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If you’re a mountaineer or hiker that’s venturing out into snow-covered terrain, an ice axe is a vital piece of equipment. Used for self-arresting and winter walking, ice axes are invaluable when you’re out in the mountains.

But, there are dozens of different models of ice axes available today, so it can be difficult to know precisely which is right for your needs. To get you started, we compiled this buyer’s guide to ice axes. Up next, we’ll discuss some of the most important features to look out for when buying a new ice axe. Plus, we’ll even review ten of the best ice axes for backpacking, mountaineering, and skiing so you can find what’s best for you.

Buying an ice axe is a serious investment that could make a huge difference in your safety when you’re in the mountains. So, to help you decide what you need in your next ice axe, here are some of the top features to keep in mind when shopping around:

Length

The length of an ice axe greatly affects its performance in the mountains. That being said, more often than not, people end up using an ice axe that’s too long for them. While having an axe that is too short really isn’t much of an issue, an ice axe that is too long can hinder your walking ability and make self-arresting quite difficult.

The general guideline for ice axe length is that you shouldn’t buy an axe that extends past your ankle when you hold it next to your leg. However, in steeper terrain, it’s better to use a shorter axe because it helps stabilize a climber’s center of balance better than a longer model. Indeed, a longer ice axe makes moving through steep terrain, so smaller is usually best.

While everyone has a personal preference for the length of their ice axes, here are some general size guidelines, based on height:

• People under 5’6” (167cm): 45-50cm
• People 5’6” to 5’8” (167-172cm): 50-55cm
• People 5’9” to 6’0” (172-182cm): 50-60cm
• People 6’1” to 6’4” (185-193cm): 50-65cm
• Over 6’4” (193cm+): 60-70cm

Since an ice axe will spend most of its life either in your hand or on your backpack, it’s a good idea to look for one that’s relatively lightweight. The lightest ice axes will be made with an aluminum shaft, which is the material with the best weight-to-strength ratio for this purpose.

However, just because an ice axe is made with an aluminum shaft doesn’t guarantee that it will be lightweight. Generally, added features, like handles and grips, will increase the weight of an ice axe.

Weight-saving features on an ice axe include single-piece heads, which cut down on the weight of a more traditional two-piece alternative. Some ultralight axes even do away with the spike at the bottom of the axe, opting instead for a sharp point at the bottom of the shaft to save weight.

Pick Sh​ape

Modern mountaineering axes use picks that are slightly curved to help improve performance in firm snow and ice. These days, the majority of axes will have something called a “positive” curve, which is a slight downward point throughout the pick. This type of pick is a good compromise between climbing ability and traction while self-arresting.

Another option is the neutral curve, which is a pick that is more or less straight. This is the best type of curve for self-arresting but provides poor performance while climbing. Finally, we have reverse curve picks, which has a sharp downturn that then curves back upward. Reverse curve picks are less ideal for self-arresting but are great for ice climbing and steep terrain.

Materials

There are two main materials that are used in modern ice axes: steel and aluminum. Steel is the most common material used in ice axe picks and heads. This is because steel is strong, hard, and less likely to bend when swung into firm snow and ice, especially when compared to titanium, which is lighter.

When it comes to the shaft of an ice axe, aluminum is by far the most common material. Aluminum is well-known for its high strength-to-weight ratio, which is ideal for use in a product that needs to be both durable and portable.

However, aluminum is weaker than steel, so isn’t really ideal for use in axe picks. Additionally, while there are some new ice axes that use aluminum heads to save weight, these are less durable in the long term, and won’t hold up well throughout heavy use.

While steel and aluminum are, by far, the most common materials used in ice axes, we occasionally see some axes made with titanium. Titanium is gaining popularity because it is lighter than steel but is slightly stronger. That being said, it’s not an ideal material for this purpose because it actually bends quite easily and really doesn’t offer much weight savings when compared to aluminum.

Leashes

A leash is a length of webbing that helps keep an ice axe attached to a hiker or climber’s wrist. They’re useful because they stop someone from accidentally dropping an incredibly important piece of gear while in the mountains. However, there are some hikers and climbers that find leashes to be cumbersome, so it’s really a personal choice. Some modern axes will come with a leash while others require you to purchase one separately.

Best Ice Axe on the Market Review

Here are our reviews of the 10 best rated ice axes around:

The Black Diamond Raven is a revamped take on a classic mountaineering axe design. One of the best all-around options for backpacking and mountaineering, the Raven features a low grip for more comfort and functionality in the mountains.

The Raven is built with aircraft-grade aluminum in the shaft and has a one-piece stainless steel head to secure the pick. This ice axe is CEN-B rated and has a pick that’s specifically designed for improved traction while self-arresting. It also comes with a slider leash so you never lose your axe during your winter walking adventures.

• Dual-density molded grip for security
• Included slider leash
• Durable aluminum shaft

• Not great for climbing or technical mountaineering
• Heavier than other options

Engineered specifically with backpackers and easy ice climbing, the Grivel GZERO is a classic ice axe with an updated look. The GZERO is made with an aluminum shaft and steel blade, that are curved for maximum traction while sliding.

However, while winter walking with an ice axe often results in cold hands, the Grivel GZERO has a unique plastic grip cover to keep your hands warm. Plus, this easy-to-remove cover can help improve your grip and control while self-arresting, so it’s really the best of both worlds.

• Plastic pick grip keeps hands warm
• Includes a slider leash
• Durable aluminum shaft construction
• Has great color options
• Affordable

• Not great for very steep terrain

Lightweight and versatile, the Black Diamond Raven Pro is a revamped version of the original Raven. This classic ice axe is one of the best backpacking ice axes around, thanks to its lightweight.

It’s made with a lightweight aluminum shaft, a one-piece ergonomic stainless steel head, and an aggressive CEN-B certified pick for use in the mountains. Perfect for use while self-arresting or for navigating a tricky crevasse field, the Black Diamond Raven Pro is a do-anything ice axe for any mountain pursuit.

• Lightweight
• Versatile
• Durable aluminum shaft construction

• Somewhat expensive
• Doesn’t include a leash
• Slick shaft makes grip tricky for newer hikers

One of the best mountaineering ice axes for climbers on a budget, the Camp USA Neve is made from forged Chromoly steel in both the pick and the adze. The Neve features a curved adze that allows for a more natural handgrip and for better step cutting performance.

It has carabiner holes in both the head and the spike for quick and easy anchor placements. Plus, the Neve’s symmetric steel spike makes plunging in deep snow a breeze while the included sliding leash ensures your axe stays with you as you climb.

• Symmetric spike improves plunging
• Curved adze for better grip and step cutting
• Durable steel head and adze
• Includes a sliding leash

• A tad bit heavy
• Short leash design can be annoying to some climbers

Ideal for creating anchors in hard snow, the lightweight Petzl Glacier is a ski mountaineer’s best friend. Designed specifically with weight and comfort in mind, the Glacier features a comfortable grip that makes chopping steps and self-arresting a breeze.

As one of ice axes for ski mountaineering, the Petzl Glacier has a high-quality steel pick, similar to what you’d find on a technical ice axe, as well as a strong steel adze for easy step chopping. Plus, the handle that’s cut into the Glacier’s lightweight aluminum shaft makes technical climbing sections a breeze while in remote terrain.

• Very lightweight
• Handle cut into shaft for comfort and grip
• Great for anchoring in hard ice and snow

Made for hikers and classic mountaineering climbs on glaciers, the Grivel Nepal features a forged steel blade and a simple curved adze. The Grivel Nepal has a slight curve to the shaft, which is nice for beginners, as it helps create more traction with a self-arrest.

The Nepal has a lightweight aluminum shaft for comfort and ease of use in the mountains. Additionally, it has a simple, yet convenient, included slider leash and a rubber tip protector for added versatility on your trips in the backcountry.

• Slightly curved shaft for better self-arresting
• Lightweight yet durable
• Included slider leash and rubber tip protector

• Not ideal for steeper terrain

A hybrid between a technical ice tool and a classic mountaineering axe, the Black Diamond Venom is an ideal companion for mixed climbing and winter walking. The Venom features a bent shaft construction that makes it one of ice axes for ski mountaineering on the market today.

It has a solid stainless steel head with an integrated adze, as well as an interchangeable pick construction so you can choose what works best for you. The Venom’s adjustable FlickLock pommel also makes it easy to customize your grip for a variety of different climbing conditions.

• Great in steeper terrain and mixed conditions
• Sliding pommel for multiple grip options
• Interchangeable picks for added versatility

Specifically made with technical performance in mind, the Petzl Summit EVO is a high-quality ice axe for any mountain pursuit. The EVO is perfect for light and fast alpine trips, where effectiveness is key.

The EVO features a curved shaft design for added control while self-arresting and comfort while climbing. It also boasts a forged single piece head for maximum durability as well as a hydroformed handle for exceptional performance in steep terrain.

