Climbing Gear to help you to tackle both molehill and mountain
The world has its ups and downs, not just philosophically, but actually. Hills, mountains, large boulders, downed trees and other uneven terrain can make travel by foot extremely difficult. Sometimes, the fastest route—or, at times, the only route—is to go up and over such obstacles.
When the decision is reached to go up, it’s best to have some help. This not only saves you energy physically, it also reduces stress mentally, because you have peace of mind that a slipup might not mean certain death or, at the very least, a hampering injury.
Help can come in various forms, including proper climbing ropes (yes, not all rope is best for climbing), a harness that fits well and holds tight, and accessories such as chalk, carabiners and proper clothing.
On a smaller scale, digging deep and trekking up a steep hill also has its challenges. Using a walking stick or climbing poles to provide stability and traction can make the climb easier and safer.
No matter your challenge, there’s plenty of gear to assist during your journey. American Outdoor Guide can get you started with some incredibly useful climbing gear selections.
BRAZOS WALKING STICKS—TWISTED HICKORY WALKING STICK
Overview
Trekking up and over a steep, grassy hill can prove challenging for some. Remedy this by carrying a durable, almost indestructible, natural walking stick by Brazos. This handmade stick is created from solid hickory and features both strength and an artistic design—worthy of challenging Mother Nature in her own backyard. Four lengths are available, as are custom laser engraving and optional accessories such as a thermometer, Texas state seal or a strap to keep the stick secured around your wrist.
Specifications
- Constructed of a single piece of hickory
- Solid wood; no unstable moving parts
- Artistically created twisted design
- Handmade by local craftsmen
- Optional engraving and added accessories available
MSRP
$68.99–$78.99
URL
Brazos-Walking-Sticks.com
BLACK DIAMOND VIPER ICE TOOL
Overview
Ice isn’t forgiving. One mistake could produce devastating results. Fight nature’s ice mountains with Black Diamond’s ultimate Viper Ice Tool. This essential ice-climbing accessory bites deeply into ice and keeps you secure until your next move.
The Viper’s hydroformed shaft was designed to extend through the grip for maximum rigidity, while its adjustable Flicklock pommel acts as a secondary grip position when tackling low-angle slopes. Easily change out picks and swap between hammer and adze with ease. When going winter climbing, don’t forget these lifesaving essentials.
Specifications
- Created from lightweight, hydroformed aluminum
- Offers a responsive feel and optimal rigidity
- Modular head is compatible with all current Black Diamond picks
- Stainless steel head
- Natural pick included
MSRP
$259.95
BLACK DIAMOND 9.4 DRY CLIMBING ROPE
Overview
This rope sits at the “sweet spot” between performance and needed reliability. Its dry-treated core and sheath repel moisture from within, while its 2×2 sheath holds up to everyday abuse on the mountain, rock face or ice wall.
The handling knot easily feeds through most belaying devices smoothly and problem-free, which makes it ideal for hard, redpoint burns or projecting sessions. The rope is available in four lengths and in a variety of colors, including red, green and yellow.
Specifications
- Core and sheath are dry-treated against weather from the inside out
- 2×2 woven sheath construction
- Balanced for both high durability and great handling
- Knots and feeds through belay device with ease
- Ideal for repeated, long-term use
MSRP
$104.95–$264.95
URL
BlackDiamondEquipment.com
BLACK DIAMOND CAMALOT ULTRALIGHT
Overview
When weight matters during your ascent, turn to Camalot Ultralights. These climbing necessities offer a decrease of up to 25 percent in weight over traditional Camalots with its sculpted lobes. The unit features a Dyneema cord that takes the place of cable yet maintains its strength and reliability.
A double-axle design produces the widest range possible for each cam for expert placement. Distinct colors allow for easy recognition of sizes when quickness is required.
Specifications
- Double-axle design offers widest range of each cam unit
- Durable, low-profile Dyneema core stem
- Ergonomically optimized stem and thumb loop
- Exceptionally lightweight, ultra-strong design
- Color-coded for easy identification of sizes
MSRP
$99.95
URL
BlackDiamondEquipment.com
BLACK DIAMOND ZONE CLIMBING SHOES
Overview
You can’t wear just any shoes when climbing a mountain or traversing a boulder. You need shoes designed for such tasks. The Zone shoes combine breathability, comfort, high performance and the utmost gripping power in one exceptional shoe. Its Fuze rubber is molded, not cut from one piece of material, which allows the perfect fit, as well as the best gripping ability when needed. It also sports printed rubber for toe-hooking and a medium-flex midsole that combines sensitivity with overall power. This climbing gear is available in multiple sizes and colors.
