La Sportiva Women’s Skwama Vegan

The Vegan Skwama is free of animal derived materials, but otherwise a dead ringer for the original leather version. These downturned shoes are great for bouldering and overhanging sport climbing. They fall into a nice middle ground of soft yet supportive, and have a wider forefoot that gives me a more comfortable fit.

The vegan sizing felt the same as other La Sportivas, including my leather Skwamas. But, the break-in period was slightly more painful and extended than I would have preferred. It took me about four bouldering sessions before these shoes started to yield to my feet. The upside of this is that once I got through the initiation, the vegan Skawamas have held their shape without the excessive stretching that ended the life of my past leather ones. For me, a few extra days of ouchie feet is worth longer lasting shoes that could possibly be resoled for an extended life.

Pongoose Climber 1000

The Pongoose Climber is a well designed stick clip that performs all the necessary functions (plus some bonus ones) with ease. The clipping device is made from beefy aluminum that screws onto a twist-lock one-meter long extending pole (also available in 72cm). I’ve had many stick clips, or clipsticks, come and go over the years, running the gamut from a hardware store spring clamp, to the never-really-worked Squid. But this one really does answer all of my clipping needs sans after-market modifications.

Hanging draws was an easy task. Every style and brand of carabiner I tried fit securely in the device. And, bonus for people who hate cleaning that last draw on a steep route, taking draws down is also a breeze. Another cool feature is that the clipping head can be unscrewed and replaced with a threaded hold brush for bouldering or a camera to create the longest selfie stick known to man. All in, construction, functionality, and durability of the Pongoose felt unmatched, it will be my new go-to for all of my stick needs.

TNF Women’s Summit Series Cragstone Pro

The Cragstone Pro is an approach shoe that falls very far towards the trail running end of the spectrum in fit and feel. They’re well cushioned, flexible and super light, but still have great traction and a bit of stiffness around the big toe for more technical scrambling. The uppers are made of a sturdy yet insanely breathable mesh that’s kept my feet cool and held up really well to many miles of wear.

You know I’m a sucker for techy widgets, so the excitement was high for my first Boa encounter. Functionally, the dial is easy to use, a few twists cinch the uppers securely to my feet, evenly distributing the tension. Pop the dial outward to release them and the whole shoe opens up like a jack in the box. After wearing these for a few months, traditional laces feel like dial-up, I didn’t know I was wasting so much of my life on lace management. Record setting on-and-off speed aside, the Cragstone pro is a great approach and scrambling shoe for moving sure-footedly through rocky terrain.

Arc’teryx Atrel Full Zip Hoody

The Atrel Full Zip Hoody has taken up permanent residence in my climbing pack as my go-to layer for cooler days. The lining feels as comfortable and soft as cotton on my skin plus it blocks wind and packs up small. The cropped, boxy cut and casual styling is not only cute but also very functional for belaying and climbing. The hoody fits loose through my shoulders, chest and arms, so I could move around unrestricted. I dig the wider sleeves and stretchy cuffs that didn’t dig into my forearms, even when pumped out of my mind. I’ve enjoyed the mid-weight insulation of the Atrel on summer days in the mountains as well as crisp fall temps in the desert. 

Mountain Hardware Basswood Pull-On Pant

Despite what mainstream climbing media will have you believe, climbing pants can still be cool. The Basswood Pull-On Pant doesn’t scream outdoors-dork (I leave that up to my Boa-lace approach shoes) and they’re comfortable, durable and versatile. I like the simple drawstring waist, hand pockets and straight-leg cut for looking like a commoner when I’m heading into town for pre-climb donuts. But the stretchy, breathable, snag-resistant fabric felt great on the rock and approaches. The Basswood Pant is mid-weight, not too heavy for shady summer days but warm enough for fall sending temps. I’ve spent a few months climbing all over granite and chossy cobbles with them, and they look like new.

Black Diamond Women’s Dirtbag Shorts

I’ve tested a lot of climbing clothes over the years. And, hands down, these are my all-time favorite shorts. If I had my own personal gear hall of fame, I’d hang these shorts right beside my very first Gri-Gri. They’re the perfect nexus of style and performance, without looking like they’re trying too hard. The fabric (both corduroy and stretch twill) gives off old-skool vibes but feels soft, stretches effortlessly, and is highly durable. The mid-rise, elastic and drawcord waistband fits well under a harness. And, the inseam length is just long enough to stay put under leg loops and prevent any backside exposure when bouldering. I wear these shorts on repeat, not just for climbing, but pretty much every day that I can get away with it.