Gear you truston the sharp end.
Buying guides for climbing shoes, harnesses, belay devices, ropes, helmets, crash pads and alpine gear, built on UIAA and EN certification and each manufacturer's instructions for use.
Gear by discipline
Bouldering, rope climbing, training and the mountains. Each section starts with the standard the gear must meet.
Climbing shoes
Gym, bouldering, sport and trad shoes
Ropes & protection
Ropes, harnesses, belay and helmets
Bouldering & training
Crash pads, chalk and hangboards
Ice & alpine
Ice axes, crampons and boots
Gear care & retirement
Inspection, cleaning and retirement
Gyms & routesetting
Holds, walls and routesetting tools
Know your gear
Compare tube, assisted-braking and guide-mode belay devices by rope compatibility, handling and intended use, with EN 15151 certification context.
- 02
Climbing Harness Fit, Standards and Inspection Guide
Harness fit
- 03
Adjustable vs Alpine Climbing Harnesses Compared
Harness styles
- 04
Climbing Helmet Fit, Certification and Inspection Guide
Helmet fit
- 05
Climbing Helmet Construction Compared: ABS Hybrid vs Lightweight
Helmet construction
- 06
Belay Carabiners Compared: HMS vs D Shape and Locking Types
Belay carabiners
Climbing Gear questions, answered
What belay device should a beginner learn?
Learn the device taught by your instructor or climbing gym and use it exactly as its manual describes.
Read: Belay Devices Compared →How should a climbing harness fit?
Follow the exact model's sizing and adjustment instructions. Check that the waist belt remains secure above the hips and that leg loops fit as the maker directs.
Read: Climbing Harness Fit, Standards and Inspection Guide →What is an alpine climbing harness?
It is designed for mountaineering or ski touring. Petzl says its ALTITUDE can be donned while wearing skis or crampons and weighs 150 g in size S/M.
Read: Adjustable vs Alpine Climbing Harnesses Compared →Is UIAA 106 the same as EN 12492?
They are separate standards. The UIAA lists UIAA 106 for helmets, and Petzl identifies EN 12492 or UIAA 106 on climbing helmet documentation.
Read: Climbing Helmet Fit, Certification and Inspection Guide →What is a hybrid climbing helmet?
Construction labels vary. Petzl describes its BOREO as a hybrid with an ABS shell and EPP/EPS foam liner; check the exact helmet's materials and manual.
Read: Climbing Helmet Construction Compared →Should I use an HMS or D-shaped carabiner with a belay device?
Use the shape and orientation specified by the device manufacturer. HMS shapes provide a larger basket; D shapes are commonly designed for attaching devices to a harness.
Read: Belay Carabiners Compared →Standards first, always
Every piece of protection we recommend carries the relevant UIAA or EN certification.
Each guide says who the gear suits, who should look elsewhere, and what to check before you buy.
Brands cannot buy a review or a spot on a list. Partner codes save you money; they never decide what we recommend.
Prices are dated, codes are updated across the site at once, and pages are revised when a product, standard or rule changes.
The climbing gear index
- 01Climbing shoesClimbing shoes for beginners, bouldering, sport, trad and gym climbing.2 pages
- 02Ropes & protectionDynamic ropes, harnesses, belay devices, carabiners, slings, protection and helmets.8 pages
- 03Bouldering & trainingCrash pads, chalk and chalk bags, brushes, hangboards and home walls.2 pages
- 04Ice & alpineIce axes and tools, crampons, mountaineering boots, alpine packs and approach shoes.3 pages
- 05Gear care & retirementInspecting, cleaning, storing and retiring climbing equipment according to manufacturer instructions.0 pages
- 06Gyms & routesettingClimbing holds, home walls, routesetting tools and equipment for gyms and professionals.0 pages