BEST FOR: ALL-AROUND PERFORMANCE

The Metolius Upshot belay glasses have been tried, tested, and improved from their original design, and now provide a wide field of vision to see your climber while being aware of your surroundings. The prisms aim high on the wall so your neck doesn’t have to, and your peripheral vision is not obscured.

The nose pads on the Upshot belay glasses are low-profile, which allows you to wear these specs while also wearing your own prescription glasses or sunglasses. The Upshot also comes with a zippered hard case for safe storage in your pack, as well as a lanyard to easily keep them handy around your neck.

BEST FOR: EXTRA FEATURES

The Y&Y Vertical Classic are high-quality belay glasses with a number of thoughtfully designed features that come with a higher price tag than more basic glasses. The light metal frames are adjustable to fit your face shape in a comfortable way, and the thin frames also don’t block your vision and make it easy to see your surroundings.

The Y&Y Vertical Classic come with a number of accessories, including a lanyard for keeping the glasses with you when you’re not wearing them, as well as a hard carrying case. The case has a zipper and a velcro closure, which is handy for when you want to keep the glasses protected but easily accessible. Plus, the case comes with a small carabiner to clip to your harness or pack.

BEST FOR: BASIC FUNCTION

The BG Climbing Belay Glasses are an inexpensive pair of belay glasses that still get the job done. The plastic frame is thin and lightweight, though it isn’t adjustable, so it might not fit everyone. It does allow for a good field of view and peripheral vision though. The frames are also able to be worn along with other glasses and sunglasses.

Even though they don’t cost much, the BG Climbing Belay Glasses do come with a zippered case and a lanyard to carry the glasses around easily. These glasses might not be the most durable, but the price still makes them a good choice to try out as a first pair of belay glasses.

BEST FOR: COLORFUL COMFORT

The Y&Y Vertical Plasfun are a well-crafted pair of belay glasses that come in a variety of colors, so you can sport your personal style at the crag or in the gym. The plastic frames are lightweight and extremely comfortable, and they are thin enough to stay out of the way of your peripheral vision so you can stay aware of your surroundings while you keep your eyes on your climber.

Y&Y includes a few great accessories for the Plasfun belay glasses. They come with a case that has both a zipper and a velcro closure, plus a carabiner for easy carrying. They also include a lanyard, microfiber cloth to keep the lenses clean, and replacement screws, so these glasses will last.

BEST FOR: GLASSES-WEARERS

The Y&Y Vertical Clip-Up Belay Glasses are a unique pair of belay glasses that are not meant to be worn on their own, but rather clipped to another pair of glasses, making them ideal for those people who always wear prescription lenses. They are designed to clip to your glasses, then can be flipped up out of the way when you don’t need them, thanks to a handy hinge mechanism.

The Vertical Clip-Up features Y&Y’s extra wide angle prisms which give you a fantastic field of vision when you’re watching your climber, yet still allow you to stay aware of your surroundings.

BEST FOR: SLOPERS, SLOPERS, SLOPERS

A bigger brother to the original version of this climbing brush, the So iLL Sloper Brush 2.0 is a larger design that is meant to work on, well, slopers. The slanted design of the handle allows for equal distribution amongst all the bristles to help prevent premature wear on the tip of the brush. 

The seafoam color of the brush will also make you stand out wherever you are and let everyone know what tool you come equipped with. And because So iLL cares about you, the backing is made with sandpaper so you can make sure that you are tending to the callouses that you have worked so hard to gain! It also will help remove any rough edges that are the enemy in bouldering, leading to the dreaded flappers.

BEST FOR: LARGE HOLDS

While Mammut does not mention exactly what the bristles on their boulder brush are made from, they do say “natural hair”, and this brush holds its own outside as well as inside.  Designed like a basic floor scrub brush, this brush will not hang on your chalk bag, but takes prize where width is key, such as on those slopers where cleaning a lot of surface area is required. This gives you extra time to work on your project rather than tediously scrubbing away with a smaller brush. 

And with a flat design, this brush fits easily in the palm of your hands, so you can really bear down on it when cleaning those holds. The brush, while it doesn’t come with any point to attach to your chalk bag, does have a tiny hole in the wood base where you can attach a small string to tether it to you.

BEST FOR: SIMPLICITY

Metolius makes another great climbing brush that is small enough to go with you anywhere. The boar’s hair bristles can withstand even the dirtiest holds you come across. And with the all natural bamboo handle, there are no harsh plastics in this design, so Mother Nature will thank you. The end of the bamboo handle has a small hole in it as well, where you can easily thread a string through, allowing you then to attach this brush to your harness or chalk bag. 

This brush is large enough that you can hold it easily, but small enough that you can take it with you anwyere. You may want to go ahead and buy a few of these to replace all those old toothbrushes you have, because at just around $5, why would you buy just one?

BEST FOR: DURABILITY

Metolius has taken a design that has served the military for years in aiding to clean the inside of rifles to bring you the more peaceful M-16 climbing brush. Made with super stiff nylon bristles, this brush performs as would be expected in the military and can get even the chalkiest holds clean for you to send your route. The bristles on the larger brush are contoured and shaped to curve around the holds you are trying to clean, to ensure maximum surface area is covered. And the smaller brush is also perfect for cleaning those hard to reach crevices as well as the hard to reach areas of your cams!

BEST FOR: SIMPLE AND AFFORDABLE

A simple design at a reasonable price point has made this little brush very popular among gym climbers. Small enough to fit on your chalk bag, this plastic handle brush can still bear the force of a good scrub on those messy holds. While made with a softer bristle than some other brushes, the boar’s hair bristles are still plenty durable enough and can even fit in all those nooks and crannies that have been chalked up by the countless numbers of climbers. 

The curved designed of the bristles also ensures that when this brush is used on larger holds, it contours to the features, maximizing contact and yielding the closest scrub possible. The plastic handle even has a curved design that can be advantageous on certain holds. While the plastic may not be as durable as wood handle brushes, at the price, you really cannot go wrong.

BEST FOR: SMALL CRIMPS

Similar to the Metolius M-16 model, the Liberty X-brush offers you two choices in one brush. The larger end can be advantageous on those bigger holds that have seen a lot of chalked up hand traffic, while the smaller end can be super useful on those already hard to grip smaller crimps. Weighing just 0.32 oz, having two brushes in one is no extra weight for you to carry this guy on your chalk bag. While a bit on the thin side, as long as you are not scrubbing too hard on any given hold, this brush will hold up to most climbs you come across. And at just under $3, you can easily afford to replace this brush if necessary.

