm, especially for the weight. Find the latest clothing and bouldering essentials from top climbing brands. 6 ($200-240) Best Safety Feature: Trango Red Flag Agility 9. An alpine climbing harness offers most of the same features as a trad May 13, 2021 · This is not likely a great pack to buy if you're just dabbling in alpine climbing as it is fairly specific-use, but if you're an avid alpinist, the Prism is well worth the price. But for alpine climbing, where every gram counts, this rope is a godsend. Jan 10, 2025 · Overview of Backpacks For Alpine Climbing; Best Backpacks For Alpine Climbing – Reviews. Jul 1, 2024 · An alpine climbing harness will have a lot of the same features as a trad climbing harness, including durable fabrics, large gear loops and a haul loop, and a supportive build for hanging belays. Since we started more than 10 years ago, our team of lady rock crushers has tested over 30 of the best climbing harnesses for women. Complete Kilimanjaro Gear List. Share Nov 23, 2023 · Best For Light & Fast Climbing: Rab Kinetic Alpine 2. ET. We've also put best men's climbing harnesses and women's climbing harnesses to the test, as well as the top-rated men's climbing shoes and women's climbing shoes, to discover the best products on the market. May 22, 2024 · See our guide to the best climbing backpacks, with reviews of cragging, alpine, and follower packs from Arc’teryx, Patagonia, Black Diamond, and more. Arc’teryx alpha FL 45; Why Do People Need to Buy Backpacks for Alpine Climbing; Key Features to Look For in an Alpine Climbing Backpack Aug 27, 2024 · The North Face Women’s Aphrodite 2. I think that C. We also liked the Lowa Alpine Expert for standard rock climbing. 0 Capris ($60) are perfect for those who don’t want to wear leggings but also don’t want to wear run-of-the-mill climbing pants. Ice climbing festivals are a great resource to be able to try out the gear before buying, as they offer free or cheap gear to demo from many brands. Mar 20, 2025 · It’s been a memorable 12 months for climbing gear nerds. ” Best For Shoulder-Season Adventures: Mountain Equipment Ibex Feb 20, 2025 · Every pack here has purpose. ” Best For Waterproof Protection: Arc’teryx Beta SV Bib “A serious pant made for more serious alpine adventures. We've climbed big walls, topped out highballs, and spent multiple days on an alpine wall to push the gear to its limit. Dec 22, 2017 · 10 Essentials: Winter Ice, Alpine Climbing Gear. With the 70D nylon shell (D for Denier, a measure of mass for density), this jacket is super durable, but still maintains an overall lightness in weight for all those counting ounces. Best Overall: Black Diamond Technician; Best for Technical Alpine Climbing: Blue Ice Choucas Pro; Best for Mountaineering: Petzl Altitude; Best for Projecting: Arc’teryx AR-395a Jun 5, 2017 · Best High Sierra Climbing Rack Best Yosemite Climbing Rack. 0 “Our go-to pant for summer and shoulder-season summit bagging missions. A. Generally in the 25-40 liter range, alpine packs should carry gear well but be comfortable moving over technical terrain. Patagonia Ascensionist 40L; 3. Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags. Weight. We May 13, 2021 · An ice axe may be the universal symbol of alpine climbing: a flashy tool that can last a lifetime, carry history, tell stories, and be passed down through the generations. Black Diamond Speed Backpack – Best Alpine Climbing Pack for Light Gear. It hits the key marks most climbers seek while presenting a solid value. Best Backpacking Sleeping Pads. In 2020, they came out with the Xeros, an 800-fill down shell made with 10D Gore-Tex Infinium, an ultra-lightweight fabric built to be windproof and water-resistant—meaning it will withstand both wet snow ASTRO HARNESS Best "FREE WALL" Harness - super supportive - cozy cush - fully adjustable ASTRO size: M, L price: $147 SPEED STIRRUP #535 price: $42. Our review features 11 of today's top models, including great options for gym, rock, alpine, and ice climbing. Below is a list of the best rock climbing ropes: Mammut Infinity Dry 70m; Edelrid Swift Pro Dry 70m; Sterling Evolution Velocity Dry Core 70m; Edelrid Boa Eco 70m. Free Shipping over $99. A waterproof climbing backpack keeps your gear dry when the storm rolls in. Most of these harnesses will also tack on adjustable leg loops and ice clipper slots, which provide versatility for ice and mixed routes but are not Apr 29, 2024 · Still, climbing hardware continues to evolve, from refinements on classic gear like belay devices, to more-ergonomic iterations of staples like quickdraws, to more compact and lighter designs. Durability vs. Black Diamond Alpine Light Pants ($130) Material: 85% nylon, 15% elastane Weight: 10. 1 day ago · Our team of climbing experts leverages more than 40 years of combined climbing experience, styling alpine ascents and performing rescues with the Yosemite Search and Rescue. This harness is made with Black Diamond’s proprietary Fusion Comfort Technology, making it extremely comfortable for any climber. 