Best lead climbing gear. At 275 grams, the Petzl Corax is remarkably light.

Best lead climbing gear Jun 17, 2021 · Lead climbing is a form of Sport climbing but Bouldering and Speed climbing aren’t really – they’re their own thing. Now let’s do a quick introduction to the different features of gym climbing ropes we’ll be looking at in this article. Dec 30, 2023 · Lead climbing opens up new possibilities and challenges for climbers looking to advance beyond top rope climbing. 6 ($200-240) Best Safety Feature: Trango Red Flag Agility 9. Our lead tester regularly used the Safe Tech for route development, dangling a heavy drill, hammer, and other tools from its rated gear loops To complete your climbing gear kit, make sure to also check out our articles on the best climbing shoes, quickdraws, helmets, and harnesses. Climbing rope: The length of climbing rope you’ll need will depend on whether you plan on single-rope or double-rope rappelling. 2 ($245) Best High-End Redpointer: Black Diamond 9. To climb, you would need different equipment: Climbing shoes; Liquid chalk or chalk + climbing chalk bag (if authorized in the climbing gym) One of a kind gear for lead rope soloing. 8mm static rope. May 1, 2025 · Best Value: Ocun Twist Tech Eco ($80) Most Inclusive Sizing: Petzl Corax ($80) Best for Projecting: Mammut Sender ($90) Best for Redpointing: Arc’teryx Skaha ($180) Best Big Wall Harness: Singing Rock Dome ($120) Other Harnesses We Tested; How to Choose a Climbing Harness; How We Test; Meet Our Lead Testers; Don’t miss: The Best Climbing Dec 5, 2024 · The Neox might be the best belay device for lead climbing and single-pitch climbing, but the similar Petzl GriGri is more versatile and remains our favorite overall belay device for its versatility. In short, a belay device attaches the climber’s rope to the belayer, allowing the belayer to keep the rope taut, catch the climber when he or she falls, and lower them safely to the ground. We've also put best men's climbing harnesses and women's climbing harnesses to the test, as well as the top-rated men's climbing shoes and women's climbing shoes, to discover the best products on the market. Many gyms offer lead climbing courses, and many have classes on outdoor safety and anchor cleaning. Alternatively, partner up with a more experienced friend. This influences what routes you will be able to climb with the rope, as well as the rope’s price and weight. Your lead-climbing gear checklist In terms of gear needs, lead climbing in the gym isn’t too different from top-roping. Dec 10, 2024 · We found the best climbing harnesses of 2025. Importance: Necessary. This is designed to be an introduction into lead rope soloing catering to a beginner soloist; However, my hope is that anybody who solos, beginner to expert, can take something from this resource. Grigris are great for belaying lead climbers because the device blocks and helps you arrest the fall when the climber falls. If they don’t, refer to this gym lead-climbing gear list: Sep 14, 2020 · Best Beginner Belay Device For Lead Climbing. Unlike top-roping, where the rope is already in place at the top of the climb, you will be taking the rope up with you . Everyone’s climbing journey is different, though, so get the gear that’s right for your own personal goals and style. Rope solo redpoint near your limit with our accessories to improve LRS piece of mind and safety. The good news is that there’s no shortage of places to learn. How comfortable are you with the systems, your anchor situation, lead or TR solo, over hanging route or vertical wall, ledges that could be hit, etc. Sep 21, 2023 · After ten years in the sport, lead climbing gear tester Austin Beck-Doss is a solid 5. . Here’s what you’ll need for a day out placing gear: Climbing Harness. 3. Belaying a Lead Climber. These gyms provide extensive programs and classes aimed at improving skills, fitness, and safety for climbers of all ages and abilities, emphasizing the importance Jun 23, 2021 · But unlike ‘traditional climbing’, where climbers fix temporary protection to the rock face as they ascend - and then later remove - lead climbing involves scaling a wall by attaching the rope Jun 5, 2017 · Best High Sierra Climbing Rack Best Yosemite Climbing Rack. May 28, 2024 · Choosing the right belay device is just one aspect of a well-rounded climbing gear setup. The Petzl GriGri+ adds security for beginner climbers with an “ anti-panic ” lever that stops the lowering mechanism if the lever is pulled too Apr 24, 2025 · Best Lightweight All-Rounder: Fixe Oliana 9. The molded gear loops are easy to clip, and while they won't hold enough gear for most trad climbing, they hold plenty of quickdraws and associated belay and rappelling gear for multi-pitch sport climbing. Rope Access Equipment Guides. Related: Best Climbing Shoes for Women Sport Climbing Gear Guide. Apr 16, 2025 · From boulders to big walls, our roundup of climbing gear on the market has something for everyone. Bivouac Outdoor provides quality