This is a round up of some new, fresh climbing gear items we got our hands on this summer. These items have been put through the wringer and come out on the other side with flying colors. From crag packs to ropes, shoes to clothes, this roundup has you covered.
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Mountain Hardwear Cragwagon 45L
This is a comfortable, mid-sized pack that has quickly become my first choice for sport cragging. It’s easy to load and unload, swallows a bagged rope and all my gear and has a just-right pocket layout. I loved the c-shaped front zipper that allowed me to access stuff from the bottom of the pack without digging or dumping the whole load. Need space for more gear-intensive outings? Check out the 60L version, which has all the greatness of the 45L, only, you know, bigger.
Where to buy
Prana Originals collection
If you’ve been tying-in since the ‘90s, the Prana Originals collection is sure to stir up some nostalgia. This tribute to Prana’s early beginnings pulls from their greatest hits archive, with styles updated in gender-neutral cuts. I tested four pieces from the Originals collection: the Indio Heritage Short, Mojave Pant, Snakebite Sweatshirt, and Tornado Bra. All were high quality and fun to wear. My only gripe is that the embroidered webbing belts on the pants and shorts tended to slip. This collection is for anyone who likes quality, well made climbing clothes with a vintage patch that could make a millennial weep.
Where to buy
La Sportiva Katana Lace
If you’re looking for one shoe that can do it all, check out the La Sportiva Katana Lace Women’s. Over the past decade La Sportiva has released most shoes in tidy couples of male and female versions. But until recently, the Katana Lace was wanting a women’s specific construction. Happily, a white women’s version has finally been released, and after a year of testing, I can confidently say, it was worth the wait. What’s interesting is that this women’s version is not actually a “low volume” fit. In fact, it’s just a softer version of the regular Katana Lace, with a sole stiffness designed for lighter climbers. Whether women are inherently lighter than men (and whether shoes even need genders) is debatable, but I was a huge fan of this split-sole design. It gave the shoe more ability to smear when I needed it, without losing a powerful platform under the big toe for standing on small holds. Bottom line, if you’re a fan of the Katana Lace, but wish it were softer and more sensitive, check out the white version.
Where to buy
The Mammut 9.9 Gym Workhorse Classic
Do you really need a dedicated gym-specific rope? No. But, the Mammut 9.9 Gym Workhorse Classic is made for long-term indoor durability, lacks a dry treatment and the associated cost, and comes in gym specific lengths of 30m, 40m, and 50m. If you regularly spend time climbing indoors, make your life better and get a dedicated gym rope that’s not covered in the aluminum oxide of 100 failed Rifle repoint attempts. It will last you for years, always be in the back of your car, and upgrade your belay and climbing experience.
Where to buy
Black Diamond 9.2 Rope
The Black Diamond 9.2 rope is a mild mannered untreated single rope that I’ve been enjoying for sport climbing. This rope isn’t outstanding in any single way. But it’s fine. It’s supple without feeling floppy, thin without being wispy and so far durability has been about average. It’s priced appropriately, at $209 for a 60m length.
Check out some of our other recent reviews of Mammut ropes, and also be sure to read the Evening Sends guide to choosing a climbing rope.
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