The Best Sport Climbing Gear of 2018
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Gear up and send it.
Black Diamond Solution Harness ($70)
Whether you’re hanging on a bolt and working out beta or whipping from the crux, padding is premium. The Solution’s waist belt and fixed leg loops have it in spades.
Mammut 9.5 Infinity Dry Rope ($270)
Supremely supple and easy to tie from the get-go, the Infinity plays much thinner than its 9.5-millimeter diameter suggests.
Prana Continuum Pants ($99)
A gusseted crotch and seams at the knees lend the Continuum an impressive range of movement for such a tough pair of pants. Made from stretchy canvas, they feature a built-in belt that lies flat under your harness.
Metolius Bravo Keylock Quickdraw ($20)
The Double Wrap slings in the Keylock are made of, well, double-wrapped webbing that’s slightly stiff, helping you reach far-away bolts.
Black Diamond ATC Pilot Belay Device ($45)
The Pilot is a new take on the ATC. Reminiscent of a joystick, it lets you easily lower the climber at a comfortable speed.
Five Ten Anasazi Pro Shoes ($170)
The Anasazi Pro hits the sweet spot between performance and comfort, with a moderately down-turned toe and medium-stiff sole. The proprietary Stealth rubber sticks like glue on everything from overhangs to slabs.
Patagonia Cragsmith 32 Pack ($169)
There are two ways into the Cragsmith’s vast main compartment: top entry and a U-shaped zipper that opens the entire back panel for easy access to all your gear.
Patagonia R1 TechFace Hoodie ($169)
The TechFace’s fleecy liner is sewn in a grid pattern, with channels that wick sweat and boost ventilation. The outer fabric, with 150-denier yarn woven in, is burly and wind-resistant.
Petzl Boreo Helmet ($65)
This lid features a chunk of dual-density foam and six cooling vents. Four headlamp clips aid your descent when night falls.