What you bring with you to the crag (and onto the wall) is just as critical as how you train. You could do 1,000 pull-ups per day and drink half a dozen energy drinks right before you tie in, but if you’re using thumbtacks as pro, clipping carabiners from Dollar General, and tying into 50-pound hemp rope, you aren’t going to get far. We tied in for over 100 pitches with the newest climbing accessories—including ropes, cams, helmets, belay gloves, packs, and apparel. Here are the nine pieces that came out on top.

Black Diamond Capitan MIPS Helmet ($100)

The new Capitan MIPS boasts large vents and weighs just 285 grams in size small, without compromising protection. A two-part ABS plastic shell covers a layer of lightweight EPP foam with a stiffer EPS foam puck at the crown, plus MIPS technology.

Wild Country Offset Zero Friends Camming Devices ($390 for five)

Boasting the narrowest head width of any cams on the market—28.1 millimeters on the 0.1–0.2—the Zero Friends are ideal for weird fits like flares and pin scars. Their soft aeronautical-aluminum heads boost friction, and the wide, 17.6-degree camming angle yields more expansion for small sizes. They range from 49 to 78 grams and feature flexible stems and adjustable Dyneema slings.

Trango Physic Locking Carabiner (from $17)

The small and lightweight Physic takes up less space on your harness than a traditional belay biner. But its wide top keeps rope handling and Munter-hitch management just as easy. A flat keylock nose prevents snags. It’s available in autolock (pictured) and screw-lock versions.

Sterling IonR 9.4mm Yellow Xeros 60m Rope ($250)

Sterling’s IonR line gets upgraded with a new dry treatment that’s applied at the fiber level before weaving rather than to the outside of the finished rope. This reduces waste and ensures the water protection lasts as long as the rope does. The lightweight, do-it-all 9.4-millimeter version is easy to feed and flake.

Arc’teryx Konseal 40L Pack ($190)

At 40 liters, the Konseal is big enough to devour your rack, rope, harness, shoes, and helmet with room to spare—and it stands up on its own, which makes for easy loading and unloading. The tough Cordura body and padded sides and bottom keep your kit safe, and the large top lid yields ample room for lunch and sundries.

Mammut Crag Keylock Wire 10cm Quickdraw ($80 for six)

Mammut’s newest quickdraw mates a large, snag-resistant keylock clipping carabiner to a stiff polyester dogbone for easy clipping. But a lightweight wiregate bottom biner shaves weight, so the finished piece comes in at a respectable 106 grams. Red fibers appear as the dogbone sheath degrades over time, so you know when it’s time for a replacement.

Ortovox Valbon Pants ($150)

These organic cotton and hemp bottoms are stretchy and light, yet still weathered rough sandstone cracks without a rip. They lay flat under a harness, with a comfy merino-infused waistband and out-of-your-way elastic cuffs.

Pitch Six EyeSend Belay Glasses ($95)

These are the only belay glasses we’ve found with an adjustable field of view. A flick of the finger lets you change your perspective from 60 up to 120 degrees as your climber moves above, reducing dreaded neck cricks.

Hestra Climbers Short 5-Finger Gloves ($55)

Built from rugged goat leather with foam knuckle pads and neoprene cuffs these snug fingerless gloves offer supreme protection for alpine rock or backcountry missions. But they’re breathable enough for daily cragging, too.

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Packs play an important role in the winter backcountry, helping us get out faster, stay out longer, and do it all more safely. This year’s crop uses every trick in the book: fabrics that lighten the load without compromising strength, new pockets that add volume without bulk, and designs that blend the space between clothing and equipment storage. In the process, packs have also become more versatile. You might just find a reason to use these bags year-round.

