10 Best Climbing And Mountaineering Equipment 2025 in the United States

The Black Diamond Half Dome Rock Climbing and Safety Helmet is a popular choice among climbers, praised for its durable construction and effective design. Its ABS outer shell provides strong impact protection, while the EPS foam inside helps absorb shocks, meeting climbing safety standards. The helmet's adjustable chin strap and lower profile suspension system with a one-handed fit dial ensure a secure fit, which is crucial for long climbs or rugged terrains. The headlamp clips are a thoughtful addition, making it suitable for nighttime or low-light conditions.

In terms of sizing, the helmet is available in Medium/Large, fitting head sizes from 22 to 25 inches, making it versatile for most adult users. With a lightweight design, it weighs just 8.8 ounces, which adds comfort without compromising safety.

One key strength of this helmet is its balance between safety and comfort, which is often a top priority for climbers. Additionally, the helmet’s stylish denim color and sleek design make it appealing visually. However, it might not be the best fit for those with very small or very large heads, as it only comes in specific sizes. While the headlamp clips are useful, they might not accommodate all types of headlamps securely, a potential drawback depending on the user's requirements. This helmet is ideal for adult climbers looking for reliable protection, particularly for rock climbing, though it is also recommended for skiing. It ranks highly in climbing helmets, which reflects its popularity and trust within the climbing community.

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.