• Curved design for better self-arrest and climbing performance
• Single piece head for durability
• Lightweight

• Expensive
• A bit overkill for summer hiking trips
• Doesn’t come with a leash

Versatile to the core, the Petzl Sum’tec is a highly adaptable ice axe that can be used for classical mountaineering or winter walking. It has a curved shaft for better performance while anchoring, though the shaft is still straight enough for comfortable walking.

The best part? The Sum’tec can easily be customized to your chosen pursuit, thanks to its completely interchangeable picks, adzes, and hammers, making it one of the best mountaineering ice axes around.

The lightest ice axe in our review by far, the Petzl Gully is a best friend of PCT thru-hikers, ski mountaineers, and winter climbers, alike. This highly technical axe has a unique, banana-shaped pick for easier swings, while the minimalist adze and head design helps cut weight.

The Gully even has a TRIGREST handrest that’s adjustable without any added tools, so you can quickly adapt the axe to meet the needs of the terrain. Plus, it has a tapered, beveled spike that allows for easy transportation without risk of destroying your pack.

• Very lightweight
• Easy to adjust handrest
• Banana-shaped pick for better swings

• Very expensive
• Can’t swap out pick

An ice axe is any mountaineer’s best friend. So, when choosing the best ice axe, it’s important to prioritize your needs. Whether you need a highly technical axe for high-angled terrain or a lightweight model for crossing occasional snowfields, there’s the best mountaineering axe out there for you.

Sarah is a lifelong adventurer with a passion for sharing her experiences with the world. You’re equally likely to find her sending hard on a long alpine route as you are to find her typing away on her next feature article at a local coffee shop. Whether it’s sport, trad, bouldering, or even ice climbing, Sarah enjoys getting out there and pushing new limits. She loves sharing her experiences with others so they can get out and climb, too!

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Your hands take on a lot of use and abuse from rock climbing. They face the elements, sharp rock, and sometimes difficult to manage equipment. Since healthy skin is necessary to climb your best, it’s worth taking some time to research and buy a pair of the best climbing gloves to protect your hands. 

While it’s not common to don a pair of gloves for face climbing, gloves come in handy when crack climbing, belaying, rappelling, ice climbing or mountaineering. A good pair of gloves can be versatile enough to wear in a variety of weather conditions and offer some much-needed relief during long belay sessions, jumaring or aid climbing. Although you’ll need to buy a dedicated pair for ice climbing.

Gloves can be a game-changer in cold or windy weather. Instead of having two (mostly) useless frozen hands, you can keep your hands warm and ready to go to work when it’s time to climb or clean gear. 

We’ve reviewed our top 7 gloves for rock climbing and also share some tips for choosing the right pair for you. Most climbers can benefit from a pair of all-around gloves, and those who do a lot of crack climbing may also want to pick up a pair of crack climbing gloves. 

Whether you’re planning to climb in cold weather, are expecting to do a lot of aid climbing or jumaring, or are a crack aficionado, there are many reasons why you should consider buying a pair of climbing gloves. Crack and ice climbing each require their own specific types of gloves, and then there are general all-purpose gloves that are good for pretty much everything else.

Still, there are options. There are different types of materials, the decision to go with a full fingered or fingerless option, and many additional features to consider. First, we’ll cover the four main types of gloves for rock climbing then we’ll look at a few features to consider before we dive into our 7 top picks for rock climbing gloves. 

Full Fingered Gloves

Full fingered gloves offer maximum protection for your hands. But you’re sacrificing some flexibility and dexterity. Some full fingered gloves are bulkier than others, so if you do your research and try on a few pairs you may be able to find an option that offers the best of both worlds. Full fingered gloves are best reserved for times when you’ll be belaying, jumaring, or rappelling for long periods of time. Depending on the material, most full fingered gloves also offer some protection from cold and wind, but most climbing-specific gloves aren’t rated for cold weather protection. 

Fingerless Gloves

Fingerless, or half-finger, gloves leave your fingers exposed. This allows for more dexterity and flexibility than full fingered options. Since you have more control over your movements in fingerless glove, it is easier to go about your normal climbing activities like tying knots, placing gear, and grabbing small holds. You can still operate more or less the same as if you weren’t wearing gloves, but your palms will be better protected with the gloves. Fingerless gloves are also nice to have during warmer weather since they offer more ventilation than full fingered gloves. One more added bonus of fingerless gloves is that you can still use your phone and snap pictures (only when it’s safe to do so!).

Crack Climbing Gloves

If you’re tired of making tape gloves every time you climb crack, consider buying some dedicated crack gloves. They can be easily slipped on and off and are endlessly reusable. They protect your hands from cuts and scrapes when jamming. There are a few options on the market, and price doesn’t necessarily define the quality of gloves so make sure to research and check out a few options before committing to purchase one. 

Ice Climbing Gloves 

Unlike other types of gloves on this list, ice climbing gloves are an absolutely essential piece of gear that will protect you during an ice climb. As such, you should dedicate a considerable amount of time to finding the perfect pair for you. Here are a few tips to point you in the right direction. You’ll want to make sure your ice climbing gloves are waterproof and well-insulated to keep your hands warm in frozen conditions. Additionally, you’ll need your gloves to be agile enough to give you the dexterity you need to climb, place screws and belay.

Key Features in Climbing Gloves

Once you decide on which type of gloves to purchase, it’s important to consider their features to make sure that your glove will adequately perform on the rock. Here are a few key features to look out for:

• Materials: The materials that make up your gloves will affect their dexterity and longevity. Synthetic marterials tend to be cheaper, but less durable in the long run. Leather gloves mold better to your hands over time. Some gloves offer a mix of leather and synthetic fabrics to get the best of both worlds.
• Clip-in Loops: Clip-in loops are very desireable in climbing gloves, since they allow you to easily clip your gloves onto your harness when they aren’t in use. Some gloves have holes punched into the wrist area while others have actual loops to clip into. The style of clip in loops that works for you is up to personal preference, so it’s good to try both before you buy.
• Waterproofing: If you are going to find yourself in wet or frozen conditions, opt for a pair of gloves that is waterproof.
• Insulation: Likewise, if you’re going to be in cold or freezing conditions, opt for a pair with good insulation. It is a good idea to find a pair with 100-200g of insulation spread throughout the glove if you’re ice climbing.
• Dexterity: Whichever type of glove you buy, it’s important that it offers enough dexterity for you to still complete delicate tasks like tying knots, belaying or clipping quickdraws.
• Durability: Your gloves should also offer a certain level of durability. Make sure they’re built to last by checking the materials and reading up on reviews.
• Size and Fit: Remember to try before you buy to make sure the gloves fit your hands well. Not all gloves are created using the same hand shapes and dimensions, so make sure you get the right size and fit for your hands.

Now that we’ve covered what to look for in climbing gloves, it’s time for the reviews! Here are the top 7 choices of gloves on the market today. 

The Arc’teryx brand is commonly associated with producing the best possible climbing gear, and the Alpha FL Glove is no exception. If you’re looking for the best glove with the perfect blend of dexterity, insulation and grip, then look no further than the Alpha FL.

The Alpha FL features a slim profile that is still well insulated and durable. The glove mimics the shape of your hand when holding an ice tool, which helps improve circulation and increase grip. The waterproof Gore-Tex liner ensures you’re always dry and the cuffs extend further up your forearm to prevent any unwanted moisture from trickling in.

Of course, all of these premium features come at a premium price tag. This is one of the most expensive gloves available, but for anyone wanting the best, this is it.

• Extremely warm
• Unmatched dexterity
• Durable, grippy leather palm
• Gore-Tex waterproofing

Ocun Crack gloves provide a thick layer of padding around your knuckles and thumb, allowing you to take on cracks with little fear of shredding your skin. They are bulkier than other crack gloves on the market or tape gloves, which means you’ll suffer less pain when climbing. The downside to this is that they may not work on thinner or more delicate cracks, where you may still need to reach for your trusty tape to get by. They’re also extremely durable.

• Thick padding protects hands
• Extremely durable
• Tight fit 

• Thick padding makes thin cracks inaccessible

Priced at just $20 a pair, these gloves are a great budget buy for anyone who wants to try out crack gloves. They are made out of X-Factor Climbing Rubber, the same stuff Climb X uses on their climbing shoes. These gloves are great for beginners who aren’t ready to invest in an expensive pair of crack gloves or anyone who wants a budget pair of gloves to wear for training sessions in the gym or when doing laps outside. They lack the craftsmanship and fit of more expensive crack gloves, but they still get the job done. 

• Inexpensive
• Durable rubber protects hands

• Too bulky for thin cracks
• No ventilation, which makes hands sweat

The Petzl Cordex gloves offer the best balance between durability an flexibility. The full fingered gloves rival some of their fingerless counterparts in dexterity but offer full coverage and protection for your hands. The palm and area between the thumb and index finger are reinforced with a double layer of leather for extra protection, and the back of the glove is made from stretch nylon to aid in breathability. 