BEST FOR: BUDGET CONSCIOUS CLIMBERS

What’s better than one brush? How about four? For the budget conscious person in you, Escape brings you a 4-pack of their boar’s hair climbing brush. The three smaller brushes probably aren’t going to be your go-to brushes, but they will help with the smaller crevices that need to be cleaned up. 

The larger brush is better suited for more of you needs, and will get those larger holds clean in half the time. The bent shape of the handle allows for an equal distribution of surface area on the bristles to prevent uneven wear, so this brush will last longer. A tiny hole in the end of the brush is also a nice feature that allows you to thread a string for attachment to things other than your chalk bag, so you can even carry this brush on your harness during other types of climbing.

BEST FOR: INDESTRUCTIBILITY 

All natural here with the Crush Brush Boar’s Hair climbing brush. The all natural boar’s hair bristles will not scratch the rock when using this brush outside, and with no nylon or plastic, there will be no plastic residue left behind. Since the Crush Brush is on the larger side of climbing brushes, it will cover a lot of surface area when cleaning. Designed with a glass reinforced polymer handle, you won’t have to worry about this bad boy breaking while scrubbing. And this brush is even good in the gym and cleaning out all the grime left behind from kids. While it may look like a toothbrush, it is so far from that. Get ready to Crush!

BEST FOR: SMALL CRACKS

If friction is what you are seeking, friction is what you will get when you use the Evolv bouldering brush. The all natural boar’s hair bristles are stiff enough to clean all the chalk away with no additional residues and the bamboo handle is a great use of materials and is certainly sturdy. Also, the hollow nature of bamboo makes this brush super light, making it no burden to attach to your chalk bag. While maybe not quite as durable as some brushes, the even and thick distribution of the bristles will help make this brush last longer through all the scrubs than just a plain old toothbrush. And the wider bristle base will also help cover more ground on those grimy holds.

BEST FOR: SINGLE-PITCH BELAYING

If you’re looking for belay gloves for a summer of single-pitch cragging, the Black Diamond Crag Climbing Gloves are the perfect fit. These gloves are full-finger to protect your whole hand while you’re belaying all day, but the synthetic leather and mesh construction keeps them lightweight and breathable, so your hands won’t get slippery if you’re out in the sun. They also have padded knuckles for extra comfort.

However, the same material that makes them so lightweight means the Black Diamond Crag Climbing Gloves aren’t the most durable, so they aren’t your best option if you do a lot of multi-pitch rappelling or are looking to get many seasons of use out of your gloves.

BEST FOR: RAPPELLING

The Outdoor Research Fossil Rock Gloves will keep you comfy on long rappels, thanks to suede reinforcements on high wear areas, including the palm and fingers. This helps you keep control of the rope, which is super useful when rappelling to descend from multi-pitch climbs, and is also great for any kind of belaying. The palm is made of goat leather, while the backing is polyester spandex, so these gloves are soft yet durable, and tough yet breathable.

The half-finger design provides you with plenty of dexterity while handling rope, and the velcro closure makes them simple to take on and off. The Fossil Rock Gloves also have a loop to help you pull them on or attach to a carabiner.

BEST FOR: ALPINE CLIMBING

The Metolius Insulated Belay Glove is a good choice for people who like climbing in the alpine, or even those who just constantly have cold hands. These gloves are made from completely synthetic material, which is more durable than goat leather, and the material is stretchy to provide a precise fit. Though they are insulated to keep your hands toasty no matter the season you’re climbing in, the material is also breathable so your hands don’t start sweating.

A velcro closure makes the Metolius Insulated Belay Glove easy to put on, despite cold hands, and a hole in the wrist allows you to attach a carabiner to clip to your pack or harness.

BEST FOR: TAPE-LIKE CRACK GLOVES

Instead of making tape gloves again and again, try the Outdoor Research Splitter Gloves which are crack gloves that are not made of rubber, so they are thinner and feel more like traditional handmade tape gloves, while being reusable and durable. Made of synthetic suede that feels comfortable on your hands with synthetic leather backing that is comfortable jamming in cracks, these gloves allow freedom of movement so you can hand and fist jam your way up any crack you desire.

Although the Splitter Gloves are significantly more durable than tape gloves, no glove can stand up forever to the constant abuse and abrasion of crack climbing, so you will have to replace these at some point, perhaps sooner rather than later, depending on your crack climbing prowess and use.

BEST FOR: DURABILITY

The Metolius Belay Glove is a full cowhide glove that will stand up to constant use, whether you’re cragging all the time or heading out on lots of multi-pitch (or even big wall) climbs. Thanks to split cowhide that is triple-stitched on the palm, these gloves will see you through many climbing adventures.

This glove requires some breaking in to get it to fit properly to your hand, and even then, the cowhide construction means it is not the most dextrous. However, if you’re constantly belaying and rappelling, this glove will keep up with the workload and last you a very long time.

BEST FOR: DEXTERITY

Combining goat leather with a 4-way stretch nylon makes the Black Diamond Transition Gloves feel like a second skin. The articulated design of the fingers allows natural freedom of movement, so these gloves provide essential dexterity when you’re belaying, rappelling, or managing rope systems.

The velcro closure at the wrist is not streamlined, but this does mean the gloves are very easy and quick to get on and off, and the carabiner hole is large for quick clipping. The Kevlar stitching reinforces the seams so they last, yet, overall, these are not the most durable gloves, though they will still likely last you for a while.

BEST FOR: ALL-AROUND PERFORMANCE

Thanks to the stretchy mesh material that makes up the back of these gloves, the Petzl Cordex Belay/Rappel gloves fit well while providing plenty of dexterity for a full finger glove. The mesh also makes these gloves extremely breathable, so your hands won’t get slippery with sweat. The palms and fingers are comprised of a double-layer of goat leather which offers supple yet durable protection while you’re handling a rope on belay or rappel.

The cuffs of the Petzl Cordex are made of neoprene and feature velcro closures, so they stay in place, but are easy to take on and off, and they have reinforced holes to attach a carabiner for carrying the gloves on your harness, belt, or pack.

