Gear Reviews

Climbing Gear

The comfortable Kong Scarab is my favorite climbing helmet—though it can be hard to find in the U.S. Petzl's Meteor III is an ultralight alternative. For a really light helmet, try Camp's Speed, but beware—comfort and fit isn't stellar. Black Diamond's Alpine Bod is the classic and economical mountaineering harness choice. For a more modern (and expensive) choice, Arcteryx's high-tech and ultra-versatile R320 is about as good as it gets.

Climbing Helmets

• CAMP Speed
• Black Diamond Half Dome
• Black Diamond Tracer
• Kong Scarab
• Petzl Elios
• Petzl Meteor III
• Ski Helmets

Harnesses

• Black Diamond Couloir
• CAMP USA Air CR
• Petzl Hirundos
• Arcteryx R320A
• Black Diamond Alpine Bod
• CAMP USA XLH 95
• Mammut Alpine Light

Climbing Shoes

• La Sportiva Mythos

Carabiners

• Black Diamond Vaporlock
• Black Diamond Nitron Screwgate
• Black Diamond Mini Pearabiner

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