The Trad Climbing Essentials of 2015
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All you need to tackle unbolted routes.
—Matt Skenazy
—Matt Skenazy (Michael Karsh)
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, edelrid.de
Scarpa Techno X shoes
The Techno X ($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. scarpa.com
Petzl Aquila harness
Petzl put a strip of foam around the back of the Aquila’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. petzl.com
Metolius Ultralight Curve nuts
Metolius shaved a gram or two from its Ultralight nuts ($150 for a set of ten) and gave them a more secure, asymmetrical taper. metoliusclimbing.com
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, patagonia.com
Millet Jackspires hoodie
The Jackspires ($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. millet.fr
Carhartt Washed Twill pants
Carhartts ($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. carhartt.com
Super.natural Essential Tee 140 shirt
It’s so light and soft, you’ll want to wear the Essential Tee ($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. sn-supernatural.com