Mountain Hardwear Powabunga 32 ($200)

The Powabunga changed how we pack for ski touring. At first glance, it doesn’t look revolutionary. It weighs a very average 3.1 pounds, with tough 500-denier Cordura fabric, an ­avalanche-tool pocket, a fleecy goggles-storage pouch, and zippered back-panel access to the main compartment—everything we’d expect from a backcountry ski pack of this size. The surprises are the two side pockets. Without eating up any interior space, they fit all the gear we need on the go and used to store inside our pack, including skins, snacks, a 32-ounce water bottle, a multitool, and sunglasses. They open vertically, so things don’t fall out if the pack is lying in the snow. As a result, we wound up choosing the Powabunga for days when we’d normally use a 40-liter. It carries nicely, even when it’s overloaded, thanks to a steel frame that transfers weight onto the pivoting padded hipbelt. Of the 15 bags we tested last winter, this was the only one that had us hollering its name. Powabunga indeed! 3.1 lbs

Mystery Ranch Gallatin Peak 40L ($249)

Best for Hut Trips

The Gallatin Peak is a full-featured ­backcountry workhorse. A massive interior easily swallows an overnight kit, while the orange lining makes everything visible. Zippered pockets in the main body and lid keep small items organized. Brightly colored glove-friendly zipper pulls make it easy to find and open the avalanche-tool pocket, which fits even big shovel blades and probes. It also has a third slot for a snow saw. Those aren’t the only new features: there’s reinforced nylon to shield the pack body from ski edges, straps for ropes and ice axes, long zippers to open both sides of the main pocket, a torso and hipbelt that are both adjustable, and generous padding. All that in a pack that weighs only three pounds—impressive. 3 lbs

Black Diamond Cirque 22 Ski Vest ($159)

Best for Going Fast and Light

Simply put, the Cirque made us faster. Yes, it’s light—1.5 pounds. But what sets it apart is the design, which marries a running vest and a ski pack. Without stopping, we could grab snacks from the two shoulder-strap pockets, pull skins out of a dedicated basement compartment, rack skis diagonally (plus remove them for the descent), and adjust the fit with a pull-cord side compression system. “I don’t think I took the pack off all day,” said a tester. Just don’t overload it. Pushing the 22-liter capacity caused the pack to bulge, which made for a less comfortable fit. For minimalist missions, ski-mountaineering racing, or anyone interested in doing more skiing and less standing around, this pack delivers. 1.5 lbs

Ortovox Free Rider 28 ($190)

Best for Day Trips

Whether you’re hiking a ridge or making quick turns through steep chutes, the Free Rider makes heavy loads disappear. That’s thanks to a host of features usually found only on bigger packs, like a wide, stretchy, ­hip-hugging waist belt, a well-cushioned back panel, and load-stabilizer straps. Even schlepping heavy alpine boards, we felt stable. A small top zipper makes essentials easy to grab from the main compartment, and a huge back-panel U-zip allows you to get to the bottom of the pack during transitions without an excavation. The ­avalanche-tool pocket is tight for big shovel blades. But with straps to carry everything from ice axes to snowshoes, the pack is ready for any outsize winter day mission. 2.5 lbs

Black Crows Dorsa 27 ($190)

Best for Slackcountry

You’d be hard-pressed to find a more minimalist winter pack than the Dorsa, which is exactly what makes it perfect for playing just outside the resort. To keep weight down, designers nixed a dedicated avalanche-tool area. Instead, your skins, shovel, and probe share the main compartment with clothes and water. Valuables and goggles go into the top pocket, which one tester squeezed full of cookies, granola bars, and a breakfast burrito, along with a phone and keys. A roll-top closure means you can even fit a bulky resort jacket inside if you decide to hop into the sidecountry midway through an in-bounds day, while a vertical zipper down the center of the pack body gets you to your gear swiftly when you have skis racked A-frame. 2.5 lbs

Osprey Glade 12L ($110)

Best for In-Bounds

Last winter, COVID safety protocols meant base lodges were either closed or had restricted capacity. This lean, low-profile pack became our mobile locker for a ski season short on indoor breaks. A 2.5-liter hydration bladder tucks into a full-length back pocket with room to spare for a sandwich, skins, and a layer. (The insulated hose resisted icing well below freezing.) If you’re in a pinch, the second large compartment even fits avalanche tools. A small zippered pouch keeps hand warmers and a spare neck gaiter close at hand. But what impressed us the most about the Glade is how well it carried, even stuffed full. It didn’t balloon out, so lift rides were a cinch, and it rode smoothly zipping down our favorite bump runs. 2 lbs