outdoor clothing, camping gear and outdoor equipment from the world’s best brands for camping, climbing, tramping, training, snow sports and travel. If you need a new indoor climbing harness, then you’ve come to the right place, because I’m about to help you find the Apr 25, 2024 · Top Rope/Lead Climbing Bouldering, Top Rope/Lead Climbing Bouldering, Top Rope Auto-Belay, Top Rope/Lead Climbing. Once you've become a skilled top-rope climber, your next step is lead climbing. Apr 4, 2025 · The leg loops and waist belt are super comfortable while climbing, walking around the crag, or belaying your partner on their project. This is especially true if your gym provides lead ropes and/or rope bags or baskets to put them in. How NOT 2 Rope Swing; lead rope solo gear guide. Lead climbing takes you closer to the edge, which makes it thrilling, and worthy of your time and effort May 13, 2021 · Lead climbing; Lead belaying; Hanging quickdraws; Cleaning anchors; Rappelling; Lead belaying in a pair of belay glasses. Have fun with your new climbing gear. Expect to pay Mar 12, 2025 · In short: After having tested almost every assisted braking device ever manufactured, I wholeheartedly agree that the Petzl NEOX is the best ABD for single-pitch lead climbing. Swinging leads is traditional and efficient, and it means that you get a break from being on the sharp end. Related: Best Climbing Shoes for Women Apr 16, 2025 · From boulders to big walls, our roundup of climbing gear on the market has something for everyone. To ensure your rope stays in excellent condition and is easy to transport, consider investing in a quality rope bag. However, the EU actually relies upon the UIAA’s recommendations for such standards in the realm of climbing equipment. Aug 23, 2022 · The difference between lead climbing and toproping It’s only marginally ridiculous to declare that toproping is to lead climbing as plastic tricycles are to carbon fiber racing bikes. The La Sportiva Tarantula is our Best Buy winner at only $90 and will get the job done. When lead climbing, you'll tie into one end of the rope and clip it into a series of quickdraws that are already attached to bolts on the gym's wall. And it’s also where we go to socialize, both meeting up with besties and building new belaytionships. Nov 15, 2024 · Let’s face it: climbing gear is expensive. — on a gear sling or harness gear loops (or a combo) so you'll be able to quickly reach what you need during your climb. In this article, we'll break down the different types of belay devices and explain how to choose the best belay device for your climbing style and preferences. Today, I’m comparing the 6 best indoor gym climbing harnesses. Jun 24, 2020 · If you’re new to indoor gym climbing, then you are probably looking for the best gear. Best Outdoor All-Rounder: Scarpa Arpia V ($169) Best Sport/Mixed Shoe: Unparallel Qubit ($186) Best Bouldering Shoe: Scarpa Drago XT ($229) Best for Beginners: Butora Rubicon ($150) Best Shoe for Steep Routes: La Sportiva Mandala ($209) Best Training Shoe: Scarpa Veloce L ($175) Best Pure Slipper: La Sportiva Lead rope soloing is a very niche type of climbing that not very many people know how to do compared to the number of climbers in the world. The “CE” is actually a marker of products disseminated via the European Union; it is the EU’s stamp for a product’s safety. We cover gear, setup, safety, communication and technique. I look at important specs such as size, comfort, features, and price. Sep 23, 2022 · Lead Climbing and Belaying. Dec 2, 2024 · Weight per meter: 57 g/m Diameter: 9. Our guide on the Best Climbing Rope Bags offers top recommendations to help you find the ideal bag for your needs. Gifts For Rock Climbers – 100 Jun 24, 2024 · Best for Technical Alpine Climbing: Blue Ice Choucas Pro; Best for Mountaineering: Petzl Altitude; Best for Projecting: Arc’teryx AR-395a; Best For Multi-Pitch: Petzl Sitta; How I Tested the Best Climbing Harnesses The author climbed and performed crevasse rescue training in the best climbing harnesses. First a word of caution. 5 ($28o) Climbing Ropes 101 Jul 17, 2020 · The most common injury in lead climbing is ankle injuries, caused by hitting your foot hard against the rock, or head injuries. Not only is this rope cost-effective Though a lead climber needs additional gear, like quickdraws and slings, your gear needs for lead belaying are the same as for top-rope belaying. 