The Best End Of Summer Climbing Deals For 2023

The original Vapor helmet set new standards for low weight, ventilation and protection, and now you can get last season’s version for a staggeringly good price. The helmet achieves its unique blend of low weight and protection by combining a sheet of Kevlar with a series of carbon rods. These components are moulded inside the EPS foam, which is covered with a thin polycarbonate shell. The result is a helmet that delivers all-around impact protection without the bulk often found in helmets with more conventional construction. A low-profile ratcheting adjustment system easily accommodates a variety of head shapes, and the replaceable headlamp clips provide a secure headlamp attachment point for early morning starts or if you get benighted.

If you’re just getting into climbing or you want a simple and lightweight belay device for cragging and easy multi-pitch routes, consider the ATC-XP. This slot-style belay device is compatible with rope ranging from 7.7 mm all the way up to 1 1mm in diameter, and thanks to its toothed V-shape slots, it delivers a surprising amount of control and braking power for belaying and rappelling.

Introduced in the early 1990s, the ATC has remained relatively unchanged for a good reason – it works. This lightweight and versatile belay device allows for controlled belaying and rappelling with ropes ranging from 7.7 mm in diameter all the way up to 11 mm. This is a perfect belay device for anyone who puts a premium on low weight, simplicity, and affordability.

The standard Technician is already an excellent harness for various climbing adventures. It has five gear loops, adjustable leg loops, four Ice Clipper slots, and Fusion Comfort Technology construction for exceptional support and comfort. So how do you improve on this design? Well, you add Recco technology. Recco consists of a passive transponder that requires no power or activation. This transponder makes you searchable to rescue teams if you are unfortunate enough to get hit by an avalanche. It’s a small but valuable upgrade for climbers that venture into mountains during the winter.

Looking for a versatile rope for cragging and longer trad and sport routes? Then check out the 9.4 Climbing Rope from BD. The 9.4 mm diameter hits a nice sweet spot between having enough beef for working difficult routes while still being light enough for challenging redpoints and longer multi-pitch adventures. The 1X1 sheath construction provides additional abrasion resistance and helps the rope glide effortlessly through belay devices. This is a great rope for general cragging and longer multi-pitch adventures.

Whether you’re on an extended climbing road trip or flying off to a remote alpine destination, there is no better or more affordable way to organize and transport bulky climbing gear. The MEC Recycled Duffle is made with a robust 1680-denier recycled polyester fabric for long-term durability when you’re dragging the bag across a crowded airport or hucking it into the back of a pick-up truck. A chunky #10 YKK zipper provides easy access to all your kit and will withstand years of use. Finally, a removable padded shoulder strap allows easier carrying when lugging the bag over longer distances.

Inspired by traditional haul bags, the Creek 50 combines an easy top-loading design and generous carrying capacity with a plush back panel and a sophisticated suspension system. The result is a pack that comfortably carries large trad racks, additional clothing, extra draws, and food for long climbing days in the backcountry or the local sport crag. BD specs surprisingly robust materials for exceptional durability, but what sets the Creek 50 Pack apart from conventional haul-bag style packs is the full-length zipper. The zipper allows for instant access to all your gear without compromising the easy packing of traditional top-loading haul-bag style packs. The addition of a zippered organizer pocket and a rain hood flap that serves double duty as a helmet/rope holder makes the Creek 50 a supremely versatile climbing pack.

Best for climbers seeking an affordable and lightweight pack with excellent interior access.
The Crag 40 features an easy-to-pack haul-bag style shape that is perfect for front-country cragging, carrying extra bouldering gear or hitting the climbing gym for a session. The pack’s standout feature is the full-length exterior zipper that allows for instant, easy access to all your kit. But unlike traditional panel loading packs, the Crag 40 also offers the convenience of a top loader; just throw your gear in the pack, and you’re ready to go. There’s an exterior organizer pocket for your guidebook, and a small top flap adds weather protection and can secure a rope or jacket.

Hangboards have been a climbing training-tool staple since the 80s. And while many companies have tried to update the basic hangboard designs of the past, few have offered any real innovation. That statement cannot be said about the Rock Prodigy board. Designed to not only offer graduated increases in hold size, the Rock Prodigy also (thanks to its unique two-piece construction) can be mounted to accommodate climbers with different shoulder widths. And when you consider that Rock Prodigy has over 30 grip positions, a skin-friendly texture and carefully radiused hold edges, it becomes evident that this is one of the best hangboards on the market today. Get one and get stronger.

Products reviewed in this article: