Innovative Climbing Gear

The Phoozy

Your all day rock climbing adventures are a foray into nature and expose you and your gear to the elements.  This surprising yet clever invention has made the list for top climbing picks, and we think you will agree why!  Your phone and other sensitive electronics aren’t as adaptable as you, as hot temperatures can shut a device down, while cold weather will drain a battery in no time at all.  With a Phoozy, you can combat the elements and keep your device charged and functional, no matter where your climbing takes you. 

Petzl Sirocco Helmet

In climbing, being “heads up” literally means keeping your head down.  Another smart “heads up” move when climbing is to always wear a helmet.  When loose rock and debris come raining down from the climber above, you will be glad you had a helmet on.  When the crux move spits you off, and your whipper inverts you, you will be glad you had a “brain bucket” to protect your grey matter.  The Petzl Sirocco is a top tier helmet designed to keep you safe without holding you down.  A featherlight weight of 170g (about the weight of 75 nickels) means you will barely notice that it is on your head.  As usual, Petzl products are at the top of their game, and this helmet is a sure top climbing pick for any climber.  

PETZL Fly Harness

Climb the impossible with the help of this unparalleled harness. Ultralightweight and utility, the Petzl Fly is absolutely cutting edge.  It pushes harness technologies to the limit to give you comfort, security, and a “nothing’s-there” feel.  Weighing in at only 130g, the harness is one of the lightest in the market, and it easily folds up for packing away.  Another amazing feature of this harness is that it boasts the ability to be donned while keeping both feet on the ground.  Chalk full of creative designs, the Fly is an easy add to our interesting climbing gear list for 2020.  

Bplus Chalk

While your climbing goals and projects may be all business, your gear can show off your personality. 8Bplus has designed the sport’s most creative and personable chalk bags to accomplish this mission.  They are equally equipped at securely holding your chalk and sparking a conversation.  Ambidextrous brush holders are friendly for right or left handers, and a drawstring cinches the bag closed when not in use.  This top climbing pick has only one problem, it is hard to choose which design to buy! 

Butora Climbing Shoes

When all that is holding you to the wall is a barely visible footchip, you rely on your footwork and your footwear to keep you upright and moving upwards.  Slip on, strap on, or lace up a pair of Butoras to help you get the job done, and do it with style too.  A myriad of styles from flat to aggressive all come armed with sticky proprietary Neo rubber that smears, edges, and performs on all rock types.  The option to purchase Butora shoes in wide sizes sets them apart, and makes them a “shoe in” for the most interesting climbing gear of 2020. 

Boulder Denim

Made from organic cotton, these climbing specific pants are soft, flexible, and tough.  Stitching details like a gusseted crotch allow for movement, while cordura is woven into the fabric to make them tougher than the average pair of jeans.  A hidden zipper pocket holds your phone so you can nab a victory selfie at the top of your climb.  These climbing specific features put boulder denim products on the list of the top climbing picks for 2020.

DMM Classic Rope Bag 32L 

A crucial element of climbing is rope management; keeping strands coiled and tangle-free makes climbing safe and hassle free.  When it is time to head home for the day, rope management means portaging up to 80m of your lifeline back across rugged terrain.  In steps the DMM classic rope bag to save the day and make the list of innovative climbing gear. Modular straps allow the bag to work as a backpack or courier style, while zippered pockets keep your personal items secure.  Inside the bag is a deployable tarp that keeps your rope free from dirt and other harmful items.  

Roscoe Outdoor Climbing Pants

When you need pants and shorts as rugged as the rock you are ascending, then turn to Roscoe Outdoor.  Their outdoor specific pants and shorts are designed by climbers, hikers, and skiers who know exactly what adventure specific clothing needs to be.  Tough material, gusseted stitching, a plethora of pockets, and a wide range of sizes makes these pants and shorts an easy pick for climbers.  However, what makes them the most interesting climbing gear of 2020, in the apparel category, is that they will custom hem the pants for you.  No matter your inseam or dimensions, Roscoe Outdoor will make sure they fit perfectly for you.  

