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Best Climbing Gear Picks

Harnesses, shoes, crash pads and chalk.

Sits in Sports & Fitness. Ranked by our 0–100 ethics score.

Vald retenu de Plaisir Climbing Rope
92Excellent
BlueSign ApprovedOEKO-TEX Standard 100
4.8 (10,945)

The Vald retenu de Plaisir is a high-performance dynamic climbing rope designed for sport and indoor climbing. It's best for intermediate climbers seeking a durable, eco-friendly rope.

Butora Acro Shaolín Bouldering Shoe - Vegan & Eco-friendly
VeganLeaping BunnyEWG Verified
4.7 (1,100)

The Butora Acro Shaolín is a high-performance vegan climbing shoe designed for bouldering enthusiasts. Constructed with an eco-friendly, recycled upper and offering great value, it's perfect for both committed climbers and those new to the sport.

EcoXGEAR Gecko XG5.4 Bouldering Climbing Shoe
Fair TradeFSC Certified
4.3 (1,300)

The EcoXGEAR Gecko XG5.4 is an affordable, eco-friendly bouldering climbing shoe that's perfect for beginners and sustainable climbers alike.

Asana Focus Crash Pad for Bouldering & Climbing
VeganFair Trade
4.6 (78)

The Asana Focus Crash Pad is an essential bouldering accessory designed for climbers seeking dual-density foam with open/closed cell layering. It's ideal forspotters and boulderers who prioritize local manufacturing and eco-friendly materials.

Five Ten Team VXi Climbing Shoe - Men's
Vegan Society Registered
4.9 (120)

The Five Ten Team VXi is a vegan-friendly, aggressive bouldering climbing shoe designed for advanced climbers. With primary keyword 'Five Ten Team VXi' and long-tail keywords like 'Five Ten bouldering shoes', 'vegan climbing shoes', 'aggressive climbing shoes', 'Five Ten comfort', this shoe offers a Stealth C4 rubber outsole and a unique closure system.

Rock Climbing Rover Esa Hand Grips for Wall
Fair Trade Certified
4.5 (720)

The Rock Climbing Rover Esa Hand Grips by Giant Line are durable, sustainably-made climbing holds designed for beginners. They are Fair Trade Certified and ideal for home gyms and DIY climbing walls.

Men's Solution Climbing Shoe
82Excellent
Bluesign ApprovedPFC-FreeEcolabel Certified
4.7 (1,240)

The La Sportiva Men's Solution Climbing Shoe is a high-performance technical tool designed for aggressive bouldering and steep sport routes. As the best climbing shoes for steep terrain and heel hooks, they utilize eco-conscious Italian craftsmanship and PFC-free materials to minimize environmental impact while maintaining world-class precision on micro-edges.

EcoGear Outdoor Climbing Rope Kit
Eco-Friendly MaterialsCorporate Social Responsibility
4.4 (127)

Discover the EcoGear Outdoor Climbing Rope Kit, perfect for eco-conscious climbers seeking a durable, safe, and sustainable option for both indoor and outdoor use.

Escape Climbing Boulder Backpack
78Excellent
4.9 (9)

The Escape Climbing Boulder Backpack is a versatile and stylish option for climbers looking for a practical way to carry essential gear to the crag. Featuring a dedicated chalk bag compartment, spacious main compartment for shoes and a harness, and even a water bottle pocket, this backpack has everything a climber needs. The primary keyword is climbing backpack, and secondary keywords include bouldering backpack, climbing gear, and climbing backpack with chalk bag.

Scarpa Instinct VS Rock Climbing Shoes
LEED Certified
4.6 (123)

Scarpa's Instinct VS are versatile rock climbing shoes designed for sport climbing and bouldering. Suitable for men and women, these slip-lasted shoes feature a sensitive and precise fit, making them ideal for intermediate to advanced climbers. The high-friction,

PETZL CORAX Rock Climbing Harness
CE CertifiedUIAA CertifiedFair Trade (PETZL commitment)
4.8 (1,892)

The PETZL CORAX Rock Climbing Harness is an ethical, adjustable climbing harness best for beginner to intermediate climbers who prioritize durability, comfort, and responsible manufacturing. This unisex harness features four gear loops, a sliding doubleback buckle, and PETZL’s commitment to fair labor practices, making it a top choice for sustainable climbing gear.