BEST FOR: BIG WALL CLIMBING

The Metolius Half-Finger Climbing Gloves are made of durable cowhide leather, which is reinforced with split-cowhide on the palms, so these gloves can stand up to the abuse of climbing big walls in Yosemite or elsewhere. The fingers are actually more ¾ length than half, and they have a snug fit, so you don’t have to worry about losing dexterity as you manage rope at belay stations. All the stitching is reinforced to last, including the loop for clipping in to a carabiner to keep your gloves handy on your harness.

The leather of the Metolius Half-Finger Climbing Gloves does take a little time to break in, so make sure to get them well ahead of your next planned big wall trip.

BEST FOR: VERSATILITY

The Black Diamond Stone Climbing Gloves are a good choice for belaying and rappelling in a variety of situations, from single-pitch sport to multi-pitch trad to big wall excursions. The palm and knuckles are reinforced with patches to hold up to wear, and the stitching is made of Kevlar, so it will last. Extended leather on the fingers offers protection for your hands without compromising dexterity. The goat leather is supple, and, along with the articulated finger design, requires very little time to break in and feel comfortable.

The wrist closure is large and a little bulky, but also easy to get on and off, and the reinforced carabiner hole makes the gloves easy to transport.

BEST FOR: CRACK CLIMBING

While crack climbers are known for enduring the suffering of jamming body parts in the rock, these Ocun Crack Gloves make hand jams far less painful and way more solid.  The gloves protect the back of your hand with sticky rubber, which is lined with microsuede, so instead of making tape gloves every time you climb crack, you can just keep the Ocun Crack Gloves in your pack and be ready to go.

These gloves are specifically designed for crack climbing, so they won’t be useful as belay or rappel gloves, and you’ll need a separate pair for that purpose.

BEST FOR: ALL-AROUND

The Wild Country Helium is a non-locking wiregate carabiner that handles as well on a trad rack as it does as part of a quickdraw when you’re clipping bolts. The I-beam construction of the Helium keeps it fairly lightweight even though it is a full-size carabiner. This gives it a wide gate opening which makes it easy to clip the rope. A unique feature on the Wild Country Helium is a clean hook-free nose which makes it exceptionally easy to unclip.

The Helium is also rated extremely strong for a lightweight carabiner which will put you at ease when you’re taking whips. However, the great features of the Helium put it a bit on the pricey side for a non-locking carabiner.

BEST FOR: BELAYING & RAPPELLING

A large, locking carabiner, the Black Diamond RockLock Screwgate is well-designed for belaying and rappelling. A slight curve in the spine gives it a wide gate opening so you can quickly set up your rope and belay device. The rounded edges of the RockLock mean the rope feeds super smoothly, which you’ll definitely appreciate when you’re rappelling or lead belaying, especially with a tube-style belay device such as an ATC.

The RockLock is fairly heavy, due to its large size and construction, so it is not your best choice when weight is a factor, such as for multi-pitch trad climbing. But it is an excellent option for single-pitch cragging or the gym.

BEST FOR: LIGHTWEIGHT

The C.A.M.P. USA Nano 22 will let you rack up without weighing you down on long trad multi-pitch and alpine climbs. Though it could almost fool you with its extremely small and thin design, the Nano 22 is a full-strength climbing carabiner, and it is great for racking cams and other trad gear. In fact, you can get a whole color-coded set to correspond to the colors of your cams, which will make it easy to find the right gear on your harness while you’re climbing.

In order to make it so light, the Nano 22 is quite small, and it can sometimes be a struggle to handle. But if weight is important for your objectives, you can’t find a better carabiner.

BEST FOR: SPORT CLIMBING

The Petzl Spirit has great gate action that makes it super satisfying to clip on your sport project. The bent gate version is ideal for the rope side end of a quickdraw, and it is designed to keep the webbing of a dogbone in place. Plus, it is thicker on the bottom side, which makes it extra durable to handle wear from the rope running through.

Although the keylock nose is now common on carabiners, the Petzl Spirit was the first carabiner to feature this non-snag nose, and the design stands the test of time. Although the Spirit might not be the cheapest or lightest carabiner, it is impeccably constructed, and you’ll be happy to clip it at the crag.

BEST FOR: CLIMBERS ON A BUDGET

The Phase is terrific all-around carabiner for trad, sport, or to serve as a handy back-up for those times you’re forced to bail from routes.

This lightweight carabiner is offered in 8 different colors, making it a desirable low cost option — even for racking cams. The Phase comes in both a straight or bent gate design. Both are easy to clip — despite a slightly smaller gate clearance. The combined slim design and lightweight nature make the Phase a quality option for using in quickdraws or alpine slings, allowing for plenty of extra space on your harness for larger carabiners — such as those needed for belaying or rappelling. Despite the smaller gate design, the Phase does feature a large rope bearing area, which allows for plenty of space to clove in to anchors on multi-pitch routes.

What I like most about this carabiner — other than its outstanding value for the price — is that it offers above-average fall protection, providing for peace of mind when you’re on the sharp end.

BEST FOR: RACKING CAMS

The Black Diamond Neutrino carabiners are a classic on a trad rack. They are color-coded to match Black Diamond cams, so it’s very easy to identify the piece of protection you’re looking for when you’re pumped out and need to place some gear quickly. You can buy them individually or in a “rack pack” which contains one of each color to go with all of your cams.

The Neutrino has a large gate opening, making it easy to clip, and a wide contact surface for the rope, so it slides smoothly through. The Neutrino is also extremely durable and the gate will not freeze in alpine conditions. However, the Neutrino is on the heavy side for a racking carabiner.

BEST FOR: DURABILITY

The Edelrid HMS Bulleptroof Screw carabiner is designed for ultimate durability, thanks to a special stainless steel insert which prevents wear from both rope friction and bolt hangers. These carabiners are excellent for constructing anchors, especially when you’ll be lowering or setting up top-ropes where the rope friction would cause wear.

Since stainless steel is heavy, the rest of the Edelrid HMS Bulletproof Screw carabiner is adapted to keep the weight down with a proprietary H-profile design and aluminum construction. A keylock nose design also makes this carabiner quick to clip and unclip. The price of the Bulletproof carabiner is made up for with its long lifespan.

