At this price range, it is hard to find a shoe that performs as admirably as the Unparallel UpMocc. With budget-climbing shoes, the trade-off is often either lower-grade rubber compounds, which defeats their ability to smear, or thicker soles for durability, which can hinder sensitivity and precision. The inexpensive UpMocc, on the other hand, is built with an ultra-sticky rubber, inspiring confidence on small holds of all varieties, both outside and in the gym. Depending on how you size the..." go to full review

As you would expect from a premium brand, there are some great finishing touches to the Konseal shoe. The improved heel construction provides a secure fit around the heel without pressing into the Achilles. Further comfort is provided from the microfibre lining around the heel area, which helps wick away sweat. The extended lacing offers a precision fit, and the lacing garage at the top of the tongue is great for tidying away excess lace. The hidden lace tapes are a signature feature of Arc’..." go to full review

The first thing that impressed me was how well this rope handled, being super easy to use in a standard belay device such as a Petzl, and an absolute dream to belay with using Petzl’s Neox. It knots well (easy to cinch the knot up and doesn’t feel like it creeps loose if not dressed super tight), isn’t prone to kinking and the 9.2mm diameter is reassuringly fat looking (haha) whilst not feeling too chunky or heavy for modern use.go to full review

So, the newer PETZL CONNECT ADJUST is a great addition to your rack. It’s great for sport climbing, and it is easy to wrap around your waist and clip into your belay loop, which makes climbing neater. The upgrades have been well thought through and really make a difference. It has other uses too, such as making retrieval of a pack hanging down when climbing that gnarly chimney pitch, attaching to a sandbag at the climbing gym, and even attaching to a jumar for jugging. A great investment and..." go to full review

This summer I was feeling the draw of alpine climbing again and Scarpa’s Rapid XT approach shoes came into my life at just the right time. I wore them on over 85,000 feet of gain in the North Cascades during a two-month period, including climbing, scrambling, snow, talus, scree, bushwacking and trail. They provided a great mix of comfort and technicality through it all. I trusted them unroped on fourth- and low-fifth-class terrain in the alpine, and I even wore them on three first ascents...." go to full review