The gloves are undoubtedly a bit burly, and some climbers with smaller hands complain that they can’t fit even the size XS in the Petzl Cordex. Also, some complain that they don’t offer the best grip, and are best suited for rappelling. 

• Premium dexterity
• Durable
• Breathable
• Good all-around features

• Slippery
• Can be too large for small hands

If you’re looking for the best blend of quality and value, then look no further than the Black Diamond Crag Gloves. By far the cheapest option on this list, the Crag Glove costs only $20 and doesn’t skimp on any of the features that you look for in a good all-around climbing glove. 

It’s lightweight and dexterous, and the stretchable mesh fabric allow for breathability. The synthetic material fits a variety of hand shapes and sizes, but isn’t as durable as genuine leather. It also comes in a fingerless option.  

• Affordable
• Grippy
• Flexible

If you’re looking for a burly, durable climbing glove that still allows you to use your fingers, the Metolius Climbing Glove may be your answer. It is one of the most durable gloves on the market, but with that added durability comes a small sacrifice in dexterity. It’s not as noticeable in the fingerless option as it is in their full fingered gloves. 

These gloves break in over time and will last forever. They are significantly more expensive than other glove options, but for some it’s worth it to splurge on one pair that’s built to last.

• Offers lots of protection
• Durable

These gloves are protective, flexible, and offer a sleek design. The palm is made of reinforced goat hide leather, and the back is breathable, stretchy polyester. There are also two small tabs on the ring and middle fingers that provide extra protection. There is even a gel-lined palm that dissipates heat. Overall, they offer a snug fit and extra protection without sacrificing any dexterity. 

• Not as durable as other options

No matter what type of climbing you do, a simple pair of the best climbing gloves can give your hands a much-needed break from wind, weather, and sharp rock. Whether you’re crack climbing, belaying or rappelling, your climbing gloves can save your skin so you can continue to climb day after day. 

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With eight prominent brands, three general categories, and countless combinations of additional features, options for rock climbing shoes can be overwhelming. Some of the key things to keep in mind when purchasing a pair of climbing shoes is the type of shoe best-suited for your needs, your personal preference for additional features, and how your shoes should fit.

Rock climbing shoes can be categorized into three basic groups: neutral, moderate, and aggressive. All of the prominent rock climbing brands — La Sportiva, FiveTen, Evolv, Scarpa, Butora, Mad Rock, Tenaya, Black Diamond — have shoes in all three categories. The main difference between the three different categories of shoes is the shape and thickness of the sole of the shoe. Different types of climbing shoes are best for different types of climbing and different levels of climbing ability. While you shouldn’t feel like you have to buy a certain type of shoe just because you’re a beginner climber or you only climb boulders, paying attention to what type of shoe is best for what type of climb and what type of climber will help you to pick the best climbing shoe for your needs.

Neutral 

Neutral shoes have the most relaxed fit of the three main types of climbing shoes. The sole of the shoe lies flat and allows enough space for toes to as well — which is not true for moderate or aggressive climbing shoes. It is generally suggested that beginner climbers start with neutral shoes. Easier, beginner routes don’t necessitate the downturned toe of moderate and aggressive shoes — and it’s beneficial to allow your feet to slowly learn how to operate in the curled, crimped position that climbing shoes will eventually force. Similarly, neutral shoes have thicker soles to provide more foot support for beginners — but as you progress as a climber you’ll want a thinner sole for more foot sensitivity on the wall.

However, it would be inaccurate to say neutral shoes are only for beginners. Neutral shoes are best for long, multi-pitch climbs that require wearing shoes all day long comfortably — regardless of whether you’re a beginner climber on a multi-pitch or a seasoned one. The flat sole of a neutral shoe also slides into a crack climb more easily than one of the more aggressive styles of shoe.

Moderate 

Moderate shoes are exactly what their name suggests — a moderate, middle ground between neutral shoes and aggressive shoes. This makes moderate shoes great all-purpose climbing shoes — great for slab routes, longer multi-pitch, crack climbs, and overhung sport routes. Moderate shoes also make it easy to progress from beginner routes to more difficult ones without putting too much strain on feet too quickly. As you progress as a climber you’ll find that round toes and flat soles hold you back on routes that require more technical footwork — that’s when it’s time to start considering moderate shoes.

In the same way that moderate shoes have some of the benefits of both neutral and aggressive shoes, they also have some of the cons of both. Moderate shoes are less comfortable than neutral shoes, but they also don’t have the downturned toe of aggressive shoes that make it easier to climb overhung, foot technical routes.

Aggressive 

Aggressive shoes have the most downturned toe of the three types of climbing shoes and typically have the thinnest sole. This way, climbers can find and use small toe holds, heel hooks, toe hooks, and every other foot technicality there is. These shoes will be the most helpful on higher-level boulder problems and overhung routes. Again, it would be an oversimplification to say neutral shoes are for beginners and aggressive shoes are for advanced climbers — but it certainly takes time for your feet to learn how to operate in aggressive shoes. The downturned sole will keep your toes in a curled/crimped position which can put a lot of strain on the entire foot — it tends to take some getting used to.

While aggressive shoes make technical boulder problems and overhung routes easier, they would be rather uncomfortable for all-day multi-pitch climbing. Aggressive shoes also don’t fit into climbing cracks as easily as moderate or neutral shoes, and their thinner soles will wear through more quickly than neutral or moderate shoes.

Climbing Shoe Features

While the shape of your climbing shoe may be the most important factor to consider, other characteristics like shoe closure and upper material can have just as significant of an impact on your climbing.

Closure 

The three main types of climbing shoe closures are lace-up, strap, and slip-on. Lace-up climbing shoes arguably offer the most versatility. As your feet swell throughout a long day of climbing, loosen the laces. Need more security on a tough overhang? Tighten the laces up down towards your toes. You can essentially make your climbing shoe fit however you prefer. However, these shoes are also the most difficult to get on and off.

Climbing shoes with strap closures offer some of the same flexibility that laces do. Most climbing shoes with strap closures will offer more than one velcro strap allowing you to tighten one or the other so that your foot is as secure or comfortable as you need. Strap closures are also significantly easier to get on and off your foot than shoes with lace-up closures.

Climbing shoes with slip-on designs have elastic closure systems with the lowest profile design of the three closure types. Without any bulky straps or laces on the top of your foot, these shoes slip into cracks more easily than either of the other two systems. They also, however, offer the least versatility in fit — however this shoe fits on your foot when you slip it on is how it’ll stay.   

Material 

Climbing shoes generally come with one of two upper materials: leather or synthetic. Leather shoes can come with either unlined leather or lined leather. These types of climbing shoes are easier to care for — and tend to make it a little further before they get unbearably smelly. Unlined leather shoes stretch up to a full size, and the dye color will bleed onto your foot for the first couple of wears. Lined leather shoes stretch roughly half of a shoe size. Synthetic upper materials are typically the go-to option for vegetarians or vegans. Synthetic materials really don’t stretch much compared to the other options for upper materials.

How to Pick a Fit?

Climbing shoes are significantly more difficult to size than street shoes — and the only way to really know what climbing shoe size you are is to try on a lot of climbing shoes. There are several things to keep in mind in order to find the best fit for your climbing shoes. Your feet swell throughout the day so try to shop for climbing shoes in the afternoon. Keep in mind that most climbers don’t wear socks in order to increase sensitivity and security. Your toes should be against the front of the shoe and slightly curled — but the knuckles of your toes shouldn’t be uncomfortably jammed against the top of the shoe. Know how you want your shoes to fit — if you know you’ll climb better in a significantly snug fit, shop accordingly. If you know painful feet will inhibit your climbing, make sure you give them some breathing room. 

Top 15 Best Climbing Shoes on the Market Review

Since there are so many different options for rock climbing shoes, we’ve broken it down into the best type of shoe for different needs — beginner climbers, intermediate climbers, wide-footed climbers, boulderers, sport climbers, trad climbers, crack climbers, gym climbers, and overall.

Note: While we’re linking to the Amazon pages for the men’s options for all these shoes, they also come in women’s sizes, colors, and designs.

Beginner climbing shoes will be less technical, less aggressive, and durable enough to last through the trials and tribulations of beginner climbing. Mad Rock Drifters do all that at a reasonable price. This all-purpose shoe is great in the gym, on boulders, and as you start to progress to sport climbing.

The sticky rubber of the heel makes it easy to test out beginner heel hooks. The velcro strap closure makes it easy to get these shoes on and off between climbs while also allowing for some versatility with shoe fit — tighten down the bottom strap for more secure toes or loosen either strap for a little more breathing room. The Mad Rock Drifter’s leather upper will stretch up to a full shoe size — keep this in mind when you’re trying on shoes. While they’re plenty durable, these shoes also have more sensitivity than most beginner shoes — a plus for learning technical footwork early in the climbing game.