Misty Mountain

One of America’s most iconic mountain ranges, the Appalachians, is miles full of wilderness and countless climbing opportunities.  It is also home to one of America’s finest manufacturers of climbing gear.  Misty Mountain has long provided the sport of climbing with quality harnesses, crashpads, and much more.  Every year they crank out innovative climbing gear, while still staying true to their roots.  Gear up with Misty Mountain products and you will be supporting local manufacturers, as well as getting quality goods.  These “tried and true” products make the list of the most interesting climbing gear for 2020.

SlingFin Gear

From the creators of tents used on Mount Everest comes the Honey Badger pack.  It is probably the world’s toughest pack and can handle anything your climbing adventures dish out.  Product testing for the Honey Badger included canyoneering through sandstone slots as well as repeats up El Capitan.  The hard outer shell protects the contents from damage, while the waterproof interior dry bag system keeps your electronics and clothes dry.  Modular, rugged, and ready for anything, the Honey Badger pack from Slingfin is easily the most innovative piece of climbing gear for 2020.

Rhino Skin Solutions 

Next up on the list of the top climbing picks is an invaluable tool for recovery and performance alike.  Scaling granite walls or battling sandstone boulders can take a toll on your hands, namely the skin.  Once that dermal layer is damaged or worn off, it makes gripping painful or even impossible.  Fortunately, Rhino Skin Solutions has a myriad of products designed to protect, heal, and revitalize your skin.  From post climb skin care salves, to moisture controlling sprays to help during a climb, Rhino Skin Solutions will help you get up your project and be ready to tackle the next one tomorrow.   

Sterling Evolution Helix

Rope is the lifeline for climbers tackling tall walls.  Whether you are climbing a steep sport route, a long trad multipitch, or mixed routes, the Sterling Evolution Helix is for you.  At 9.5mm in diameter, the rope is small but mighty; a new improved core and sheath provide strength and durability while still keeping the weight down.  An option for adding DryXP water repellent coating is available, and is the perfect choice for those adventuring into wet or icy conditions.  A wide variety of colors and lengths let you customize your rope to match your style and needs, and at a mere 59grams per meter, you will be amazed at how light it feels in your pack.  When its time to tie into the sharp end, choose the Sterling Evolution Helix, and see why it is a top climbing pick for many serious climbers. 

Mad Rock Duo Crash Pad

Climb with confidence when the Duo crash pad is below.  This innovative crash pad is loaded with features for safety and function, and is an easy addition to a list of the top climbing picks.  A wide rectangular shape covers a large landing area, and five inches of foam protect falls from even highball problems.  A velcro system locks the two pieces together when unfolded, which keeps the pad from folding over if a climber lands on the hinged middle part.  A “welcome mat” is added to help keep shoes clean, and in between problems you can use the straps to convert the pad into a comfy couch.  When it is time to pack up for the day, the Duo crash pad has straps that allow for carrying a second pad on the back, as well as other features like a water bottle holder and load lifting straps.  Protecting your dream project has never been easier and safer than with the Mad Rock Duo Crashpad. 

Livsn Designs

Sustainable, comfortable, and durable are the hallmarks of Livsn Designs.  Their flagship product, the flex canvas pants, are meant to go from the crag to cafe with stylish looks but uncompromising performance.  Organic and recycled materials mean that these pants are easy on Mother Earth, but tough and thoughtful construction means you don’t have to go easy on them.  Livsn Designs has sold over 1500 pairs of the flex canvas pant in a pair of kickstarters, and they continue to be hailed as “do it all” trousers.  Pick up a pair and you will see why they make the cut for the top climbing picks. 

So Ill 

What started as climbing enthusiasts building makeshift walls in basements, has evolved into a renowned brand in the sport.  They design and produce almost everything for your climbing needs, from shoes, unique climbing holds, and apparel.  Their climbing shoes, which started as a humble kickstarter project, are now seen at every gym and crag, and with good reason!  They bear their trademark style, and are armed with their proprietary Dark Matter rubber, which is suitable for indoor training and outdoor sessions alike.  Whether you nab a pair of shoes, climbing holds, or climber specific apparel from So Ill, you can be certain you are getting some of the most interesting climbing footwear and gear of 2020, and certainly the most stylish too!