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climbing shoes

Climbing shoe rubber – everything you need to know

Not all sticky rubber is made equal. Find out which compounds are best suited to your friction addiction.

climber belaying with Grigri

Are assisted-braking belay devices safer?

The answer should be obvious, but this misconception about assisted-braking devices still persists. Time to clear things up once and for all

climber belaying with dry rope

Is a dry rope worth the cost?

Dry ropes have their benefits, but are they worth the extra cost. This guide gives you everything you need to know to make an informed decision.

climber inspecting damaged rope

When to retire a rope

Is your rope looking the worse for wear? Here’s how to tell if it’s time to retire it.

trad climber leading on double ropes

One rope or two: when to use half ropes

How do you choose between the simplicity of a single rope and versatility of two half ropes? Here you can learn which to use when.

collection of carabiners

Gear guide: carabiners

Given how long your hardware can last, it’s worth giving some thought to what carabiners you want in your rack. Learn all you need to know here.

climbing shoes on rock

Gear guide: climbing shoes

No type of climbing gear has as big an effect on your performance as your rock shoes. Here’s how you choose the right pair.

Climber lacing up approach shoes

Gear guide: approach shoes

Hike, scramble or climb. A pair of sticky-soled approach shoes will help you stay surefooted when it matters most.

3 types of personal anchor system

Gear guide: personal anchor systems

Adjustable lanyards offer significant advantages over regular slings when you need to tether yourself to an anchor. Here’s everything you need to know.