• Type: Neutral
• Material: Leather
• Closure: Straps
• Rubber: 3.8 mm Science Friction 3.0

• Durable
• All-purpose for gym and outdoor climbing at various levels
• Thinner soles for increased sensitivity

• Velcro straps offer less fit versatility than laces would

While the La Sportiva Finale is significantly more expensive than the Mad Rock Drifter, its quality is reflected in its versatility. The Finale can do everything the Mad Rock Drifter can do — but it’ll be able to do it a little longer with 5 mm Vibram XS Edge rubber. The Finale is durable enough and versatile enough to make it through the first few levels of climbing whether you’re climbing in a gym or outside on rock. It’s even adequate as a crack climbing shoe — something most beginner climbing shoes can’t do.

The neutral shape of the La Sportiva Finale will be comfortable for new climbers and allow feet to learn how to operate on the wall. The unlined leather will stretch roughly half a size as you wear the shoe — and the dye will bleed on your foot for the first few wears. At the price, these shoes are rather expensive for a beginner shoe — but you’re certainly getting what you pay for. The lace closure allows fit versatility — tighten the laces until they feel secure enough or loosen them to give your feet a break from the tight fit.

Specs:

• Type: Neutral
• Material: Unlined leather
• Closure: Laces
• Rubber: 5 mm Vibram XS Edge

• Versatile through multiple levels of progressive climbing
• High quality

• Expensive for a beginner shoe

There’s a reason the La Sportiva Miura has been a favorite climbing shoe for more than ten years. While it’s sole and materials make it well-suited for intermediate climbers, some of the best climbers in the world still depend on this shoe. Gym boulders, slab climbs, overhangs — the La Sportiva Miura can keep up with whatever you choose to climb up.

When looking for an intermediate shoe you want a high-performance shoe — that doesn’t sacrifice too much in the way of comfort. These shoes will be slightly downturned but still comfortable enough that you can wear them for extended periods of time or walk around the climbing gym or crag in them. The La Sportiva Miura is the perfect middle ground between performance and comfort. They boast a unique speed lacing closure design that allows you to control which part of your foot is secured in most snugly — while also doing so quickly. The leather upper will stretch up to one whole shoe size so keep this in mind when choosing your shoe.

Specs:

• Type: Moderate
• Material: Leather
• Closure: Laces
• Rubber: 4 mm Vibram XS Edge

• Quick lace system
• Over a decade of proven effectiveness in the climbing market

• Some climbers found the quick lace system wears out shoelaces rather quickly

Just like the La Sporitva Miura, the Scarpa Vapor V is a great shoe for just about type or level of climbing — all without sacrificing too much comfort. For added comfort, the Scarpa Vapor V is designed with a dual velcro strap closure — tighten one strap for increased foot security, loosen another to give your foot some additional breathing room, or vice versa to fit whatever your foot needs at any point on the wall.

The Scarpa Vapor V’s slightly thinner sole means they’re that much more sensitive than the La Sportiva Miura. They are also, however, slightly more expensive. Somewhat unique to this shoe is the material of the upper — the majority of the shoes at the top of the climber lists are one type of leather or another while the Scarpa Vapor V sports a synthetic upper. Perfect for vegan climbers who want a vegan friendly shoe. However, this also means the Scarpa Vapor won’t expand in size very much. Scarpa shoes are also known to run wide in general — keep all this in mind when selecting a shoe size.

Specs:

• Type: Moderate
• Material: Synthetic
• Closure: Strap
• Rubber: 3.5 mm Vibram XS Edge

• Slightly thinner sole
• Vegan Friendly

• More expensive than the La Sportiva Miura

Almost all climbing shoes are designed to keep your foot secure in a powerful position — but to those with wider feet this can get extremely uncomfortable. Several styles of climbing shoe, however, provide a little more wiggle room for wider-footed climbers. One of those shoes, the Evolve Shaman, was designed by Chris Sharma himself.

What this shoe offers for wider feet it doesn’t sacrifice in quality or aggressiveness. Designed with both a downturned toe and additional rubber on the top of the foot for toe hooks, this shoe will help you get up and over the toughest roofs and overhangs. With not one, not two, but three velcro straps for a closure system there’s a wide range of security and comfort available to you depending on how tightly you secure those straps. This shoe does, however, have one of the thicker soles — if foot sensitivity is important to you, you might want to select one of the other wide-footed shoes.

Specs:

• Type: Aggressive
• Material: Synthetic
• Closure: Three-Strap
• Rubber: 4.2mm TRAX® SAS

• Split sizes available
• Aggressive, downturned toe for more difficult climbs

• Synthetic upper won’t stretch very much to form to your specific foot
• Known to lack sensitivity with more thick sole than typically found on aggressive shoes

​The Five Ten Anasazi Moccasym is well-suited for climbers with wider feet — without carrying the same price tag as the Evolv Shaman. The leather upper material of this shoe will form perfectly to whatever your foot needs after a few wears — but it will also expand up to a full shoe size so plan accordingly when you purchase. While a comfortable fit is important, one that’s too loose will start to inhibit your climbing rather quickly.

This shoe’s slip on closure makes it a great candidate for crack climbing — and it’s easy to slip on and off between climbs. However, there won’t be a ton of versatility in how the shoe fits — once it expands to your foot shape there’s no tightening it down to get a more secure-feeling foot on the sketchy top out of a boulder problem. While the Five Ten Anasazi Moccasym claims to be an intermediate shoe, its wideness and flat sole make it slightly more suited for beginner climbers — you’ll have a hard time climbing edges, rock faces, or slabs with these shoes on.

Specs:

• Type: Intermediate
• Material: Leather
• Closure: Slip-On
• Rubber: Stealth C4

• Forms to your unique foot shape and needs
• Ideal for crack climbing
• Inexpensive

• Not ideal for edge or face climbing

If you’re primarily an indoor gym boulder climber, as your climbing skills get progressively stronger and stronger there’s a relatively likely chance that you’ll eventually own a pair of La Sportiva Solutions. The top boulderers in the world all sport these climbing shoes indoor or outdoor — including Alex Honnold. And there are a few good reasons these top climbers choose to wear this shoe.

The aggressive downturned design of this shoe will keep you overhangs and toe hooks all day long. The leather upper material will stretch up to a full shoe size — purchase accordingly. The fast lacing closure lets you pop these shoes on and off between burns to relax around the crag or the gym. The softer rubber of this shoe makes it that much more sensitive to find those small, aggressive foot holds either in the gym or out on real rock. As far as La Sportiva’s shoes go, these are slightly less expensive than some of the other aggressive models the company offers.

Specs:

• Type: Aggressive
• Material: Leather
• Closure: Fast-Lacing
• Rubber: 4 mm Vibram XS Grip 2

• Specifically designed for modern bouldering
• Soft rubber for foot sensitivity
• Fast-lacing closure system

Looking for the most secure fit any climbing shoe has to offer? The Five Ten Team 5.10 has it. This shoe is known for its extremely tight fit and extra sticky rubber. If you come off the wall, it won’t be because your shoes slipped — not with these. The Stealth HF Rubber and aggressively downturned toe will keep you on any overhang. Certainly designed for up and coming gym boulderers, this shoe is built for getting up those V8s, 9s, 10s and beyond.

However, the Five Ten Team 5.10’s tight fit is also one of the biggest downsides of this shoe. Climbers have found the Team 5.10 gets rather unbearable to wear after an extended period of time. They’re not very easy to get on or off between climbs. The single strap doesn’t allow for much adjustment — if any at all. And the synthetic upper of the shoe won’t stretch at all to give your foot some breathing room. Keep this in mind when sizing or selecting this shoe as your indoor bouldering gear.

Specs:

• Type: Aggressive
• Material: Synthetic
• Closure: Strap
• Rubber: Stealth HF Rubber

• Extra sticky rubber
• Tight

• Known to be significantly more uncomfortable than most climbing shoes
• Difficult to take off and put on

The La Sportiva Genius, the newest product to come out of the La Sportiva lab, is already considered one of the best shoes for a whole range of climbing including sport climbing. One of its claims to fame is the innovative no-edge technology — high sensitivity, high smear, sticky edges. Exactly what you need to make it up a sport climb. Combined with its lace-up closure system, aggressive downturned toe, and foot-fitting leather — this shoe will make a sport climb feel like an uphill stroll (not really).

The La Sportiva Genius, is however, one of the most expensive climbing shoes out there — and climbers found that in some cases these shoes aren’t durable at all. While it’s perhaps a design kink that La Sportiva will work out in later productions of the shoe, it’s definitely something to keep in mind before you drop a pretty penny on these ones. On the flip side, the price tag is almost justified by the high-performance design of the shoe.