The North Face Phantom 50 ($199)

Best for Climbing Ice and Snow

The Phantom doesn’t just offer a great bang for your buck—it squeezes maximum performance out of every pound. Its organizational features are few (just two small pockets, one in the lid and one at the left hip), but the 50-liter top loader easily swallows a technical mission’s worth of gear and has enough straps to carry ice tools, skis, and a rope. The body is nearly waterproof and made of durable 210-denier recycled nylon reinforced with Spectra, with a carbonite coating on the bottom. But our favorite feature is the compression straps, which are partially ­routed through the shell fabric and encircle the pack. Tightening them squeezes the whole bag, not just the sides. “Overflowing or half full, it always felt stable,” said a tester. 2.2 lbs

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Mountain Hardwear Crag Wagon 45 Backpack ($230)

Minimalist looks hide this hauler’s true capabilities. A guidebook sleeve, three external pockets, and a clamshell opening keep you organized. Meanwhile, the expandable cinch top accommodates a 70-meter rope.

Black Diamond 9.6 Dry Bi-Pattern Rope (from $290)

At 9.6 millimeters— enough girth to lend durability without too much bulk—this dry-treated rope is our favorite workhorse. The bi-pattern design is key on rappels.

Black Diamond Onsight 375 Headlamp ($60)

The Onsight 375 has a distance beam for route finding and a wide one for climbing—switch with just a tap. A rear battery reduces forehead bulk.

Scarpa Booster Climbing Shoes ($189)

Scarpa’s beloved all-around shoe got a new last that’s wider up front and narrower in the heel. Increased precision comes from a light, grippy, durable synthetic patch in the toe box.

Arc’teryx Oriel 28 Leggings ($89)

We love the Oriel for its durable, breathable nylon and opaque black elastane. This year, a higher rise (8.7 inches) means you won’t moon your belayer.

Prana Sol Defender Hoodie ($79)

The Sol Defender looks like a normal hoodie, but it’s packed with technical qualities, like its UPF 30+ rating, durable polyester blend, and wicking grid interior.

Petzl Corax LT Harness ($60)

The latest iteration of Petzl’s popular sport harness is even more comfortable, with a wider waist belt and leg loops. The foam kept our legs happy (and awake) during long hangs.

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Wild Country Session Quickdraws Six-Pack ($95)

At 3.5 ounces apiece, with stiff dogbones and rubber vices that make clipping easy, these are our new favorite quickdraws for projecting.

Arc’teryx Konseal FL 2 Approach Shoes ($145)

Most approach shoes are either stiff for climbing or supportive for hiking, but the Konseal does both. A layer of TPU lends a springy feel to the thin midsole, which has a beveled edge for support.

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Mountain Hardwear ČѱđČÔ’s Tutka Warm Pants ($125)

Made of stretchy twill and a brushed interior, the Tutkas look like khakis and feel plush, but they offer work-pants durability.

Tenaya Mastia Shoes ($200)

An aggressive shoe isn’t usually this comfy out of the box. And its asymmetrical last performs: toeing, edging, and heel hooks all feel solid.

CamelBak Octane 25 70 Oz Hydration Pack ($145)

This smart 25-liter hauler has a two-liter reservoir and room for food and layers.

Backcountry Double Dyno °ÂŽÇłŸ±đČÔ’s Climbing Pants ($110)

Testers liked the Double Dyno’sÌę stretch and deep pockets, and how it fit a variety of hips while leaving room for leggings underneath.

La Sportiva TX Guide Approach Shoes ($159)

Rubber outsoles can make approach shoes stiff and uncomfortable after more than an hour of use. But the TX Guides kept our feet happy because they have virtually no break-in period. Credit the cushy heel padding and four-millimeter OrthoLite insoles.