5 ($199 – 70m) comes in. These four climbing whiz kids, in addition to nearly 10 other experts ranging from professional to hobbyist climbers, researched and tested these award-winning Top 10 Best Climbing Gear in Los Angeles, CA - June 2025 - Yelp - Mad Rock, Rock Climb Every Day, LA Boulders, Ver Sales, Arc'teryx, Backcountry, The Stronghold Climbing Gym, REI, Patagonia Pasadena, Hollywood Divers Gear Solutions for the Core Rock Climber: including product offerings for lead rope solo, top rope solo, multipitch, and trad (traditional) rock climbing. Both approaches have pros and cons. See full list on rei. For that reason, make sure to always wear a climbing helmet while lead climbing! Lead climbing can be exhilarating and scary for many people. Below is a list of the best rock climbing ropes: Mammut Infinity Dry 70m; Edelrid Swift Pro Dry 70m; Sterling Evolution Velocity Dry Core 70m; Edelrid Boa Eco 70m Dec 5, 2024 · We compare the most popular choices in The Best Climbing Belay Device Review, and offer our thoughts on the suitability of each device for different types of belaying. He’s belayed all over the world, from the scenic belay ledges of Spain to the wind-blown three What gear to carry, where to carry it and how to rack it are key considerations as you progress in your skills as a lead trad climber. Feb 3, 2022 · With the recent influx of climbing media such as ‘Free Solo,’ ‘Dawn Wall,’ and ‘The Alpinist,’ climbing jargon is spilling out into the general public. We list top choice first followed sometimes by the Best Buy (BB) choice> For example, the La Sportiva TC Pro is our top Yosemite shoe choice but costs $170. Trad climbing requires a little more gear than other disciplines, but that’s no reason to be intimidated. Quick Answer: Best Climbing Ropes. May 5, 2025 · Whether you're seeking a fresh pair of climbing shoes, a top-rated climbing harness, or an extra set of climbing cams, our team of seasoned climbers can help you find the right gear. Trad Climbing Gear Guide. Belay devices: A belay device is essential to managing rope slack and tension To keep it from becoming too weighty, I’ve decided to focus only on sport climbing (bolt-protected) here, but I have also have an article on how to lead to trad gear if that is what you’re looking for. But it doesn’t all have to be, and that’s where the Mammut Crag We Care Classic 9. At 275 grams, the Petzl Corax is remarkably light. Whether you need a new climbing rope, a fresh pair of climbing shoes, or a crash pad, we've tested all the top products and crowned the best in each category, which we have conveniently collected in our best climbing gear review, made just for you! Jan 25, 2023 · Take your time researching climbing gear and find what works best for you. Feb 9, 2020 · Learning how to lead climb is to engage in one of the most intense and rewarding forms of climbing. Lead climbing is a roped climbing technique where the climber brings the rope with them and clips it into quickdraws attached to bolts or gear placements along the route. Editor's Note: We updated our climbing shoe review on April 16, 2025, to remove a discontinued shoe from our lineup and ensure current pricing for each shoe. For me, I settled on a mini trax with alpine knots every six feet on a single 9. 1. Jul 11, 2024 · Along with a harness and rope, one of the most essential pieces of rock climbing equipment is the belay device. Unlike “free soloing,” top rope soloing still requires a rope! But rather than climbing with a partner who dynamically belays you from the anchor of the pitch, you climb alone, ascending a fixed top rope with a self-belay device (or two, as you’ll see). Black Friday + Cyber Monday Climbing Gear Sales 2023 – Best Deals Online Now. 👟 Which Climbing Gear to Buy. If possible, learn to use and try out your climbing gear in a more controlled setting, like a climbing gym, before taking it outside. May 14, 2022 · No, this isn’t how to become Alex Honnold. As you climb above your protection, the possibility of falling is real. The belayer feeds out slack to the climber, ensuring the rope is free for clipping while being prepared to catch a fall. One of the best uses for a Grigri is belaying a leader climber. This harness is geared towards anything from gym climbing to trad multipitch and ice climbing, offering maximum comfort and compactness in a lightweight package. At a Glance. The lead climber ascends the wall, periodically clipping their rope into climbing protection, such as quickdraws, camming devices, or stoppers, to protect themselves in the event of a fall as they lead climb. 14 belayer. In this article, we'll discuss some best practices for assembling your "rack" — all your nuts, cams, carabiners, 'draws, etc. May 29, 2020 · The Climbing Gear You Need to Get Started Trad Climbing. Sean McNally Aug 5, 2022 · The best rock climbing gear for beginners, including climbing shoes, climbing harnesses, belay devices, climbing helmets, and climbing apparel, from brands like La Sportiva, Petzl, Black Diamond Sep 2, 2022 · 7 Best Gym Rock Climbing Ropes. You are responsible for protecting yourself as you climb higher - a nerve-wracking yet exhilarating prospect. Learn to belay a lead climber, including how it differs from top-rope belaying. 2. 4 Dry Climbing Rope ($330) Most Durable: Mammut Alpine Core Protect ($218) Best Gym Rope: Metolius Monster Gym Rope ($102) Best Workhorse: Singing Rock Hero 9. And the most common buzzword Sep 13, 2023 · GearJunkie climbing editor installing bolts; (photo/Seiji Ishii) There are two types of sport climbing: lead climbing and top-roping. Harness: Choose a harness that fits you properly and comfortably. 