Specs:

• Type: Aggressive
• Material: Leather
• Closure: Lace-Up
• Rubber: 3 mm Vibram XS Grip2

• No-Edge Technology
• Lace-up closure for a wide range of fit preferences

• Climbers found shoe isn’t as durable as some of La Sportiva’s other shoes

The Five Ten Anasazi VCS offers a slightly less expensive but just as effective alternative to the La Sportive Genius. And it’s comfortable. While the upper of this shoe is synthetic —  a material that tends not to stretch all that far — the flatter profile of this moderate shoe means you can keep it on for a full day at the crag or some longer hang time on the wall. The double strap closure is easy to get on and off your foot while also allowing for a significant amount of fit adjustment.

The Five Ten Anasazi VCS’s Stealth Onyxx is harder than some of the other Stealth rubbers out on the market — great for holding up against that sharp rock no matter how far up the wall you edge. Climbers have found that the lack of toe rubber makes it rather difficult to toe hook off the synthetic upper — but this shouldn’t be too significant a problem when it comes to outdoor sport climbing.

Specs:

• Type: Moderate
• Material: Synthetic
• Closure: Strap
• Rubber: Stealth Onyxx

• Stealth Onyxx rubber holds up against rock better than some softer rubbers
• Fits wider feet

• Not as effective for toe hooking

We know this shoe must rock (no pun intended) because it was designed by La Sportiva in collaboration with Tommy Caldwell — and Caldwell wore them up the Dawn Wall. What more proof do you need that this is the top climbing shoe for trad climbing? One of the specific features Caldwell designed for the shoe is its mid-height ankle rise. This is perfect for protecting your ankle when you’re edging your foot up a crack climb. It also has strategically placed padding specifically for crack climbing.

These moderate shoes are meant to perform at a high capacity while also keeping you comfortable during longer, multi-pitch trad climbs. The La Sportiva TC Pro uses a different, harder rubber than a lot of the company’s other shoes — some climbers found this harder rubber is less durable. That being said, climbers have also found that these shoes kill it on edges.

Specs:

• Type: Moderate
• Material: Leather
• Closure: Lace-Up
• Rubber: Vibram XS Edge

• Specifically designed for Dawn Wall climbing
• Supportive high-performance for multi-pitch climbing
• Mid-height for ankle protection

• Climbers found the shoe’s tongue had a tendency to roll inwards

Most reviewers found that the 5.10 Moccasyms were the best climbing shoe option for crack climbing. However, since we already reviewed the 5.10 Moccassyms, we offer you a budget alternative: the Evolv Addict. The Evolv Addict’s design is almost exactly the same as the Moccasyms — with a less steep price tag.

The Evolv Addict’s slip-on design means you don’t have any tricky laces or straps to contend with when you desperately need to slip a foot into that crack before your hands give out completely. They’re also perfectly comfortable for extended multi-pitch climbing days. However, make sure the shoe’s fit on the day you buy them is how you want them to fit — the leather upper will stretch up to a full size after some wear and the lack of laces or straps means there’s no tightening these puppies back up.

Specs:

• Type: Neutral-Moderate
• Material: Leather
• Closure: Slip-On
• Rubber: 4.2 mm TRAX SAS

• Same design as 5.10 Moccasyms with a smaller price tag

• Evolv’s TRAX SAS is not quite as sticky as the Vibram or C4 rubber other brands use

Really any of these shoes is as effective indoor as they are outdoor. However, in general, indoor climbing requires less precise footwork and wears through shoes more quickly than outdoor climbing does. Picking a shoe primarily for indoor climbing, then, is less about thin soles and more about easy on and off closures. Indoor climbing also, strangely enough, wears through shoes faster than outdoor climbing — so don’t drop a ton of money on a pair of shoes you’re primarily using to train when they’ll wear through rather quickly.

For those reasons, we’re reverting back to the tried and true option as the best climbing shoe for indoor climbing: the La Sportiva Miura.

Specs:

• Type: Moderate
• Material: Leather
• Closure: Laces
• Rubber: 4 mm Vibram XS Edge

• Quick lace system
• Over a decade of proven effectiveness in the climbing market

• Some climbers found the quick lace system wears out shoelaces rather quickly

This shoe can do all. These shoes are known for excelling at lead climbing, trad climbing, and bouldering — indoor and outdoor. This is a high-performance shoe with an aggressive downturn so it might not be the best candidate for a beginner shoe, but once you start venturing outdoors, spending hours on the wall, and shoving your feet into an aggressively downturned shoe this is the shoe you’ll probably eventually own.

La Sportiva’s Katana comes with either a strap closure or lace-up closure offering more versatility with fit preferences than any other shoe. Its 4 mm Vibram XS Edge is great for smearing, hooking, cracks — and everything in between. This shoe’s leather upper will stretch up to one whole foot size — keep this in mind when purchasing. Like some of La Sportiva’s other options, this is one of the more expensive climbing shoes on the market — but you’re certainly paying for a top quality, high-performing shoe.

Specs:

• Type: Aggressive
• Material: Leather
• Closure: Strap or Lace
• Rubber: 4 mm Vibram XS Edge

• Available with a strap or lace closure system
• Ideal on all terrains

La Sportive claims a monopoly on the top-performing climbing shoes for versatile ranges of climbs with the Mythos. However, the Mythos is significantly less expensive than the other La Sportiva option for all-around climbing — climbers on a budget will be just as effective getting up any type of route with these shoes over the Katanas.

The La Sportiva has perhaps one of the best combinations of features to fit on your foot exactly how you want it to. The shoe’s patented lace-up closing system extends all the way down the top of the shoe meaning you can tighten or loosen any specific spot to fit exactly how you want it to. La Sportiva also rates the Mythos with “multi-pitch comfort” — keep this high-performer on all day and it won’t get unbearably uncomfortable like some of the other options for bouldering or outdoor sport climbing.

Specs:

• Type: Aggressive
• Material: Unlined Leather
• Closure: Lace
• Rubber: 4 mm Vibram XS Edge

• Patented Mythos lace-up system
• Less expensive La Sportiva option

• The Mythos has been known to stretch up to two shoe sizes

With so many options on the market, it’s hard to know which shoe is the best climbing shoe for your specific needs. Keeping in mind your preferences for how your shoe should fit, the type of climbing you primarily do, your budget, and your climbing aspirations, this guide should help to make sure you find the right gear to get you up the wall every time.

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When you’re deep into the backcountry and high up on a technical climb, you need a backpack that can perform as well as you in the mountains. Mountaineering is a serious pursuit that requires a lot of gear, so a durable, reliable pack is a must-have on all trips to the alpine.

But there are many different mountaineering backpacks out there today, so it can be tricky to find the one that’s right for your needs. To help you out, we’ve created this mountaineering backpack buyer’s guide complete with reviews of the best mountaineering backpacks around so you can spend less time researching and more time in the mountains.

Here are some of the most important features to look for when buying a mountaineering backpack:

Capacity

The capacity of a backpack directly affects how much you can carry in the mountains. Backpack capacity is expressed in terms of liters, so it’s important that you choose a pack that’s appropriate for your needs. In general, a pack up to about 50L is ideal for day mountaineering trips, while you’ll usually need a pack that can accommodate more than 50L of gear for an overnight expedition.

Top Loading v. Panel Loading

How a pack loads gear can greatly affect your ability to pack it properly. There are two main types of packs: top loading and panel loading.

Top loading packs are the more traditional model and are basically a large tube that you can stuff gear into. A panel loading pack is more like a school backpack, featuring zippered compartments for your gear. The type of pack you choose is more or less a personal preference, but top loading packs do tend to be lighter and easier to pack.

Straps, Pockets, and Clips

While some people prefer lots of straps, pockets, and clips on their packs, others can’t stand these accessories. However, most mountaineering packs will come with at least some straps for crampons and mountaineering axes.

Other potential pockets and straps include options to tie down a rope or a climbing helmet. Plus, many packs will use larger plastic buckles and clips to make it easier to operate your pack with gloves on. Others will opt for metal buckles that are unlikely to break in the cold like some plastic models tend to do.

Weight

The weight of a pack is always a concern because you don’t want to carry around more weight on your back than necessary. While it used to be true that lightweight packs sacrificed a lot of durability for weight savings, there are many modern-day lightweight mountaineering packs that are as robust as ever. However, most lightweight mountaineering packs will cost more than their heavier counterparts. Thus, weight savings are often a compromise with affordability.

An alternative to ultralight backpacks is to get a mountaineering pack that has an option to “strip-down” the pack to its bare essentials. Many modern packs will allow you to remove the top lid, the internal frame, straps, and other non-essentials to help you customize your gear and reduce your overall weight. These kinds of packs can be a good option for people who want a versatile lightweight pack that doesn’t break the bank.

Durability

The last thing anyone wants is to spend a lot of money on a pack only to find that it gets destroyed after one climbing trip. Thus, durability is of the utmost importance for mountaineering packs.