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Arc’teryx Motus AR Hoodie ($99)

At 5.5 ounces, this ultrasoft polyester midweight is lighter than similar models and kept us from overheating on approaches to the crag. The high neck and thumb loops boost coverage.

Black Diamond Circuit Crash Pad ($150)

Style points are what won us over, but there’s far more to love about the Circuit than just its flash. At less than nine pounds, it’s one of the lighter straight-hinge models on the market.

Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Hybrid Hoodie ($300)

This 700-fill puffy weaves the face, back, and baffles from the same fabric. The upshot: better range of movement and heat retention. Plus, its pockets sit above a harness for sport days.

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Mammut Comfort Knit Fast Adjust ­Harness ($160)

Testers loved Mammut’s harness for its wide leg loops and seam-free lining, which hugs the lower back without digging in. The 3-D-knit material held up to chimney squeezes in Moab without fraying.

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Livsn Designs Flex Canvas Pants ($99)

These trousers from Livsn do it all, with zippered security pockets in front, reflective straps at the cuff for commuting, a gusseted crotch, and a mesh liner—all in a burly cotton-polyester blend.

Black Diamond Camalot Z4 Cams ($70)

Pull the Camalot Z4’s trigger and the stem stiffens for easy placement. Release it and it bends for safety in horizontal cracks. This also prevents the cam from walking.

Scarpa Veloce Climbing Shoes ($139)

The Veloce is a shoe for all climbers. It weds the comfort and price point of a gym shoe with the thin midsole, mild downturn, and ­ultrasensitive toe of a technical model.

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Mystery Ranch Tower 47 Pack ($275)

The Tower 47’s U-shaped front panel zips open for easy access. There are handles for moving your load between routes, dual daisy chains, and five pockets to keep your rack and sundries organized.

Mammut 9.0 Alpine Sender Dry Rope ($260)

Slinky and supple, this lightweight line is ideal for alpine climbs and long-approach days, when cutting weight makes all the difference.

The North Face North Dome Chalk Bag ($29)

Drawstrings are a thing of the past. The North Dome’s buckle closure keeps your precious magnesium carbonate from leaking, and when it’s time to send, the cover folds down around the mouth.

Outdoor Research Astroman Hoodie ($89)

This quarter-zip shines in light squalls. Its soft, stretchy nylon-spandex blend is the perfect weight for summer and handles rough sandstone with no problem.

Black Diamond Session Approach Shoes ($120)

A breathable stretch-mesh upper, snug inner bootie, sticky outsole, and elasticized heel that both stretches wide and collapses in make this the ultimate crag slip-on.

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Rock-climbing gear can seem daunting when you first start going to the gym. With so manyÌęoptions, it’s hard to know what’s worth your investment. Editor Emily Reed walks us through the basics of everything you need toÌęclimb indoors like a veteran. Looking for more information about how to get into gym climbing? Click here.

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Two heads are better than one, the saying goes. Our friends at Backcountry took that advice to heart when creating theirÌęnew climbing collection, teaming up with brands like Black Diamond, Edelweiss, Metolius, and othersÌęto develop a special line of gear. Backcountry also added exclusive in-house apparel to the mix. After a few weeks of testing, here are our takeaways on four key pieces.

Backcountry andÌęBlack Diamond Stone Garden Crag 30 Pack ($130)

I’ve been a fan of ($190) since it came on the market a few years ago. The haul-bag-style construction affords cavernous, no-fuss storage space for my rack, shoes, and rope, yet the front compartment and its smaller inner pockets lend organization for my keys, phone, headlamp, and sunscreen. In its collaboration with Black Diamond, Backcountry took the Creek and, in many ways, made it better with its user-friendly . But there are some things I miss from the original.