BEST FOR: EXTRA SAFETY ON LEAD

The Edelrid Pure Slider is a unique auto-locking carabiner that is designed to serve a very specific purpose  – providing peace of mind on lead routes with falls that could lead to the rope unclipping from a standard non-locking carabiner. Using the Pure Slider on the rope side end of a quickdraw will add extra security in these situations. The locking mechanism is a slide gate, which makes it easy to open when you’re leading a climb, but prevents it from opening if the rope runs over it in a fall.

This locking mechanism is less secure than a screw gate, so the Pure Slider is not the best choice for other situations where you need a locker, such as building anchors or belaying. But having one or two on your harness will make you feel safe when you really need it.

BEST FOR: VERSATILITY

The Petzl Attache 3D Screw-Lock is a very useful carabiner that you’ll be glad to have at least a couple of on your rack for belaying, anchor building, and pretty much any situation you need a locking carabiner. The Attache is small for a locker and extremely lightweight thanks to its aluminum I-Beam construction, making it an excellent choice for multi-pitch applications.

One of the most useful features of the Attache is a red security stripe which is visible when the carabiner is unlocked, but covered up when it is locked, which makes it simple to visually check and provide peace of mind. One annoyance about the Attache is that the screwgate can get stuck closed if you overtwist it when you lock it.

BEST FOR: ANCHOR BUILDING

The DMM Phantom is a small, lightweight locking carabiner that is ideal for building anchors or using to clip in with your personal anchor system. The screw gate action of the Phantom is super smooth, making it quick to lock and unlock whenever you need to, and the keylock nose makes clipping and unclipping snag-free.

Because the Phantom is so small, it does not have a large gate clearance, so it can’t handle clipping multiple ropes. It is also not designed for belaying or rappelling, but is an excellent choice for just about anything else you need a locker for.

BEST FOR: SOFT CATCHES

Sterling has made quite a name in the climbing rope world, and brings us another great, but skinnier option with the Evolution Helix. This rope can be purchased in varying lengths, so no matter the height of your sport climb, it will work with you.

Not only is this rope dry treated to prevent breakdown in foul weather, but its overall durability will keep it protected against dirt and all the abuse of being used outside. And with a high impact force rating of 8.9 kN, this rope will give you a seriously soft catch on any whipper you might take.

BEST FOR: SHARP ROCK

Beal brings you the Joker – a lightweight, thin rope that can be appreciated by any sport climber. Being available in either a 60 m or 70 m length, this rope can take you on some of those taller routes that you have been eyeing or projecting.

While nice high-friction granite climbs are loved by any climber, we won’t always find ourselves on them. But if you do, the Joker is built with Unicore Sheath Protection, making it lightweight and better at protecting against any accidental severing. This super durable rope is a superb choice for climbing any sharp rock.

BEST FOR: VERSATILITY 

Sterling makes the list again with the Evolution Velocity. Similar to the Helix, this rope is slightly thicker and heavier, making it better suited for shorter approach sport climbs. However, with the tightly woven sheath and dry treatment, this rope is so smooth, you don’t have to worry about it getting caught up in your belay device.  The smooth finish also means the rope runs easily over the rocks without getting caught up on little features.

Still being rather lightweight, durable, and having a smooth sheath, this rope offers maximum versatility. With that in mind, it may also be a good choice for longer cimbs that require a longer approach when it’s worth carrying a few extra grams.

BEST FOR: LIGHT AND FAST CLIMBS

The Edelrid Swift Eco is certainly on the thinner spectrum as far as rope diameter is concerned. Coming in at just 8.9 mm, this rope will slide easily through any belay device for a good catch. But even being super thin, it still carries some weight at 52 g/m, so it’s not so light that it sacrifices durability.

As the name Eco suggests, Edelrid manufactures this rope with environmentally friendly production strategies. That alone can make it a winning choice and you can feel proud using this rope at the crag.

BEST FOR: OVERALL USE 

The Mammut Infinity is a great all around rope that handles well and gives a perfect catch that is not too hard and not too soft. A thinner rope at 9.5 mm, this rope feeds through belay devices nicely, ensuring you can give out or take in slack quickly if your partner is trying to redpoint.

The rope comes with either a bi-color pattern or the option of a middle mark.  This makes it easy to find the midpoint of the rope, enabling you to set up your rappel and note how much rope you have left without all the hassle and guesswork. And no matter what you want to use this rope for, it comes in lengths from 50-80 m.

BEST FOR: LONG APPROACHES

The Metolius Speedster is a backpack-style rope bag that is extra comfortable to carry on long approaches, thanks to the padded shoulder straps. The center zipper makes is simple to stuff a 70m rope and large integrated tarp inside, along with your other necessary gear, including shoes and a harness. The exterior zippered pocket gives you easy access to smaller items, like keys and crag snacks.

Because the Speedster is designed to be carried on its own, it is a little unwieldy to stuff inside another pack. You might be able to make it fit with some effort, but there are better choices if you plan to carry your rope bag in your pack.

BEST FOR: EASY PACKING

The Black Diamond Super Chute is designed with the ease of packing and unpacking your rope in mind. You can roll it all up in the burrito-wrap style, or use the tarp as a funnel to stuff the rope back inside the bag. Either way, it’s simple to quickly pack and carry your rope to your next climb with this bag.

The Super Chute also has an extremely large carrying capacity, so you can haul your 70m rope, shoes, a harness, and a rack of quickdraws without a problem. However, the tarp of the Super Chute is on the smaller side, so you have to be a little more aware to keep your rope off the ground when you’re using it.

BEST FOR: ALL-AROUND

The Metolius Rope Master HC is a classic rope bag that doesn’t offer a lot of extra features, but does its job extremely well. The Ropemaster HC is a burrito-style bag with an integrated tarp, so to pack up your rope, you simply roll it up and stuff it inside. 

The “HC” stands for “High Capacity, allowing it to easily fit a 70m rope along with some miscellaneous gear, such as shoes. Plus, the padded shoulder strap makes it quite comfortable to carry the bag on a long (or short) approach.

The one special feature the Ropemaster HC has is a clear vinyl window, which might not seem like much at first, but is the perfect simple way to quickly identify which rope is in the bag without having to open or unpack it.

BEST FOR: STUFFING IN YOUR PACK

The Black Diamond Full Rope Burrito Bag is a simple, lightweight rope bag that is perfect for stuffing in your regular pack. The elastic closure makes it very easy to roll out your rope on the included tarp, then stuff it back in when you’re ready to move to the next climb or head home.