Traditionally, the most durable mountaineering packs are made with thick ripstop nylon, but these tend to be quite heavy. However, there is now a new breed of ultralight, durable packs that are made with Dyneema. While these packs can really withstand a lot of use, the downside to Dyneema packs is that they are expensive, with some models costing upwards of $400-$500. So, durability is generally a compromise between weight savings and affordability.

Best Rated Mountaineering Backpack Brands

Buying a mountaineering backpack is a major investment, so it’s nice to buy from a trusted brand. Here’s some background on four of the major mountaineering backpack manufacturers in the industry:

Black Diamond

Black Diamond is a Utah-based brand that started out as a climbing gear manufacturing company. Since their inception, they’ve constantly pushed the envelope, creating new gear for a variety of disciplines. When it comes to their backpacks, Black Diamond’s line-up of mountaineering packs is second to none when it comes to value, durability, and quality.

Arc’teryx

Arc’teryx is a Canadian gear manufacturer that’s known for creating some of the highest quality gear in the world. Although their foray into the world of backpacks is quite recent, they’ve produced some of the best lightweight mountaineering backpacks that the world has ever seen, though they are quite expensive.

Ortovox

Founded in southern Germany in 1980, Ortovox is better known as an avalanche transceiver manufacturing company, but they also make a fantastic line up of outdoor gear. Their backpacks combine functionality, style, and lightweight into one great package. Plus, they make mountaineering packs for people with smaller and larger frames, so it’s easy to find one that fits your needs.

Osprey

Osprey is a well-known backpack manufacturer that recently started developing packs for more technical pursuits. Although their backpacking and day packs are their most popular products, they also have a great selection of quality mountaineering packs for a variety of technical pursuits.

Best Mountaineering Backpack on the Market Reviews

Here are our reviews of the 10 best backpacks for mountaineering out there today:

A climbing and mountaineering specific pack, the Osprey Mutant 38 is a solid all-around pack for the mountains. Designed by athletes, the Mutant 38 is perfect for long days in the alpine. It has simple ice tool attachment points and glove-friendly buckles throughout the pack to reduce frustration on cold winter days.

It also has a hip belt with built-in gear loops that can be clipped behind the pack for more technical climbing. The Mutant 38 has a harness and rope carry system, too, so packing for a day outside is even easier, regardless of the day’s events. You can even strip the Mutant 38 down to its core for a lightweight version on alpine climbing trips. The versatility of the Mutant 38 makes it one of the best winter mountaineering packs out there today.

Designed specifically with the ultralight community in mind, the Arc’teryx Alpha FL 45 is our pick for the best lightweight mountaineering backpack. Although it’s incredibly lightweight, the Alpha FL 45 also packs in a whole lot of performance, thanks to its comfortable back panel and highly breathable straps.

The pack itself has enough capacity for a long day in the mountains or even a minimalist alpine overnight on a remote route. Unique among mountaineering packs, the Alpha FL also does away with the traditional lid, opting for a roll-top, instead, which reduces weight and increases weather resistance. Plus, even though it’s lightweight, the Alpha FL 45 is as durable as any pack around.

If you venture out into harsh conditions and don’t want to lug around a heavy pack, the Black Diamond Blitz 28 might be your answer. The Blitz 28 is a simple lightweight mountaineering pack with all the tools you need for the mountains and nothing more.

It features two easy-to-use ice tool pockets and a strippable design that lets you reduce the pack’s weight to the bare minimum. The top closure is easy to use, even with one hand, for fast trips in the mountains. Better yet, the Blitz 28 is made with ultralight Dynex, which keeps your gear dry, so it’s the best waterproof mountaineering pack in our review.

Made specifically with fast and light adventures in mind, the Mountain Hardwear Alpine Light 35 is the best alpine mountaineering backpack in our review. Stripped down to its core, the alpine Light 35 features a highly durable and fully waterproof Dyneema construction that includes everything you need and nothing you don’t.

Inside, the Alpine Light 35 is like a giant tube that can absorb all your gear. On the outside, the Alpine Light 35 has two external side pockets for stashing smaller gear, as well as ice axe cradles and a crampon attachment point. You can even use the side straps for an A-frame ski carry, so the Alpine Light 35 even wins our award for one of the best lightweight ski mountaineering backpacks out there.

Simple and affordable, the Black Diamond Speed 22 is a great companion for quick missions on alpine routes. With plenty of options to strip down the pack to the bare essentials, the Speed 22 is specifically designed for moving fast over complex terrain. While it’s not ideal for longer trips, it’s a great pack to have with you on the more technical sections of a climb.

The Speed 22 is a top loading pack with attachment points for ice tools and small crampon straps for on-the-go storage. It’s compatible with hydration systems and even has a removable lid for lightweight adventures.

Our pick as the best large mountaineering pack, the Black Diamond Mission 75 is a beast of a backpack. The Mission 75 is capable of swallowing much more gear than you could imagine while remaining comfortable throughout your trip.

One of the best multi-day mountaineering backpacks on the market today, the Mission 75 features a simple, tube-like design with an exterior crampon pocket and ice axe straps, but little else. The pack is hydration system compatible and ultra-durable, so it’s a must-have on any mountaineering expedition.

The Ortovox Peak Light 32S is specifically designed for people with smaller frames, making it one of the best rated mountaineering backpacks for women. Made with alpine activities in mind, especially ski mountaineering, the Peak Light 32S uses broad shoulder and hip straps to better distribute the pack’s weight during long days in the mountains.

Along the back panel, the Peak Light 32S uses Swiss wool to help wick away moisture for added comfort. The best part? This top-loading pack even has a separate zippered front compartment, which makes it easy to store and access all of your snow safety and avalanche rescue gear for when you need it most.

The Lowe Alpine Peak Ascent 42 is a simple and affordable backpack for all-mountain adventures. It features a traditional top-loading design that’s stripped down to the basics to cut weight. The Peak Ascent 42 has glove-friendly buckles, which make it great for winter use, as well as a large grab handle that makes attaching it to belay stances a breeze.

The pack itself has a removable lid, so it’s easy to cut down on weight. It also features an under-lid strap for fastening either ropes or crampons, which makes packing on the go quick and easy in any conditions.

A solid all-around pack, the Mammut Trion Pro 35 is a good companion on a variety of different mountain pursuits. Although it’s not considered a top-of-the-line performer, it features a very robust frame that can last for years, even with heavy use, thanks to its very durable ripstop nylon fabric.

The Trion Pro 35 has two separate ice axe storage systems for easy customization, as well as a large back zipper that allows super easy access to the main pack compartment. There’s also a large front zipper that provides a secondary compartment for storing your crampons or shovel in foul conditions.

The Gregory Alpinisto 50 features a sleek and updated design that’s made for comfort and functionality in the mountains. The pack’s harness and hipbelt are crafted to work well with a climbing harness on technical routes for added comfort.

It also features all anodized aluminum buckles for extra durability, as well as a side zipper for easy access. If you’re headed out on a lightweight mission, you can even strip down most of the Alpinisto 50’s features for weight savings during high-octane trips into the alpine.

Mountaineering backpacks are unique. They often prioritize weight savings and functionality over style and comfort. But, when you search for a new mountaineering backpack, you have to consider the kind of climbing that you enjoy. Then, you can start to narrow your options to find the best mountaineering backpack for all of your future adventures.

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Climbing rope bags are crucial pieces of equipment to ensure your climbing rope, your literal life line, stays clean, protected, and optimally effective for as long as possible. Different climbing rope bags perform different duties and are tailored for different types of climbs, environments, and climbers. Here are some tips for choosing the best rope bag to fit your needs.

Protection

A climbing rope bag’s primary job is protecting your rope from dirt, sand, and mud. This does more than just keep the rope clean — dirt, sand, and mud can abrade the fibers of your rope from the inside out. When fibers at the core of your rope are damaged, they can separate from the outer fibers of your rope and make it unsafe to climb on. Dirty rope also affects any gear that it passes through or contacts — so basically all of your gear. Dirt in your rope can abrade quick draws, belay devices, and anchor systems. Beyond that, dirt in your rope can denegrade gear and draws that have been bolted to routes, making the gear less effective for everyone who climbs after you.

For that reason, it’s imperative that your rope is protected both while it’s stored in the bag and while it’s in use at the base of the route. Different bags include different features that can help with keeping your rope protected such as built-in tarps of various sizes. Different climbing locales are dirtier than others — depending on the crags you frequent you might need a more protective rope bag.

Storability/Organization 

While climbing rope bags often come with straps to be carried like a backpack or messenger bag, climbers often choose to pack rope bags inside larger 35-55 liter crag backpacks. If you’re one of those climbers, you will want to take storability into consideration.

Is the rope bag compact enough to fit into a larger crag backpack? Does it have a lot of external gear loops that might get caught on other gear inside your crag backpack? Was it designed with compression straps to pack the rope as tightly as possible and increase storability? Does the climbing rope bag come with any internal pockets or rope clips that would make it easier to keep the rope organized inside the bag? All these are factors to consider if you plan to store your rope bag inside a larger crag backpack.