Evolv Defy Rock Climbing Shoes
EcoStep certified
4.5 (98)

Evolv's Defy climbing shoes are designed for entry-level boulderers and indoor climbers. Featuring a medium volume fit, these 100% vegan shoes are EcoStep certified, making them an ethical choice for eco-conscious climbers. The high-friction,

Rungne Craft Chalk Bag
75Excellent
5.0 (3)

The Rungne Craft Chalk Bag is a stylish and functional option for climbers in need of a reliable chalk bag. Made from durable, long-lasting materials, this bag is designed to last through countless climbs. The bag features a zipper pocket for secure storage of small essentials, and a carabiner clip for easy attachment to a harness or belt. The bag also has a wide opening for easy access to chalk, even with gloves on. The primary keyword is climbing chalk bag, and secondary keywords include rock climbing chalk bag, bouldering chalk bag, and climbing gear.

La Sportiva Tarantula Boulder Climbing Shoes
Bluesign® certified textileLeather sourced from LWG-certified tanneries
4.6 (171)

The La Sportiva Tarantula Boulder Climbing Shoes are perfect for beginner to intermediate climbers seeking comfortable, supportive shoes for both indoor and outdoor bouldering. Featuring La Sportiva's patented FriXion® rubber for excellent grip and durability, these shoes are made with environmentally friendly materials and are Bluesign® certified.

Oso Supply Co - Kulshan Bouldering Bucket
4.6 (180)

The Oso Supply Co - Kulshan Bouldering Bucket is a large chalk bag designed for rock climbers. It features a magnetic roll-down closure for chalk, a brush loop, and zippered pockets for storing small essentials. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor climbing enthusiasts.

Metolius Session Pad II Bouldering Crash Pad
B Corp
4.6 (62)

The Metolius Session Pad II is a high-density bouldering crash pad designed for climbers needing reliable fall protection at the crag or gym. The Session Pad II features dual-density foam layers and a durable outer shell, making it suitable for both intermediate and advanced boulderers. Its compact fold and backpack straps enhance portability, while the brand's B Corp certification underscores a commitment to environmental and social responsibility.

Session II Crash Pad
71Excellent
4.6 (63)

The Metolius Session II is a bouldering crash pad engineered for outdoor climbers seeking reliable impact protection on technical problems. Featuring an angled hinge design with dual-density foam, it eliminates dangerous hinge guttering. Metolius constructs this pad using tough 900-denier polyester and unbreakable aluminum buckles, emphasizing longevity and repairability to reduce outdoor gear waste.

Scarpa Origin Climbing Shoe - Men's
4.7 (150)

The Scarpa Origin is a highly-rated bouldering climbing shoe, suitable for intermediate climbers seeking a balance between performance and comfort. With a primary keyword 'Scarpa Origin' and long-tail keywords like 'Scarpa bouldering shoes', 'beginner climbing shoes', 'intermediate climbing shoes', ' Scarpa climbing shoe reviews', 'Scarpa Origin comfort', this shoe features a closed-toe design, 20-degree crank, and lined toecap.

What we compare in this niche

climbingharnesscrash padchalkbouldering

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How to choose climbing gear

  1. Check fit and intended use. Activity-specific safety standards and exact intended use
  2. Compare practical requirements. Compatibility within the system and manufacturer inspection guidance
  3. Check ownership and safety details. Retirement criteria and known history; unknown used life-safety gear is a risk

Frequently asked

What should I look for in climbing gear?+

Activity-specific safety standards and exact intended use. Compatibility within the system and manufacturer inspection guidance. Retirement criteria and known history; unknown used life-safety gear is a risk

How are climbing gear picks ranked?+

By our 0–100 ethics score: certifications, materials, sourcing and labour, packaging and end-of-life, and brand-level conduct. No paid placement.

Why does this list change between visits?+

The list reflects published records when its cache refreshes. Updates are not instantaneous, and a page reload does not independently reverify certifications or recall status.

Keep exploring

Buying climbing gear: start with the job

Harnesses, shoes, crash pads and chalk.

Compare the exact model against the practical requirements below before weighing environmental claims. A broad sports & fitness ranking cannot establish compatibility, safety or suitability for this particular task.

Keep equipment that still meets your needs. If replacement is necessary, check dimensions, instructions and continuing support; a product that cannot be used or maintained is not a useful upgrade.

Climbing Gear: decision checklist

Shopping criteria, not laboratory results or endorsements.
DecisionWhat to checkEvidence to request
Check fit and intended useActivity-specific safety standards and exact intended useExact model specifications and dimensions
Compare practical requirementsCompatibility within the system and manufacturer inspection guidanceLabel, manual and compatibility instructions
Check ownership and safety detailsRetirement criteria and known history; unknown used life-safety gear is a riskWarranty, support policy and relevant safety guidance

Before ordering

  • Check fit and intended useActivity-specific safety standards and exact intended use
  • Compare practical requirementsCompatibility within the system and manufacturer inspection guidance
  • Check ownership and safety detailsRetirement criteria and known history; unknown used life-safety gear is a risk