The Best Climbing Gear of 2019
Gear that’s got you covered wherever you choose to send it
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Arc’teryx Oriel Leggings ($89)
Women’s climbing tights tend to be breathable or resilient. The stretch-nylon Oriel is both. After six months, they showed no signs of wear.
Maxim Platinum 9.8 Rope ($332)
The Platinum is the first dynamic climbing rope with a permanent connection between the core and sheath, making it durable and sturdy but not stiff. Clever: it’s patterned at the ends, so you know when you’re running out of rope.
Mountain Equipment Beta Pants ($100)
Neither too tight nor too billowy, the Beta never constricted when high-stepping the crux.
Mammut Crag Indicator Wire Express Quickdraws ($90 for five)
The dogbones on these draws have red cores that show when it’s time to retire them.
Scarpa Arpia Shoes ($159)
Credit Scarpa with making our new favorite all-around shoe, with the brand’s usual excellent fit and super-stiff rubber under the toe for edging.
Men's Women's
Metolius Safe Tech Trad Harness ($129)
It’s been out for a couple of years, but this harness remains the most comfortable we’ve used, since the fit can be dialed in just so by adjusting the rise of the leg loops.
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Osprey Mutant 38 Pack ($170)
The Mutant has alpine-climbing features like ice-tool ties, but it’s equally capable at the crag. External helmet and rope carries free up the main compartment, which has a hydration sleeve.
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Petzl GriGri Belay Device ($110)
Making a good thing better, the latest generation of the GriGri now accommodates a wider range of rope widths.
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Mammut Wall Rider MIPS Helmet ($180)
Mammut’s new Wall Rider includes tech previous found only in cycling and snowsports helmets. The MIPS liner is separate from the shell, allowing the helmet to rotate, which can reduce the chance of a concussion in the event of an angled impact. We didn’t go out of our way to take a header, but we were able to confirm that the Wall Rider vents well for the coverage it provides.
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