Climbing Gifts for Father’s Day

This classic mid-height shoe has become the go-to for many crack climbers and multi-pitch aficionados. The shoe is built on a flat last with a supportive midsole for all-day comfort when standing on small edges. The leather upper provides solid abrasion resistance, while the carefully positioned perforations and ventilated padded tongue deliver additional airflow for greater comfort during longer climbs. Sportiva has tweaked the randing to minimize delamination and has also modified the medial side lacing for greater comfort when jamming. Finally, a generous slab of Vibram XS Edge rubber ensures consistent performance when standing on granite micro-edges and nubbins.

If you frequently travel to climbing destinations or are simply tired of lugging around a painter’s-pole stick clip to your local crag, you should consider Trango Beta Stick EVO. This versatile multi-segment stick clip extends 3.66m (12 feet) when fully deployed yet packs down to a very reasonable 74cm (29 inches). Trango has wisely chosen to add a channel to the pole segments, which not only prevents spinning but also increases rigidity. Finally, Trango includes a unique draw-holding head that securely grips solid and wire gate biners. This is a very reasonably priced and highly functional compact stick clip that should be on every travelling climber’s list.

With its 400-lumen maximum light output, the Spot 400 is perfect for use around camp or for approaching backcountry routes before sunrise. The headlamp features six light settings and also has a unique PowerTap feature that allows you to jump to the brightest mode with one touch. A simple two-button control system simplifies cycling through the various brightness and beam options, and the three-bar power gauge takes the guesswork out of when you need to change batteries. Speaking of batteries, the Spot 400 is compatible with three AAA batteries as well as a rechargeable Black Diamond Li-ion battery.

With all the new helmet technology, it’s sometimes easy to forget that traditional, time-tested designs are still a viable option for many climbers. The Boreo falls into this category. Constructed with a robust ABS shell and an EPS and EPP liner, the Boreo delivers excellent durability and side and top impact protection, all at a very reasonable weight. The helmet has a similarly well-proven headband adjustment and headlamp clips. If you’re looking for a helmet to use as your daily driver for cragging, multi-pitch, and ice, look no further than the Boreo.

The constant refinement of the Camalot C4 cams may explain why these are the best-selling camming units on the market today. The latest iteration still features the once-revolutionary twin-axle design that allows for increased expansion range as well as updated cam-lobe construction that shaves weight without sacrificing durability. The slings have also been updated to reduce weight and to help differentiate between the smaller and larger similarly coloured sizes. Speaking of larger sizes, the #4, #5, #6, #7, and #8 units have a unique trigger keeper that keeps these units contracted for easier racking. It’s a smart design that will be appreciated by anyone who ventures into wide-crack territory.

Stick clipping the first and occasionally even the second bolt when sport climbing has become standard practice for a good reason; no one wants to break an ankle trying to install the first draw. Thankfully, the simple-looking Metolius Superclip Stick Clip excels at not only installing quickdraws, but can also be used to remove them, as well as clip the rope to an existing draw. The Superclip threads onto any conventional painter’s pole and is made from a durable stainless spring steel to withstand the normal use and abuse it will likely encounter over many years of use. This is mandatory kit for every climber.

Catching the falls of heavier climbers can be a scary proposition. Under the best circumstances, the belayer will be yanked up, risking a loss of control. In worst-case scenarios, the lighter belayer may get violently pulled into the wall, resulting in a loss of consciousness (not good), or yanked up against the first draw and have the belay device jam open against the quickdraw (also not good). The Ohm II alleviates these issues by introducing additional friction into the system, allowing lighter climbers to safely belay heavier leaders. The Ohm II is constructed primarily from steel (for excellent durability) and can be stick-clipped to the first bolt of sport routes. Once installed, the lighter belayer should maintain the correct position under the Ohm to benefit from its weight-balancing effects. If you frequently climb with significantly heavier or lighter climbers, get an Ohm – it’s a game-changer.

The Corax LT delivers similar comfort as Petzl’s upper-tier Sama harness but at a much more affordable price. A comfy and breathable waist belt is mated to comparably comfortable elasticized leg loops that remain snug without restricting movement. The four gear loops are carefully positioned for easy gear access when you go outside, and the recycled polyester exterior waistbelt and leg-loop fabric is easy on the planet. But perhaps the most notable feature is the smoothly operating double-back buckle – a nice change relative to some less expensive harnesses.

With its supportive midsole and minimal break-in period, the Method is an ideal choice for intermediate climbers seeking performance without sacrificing comfort. The shoe features a moderately downturned last, which ensures it will excel on vertical to gently overhanging routes and boulder problems. For secure toe hooking, Black Diamond specs a generous rubber patch on the forefoot, while heel-hooking duties are addressed with a three-dimensional molded heel cup. Finally, for consistent grip on a variety of rock and plastic, Black Diamond, uses 4.0 mm Black Label Fuse rubber on the men’s shoe.

Sport climbing can be hard on draws, and most of us have a few that are either gouged out by hangers or worn down by the rope. So, rather than risk a dirt nap, consider updating your current quickdraw rack with the BD’s Hotforge Quickdraw. Consisting of a straight and bent gate Hotforge carabiner and a beefy polyester dogbone, this draw offers excellent performance during desperate clips. The biners feature hot-forged construction, which allows BD to move material where it is most needed, resulting in lower weight and superb durability. The relatively simple-looking dogbone has an integrated rubber Straitjacket insert that prevents the bent gate biner from shifting during clips. Get some of these draws and put your mind at ease when you’re racing to the anchors.

Products reviewed in this article: