Scarpa Phantom Tech (New Version)
All the things that made the Phantom Tech’s ancestor a favorite among ice and mixed climbers remain, while the improvements to the new version elevate it to new levels of technical mastery.
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Black Diamond Technician
MSRP: $135 The Technician is one of four new approach shoes launched from Black Diamond last year, designed for hammering out short approaches. Black Diamond designed it not as your all-day trudging boot, but … Continue reading "Black Diamond Technician" -
Five Ten Aleon
MSRP: $190 The new Five Ten Aleons want you to climb harder. How could you not?—you’re wearing a shoe designed by Swiss boulderer Fred Nicole, a legend with more double-digit bouldering FAs than anyone … Continue reading "Five Ten Aleon" -
Ocun Jett QC
MSRP: $99 Striking a balance between all-day comfort and high performance, the Czech Republic-based climbing brand, Ocun, has designed a shoe to rival even the most popular of the top-end crushers. My first pitches … Continue reading "Ocun Jett QC" -
Evolv Kronos
MSRP: $130 Flat. Yup. I like that. Been there, done that with shoes that hurt. This wearer is into soft, comfortable shoes, and not into having to keep taking them off, say, between problems … Continue reading "Evolv Kronos" -
Somewear Global Hotspot
MSRP: $350 BEST FOR: Backcountry travel There used to be two good reasons not to carry two-way satellite communicators in the backcountry—the darn things were heavy and expensive. But like all technology, these emergency … Continue reading "Somewear Global Hotspot" -
Black Diamond Distance 8L Pack
MSRP: $139.95 BEST FOR: Long-haul trail running, scrambling, light-and-fast alpine ascents If you’re a seeker of Type 2 fun, chances are you’ve dreamed up some pretty wild mountain missions with lots of trail … Continue reading "Black Diamond Distance 8L Pack" -
La Sportiva Skwama
MSRP: $170 La Sportiva’s Solution has long been a favorite for hard climbers seeking a pulling and hooking machine for their projects. Climbers working in this wheelhouse, but desiring a bit more versatile … Continue reading "La Sportiva Skwama" -
Petzl Meteor
MSRP: $99.95 I appreciate the helmet. I’ve never really needed one, but a couple of years ago a climber I didn’t know thanked me for saying in a podcast interview that you should “never … Continue reading "Petzl Meteor" -
Black Diamond (New) C4 Camalots
MSRP: $65 to $125 (depending on size) BEST FOR: Everything Black Diamond’s Ultralight Camalots were a game-changer when they came out in 2016: You could carry nearly four pieces for the same weight … Continue reading "Black Diamond (New) C4 Camalots" -
In the Right Hands: Ice
Sponsored by Outdoor Research By Owen Clarke Hands are arguably a climber’s most important asset. So when the going gets tough, having a durable, warm and dextrous pair of gloves on hand can mean the … Continue reading "In the Right Hands: Ice" -
In the Right Hands: Rock
Sponsored by Outdoor Research By Owen Clarke Hands are a climber’s most important asset. Everyone loves crack climbing (well… except this guy), but no one wants to look like they’ve been spending their spare time … Continue reading "In the Right Hands: Rock" -
Tendon Master Pro 9.2
MSRP: $265 (80-meter) BEST FOR: Anything where you want a light rope! I took the Tendon Master Pro 9.2 to Wyoming for some good old-fashioned summer-time sport climbing. Out of the “box,” the Master … Continue reading "Tendon Master Pro 9.2"