First, the pros:ÌęThe outer compartment is now on the side of the pack, andÌęthough slightly smaller, it still has as much functional space as I need for accessories I want to keep separate and out of the main body. And kudos for the addition of a dedicated shoe pocket on the bottom; if I haveÌęheavy gear in the main compartment, my kicks get squished when I put theÌębag down, but it’s nice to have them quarantined from the rest of my equipment—especially at the end of the day when they’re a bit ripe. One of my favorite features on the Creek is its vertical side zipper, which makes pulling out buried gear much easier. Backcountry didn’t mess with this too much, but the brand lengthened it into a J zipper, so I can splay the whole pack open and more easily see and access what’sÌęinside. A small change, but a smart one. What stays the same (thankfully) is the drawcord cinch top, which adds a bit of capacity to accommodate loads larger than the Stone Garden’s listed 30 liters, and the rope-securing strap over the top.

As for gripes, I would love a more amply padded hipbelt. I have no problems with the Creek’s, but the Stone Garden’s is more minimalist—just two lightly padded wings with a thin strip of webbing—and it digs uncomfortably into my waist if I’m carrying a lot. (The hook-and-loop closure, as opposed to buckles, is also a bit fussy.) Load lifters on the shoulder straps wouldÌębe nice, though to be fair, the Creek 35 doesn’t have these either. And a thicker back panel between me and pokingÌęcarabiners and other hardware wouldn’t go unappreciated.

Those are minor inconveniences, and overall the Stone Garden gets a thumbs-up from me, particularly on trips to the crag that involve short to midlength approaches. It’s much the same as one of my favorite climbing packs, with a few intelligent improvements. Not to mention it costs 60 bucks less than the most comparably sized Creek. —Will Egensteiner, senior gear editor

Backcountry andÌęEdelweiss Echo Climbing Rope ($100 and up)

There have been times on lead routes when I’ve longed for a thinner, slinkier rope that didn’t feel like I was tugging on a thick jib sheet every time I clipped. Backcountry and Edelweiss found the panacea with , a 9.6-millimeter dry-treated rope that’s a reliable option for the crag and the gym.

After testing the 60-meter version ($160) of the Echo, it pleasantly surprised me. I fully expected a long break-in period, but it felt send readyÌęafter a couple of top-rope laps at the gym. It weighs in at just under eight pounds, which isn’t ultralightÌębut also isn’t heavy. And I didn’t run into any problems when packing it. Unlike the stiff ropes that seem to twist and coil on their own terms, the Echo flaked into my burrito bag with ease, and coiling it was never a headache. I love the feel of a broken-in cord (minus the grime that coats your hands after one belay), and after only a handful of sessions, the Echo felt fluid and familiar—like a rope I’ve used for months on end.

The Echo also has a dry-treated sheath, which is what you want when Mother Nature throws you a wet curveball. Climbing in foul weather is never ideal, but I’ve gone through my fair share of surprise sufferfest-type conditions, likeÌębelaying my partner from above in a wet storm (in which pulling the soggyÌęline felt like hauling up concrete bags)Ìęand rainy rappels where a dry-treated rope like the Echo would have been a game changer. I can’t say I’ve drenched this rope or taken gigantic whippers on it, but I trust that it would handle well in those conditions—and better than the standard sport ropes I’ve abused for years on the wall. —Jeremy Rellosa, reviews editor

Backcountry Steort Climbing Pants ($80)

My main requirement with climbing pants is that they don’t get in the way. And in that regard, succeeds. Backcountry says it built the pair in a regular fit, and the SteortÌęis definitely a bit looser than my other climbing pantsÌębut not so much that itÌęswishes around as I’m making my way up the rock. That looseness may even help the breathability, since the Steort isn’t Saran Wrap tight around my legs, providing more room for sweat to evaporate. I haven’t had to use them yet, but there are cinch cords at the cuffs to keep them snug and out of the way.

As for the fabric, it’s so light that I assumed the SteortÌęwouldn’t be very durable. But it’s actually a burly Cordura-nylon blend, and despite a spring spent pulling myself up over scratchy conglomerate and welded tuff at the crags near șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű’s home of Santa Fe, the pants have yet to show signs of wear. And that nylon—plus a touch of spandex—boosts stretch for high stepping plus gives them a quick dry time, which one of our female editors found out when she unexpectedly had to wade across a river. (She was wearing Ìępant, made with the same material.)

