Camp Geko Lite Gloves
With a microfleece-lined goatskin palm and synthetic insulation on the back, the struck an admirable balance between warmth and sensitivity for tool gripping and rope handling.
Black Diamond Equipment Vector Climbing Helmet
Testers loved the little things about the ultralight (8.5 ounces) : there鈥檚 a built-in headlamp clip, and when you stuff it in your pack, the helmet鈥檚 straps fold up neatly out of the way.
Black Diamond Equipment Aspect Harness
With four gear loops for easy clipping, a forged steel buckle that never slipped, and an ergonomic waist belt, the is comfortable and versatile enough to wear year-round.聽
Deuter Guide Lite 32 Pack
At just 2.6 pounds, the skimps on weight without forgoing important stuff like a sturdy frame, gear and ax loops, and a removable foam back pad that can double as a seat cushion.
Petzl Nomic Ice Tool
Beginner or pro, ice wall or alpine glacier: this is we鈥檝e ever seen. Outfit it with hammer or adze, then micro-adjust the pommel for a more precise fit.
The North Face Verto S6K Glacier GTX Boots
The North Face鈥檚 first foray into impressed our primary tester, a guide on Mount Rainier, who praised their 鈥済reat feel and balance on slim ledges.鈥 Mudguards kept out snow and debris.
Petzl Lynx Crampons
The is compatible with any ice boot with a welted heel and converts quickly from mono to dual front points. It鈥檚 one of the most versatile crampons we鈥檝e tested, as capable on vertical ice as on alpine routes.
Mountain Equipment Changabang Pants
Hypalon patches at the hips and Cordura at the ankles prevent ice screws and crampons from slicing the 鈥檚 top-shelf Gore-Tex fabric, while side zips let off some steam.