4mm Available lengths: 40m, 60m, 70m, 80m Rated falls: 5 Dry treatment: Xeros (UIAA Water Repellent certified) What we liked: Great handling, lightweight, versatile, US made Oct 15, 2021 · Safe lead climbing requires a reliable set of climbing gear. Below, you’ll find the best climbing hardware available in 2024. Apr 25, 2024 · Lead climbing is an advanced type of climbing that also involves climbing with a rope. In Paris 2024 the three will be split with a set of medals for Speed, then a combined Lead and Boulder category – which will be much better for everyone. Best Yosemite Big Wall Climbing Rack. Length: pretty self-explanatory; how long the rope is from one end to the other. Jun 21, 2024 · Once you get ropes and more gear, you’ll want a climbing specific rope bag (Image credit: Jordan Siemens) Chances are you’ll need to hike to the crag with your gear so you’ll want a good backpack. Feb 27, 2021 · It depends on a few things IMO. The best way to do this is with a stretchy neck lanyard Sep 8, 2021 · It can be daunting to get started in the climbing gear world, so we put together a list of what gear you’ll want to buy, when, and why. Mar 7, 2024 · The best rock climbing gyms in Toronto offer a variety of climbing types, including bouldering, top rope, and lead climbing, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and amenities. com May 6, 2025 · Rounding out our women's climbing gear reviews is Jane Jackson, bringing her experience as a professional mountain guide who has worked in Yosemite, the Tetons, and parts of Alaska. Nov 1, 2024 · If you're in the market for some other types of climbing gear, let us help. Jun 6, 2017 · Even better: It’s suited for a variety of climbing types, meaning it’ll work for harder lead and trad climbs as you advance. Lead climbing indoors is very much like sport climbing outside, except that indoors Hit the mats with the best climbing gear for indoor top roping, leading, and bouldering. We enable our customers to have a lifetime of safe, comfortable and inspiring outdoor adventures New Zealand and overseas. However, if you want the versatility of belaying one or two followers, stick with a tube device with guide mode. Sure, the same fundamental factors are at play—rope, carabiner, gravity—wheels, pedals, legs—but the interactions between those factors are pretty different. It feeds the best and is simple and safe. If you’re just starting out, you don’t need to buy it all at once. When getting started, refrain from buying second-hand climbing gear. Editor’s Choice: Metolius Roll Up Stick Clip Kit ($225) Sport Climbing Gear Guide. Climbing is an inherently dangerous activity, and lead climbing poses greater risks than top-roping. Sep 1, 2023 · For other climbing gear recommendations, check out our reviews of locking carabiners, our favorite climbing cams, ropes, and belay devices. Other eBooks. Editor's Note: Our belay device review was updated on May 5, 2025, to share some tester experiences using these devices. In the beginning, you can use your regular hiking backpack, however once you get ropes and more gear, you’ll want a climbing specific rope bag. Lead climbing means the climber ascends as described above Dec 16, 2022 · Which device is best for multi-pitch climbing? The best belay device for multi-pitch climbing is an auto-blocking belay device when the device is set up in guide mode, such as the Black Diamond ATC Guide or the Petzl Grigri. Lead climbing allows you to explore more adventurous multi-pitch routes while sharpening your risk assessment, gear placement, and climbing abilities. It’s where we train—fingers, body, and mind. Cost Jul 25, 2023 · Therefore, the best uses for the Grigri are belaying climbers and descending (via rappelling, also known as abseiling). Lead climbing is a style of rock climbing where one partner in the rope team takes the lead and climbs first. It’s the place we go to send in shelter when weather’s inclement. Top Rope Solo Guide. Buy Now Black Diamond Ozone ($55) Aug 28, 2021 · In some cases one climber will do all the lead climbing, though generally lead blocks are divided up between partners. As with top-roping, you will have a harness, a knot tied to your harness, and a partner to belay you. It feeds slack Dec 4, 2020 · To put it into perspective, a lead climbing fall has a “maximum force of 5 kN”. Again, you'll have a belayer. As always, doublecheck with your class instructor to see what is required, but typically gear will be provided. May 27, 2025 · Best Climbing Shoes at a Glance. Feb 12, 2024 · The Petzl Corax is a high-end technical harness for professionals that gives climbers total freedom of movement. Related: Best Climbing Gear Apr 29, 2024 · Still, climbing hardware continues to evolve, from refinements on classic gear like belay devices, to more-ergonomic iterations of staples like quickdraws, to more compact and lighter designs. qshwx esewf uywcfh oevq llnc ihug axwiqa lxekfb zdumu sujwyis