Other than fairly standard color-coded tie-in points to keep track of your rope ends, the Full Rope Burrito Bag doesn’t have any special features. Also note that the carrying handles, while nice for moving from climb to climb, are not comfortable for transporting long distances. But that simplicity is what makes this rope bag fit well inside your actual pack. So if you have a large pack and want to consolidate all your gear on the approach, the Black Diamond Full Rope Burrito Bag is an excellent option.

BEST FOR: DURABILITY

The special proprietary fabric of the Deuter Gravity is made to withstand the elements, from wet weather to sharp rock. It’s also quite lightweight, making it a good choice for alpine or multi-pitch missions, and it’s great for a day of cragging, thanks to the handles on the rope tarp, which make it easy to move. Another nice feature is that the rope tarp is not fully integrated into the bag so you can take it out and use it separately.

BEST FOR: VALUE

The Trango Antidote offers a lot of useful features at a really good price. An extra large integrated tarp keeps your rope clean and out of the dirt, and it’s easy to wrap up and stuff back inside. A clear window on the bag helps you identify which rope is packed away, and a small zippered pocket on the outside of the Antidote is the perfect place to securely stash your essentials.

The padded straps on the Antidote are convertible, so you can carry this bag like a backpack or over the shoulder like a sling, and you can even completely remove them if you’d rather stuff the whole thing inside another pack.

BEST FOR: GYM CLIMBING

The Black Diamond Gym Solution 35L is exactly what it says it is – an ideal rope bag for gym climbers. It’s a tote-style bag that can hold your gym rope and has a separate elastic pocket in the main compartment to keep your shoes, harness, water bottle, and more. A large exterior zippered pocket can store the essentials, such as a phone, wallet, and keys.

Made of durable waterproof fabric, the Black Diamond Gym Solution will keep your stuff dry in the rain when you’re commuting to the gym, but this bag is not meant to be an outdoor climbing bag and won’t function well at the crag.

BEST FOR: SPECIAL FEATURES

The unique features of the Mammut Magic Rope Bag are the reason this bag is dubbed “magic.” Not only does it convert from a rope bucket into a mat for lounging at the crag, it even has a shoe cleaning patch, so it keeps both your rope and shoes free from dirt.

The Mammut Magic easily enfolds your rope in its bucket-style design, but it is pretty bulky for long approaches – this is not a rope bag for alpine climbing. However, the internal zippered pocket keeps your stuff secure, and you can rack all your gear on the internal straps, so if your approach is short, this is a fantastic rope bag.

BEST FOR: SERVING AS A DAYPACK

Designed in a backpack style, the Petzl Bolsa can be your only pack for a day of cragging when you don’t need to carry much gear. The Bolsa can fit a 70m rope, as well as shoes, a harness, and quickdraws, which is all you need when you’re heading out for a light day. Though the shoulder straps aren’t padded, it’s still more comfortable to carry on long approaches than a sling style bag.

The tarp of the Bolsa is quite large, and it’s easy to get your rope back inside the pack thanks to the funnel-style design that directs the rope right where is should go. Along with tie-in points for rope ends, the tarp also has handles on each corner so you can quickly scoot the tarp to a nearby climb without completely packing up.

BEST FOR: EASE OF USE

The center cylinder of the Edelrid Caddy Lite is like a magnetic force that pulls the rope into it, making it incredibly easy to pack up your rope when you’re ready to go. The tarp itself is extra large, and the bag can easily handle an 80m rope. With four tie-in points, you’ll never lose track of your rope ends, and you can also use these loops to secure the tarp in place in windy conditions.

The Caddy Lite is made of super lightweight ripstop nylon, so it will barely add any extra weight on long approaches. However, in order to keep it so light, the shoulder strap doesn’t have any padding, which can be uncomfortable.

BEST FOR: ALL-AROUND USE

Metolius Climbing Tape is the gold standard for taping up your beaten up and abused climber hands. The tape stays in place with an extra sticky zinc oxide adhesive that is moisture resistant to stand up to sweat when you’re trying hard. It’s 1.5 inches wide, so it’s useful for taping wrists and ankles for support, and can also be cut in half to tape finger injuries.

Metolius Climbing Tape is also excellent for making tape gloves for crack climbing. It’s durable enough that you can re-use the tape gloves for multiple days, so you don’t need to waste time or tape. The packaging even includes instructions for how to properly make crack gloves.

BEST FOR: DURABILITY

Evolv Magic Finger & Hand Tape is a unique gauze tape that sticks only to itself. This means that it won’t leave any sticky residue on your hands, despite the fact that it is extremely durable. Also, because of the gauze, it has a textured surface that will provide more grip on rock surfaces than most smooth tape. 

It comes in two widths, the Finger Tape which is 0.75 inches, and the Hand Tape which is 1.5 inches. The Finger Tape is especially great for taping up small injuries such as fingertip splits, while the Hand Tape can be used for supportive taping of wrists as well as creating crack gloves.

BEST FOR: CRACK GLOVES

Trango EuroTape is beloved by crack climbers who need to make tape gloves to protect their hands from being destroyed during hand, fist, and finger jamming. EuroTape is made from a blend of cotton and polyester, unlike many tapes which are only cotton, making it extra easy to tear. The tape is also designed not to stretch so your crack gloves will keep their shape no matter how much you abuse them.

Even with crack gloves, you’ll probably still end up with scraped up skin somewhere, and  Trango EuroTape also works well to use on any injuries the rock doles out.

BEST FOR: COLORFUL TAPE GLOVES

If you want the coolest crack gloves at the crag, Trango MTape is the tape for you. It comes in 6 different colors, so you can pick your favorite or customize your own rainbow. The 1.5 inch width is exactly what you need for creating crack gloves to protect your hands from any kind of jamming.

The wide width also works for bracing wrists and supporting ankles, and you can also tear it to tape smaller areas like fingers and toes. Trango MTape is made of 100% cotton, so it’s non-stretch and easy to tear to size.

BEST FOR: BRIGHT COLORS

If you have a finger injury that’s making you sad, Metolius Finger Tape will brighten your mood with colorful tape that protects. At only 0.5 inches in width, the Finger Tape is extra skinny so you can use it for all kinds of finger injuries, from splits to tendon support to buddy taping. The Metolius packaging even has an illustration that demonstrates how to properly tape a finger.

The colored Metolius Finger Tape is a little less sticky than the standard white Metolius Climbing Tape, so it’s not the best choice for long multi-pitch days or alpine adventures.