Specifications
- Engineered knit technology provides breathability and comfort
- Fuse rubber is printed and molded for superior gripping ability
- Adjusts with two hook-and-loop straps for ideal fit
- Minimalist midsole for extra sensitivity on steep terrain
- Available in sizes 4–13
MSRP
$139.95
URL
BlackDiamondEquipment.com
BLACK DIAMOND SOLUTION HARNESS
Overview
The Solution Harness allows you to enjoy all-day adventures with the utmost comfort and always-needed, top-of-the-line reliability. This climbing accessory features three strands of low-profile webbing in its fixed leg loops, as well as around the waist, for ideal load distribution and reduced pinching around sensitive parts of the body. It’s contoured to fit most body shapes, and it’s easy to forget that you have it on due to its overall ease of fit. The harness is available in five sizes and numerous color options.
Specifications
- Lightweight waistbelt for ultimate comfort
- Allows full range of motion with contoured fit
- Adjustable and releasable elastic risers
- Offers superior load distribution while reducing pressure points
- Fits the contours of most body types
MSRP
$74.95
WESSPUR BEGINNER’S COMPLETE CLIMBING KIT
Overview
Intended for newbies to tree climbing, this kit is an all-in-one assembly of tree-reliable and affordable climbing gear. From its Buckingham wide-back saddle to the Arbor-Plex climb line, pulley systems and a vast number of essential climbing gear, you’ll be high in Mother Nature’s canopy, trimming or removing branches with ease. This all-encompassing kit features a durable carry bag and a valuable tree climber’s guide for instant help and information about your hobby or full-time occupation.
Specifications
- Complete, affordable kit for tree-climbing beginners
- Optional upgrades or substitution available
- Available in four waist sizes
- Canvas gear bag makes for easy transport of gear
- Includes the Tree Climber’s Companion book
MSRP
$665
URL
WesSpur.com
TREKMASTER MULTIFUNCTIONAL HIKING POLES
Overview
When it’s time to hike, bike and hike some more, few trekking poles can stand up to the rigors of elevated, uneven terrain than TrekMaster poles.
These lightweight, aluminum poles offer all-day comfort while providing reliable performance throughout your journey. These climbing gear can reduce impact to ankles by as much as 30 percent and reduce overall fatigue for longer travel between rests. Their trifold design and included carry bag allow for great portability when not in use.
Specifications
- Shafts are created from aircraft-grade 7075 aluminum alloy
- Ergonomic handle for comfort
- Adjustable wrist strap
- EVA foam grip keeps hands dry and comfortable
- Extremely lightweight: only 11.50 ounces each
MSRP
$79.99
URL
OutdoorLance.com
CLIMBON RIDICULOUS PASTE
Overview
Climbing can take its toll on hands and fingers. Luckily, there’s Ridiculous Paste. This paste is 100-percent formulated with real, plant-based ingredients. Just take a small amount and rub onto the affected skin. Within seconds, the paste melts into your skin, producing instant relief and a comforting, warming sensation. All-natural ingredients include shea butter, illipe butter, coconut oil, coffee and green tea, among many other found-in-nature additions. This paste is deal for climbers or anyone wanting to improve dry or overworked skin.
Specifications
- Contains only real, food-grade ingredients
- Cloves, turmeric and pepper warm the paste
- Thick paste melts on contact; spreads easily
- Delivers soothing relief from tension and discomfort
MSRP
$20
URL
GoClimbOn.com
CLIMBON CEDAR ALL-PURPOSE LOTION BAR
Overview
This amazing lotion accomplishes two amazing tasks: First, it quickly treats dry and cracked skin. Second, it does it with an all-natural ingredient list. Starting with a beeswax base, the formula also uses apricot oil, grapeseed oil, wheat germ oil, green tea, lime oil and more. There are no fillers, GMOs or synthetic material. The lotion is long-lasting and is never tested on animals. It’s ideal for athletes, climbers or rugged, outdoor-centric people for fingers, hands, feet, face or any other sensitive areas.
Specifications
- All-natural ingredients
- Easily rubs into the skin
- Excellent for daily moisturizing
- Ideal for dry, cracked or abused skin
MSRP
$18
URL
Amazon.com
CLIMBON FACE & HAND SOAP
Overview
After a tough climb, it’s time to clean up, and this soap is ready to wash and moisturize your rock-punished skin. Formulated with only food-grade, totally plant-based ingredients, you’ll experience purity, safety and reliability without harmful synthetics or environment-harming aftereffects. Its natural, peppermint-and-grapefruit scent invigorates as it cleans and is gentle enough for rigorous, everyday use.
Specifications
- Formulated 100 percent from plants
- Contains no synthetic ingredients
- Use on face, hands and body
- Moisturizes skin after washing
- Utilizes only food-grade ingredients
MSRP
$15
URL
GoClimbOn.com
BLACK DIAMOND LOST ARROW PITONS
Overview
This set contains eight variable-sized pitons to meet your needs as you scale the rocky surfaces you desire. Created from hot-forged steel, these pitons won’t let you down when you’re at the most questionable points of the climb. All eight are easily identifiable and allow quick selection when you don’t have precious time to waste. Best of all, these pitons offer incredible strength while remaining relatively lightweight, so you won’t feel bogged down on your ascent.