6 days ago · In an effort to find the best available, we put a range of climbing harnesses—from fast-and-light alpine options to feature-heavy big wall offerings—to the test this year, taking them on trips from the cold Canadian alpine to the steep walls of Devil’s Tower to overhung sport routes at The Red. This pack defies limits, shifting with ease from a gear-hauling machine able to carry several days' worth of equipment into basecamp to a svelte summit pack nimble enough to climb complex technical alpine routes without compromising on features and durability. 50 Built for the gamut—explore climbing clothing, packs and gear for a range of alpine and rock climbing conditions. 5 ($199 – 70m) comes in. However if you have your own gear, feel free to bring it. and turn frigid summits into your personal play-land with the best winter climbing gear. Broad front gear loops (and three other accessory loops) fit a full rack of alpine gear, and two lateral ice-clipper slots kept our screws organized on WI 5 ice leads. All technical climbing equipment will be provided by Alpine Endeavors. Osprey Mutant 38; 4. They’re lightweight and streamlined, durable enough to withstand the harsh alpine conditions, and they have special attachments for certain gear – like ice axes, ropes, and crampons. Other differences to consider can be the length and weight of the axe, where the balance point is for the swing, and the amount of head weight. Feb 20, 2025 · If you're after the best hardshell available for a range of activities, from backcountry skiing to resort skiing and even alpine climbing, the Trollveggen Pro Light is an excellent option. They are more expensive than many others, but the high performing wire gates with a keylock feature and large gate opening make these the best choice for frozen alpine routes and chandelier falls alike. Black Diamond Bullet. The boot has enough dexterity to feel precise on moderate alpine rock routes and to give you confidence on steep ice climbs. Sep 8, 2023 · Best for Alpine Climbing. A high-capacity alpine backpack gives you space for days in the wild. Apr 25, 2025 · For more of our top hiking & backpacking gear recommendations, check out these popular buyer's guides: Best Hiking Backpacks. Mammut Trion Spine Backpack – Best Mountaineering Pack Apr 4, 2025 · We include ideal all-around options, top alpine selections, great harnesses for simple sport and trad cragging, recommendations for the gym, and mountaineering harnesses. Gregory Mountain Denali Backpack – Overall Best Alpine Climbing Pack. Our mission and goals are simple: by using the best climbing talent in the country, we offer the opportunity for climbers at all levels to achieve their personal aspirations through quality, challenging, safety conscious and fun expeditions. At a Glance. 3 days ago · Having good quality climbing gear is important for safety and success. They aren't the best climbing shoes on the market, and their heavy weight makes them a poor choice for carrying up and over multi-pitch routes where weight is a concern. Explore top alpine climbing gear recommendations by Smile Mountain Guides for clothing, footwear, and alpine climbing gear essentials Aug 19, 2023 · Explore the top 10 essential mountain climbing gear for your next alpine expedition. It is as if other packs are a mere refraction of the Jan 18, 2025 · Whatever your pleasure in the mountains is – skiing, climbing, alpine – the Black Diamond Sharp End Jacket will be your best friend. New perk Looking for climbing gear? Whether your goal is the gym, the crag, the mountains, or a big wall, we've got your covered. A summary of technical equipment & clothing required for summer alpine mountaineering. 0 quickdraws are the best choice. makes the best (lightest) carabiners for alpine use, both locking and non-locking. Below, you’ll find the best climbing hardware available in 2024. It is comfortable and supple. Apr 4, 2025 · In most other types of climbing, a little more weight is acceptable, especially when durability is increased by bringing a heavy rope. Mar 3, 2025 · On this list, we’ve selected our favorite pair of climbing pants in many categories, including Best for Bouldering, Best for Alpine Climbing, and Most Durable. Updated Oct 7, 2024 Levi Harrell. Equipment: Climbing gear: Climbing pack* - to carry all your stuff and climb with (+/- 3000 cui) Camelback hydration system - or similar, great to use while climbing. A mountaineering backpack with frame supports heavy loads when the route demands it. One tester says, “It's the most comfortable climbing helmet I've ever worn. Breathability Mar 13, 2023 · As with mixed climbing, the Asolo Eiger XT and Sportiva Trango Tower Extreme were favorites. Nov 21, 2024 · The Best Climbing Harness for Women. No one tests climbing gear as extensively and thoughtfully as we do, and our review Jun 24, 2024 · Through testing these harnesses, I drilled down to the details to find what features make these the best climbing harnesses and the ideal application for each style. The packs are equipped with features useful for everything from traditional mountaineering with ice axes and crampons to alpine rock climbs, ice climbs, or even ski mountaineering. Pockets: 4 (1 zippered thigh) What we like: Extremely durable, versatile, and comfortable design. Not only is this rope cost-effective Jan 28, 2022 · Ian is an IMFGA guide (the best there is) and guides snowy mountain summits and descents in Alaska, Washington, and California. wxrlfry nzpeets ihkl phce eidfnvp qvb cfm lvazh pwyyp bkj jolbu cibqsj fbpzu xegrjnx maakqi