BEST FOR: FIRST AID

While it’s not designed specifically for climbing, climbers still swear by Johnson & Johnson Sport Tape because it is made to treat all kinds of injuries, and it’s a great value. You can tape everything from a small finger injury to a sprained ankle with the Sport Tape, and it is sticky enough to stay on for your whole climbing session.

It is also perforated for breathability, so if you’re sweating up a storm on your project, it shouldn’t slide off during the crux. It comes in a wide 1.5 inch roll, but it’s easy to tear to whatever size you need.

BEST FOR: WET CONDITIONS

A medical tape discovered by climbers, Kendall Curity Tape is beloved for its extra sticky adhesive that stays on no matter what, whether you’re sweating profusely in the hot sun or caught in a rainstorm. The tape is also porous, meaning it breathes extremely well and helps to keep your hands dry in the first place.

Curity Tape has ingenious serrated edges to make tearing the tape incredibly easy no matter how tired your hands are from climbing all day. The only downside to Curity Tape is that it can be hard to find, so if you discover that it’s your favorite, you might want to stock up.

BEST FOR: EASE OF USE

The Black Diamond Split Tape is not named because it’s great for taping up finger splits – even though it is. It is actually because the 1.5 roll of tape is pre-split into 1 inch and 0.5 inch widths. So you’re ready to go whether you need to tape those finger flappers or make some crack gloves before hand jamming your way up the wall.

With super stick zinc oxide adhesive, the Black Diamond Split Tape will stay in place no matter where you put it and how you use it. And it’s non-stretch so your tape gloves will never sag and cause your perfect fist jam to slip.

BEST FOR: VARIETY OF SIZES

Liberty Mountain Climber’s Tape comes in 3 different widths – 0.5 inches, 1 inch, and 1.5 inches. If you buy them all, you’ll have what you need to cover everything from finger injuries to tape gloves to ankle sprains, and everything in between. This might not be the easiest tape to tear, but that’s why it’s handy to have one of every size.

Durable and strong, Liberty Mountain Climber’s Tape will stay in place to protect your hands whether you’re bouldering inside the gym or crack climbing outside.

BEST FOR: FINGER INJURIES

The thinnest of any tape out there, Armadillo Skin Finger Tape is only 0.3 wide. While this won’t make for good tape gloves, it’s perfectly precise for taping finger injuries. The adhesive is quite strong yet leaves no residue so your fingers won’t be covered in anything but chalk after you’re done climbing. The tape is cotton and doesn’t stretch, so your fingers will stay snugly supported.

Armadillo Skin Finger Tape comes in 6 roll packages, so it’s an excellent price per roll, and you’ll be stocked up for at least a season with just one purchase.

TOP OVERALL ROCK CLIMBING ROPE

Mammut has long been regarded as one of the highest quality rope manufacturers on the market – and like their beloved Infinity line, their new Crag rope line-up is top notch.

The Crag Dry is constructed with a durable sheath but still provides for a soft, supple feel when you play it through your fingers and belay device. It provides for a soft catch and weighs in much lighter than thick workhorse alternatives. The dry treatments on this one meets UIAA standards for water repellency, which is an added plus. It’s 9.5 diameter really hits that sweet spot between ropes that are too thick or thin to handle with ease. We reviewed the 70m rope but it’s also offered in 60m and 80m versions.

What I like most about the Mammut 9.5 Crag Dry is that it’s available in a bi-pattern design, which eliminates the need to keep up your middle mark.

BEST FOR: CLIMBERS ON A BUDGET

This climbing rope is an incredibly affordable option for its quality construction and durability — definitely falling into the ‘best bang for your buck’ type category.

The Edelrid Boa Eco is designed to maintain its suppleness throughout its working lifetime, thanks to the brand’s yarn stabilization heat treatment and the rope’s kernmantle design, which features a stretchy core protected by a durable outer sheath. It’s available in 40m, 60m, and 70m lengths. Put bluntly, this rope is an ideal choice for those of you pressed for cash, especially if you’re a newer or indoor-only climber.

What I like most about the Boa Eco is that made from the highest quality yarns left over from last year’s production.

BEST FOR: ULTRALIGHT ALPINE EXPEDITIONS

If you’re looking for something light and skinny that can still catch a fall for using on those technical ultralight alpine missions, you won’t find anything higher quality than the Volta.

This climbing rope is designed to be lightweight and super supple to handle. It’s not equipped for heavy sport climbing use, as there is a lot of stretch when you’re seconding, but it’s an absolute joy to use in the backcountry, for glacier crossings, and those sketchy sections on ridge traverses when roping up is a good idea.

What I like most about the Petzl Volta is that despite its light weight, its fall rating is similar to our overall pick on this list, making it a very safe option.

BEST FOR: CRAG CLIMBING

When you want a rope that’s as supple as lighter weight options and yet more durable than many higher diameter alternatives, look to the Velocity.

Sterling designed the Velocity with a 9.8 diameter but smoother handling and a lighter feel than equally sized comparable choices. It’s dry treated, so serves as a versatile option for use on both rock and ice. I’ve noticed that it offers just the right amount of stiffness for when you’re on lead and making a crucial clip at the crux. The Velocity meets UIAA standards for falls, impact force and rope elongation.

What I like most about the Sterling Velocity is that it’s tried and true in terms of durability and even after heavy use doesn’t take on the fuzziness of cheaper alternatives.

BEST FOR: BEGINNERS

When you’re just starting out and you want safety and durability above all else, the Eliminator has got your back.

This rope’s beefy 10.2 diameter is ideal for beginners who are just starting to figure things out on the wall, and can well withstand typical wear and tear. It’s a great rope for using on your first routes outdoors and touts a low impact force, providing for a super comfy catch any time you fall.

What I like most about the Eliminator is that it’s only available in a bi-pattern design.

BEST FOR: VALUE

The Beal Karma is an extremely supple rope that offers great handling, despite its relatively large diameter. It is designed to be a great choice for outdoor climbing, both sport and trad (though it is not dry treated). It offers a low impact force, which leads to softer catches, so you’ll feel comfortable taking whips on the sharp end.

The Beal Karma is also an environmentally-friendly rope made without chemicals or dyes. It is constructed of a trademarked material called bluesign nylon. This means that the company made a certified effort to “reduce negative impacts on the health of the environment, workers and wearer.”