Specifications
- Created from hot-forged steel
- Lightweight, yet incredibly strong
- Numbered for quick identification
- Patterned after original designs by John Salathe
- Useful in thin to medium-sized cracks
MSRP
$24.95
URL
BackCountry.com
BLACK DIAMOND CLIFF CABANA DOUBLE PORTALEDGE
Overview
This suspension system features one of the strongest and most reliable rest spots for climbers on the market today. Constructed of machined, anodized aluminum, this structure won’t let you down (literally) due to its strength, durability and ease of setup—all the while providing a secure place to take a rest break. Multiple stow pockets allow you to safely and securely store headlamps and other small personal essentials.
Specifications
- Easy to set up and adjust
- 6061 T-6 45mm machined, anodized aluminum frame
- Six-point buckle system for easy leveling
- Double ripstop 210D nylon ballistics
- Four quick-pull straps for floor tightening
MSRP
$699.95
VELOCITY 9.8MM XEROS CLIMBING ROPE
Overview
You can’t go wrong with this incredible, all-around climbing rope. For use in a variety of climbing styles and conditions, the Velocity rope excels with high performance and a near-perfect balance of essential climbing rope characteristics. It’s known to be the rope-of-choice for world-renowned climbers, so you’ll be in good company as you ascend or descend with the utmost safety and reliability. This rope is available in a variety of lengths and colors.
Specifications
- UIAA dry-certified
- Utilizes XEROS technology
- Non bicolor options include a middle mark
- Choose from 40-, 60-, 70- and 80-meter lengths
- Available in green, blue and bicolor green colors
MSRP
From $144.99
URL
SterlingRope.com
VIA FERRATA VERTIGO CLIMBING KIT
Overview
Keeping both safety and reliability in mind, the Via Ferrata Vertigo Climbing Kit has everything you need to hook up and start traversing the path. Enjoy the fully adaptable Corax harness for security, a Boreo helmet for protection from falls and falling debris, and a Scorpio Vertigo lanyard that won’t let you down during your long trek. Don’t get frustrated trying to collect all these necessities separately, because they’re available in this deluxe, fully adjustable kit.
Specifications
- Complete, all-in-one kit
- Lightweight and comfortable
- For users weighing 88 to 265 pounds
- Rugged and highly durable for long-term use
- Harness is highly adjustable for optimum fit
MSRP
$249.95
URL
Petzl.com
NOTCH SENTINEL HARNESS
Overview
Comfort and versatility comprise the name of the game with the Sentinel. This harness features a breathable back, elastic waistband and adjustable leg loops, but it also keeps the unit strong without excess bulk. Climber options, such as rope bridge length and placement of a chainsaw lanyard, are featured, while adjustable, easy-to-use buckles are provided throughout this incredible saddle.
Specifications
- Super-lightweight design
- Thumb-release, friction-style buckles
- Four dedicated accessory carabiner loops and eight accessory loops
- Ergonomic, contoured mesh back and leg padding
- Lightweight, aluminum D-rings and anchor plates
MSRP
$399.99
NOTCH OVAL ALUMINUM CARABINER
Overview
Sometimes, the little things matter; and when it comes to climbing, a carabiner literally and figuratively holds a lot of weight. This trusty accessory features a triple-action, auto-locking design that will hold up to rigorous outdoor use. Its reliability and strength are credited to its all-aluminum composition and superb, high-performance track record. This carabiner is available in a green-black color combination and meets ANSI Z133 and CE EN362:2004/B standards.
Specifications
- Triple action
- Ley lock gate nose
- Tensile: 5,170 pounds
- 3/4-inch gate opening
- Weight: 3 ounces
MSRP
$12
NOTCH ROPE RUNNER PRO
Overview
Designed by inventor Kevin Bingham, this unit is quite simply the ultimate SRS mechanical device. Because it’s constructed of hot-forged aluminum and durable stainless steel, you’ll have a hard time finding a smoother and more efficient unit anywhere.
With effortless operation, an ingenious design to keep all parts together when opened and an internal spring that says, “Stay out!” to dirt and debris, the Notch Rope Runner Pro will allow you to enjoy year after year of reliable performance. It’s available in ultra-cool, gunmetal gray color.
Specifications
- Unparalleled, smooth, one-hand descent
- Multiple friction settings
- Integrated central tending for chest harness attachment
- Sealed ball-bearing pulley
- Rope-friendly edges
MSRP
$379.99
URL
NotchEquipment.com
A version of this article first appeared in the February 2022 issue of American Outdoor Guide Boundless.