10 Best Climbing And Mountaineering Equipment 2025 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 La Sportiva Mens Makalu Mountaineering/Hiking Boots are a solid choice for mountaineers and heavy backpackers. These boots are designed with a classic leather style that offers durability and a full steel shank which is compatible with automatic crampons, making them ideal for snowy and icy conditions. The Skywalk aggressively-lugged sole provides excellent traction on various surfaces, which is crucial for maintaining stability and safety during climbs.

The Vibram rubber rand adds an extra layer of toe protection, which is a thoughtful feature for rocky terrains. Additionally, the EZ rollerball lace hardware ensures easy and secure lacing, which is beneficial when you need to adjust quickly on the go. However, while these boots are robust and feature-rich, they might be heavier than other options, weighing in at around 2 pounds.

This weight might be a consideration for those who prioritize lighter gear for long treks. Additionally, the leather material might require some break-in time before reaching optimal comfort. These boots are best suited for serious mountaineers and heavy backpackers who need reliable and durable footwear for challenging terrains and conditions.

The La Sportiva Men's Tarantulace climbing shoes are designed for rock climbers looking for a reliable and durable shoe. They feature a quick pull lacing system that helps achieve a snug and precise fit, which is important for performance and comfort during climbs. The shoes use La Sportiva’s FriXion RS rubber compound on the sole and heel, providing excellent grip on rock surfaces while maintaining durability for long-term use.

An aggressive rubber heel rand adds to the shoe’s ability to grip edges, giving climbers confidence in footholds. The thin LaSpoflex midsole offers good foot support by keeping the shoe stiff enough for edging without sacrificing sensitivity to the rock. A lined tongue helps manage moisture, making the shoes more comfortable over extended climbing sessions.

These shoes excel in grip, fit, and durability—key factors for climbing footwear, making them a solid choice for climbers seeking dependable performance.