BEST FOR: SPORT CLIMBING

The Sterling Evolution Helix is a sport climber’s dream rope. This rope is perfect for projecting your hard sport climbs, as it is lightweight and won’t hold you back on the wall. It has a high fall rating, as well as low impact force, so you can go for the next move with confidence that you’ll get a soft catch if you fall.

Despite its relatively skinny 9.5mm diameter, the Evolution Helix is designed to be extremely durable, thanks to the DryXP treatment, which not only almost completely stops water absorption, but also greatly increases abrasion resistance.

BEST FOR: BEGINNERS

The Black Diamond 9.9m makes an ideal choice for a beginner rope. The thickest rope Black Diamond offers, this burly rope is designed to be durable and stand up to abrasion from rock outdoors, while also being a gym workhorse. The thicker diameter offers extra friction in a belay device, making it easier to handle for beginner belayers.

You can choose from a variety of lengths of the Black Diamond 9.9mm, including a 35m for the gym. The rope is also clearly marked with dark dye, so finding the middle is simple when you’re ready to rappel or lower.

BEST FOR: ICE CLIMBING

If you’re an ice climbing aficionado, the Petzl Arial is a perfect choice for when you’re climbing (or shivering) in cold and wet conditions. The DuraTec Dry treatment helps the Arial resist water as well as abrasion, so it can stand up to all the terrain on mixed routes, from rock to snow to ice.

The Arial is extra durable due to the Ultrasonic finish which bonds the core to the sheath, reducing slippage and fraying ends. The rope handles very smoothly, thanks to the EverFlex treatment to stabilize the strands of the core, and the ClimbReady coiling process which means you can use it straight out of the package without dealing with kinks.

BEST FOR: REDPOINTING

The Bluewater Icon Double Dry is an ideal rope for advanced climbers working on redpointing difficult projects. It is super skinny at only 9.1mm, so you can’t blame the rope for holding you back (but you should also have a skilled belayer because the rope will slide easily through a belay device). The dynamic elongation of nearly 33% will provide you with a soft catch no matter how many times you whip on your way to the send.

The thick sheath and double dry treatment (both the core and sheath are water repellent) of the Bluewater Icon provide durability and fight abrasion in any conditions. If you’re likely to climb hard sport routes in a notoriously rainy or wet area, put this Bluewater rope at the top of your list.

TOP OVERALL MEN’S HARNESS

When it comes to space, this harness is king. It can can handle your double rack with ease thanks to the four large gear loops and rear haul loop. The brand integrates its Warp Strength technology to balance the weight of your gear across the entire length of the nylon webbing, which takes weight off specific points, making for for comfort that last the entire pitch — and then some. The durable, double-weave construction allows the harness to twist and move with the body, while adjustable leg loops and self-locking buckles allow individual climbers to dial in their perfect fit. 

What I like most about the AR-395a are the added accessories for ice climbing, including ice clipper clots and a carabiner loop for stashing ice screws.

BEST FOR: CLIMBERS ON A BUDGET

Black Diamond fit all the right features in a comfortable, low cost harness suitable for any style of climber. The bullhorn construction ensures extra padding in the places where you need it and the easy-to-adjust leg loops help you dial in the perfect fit. One of the most noteworthy features of the Momentum? It weighs in at just 10.6 ounces, making for quite the affordable contender in the alpine class.

What I like most about the Momentum — other than how affordable it is — are the thick foam pads integrated into the waist that provides for much-appreciated added comfort, especially for hanging belays.

BEST FOR: LIGHTWEIGHT MOUNTAINEERING

When every ounce counts in high alpine or intense lead situations, we have the Petzl Sitta. This harness weighs in at only 9.5oz, making it absolutely ideal to keep bulky weight to a minimum. But at such a low weight, you may be questioning the harness’s overall strength. Never fear! Petzl’s WireFrame technology adds superb strength that distributes weight throughout the entire harness body.

This weight distribution furthermore improves the Sitta’s overall comfort, making it easy to spend a day on the wall without that classic tight hip syndrome. These three features – comfort, strength, and weight – therefore work together to make the Sitta our top recommendation for you mountaineers out there, and certainly one of the best climbing harnesses on the market.

BEST FOR: COMFORT ON THE CRAG 

Nothing quite ruins a climbing day than constantly having to readjust your harness because it’s pinching here, or chaffing there, or scratching God knows where. Well, we have a solution for this, as well as a penchant for puns. The Black Diamond Solution features a soft mesh lining that works in tandem with three internal bands of webbing – high strength fabric – to evenly distribute weight for a comfortable climb. 

The mesh is additionally quick drying and breathable, further adding to the Solution’s comfort level. What’s more, the whole harness is designed to move naturally with your body. Because we all know that fighting both gravity and your harness while reaching for a tough clip falls firmly within the ‘things we’d rather avoid’ category. For climbers who are on the hunt for an incredibly comfortable harness, the Black Diamond Solution is for you.

BEST FOR: BUDGET CONSCIENCE CLIMBERS & ICE CLIMBERS

Edelrid – a German climbing company – has been making climbing gear for over 150 years. All those years of experience and expertise shine through their products, and the Jay III is certainly no exception. The harness boasts an exceptionally durable construction making it a long-lasting investment. That initial investment is very low, a definite breath of fresh air for budget conscience climbers. 

The Jay III also features fully adjustable leg loops. This will allow you to cinch the harness down to exactly the right fit, and so you’re not bound by a set leg diameter. While it’s certainly not a lightweight or low-profile harness, it still gets the job done from the gym to traditional climbing and everything in between!

BEST FOR: OUTDOOR BEGINNERS

When you’re first hitting the crags outdoors, you’ll be looking for a rock solid harness that has everything needed to hone your skills and stay comfortable for those inevitable falls. The Ophir 3 Slide from Mammut fits perfectly into this niche with its comfortable foam leg and waist padding along with a solid and durable design.

These padded leg straps are also adjustable, to get that perfect fit for your first few climbs, and breathable to cut down on that sticky sweaty feeling on hotter days. The Ophir 3 Slide is certainly one of the best climbing harnesses out there for beginners tackling their first outdoor routes.

BEST FOR: TECHNICAL AND BIG WALL CLIMBING   

When your climbing begins taking you to big walls where you need big gear racks, big tools, and big ambition; you’ll need to bring out the big guns. Black Diamond has supplied just that with this harness. Two layers of gear loops – 7 total – ensure that you have plenty of room for each and every item you’ll need to tackle your biggest climb yet. 

