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Testing methodology
Every recommendation on ClimbingCriteria follows the same process, so you can compare pages with confidence.
Certified for the job
Every piece of protection we recommend carries the relevant UIAA or EN certification.
A clear verdict
Each guide says who the gear suits, who should look elsewhere, and what to check before you buy.
No paid placements
Brands cannot buy a review or a spot on a list. Partner codes save you money; they never decide what we recommend.
Kept current
Prices are dated, codes are updated across the site at once, and pages are revised when a product, standard or rule changes.
Where our facts come from
We use manufacturer specs and instructions for use, UIAA safety standards and the UIAA label list, the matching EN standards (EN 892 ropes, EN 12277 harnesses, EN 12275 connectors, EN 12492 helmets, EN 15151 belay devices, EN 893 crampons, EN 13089 ice tools), and AMGA and UIAA education resources.
What we check, by product type
| Ropes | Type (single, half, twin), diameter, weight per meter, UIAA falls, impact force, dry treatment and length. |
|---|---|
| Harnesses | Intended use, adjustability, gear loops, weight, padding and EN 12277 certification. |
| Belay devices and carabiners | Rope diameter range, braking assist type, strength ratings in kN and gate type. |
| Shoes | Shape and downturn, closure, rubber, stiffness and intended use. |
| Ice and alpine | Crampon binding type and boot compatibility, ice tool class (B or T), boot rating. |
Hands-on testing versus research
A review carries a "Hands-on tested" badge only when our team has used the product, and it lists the date and what we did. Every other page is built from published specs, governing-body rules, the brand's own documentation and owner feedback, and says so. Comparisons are research-based unless marked otherwise.
Prices and codes
Prices come from each brand's own store and are dated on every review. Reader codes come directly from the brands we partner with. When a brand changes an offer, we update the code everywhere it appears on the site at once.
Corrections
If you spot something out of date, email [email protected] and we'll check it and fix it.