10 Best Climbing And Mountaineering Equipment 2026 in the United States

The Metolius Mega Pack Holds - 60Pack is a solid option for climbers looking to build or enhance a home bouldering wall. With 60 holds included, it offers a wide variety for setting different routes, which is excellent for training and practice. The pack comes with all necessary bolts, t-nuts, and self-drilling screws, making installation straightforward. Additionally, the included 'How to Build a Home Bouldering Wall' booklet is a helpful guide for beginners and those setting up their wall for the first time.

The holds are made of polystyrene, which is durable and sturdy enough for regular use. The bolt-on and screw-on attachment options provide flexibility in setting up the holds on different surfaces. However, it's worth noting that the product is not directly related to essential outdoor climbing gear like harnesses, shoes, or ropes, but rather serves as a supplementary training tool. The package weight of 14.18 kilograms might be slightly heavy to handle for some users, but the quality and variety of holds included generally make up for this.

In summary, the Metolius Mega Pack Holds is beneficial for climbers who want to practice at home and is particularly useful for both beginners and experienced climbers looking to improve their skills.

The EVMT Brands Liquid Chalk is designed to enhance your rock climbing experience by providing a superior grip. Made from high-quality magnesium carbonate, it effectively absorbs moisture and reduces sweat, ensuring your hands remain dry and secure on climbing holds. One of its standout features is its long-lasting and mess-free nature, making it a cleaner alternative to traditional chalk. This liquid chalk leaves no dust or residue, making it suitable for both indoor gyms and outdoor climbs. Additionally, it is made with skin-safe ingredients, which means it won’t irritate your skin even with frequent use.

Its smooth and consistent texture dries quickly, providing a tacky surface that enhances friction and control during climbs. The product comes in a convenient and portable bottle, allowing for easy application and reapplication on the go. However, as it is a liquid chalk, some users might find the drying time slightly longer compared to powder chalk. This might not be ideal for quick reapplications in the middle of an intense climbing session.

Furthermore, while it is a versatile product suitable for various activities like weightlifting and gymnastics, its primary function is for rock climbing, so it might not perform as well in other sports. EVMT Brands Liquid Chalk is an excellent choice for climbers seeking a reliable, mess-free, and skin-friendly option to enhance their grip and performance.

The SCARPA Instinct VSR Rock Climbing Shoes are designed for sport climbing and bouldering, making them suitable for climbers who need precision and grip on various rock types. One of the key strengths is the Vibram XS Grip 2 rubber sole, which offers excellent stickiness and stiffness, providing reliable footing on steeper walls and overhangs. Additionally, the large patch of toe rubber enhances performance in toe hooks and bat hangs, which is particularly beneficial for bouldering enthusiasts.

These shoes are lightweight at 7.6 ounces, adding to their appeal for long climbs where every ounce matters. However, they tend to run small, with a recommendation to size similarly to your street shoes or even larger, due to the minimal stretch of the synthetic upper material. This sizing issue can be a drawback for those who prefer a tighter, more performance-oriented fit. The synthetic material used is durable and doesn't stretch much, ensuring a consistent fit over time, but it may not be as comfortable initially as leather options.

These shoes cater well to lighter climbers who found the original Instinct VS model too stiff. While the Instinct VSR is a solid choice for climbers focused on challenging routes and technical bouldering, those who prioritize comfort and have wider feet might want to explore other options. The SCARPA Instinct VSR is a notable contender in climbing footwear, mainly benefiting sport climbers and boulderers looking for a balance of performance and durability.