Work your project from the ground up.
Petzl Alto Crash Pad ($300)
With three layers of dense foam, has plenty of cushion for big falls. What鈥檚 more, the hingeless design means you can sandwich gear between the two halves before zipping it up鈥攈andy when schlepping from rock to rock.
Edelrid Boulder聽Bag 2 ($30)
This holds all the chalk you could need for weeks of climbing, and the twist closure mitigates spillage.
Ortovox Brenta聽Shorts ($129)
鈥檚 Cordura fabric lends hardiness, while a touch of spandex ensures stretch when reaching for toe hooks.
Five Ten Approach Pro Shoes ($120)
The laces cinch a wide strap of rubber across 鈥檚 upper and around the heel, creating a locked-down fit that鈥檚 perfect for scrambling.
Metolius Super Chalk ($5)
Our preference for added grip, sticks through several rounds on tough, sloping projects.
Royal Robbins Upward Variations Shirt ($28)
Enjoy puffing a pipe and sipping wine at the crag? So did Yosemite OG Royal Robbins. Which is why both appear amid the nuts, rope, and carabiners on .听
Metolius聽Shortstop Pad ($37)
Nothing ruins your day like landing between聽pads. The three-by-two-foot covers the gaps, helping prevent turned ankles and worse.听
Black Diamond Boulder Hoody聽($129)
This buttery-soft kept us toasty on chilly fall nights. The retro elbow pads are a nice touch, too.
Tenaya Iati聽climbing Shoes ($170)
is the comfiest shoe we tested. The聽snug toe box and cotton-lined inner sock felt聽great all day. While the sole is a tad chunky for solid purchase on micro-颅edges, Vibram rubber 颅affords 颅sandpaper traction for smearing.