Category: Buying Guide
May 7, 2026I learned the hard way that not all crampons are created equal. Last winter in the Rockies, my cheap rental crampons failed on a steep ice pitch, leaving me stranded and terrified. That experience taught me that investing in quality mountaineering crampons for ice climbing isn't just about performance, it's about safety. After testing dozens…
May 7, 2026Building your first sport climbing rack or upgrading worn gear? Finding the best quickdraw sets for sport climbing can make the difference between smooth redpoint attempts and frustrating battles with your equipment. Our team has tested dozens of quickdraws at crags across the country, from limestone sport routes in Kentucky to granite faces in California.…
May 7, 2026Every backcountry skier faces the same reality: avalanche danger is real, and minutes matter when burial occurs. I have spent three seasons testing avalanche beacons across multiple mountain ranges, conducting side-by-side comparisons in real snow conditions. Our team analyzed signal ranges, multiple burial scenarios, and interface designs to identify the best avalanche beacons for backcountry…
May 7, 2026Nothing kills a climbing session faster than sweaty palms. I learned this the hard way during my first outdoor bouldering trip in , when I repeatedly slipped off a V2 crimp I should have crushed. The truth is, standard climbing chalk often fails climbers with hyperhidrosis or those tackling humid conditions. After testing dozens of…
May 7, 2026Deep powder snowshoeing transforms winter backcountry exploration into something magical. I remember my first time breaking trail through three feet of fresh snow in the Sierras, postholing with every step because my borrowed 22-inch snowshoes simply could not provide enough flotation. That experience taught me why choosing the best snowshoes for deep powder matters more…
May 7, 2026Your belay device is the most critical piece of safety equipment in your climbing kit. After testing dozens of models over thousands of pitches, I can tell you that choosing the right assisted braking belay device can mean the difference between a relaxed day at the crag and a white-knuckle belaying experience. These mechanical marvels…
May 7, 2026I still remember the first time I stood beneath a 20-foot highball at Bishop. My standard 3-inch pad suddenly looked woefully inadequate. That moment changed everything about how I approach highball bouldering. After testing dozens of crash pads over three seasons at destinations like Hueco Tanks, Rocky Mountain National Park, and Joe's Valley, I've learned…
May 7, 2026Finding the best ski pants for plus size women shouldn't feel like an endless search through size charts that stop at XXL. I have spent three winters testing gear on slopes across Colorado and Utah, working with fellow plus-size skiers who understand the struggle of waist gaps, too-short inseams, and pants that fit hips but…
May 7, 2026There is nothing worse than being mid-crux on your project route, reaching back for a quick chalk-up, and finding your bag has tipped over or the closure has failed. I learned this the hard way during a bouldering trip to Bishop last spring, where my old floppy chalk bag dumped half its contents into my…
May 7, 2026After three months of testing base layers across three different ski resorts in Colorado and Utah, I can tell you that the right base layer makes the difference between an epic powder day and a miserable, shivering ride back to the lodge. The best base layers for skiing aren't just about warmth—they're about moisture management,…