Packability 

At the end of a long day of climbing, you’ll want a rope bag that makes it as easy as possible to neatly pack your rope away. Climbing rope bags that include larger tarps make it easier to flake out your rope once all the climbing is done. Different types of bag openings also make it easier to pack your rope away — generally, the larger the bag opening the easier it is to pack a climbing rope. However, climbing rope bags with larger openings also tend to be the larger bags — larger in size, heavier to transport, and less compact for storing inside other bags. Depending on design preferences and the type of climbing, packability may be an important contributing factor in choosing a climbing rope bag.  

Capacity 

Depending on the climbing trip and style, you might want a rope bag that can carry some additional gear. Some rope bags are designed to accommodate only your rope, relatively tightly wrapped. Other rope bags can hold a climbing rope and a few additional pieces of gear like some quick draws, your shoes, or a chalk bag. For a day-trip to the crag where you won’t need a lot of additional gear, a rope bag that can accommodate the rope, some draws, and a carabiner might be ideal — everything you need for a day at the crag in one bag. For longer climbing trips that require more gear, a smaller, more compact rope bag that fits only your rope but that also fits inside a larger crag backpack for the rest of your gear might be better suited for your needs.

Comfort/Carrier Style 

Rope bags come in a variety of designs that impact transportability. Some rope bags are messenger style bags with a single strap and either a burrito opening or a flap opening. Other rope bags have two straps like backpacks and can be worn as such. The type of approaches to the crag you generally face as well as whether you’re climbing routes with a single base or multi-pitch routes will affect which carrier style might best fit your needs.

Backpack style rope bags can be difficult to wear while climbing. Messenger style rope bags can be clipped to a carabiner and hauled up the cliff face of a multi-pitch route. If the crag you often frequent is only accessible through a multiple-mile approach, a climbing rope bag that can be worn like a backpack will make it easier to carry along the hike. All rope bag carrier styles have pros and cons — assessing what type of climbs you do most often will help you determine which carrier style will make it easiest to transport your rope.

Tarp 

The size of the tarp that is either attached to your climbing rope bag or comes with your climbing rope bag can vary in size which will impact both its storability and its ability to protect your rope. Generally, the larger the tarp the more effectively it can cover dirt and rocks that your climbing rope would otherwise be sitting on. Some climbing rope bags don’t come with tarps — rather the bag itself opens up and lays flat to serve as a protective surface to keep between your rope and the ground. While this design of bag negates the need for a tarp, it can be harder to clean them out in the case that rocks, leaves, and dirt do get in the way — tarps are easier to shake out and store away than rope bags that serve as tarps themselves.

Top 5 Best Rope Bag on the Market Review

If you’re looking for a minimalist climbing rope bag that easily packs into larger crag packs or can be worn comfortably as a backpack, the Petzl Bolsa is the perfect option. With a built-in 4.6’ x 4.6’ tarp, the Bolsa is a compact bag that packs a big protective punch — this is one of the larger tarps that you’ll find integrated in climbing rope bags. The tarp also has handles on all four corners so you can easily wrap up your rope to either move between sections of wall or wrap up for the day. This is also one of those bags that comes with extra organizational features — two loops inside the bag help identify the rope’s two ends.

The Petzl Bolsa can easily accommodate an 80 meter rope, but that’s really the max capacity for this bag — if you’re using an 80 meter rope, you won’t have space in the bag for any additional gear. The backpack lacks external pockets or gear loops which makes it sleek and compact enough to be used as just a rope bag and be packed into a larger crag backpack. The backpack style design of this bag is great for longer approaches, but perhaps not too long of an approach as the straps are a little thin for a long trek with a lot of weight. Additionally, of the bags we reviewed, this one was relatively cheap.

Specs:

• 4.6’ x 4.6’ integrated tarp
• Bag size: 24” x 17” x 2”
• Capacity: 80m rope with no additional gear
• Opening: Funnel

• Integrated tarp and organizational features
• Sleek design suited for packing into a larger crag pack

• Straps lack padding
• Lacks capacity for any additional gear if used for an 80 meter rope

This bag is a newer version of one of the original rope bag designs. The messenger-style bag is spacious enough for a 70 meter rope — although it doesn’t leave much space for any additional gear, so this bag may not make the best climbing backpack. Unlike some of the other highly-rated climbing rope bags, the Metolius Ropemaster HC includes a drawstring closure and aluminum-buckled compression straps — pull the drawstring and tighten the straps to get the most compactly packed rope you can get for easy storage in larger crag packs.

The Metolius Ropemaster HC also features a nifty rope window design — the see-through patch allows you to see which rope you’re carrying without having to unpack it. The messenger-style design means this bag has a large opening that makes unpacking and packing the rope easier. The bag may only have one strap, but it’s well-padded. As far as organization goes, the bag does lack any additional internal or external pockets for storing smaller items or additional gear — you’ll need an additional pack for those types of belongings.

Specs:

• 52” x 58” integrated tarp
• Bag size: 15” x 13” x 6”, 1.01 lbs.
• Capacity: 29 liters, 70m rope with no additional gear
• Aluminum compression buckles
• Rope window
• Opening: Burrito

• Integrated tarp and organizational features
• Sleek design suited for packing into a larger crag pack

• Messenger-style bag may be harder to transport on long approaches
• Lacks capacity for any additional gear if used for a 70 meter rope

If you’re looking to haul a lot of gear, the Black Diamond Super Chute has the capacity for it. Climbers have said that weight becomes an issue well before the bag is truly full — so stuff it with a 70 meter rope, quick draws, shoes, and chalk to your heart’s content. The bag does include internal tie-off loops to keep the ends of your rope organized, but it does lack smaller internal organizational pockets.

The Black Diamond Super Chute comes with an easy-pack 4’ x 5’ tarp — just lift the tarp by its two corner loops and watch your rope slide neatly back into the burrito-style bag opening. This bag also includes compression straps to make it as compact as possible if you were to pack it into a larger crag backpack. But it’s also comfortable to carry in its own messenger bag-style form — padded straps mitigate some of the discomfort on your shoulders. This is one of the more expensive options out of the rope climbing bags.

• 4’ x 5’ integrated tarp with organizational and easy-pack features
• Capacity: 70m rope with space for additional gear
• Bag size: 18” x 12” x 5”
• Compression straps

• Spacious — easily fits 70 meter rope with space for additional gear
• Well-padded strap for carrying comfort
• Integrated tarp and organizational features

• Messenger-style bag may be harder to transport on long approaches
• No smaller organizational pockets
• More expensive

The Metolius Dirtbag is best known for its sleek design. This lightweight, compact climbing rope bag has a single strap to be carried as its own bag — but its design also lends very well to being packed into larger crag packs. The full-zippered opening means getting your rope out of the bag in the morning and packing it away at the end of a long day of climbing is as easy as can be — although some climbers have said the long zipper gets hard to open and close if you let a lot of dirt and grime get into it.

The Metolius Dirtbag doesn’t have the capacity to fit a ton of extra gear once you have your rope packed away, but since the single shoulder strap is only somewhat padded, you wouldn’t want to shove a ton of gear into this bag anyway. This bag also has one of the smallest tarps available across the different climbing rope bags at only 3’ x 3’. If you frequently climb somewhere dry with a lot of dirt and sand at the base of your routes you might want to consider buying an additional tarp or getting one of the bags with a larger option. 

• 3’ x 3’ integrated tarp with organizational features
• Capacity: 70m rope
• Opening: Full-zippered side

• Sleek, compact, highly storable
• Full-zippered opening for easy rope packing
• Minimalist

• Smaller, less protective tarp
• Less-padded shoulder strap — great for shorter approaches rather than longer ones

This Petzl rope bag is one of the burliest, most expensive climbing rope bags on the market. Planning to work through some rough terrain or drag your rope bag up the side of a cliff with you? This might be the best bag for your needs. It also features one of the larger tarps we’ve seen integrated into a rock climbing rope bag and includes additional usable design aspects like gear loops and a heavy duty construction.

The Petzl Kab also has the highest capacity of the climbing rope bags we looked at — it can fit a 110 meter rope and still have space for additional gear. The bag opens and fastens with aluminum buckles — but it doesn’t feature a ton of compressibility. If you plan to carry your rope bag inside a larger crag backpack one of the other bags might be better. As it is much larger, this rope backpack might not be the best option for crags that involve a lot of hiking.

• 140 x 140 x 50 cm integrated tarp
• Internal equipment loops and organizational pockets
• Capacity: 110m rope and additional equipment
• Opening: Buckled flap

• Highest capacity
• Full-zippered opening for easy rope packing
• Minimalist

• Not compressible
• Not ideal to wear while climbing

Just like with most aspects of rock climbing, the gear you need really depends on your personal preferences, your climbing tendencies, and your next rock climbing trip. Regardless of how far or high you choose to go, this guide can help you find the best climbing rope bag for your needs.