Big wall climbing means spending hours or days sitting in your harness, and Black Diamond has allowed for that with an excellent plush padding system to keep you comfortable for your entire adventure. All this combined with superior durability easily makes this one of the best climbing harnesses on the market, albeit a very heavy one.

BEST FOR: HOT WEATHER OR DESERT CLIMBING 

Ever take off your harness and have those unsightly bands of sweat in your clothing? Or have the nasty feeling of sweat building up in your harness while you’re on the wall? If you do a lot of climbing in hot destinations, this can definitely temper your fun. Edelrid, however, has designed the Orion and its 3D Vent Technology just for you! 

The entire harness is exceptionally breathable to promote constant airflow and drying, keeping you nice and cool on the wall. The mesh padding and load distribution are also top quality for a comfortable and chaff-less experience. This is undoubtedly one of the best climbing harnesses for those looking to stay cool as a cucumber on the crag. Just be aware, however, that the sleek design with exposed webbing may result in premature wear-and-tear.

BEST FOR: LOW PROFILE CLIMBING 

Arc’teryx has a reputation for providing top-notch gear for nearly every niche of adventurers out there. In the climbing harness department, this is the FL-365. This harness is very comfortable thanks to Warp Strength Technology that evenly distributes your weight throughout the entire harness and durable to keep you safe and on the wall for as long as possible. 

This comfort and durability comes wrapped in a high-performance and slim construction that easily moves with you through every move you need to make on the wall. The harness is also fairly lightweight – weighing in at just under 13oz –  which makes it an easy choice for nearly any type of climbing. Arc’teryx has once again hit a homerun with this product, and it easily earns its title of one of the best climbing harnesses.

BEST FOR: LONG DAYS ON THE WALL  

Black Diamond has once again produced one of the best climbing harnesses with their Chaos. This particular item zeros in on comfort and support with a Kinetic Core Construction to flawlessly distribute your weight for best comfort, and adding a plush layer of mesh padding on top of this. These two features work in tandem to make this an incredibly supportive and comfortable option whether you’re climbing, belaying, setting, or just taking in the views. 

The rest of the harnesses includes all the usual refinements that make the best climbing harnesses on the market. Four gear loops for everything you need on the wall, plus a 12kN rated (AKA very strong) haul loop, along with a lightweight design to keep you climbing flawlessly on every crag!

BEST FOR: WEIGHT CONSCIENCE CLIMBERS

Petzl’s reliability in climbing gear is well-documented and well-earned, especially when it comes to ropes such as the Volta. At only 9.2mm in diameter, this a much slimmer rope than other options we’ve covered, but still very strong thanks to it’s Duratec Dry Treatment – locking out water and grit while locking in durability and abrasion resistance.

The slimmer diameter also has the added benefit of shaving a little weight off the rope.  This is something your shoulders will be thanking you for, especially if you’re planning to hike a fair distance to reach the crag of your choice. The slimmer design combined with Petzl’s proprietary dry treatment tend to make this rope feel a little more slippery than some of the others we’ve covered, which could cause a few beginners to hesitate the first time they use this rope. However, slippery feel aside, this is a fantastic option for new and competent climbers looking to keep weight to a minimum.

BEST FOR: VERSATILITY 

Not sure where your climbing life will take you? Perhaps you’ll start out with the basic top rope, where your partner can always catch you in case of a fall. Then maybe you’ll move on to sport climbing, where you’ll clip in your own rope as you go, falling further, but hopefully less often.  Maybe one day you’ll even venture into traditional or ice climbing, where the stakes are high and the learning curve is significant. Regardless of where you go, the Evolution Velocity from Sterling will be there like an excitable Labrador puppy – ready to join you on every new adventure. 

The 9.8mm diameter is perfectly in the middle of the road- not too thick to handle and not too slim for most applications. It can fit into essentially all gear and function well for many different types of climbing. It also has a blissfully perfect balance of stiffness and flexibility, making it much easier to clip into carabiners while you’re on the wall.  With everything we just mentioned in mind, we wholeheartedly recommend the Evolution Velocity for you beginners out there who aren’t quite sure yet what type of climbing will be your bread-and-butter.

BEST FOR: EASY HANDLING 

BlueWater once again makes our list with their Lightning Double Dry. As you may have guessed, this rope features an excellent treatment that prevents water from seeping in and perhaps even increases the rope’s strength. The Lightning also has a supple feel to it, making it easy to work with for tying knots and other tasks. 

The suppleness, however, may potentially lead to an almost floppy feel after extended use, making knots harder to untie. Overall, the excellent dry treatment and overall durability of the Lightning far outweigh this minor inconvenience in our minds, making this one of the best options for beginners looking for a climbing rope that is easy to handle.

BEST FOR: EXTRA SECURITY AND TOUGHNESS 

We get it. Branching into outdoor climbing and investing in your first rope can be a daunting proposition. The phrase ‘hanging by a thread’ may come to mind, but now imagine that thread to be the whopping 10.2mm diameter powerhouse known as the Eliminator. This should definitely ease your apprehensions, and let us tell you why.  

When it comes to climbing ropes, 10.2mm is extra thick, bringing with it all the added toughness and strength of that extra bulk. As soon as you start working with this rope, you’ll feel the added security and trust, which is absolutely perfect for those just finding their feet – or toe holds – in the climbing world. The Eliminator’s added thickness, however, does not detract from its handling, as it tends to flow very nicely through belay devices, again adding to its beginner’s value. Just remember that the Eliminator comes with extra heft, making it heavier than most other options.

BEST FOR: LONGEVITY 

Amongst the old guard of durable and reliable outdoor gear is Mammut. Their gear is built to last for the long run, and the Infinity Dry is absolutely no exception. This rope features a very robust sheath – the outer part of the rope that you touch – which will endure through constant use. 

While durable, the Infinity is still soft to the touch so it doesn’t feel like you’re working with an old fishing rope, once again promoting itself as a top contender for constant and comfortable use. As all climbers know, frequent or long-term use of your rope in the great outdoors generally leads to climbing in some inclement weather.  Luckily for you, Mammut’s dry treatment, which maintains the rope’s strength in wet conditions, will keep this rope in tip-top shape for as long as you need!