Another thing I prize in climbing pants is one zippered pocket. (Call me paranoid, but I like to keep my wallet on me even when I’m tied in, though others might want to keep their phone there for a glory pic from the chains.) The Steort has one high on the right leg, though it’s awkwardly positioned, making it somewhat onerous to adjust the leg loop on my harness so it doesn’t pinch the wallet against my thigh. But once I cinch everything up, both stay put, and I forget about them when climbing.

The best praise I can give is this: these pants are plenty capable but still oh-so comfortable. Even after a day spent baking and sweating in the sun, I don’t want to take them off. —W.E.

Backcountry Coral Bells Tech Tank ($50)

The beauty of the is its simplicity. With aÌęhigh neck and slight A-frame cut, it hugs my body in all the right places and then flares out at the hips, keeping it both flattering and loose enough for good airflow. CrisscrossÌęstraps add a touch of style in the back, but beyond that, this is aÌęno-frills workhorse that’sÌętough enough to stand up to snags on rough conglomerate rock.

The Coral Bells has now become my favorite shirt for the gym, the crag, and everything in between (read: hiking, short runs, the farmers’ market, and sometimes even the office), and luckily the Polygiene anti-odor treatment means I can wear it all the time, washed or not. I recently packed this as the lone tank on an unexpectedly warm weekend climbing trip in northern New Mexico. Though I came back covered in sweat and dirt, with hair reeking of campfire smoke, I can confirm that the anti-odor fabric treatment successfully warded off stink.

My only complaint? Although I love the purple hue of the eggplant color (the Coral Bells also comes in basic black and a light sage), the nylon-modal-spandex blend doesn’t just show sweat stains—it screams them. But the topÌędries quickly, and besides, that’s a small price to pay for a functional, comfortable, and flattering top that gets me compliments at every crag. —Abigail Wise, online managing editor

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A British company makes our new favorite climbing pack. Emily walks us through the features ofÌęthe ($66), which transformsÌęeasily from a backpack toÌęa shoulder bag and can hold up to 25 liters worth ofÌęgear.

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teamed up with , , and Ìęto createÌęthe inimitable HonnSolo. ThinkÌęcrash pad meets avalanche airbag pack, for free-soloists. The Locals Project writes on itsÌę: “It may be too hard to free solo, but not too hard to HonnSolo.”Ìę

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All you need to tackle unbolted routes.
—Matt Skenazy

Edelrid Topaz ColorTec 9.2 rope

Bipatterned ropes let you quickly ID the midpoint, making rappelling safer and helping belayers gauge how much is left. They’re pricey to make, but Edelrid automated the process to keep costs in check. $260,

Scarpa Techno X shoes

The ($155) is ideal for long days on the wall. Credit the micro-suede upper and U-shaped rubber rand, which keeps your digits from fusing in the toe box. The shoe edges well on dimes and smears on everything but polished marble.

Petzl Aquila harness

Petzl put a strip of foam around the back of the ’s ($125) waist for a snug fit, and four gear loops—two rigid up front and two flexible in the rear—prevent pressure points from a pack.

Metolius Ultralight Curve nuts

Metolius shaved a gram or two from its ($150 for a set of ten) and gave them a more secure, asymmetrical taper.

Patagonia Cragsmith 35L pack

It looks like your basic top loader, but a zippered back panel lets you lay it flat and grab gear without unpacking. At 35 liters, it fits shoes, a harness, a layer, and snacks. $129,

Millet Jackspires hoodie

The ($140) is made from a poly-blend material that stretches with you while you stem up a corner, and reinforcements at the waist and forearms help the jacket hold up to repeated off-widths.

Carhartt Washed Twill pants

($43) are a mountain staple for one simple reason: they’re tough as nails. That makes them the perfect choice for scaling rough rock. A relaxed fit ensures plenty of room to high-step to the next hold.

Super.natural Essential Tee 140 shirt

It’s so light and soft, you’ll want to wear the ($50) every day. And because it’s a 50/50 blend of odor-suppressing wool and polyester, you can do just that without smelling like you live in your van—even if you do.

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