Elizabeth is a military public affairs journalist who enjoys nothing more than reading, researching, and writing — except, of course, rock climbing.

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As the temperatures warm and the days start to get longer, many of us get excited for our upcoming trip to the beach. There, we can soak up the sun and have some fun in the water all while enjoying our time in the great outdoors.That being said, the beach can be a hot and windy environment, which can easily turn a lovely day outside into an uncomfortable affair. The answer? A beach tent.Modern beach tents are perfect for providing some shade from the heat of the midday sun or for protection from the gusting wind. They also give you a private place to change or simply relax without feeling exposed or uncomfortable.However, a quick google search of beach tents will show you that you have a whole lot of options to choose from. While having a lot of options is certainly nice, it can feel a bit overwhelming when you need to make a decision and get that new beach tent before summer arrives.

Thankfully, we’re here to help. Coming up, we’ve got your ultimate guide to the best beach tents around, complete with a step-by-step buyers guide to all of the different features of these awesome shelters. Plus, we’ll even wrap things up with a quick review of ten of our favorite beach tents on the market today. Let’s get started.

With so many different models of beach tents on the market today, you need to be meticulous about how you choose just one to accompany you on all of your future adventures. So, here are some of the top things you should keep in mind when you shop for a new beach tent:

Let’s be honest: There are a whole lot of people out there that struggle with pitching tents, so it’s understandable if you don’t want to deal with the hassle of setting up a tent everytime you go to the beach. However, the good news is that there are plenty of instant pop up tents out there to take with you to the beach.

If you’re not a fan of pitching tents, we recommend opting for a pop up tent. These tents simply need to be removed from their carrying bag and they’ll spring up nearly automatically, relieving you of your tent pitching duties. Then, all you have to do is anchor the tent down and you’re ready to go. Not bad.

The size of the tent you need for the beach is going to greatly depend on who you generally go to the beach with. If you’re looking for a tent for your family, you’ll probably want to invest in a bigger model than someone that’s just looking for a small shelter for solo trips to the beach.

Especially if you have young children, you’ll really want to consider getting a larger beach tent so that you have plenty of space to store their toys and other items, in addition to having plenty of room for them to play and have fun. On the other hand, if you just need a tent for you and your partner, you might opt for a smaller beach umbrella tent instead.

Modern beach tents come packed full of different features, so you can really customize your space. For some people, having pockets is very helpful for organizing gear, while for others, this is just an added hassle.

Plus, you can even choose a beach tent that has a fully enclosed space or a removable privacy shield so you can get changed without having to find the showers and restrooms. These are ideal for families, especially as your kids get older and start to demand more privacy in public.

No one likes buying a new piece of gear, only to have it break after a few outings. So, when shopping for a new beach tent, you’ll want to be sure that you’re investing in a durable model that will last for years to come.

In general, the most durable tents are made of thicker ripstop nylon and have robust aluminum poles. However, these days, many beach tents are made from lightweight nylon and thinner poles to help save weight. So, we sometimes have to choose between durability and portability in our tents.

Most tents are made from a collection of different materials. Generally, a tent body will be made from some sort of ripstop nylon and mesh to help with breathability. The rainfly will usually be made with water-repellant ripstop nylon that is often thicker than the material in the tent body. Plus, you’ll often have tent poles that are made from aluminum or even steel to keep the tent upright.

When you head to the beach with the whole family, you often bring a whole lot of gear with you. Towels, beach toys, lounge chairs, snacks, and a change of clothes are just some of the many things we bring to the beach. However, we usually have a limited amount of space in our vehicles and don’t want to make our lives any more difficult than we have to.

That’s why a beach tent with a small packed size can be a true lifesaver when you have a family beach outing. The larger the tent when it’s packed into a carry case, the more room it takes up in your car and the less convenient it is. However, tents with a small packed size often compromise with lower-quality materials that are less durable, so you need to prioritize either packability or durability here.

Although you might not be backpacking with your beach tent, you will likely have to carry it for a substantial distance from the parking lot to the beach. So, it’s in your best interest to invest in a beach tent that’s relatively lightweight. As you can imagine, having to carry a brick of a tent over a long distance from your car to the beach every time you want to enjoy some fun in the sun is a surefire way to make you want to make you grumpy before you even see the ocean.

Generally speaking, we try to only go to the beach on sunny days, but sometimes we can get caught out in a rainstorm. Thankfully, if you have a good quality beach tent, you can shelter from the rain without even leaving the beach.

However, many modern beach tents aren’t meant to handle bad weather, so if you live somewhere with unpredictable conditions, it might be worth finding a beach tent that’s durable enough to keep you dry in the wind and the rain.

We know that choosing a beach tent can be a challenging process and that you want to be sure that you’re investing in a good product. So, finding the right tent brand can

Kelty is a well-known tentmaker that’s been in the game since 1952. Their camping tents are no-frills, simple, and easy to use, which is precisely what you can expect from their line of beach tents.

Coleman has been in the business of making quality camping gear since the early 1900s and their equipment is consistently revolutionizing what’s possible in the outdoors. Although they’re perhaps best known for their camping stoves, Coleman’s beach tents are reliable and comfortable for frequent use.

Sport-brella is perhaps the best-known umbrella tent manufacturer. They make a wide variety of umbrella tents, each of which has its own unique features and designs. Sport-brella prides itself on functionality and convenience in all of their products.

This San Diego-based company has been making top-of-the line durable beach tents since 2009. With an emphasis on fun and functional designs, Lightspeed’s beach tents make it easy to get outside and enjoy the world around you.

It turns out that there are many different kinds of beach tents out there, each of which serves its own unique purposes. Here are the three main types of beach tents and their advantages and disadvantages:

A “tent” style beach shelter is pretty much what it sounds like. Taking the traditional model of a camping tent, a beach tent provides shelter from above and from 3-4 sides. Unlike camping tents, however, beach tents are rarely fully enclosed, which makes it easier to pop in and out throughout the day, especially for families.

Beach tents are ideal for people who want ample protection from the sun and wind. However, they are generally heavier and bulkier and can be trickier to set up if you don’t buy a pop up model. But, they provide more protection, and sometimes even a floor to sit on, than the other models.

Canopy-style beach tents provide just a top covering to keep the sun off of your face. They don’t do well against the wind but, rather, provide a large, open space in the shade that you can often stand under. Canopy beach tents tend to provide a lot of UV protection in a lightweight, compact package.

Umbrella-style beach tents are basically up-scale large umbrellas that are designed to protect you from the sun, much like a traditional beach umbrella would. Unlike a traditional beach umbrella, though umbrella tents don’t get stuck into the ground, but rather sit on one side to provide a large shelter for you to sit under. These umbrella tents tend to be light and very easy to pitch but don’t provide much protection from the wind.

Here are our reviews of 10 of the best beach tents on the market today, so you can find the one that’s right for your needs!

Shade, shelter, and privacy, the Coleman Beach Shade Shelter is a simple, yet effective retreat from the elements when you’re by the ocean. This compact tent comes with a large front awning for ample shade while the adjustable privacy door makes getting changed on-the-go a breeze, which is perfect for new parents with babies.

Plus, setting up the Beach Shade Shelter is a no-brainer thanks to the tent’s built-in sandbags that help keep it in place, even on windy days. This tent comes with a 4ft 9in center height for maximum comfort, as well as a large floor area so you can relax in the shade without getting covered in sand. It’s also one of the best affordable beach tents out there, which is great for a growing family.

• Large awning with UV Guard material for shade and comfort
• Spacious 4’9” center height
• Built-in flooring to keep sand away
• Sandbags for easy anchoring
• Adjustable privacy screen for changing

• Not large enough for a big family
• Not fully enclosed
• Not designed for high winds or rain
• Not instant set-up

The WolfWise Easy Pop Up Beach Tent is an instant sun shelter for any beach outing. Built with a quick pop up design, the WolfWise is simple to pitch so you can spend more time enjoying the great outdoors. Plus, the tent weighs just 4.2 pounds so it’s easy to bring with you on any adventure.

The WolfWise Easy Pop Up Beach Tent is spacious enough for a family with small children and can even fit three adults inside at once. This tent has a built-in floor for comfort and also provides 360-degree ventilation for extra breathability on those hot days Oh, and thanks to its UP 50+ and water-repellent materials, there’s nothing the WolfWise Easy Pop Up Beach Tent can’t do.

• UPF 50+ and water-resistant materials
• Instant pop-up design for easy pitching
• Built-in floor for comfort
• Easy access design is great for toddlers and kids
• Storage pockets for organization

• No built-in privacy screen

The OutdoorMaster Pop Up XL Beach Tent is a fan favorite, thanks to its spacious design. With enough space to house 3-4 adults, the OutdoorMaster Pop Up XL Beach Tent is a simple solution to all your beach day needs.

This tent can be pitched in just seconds and can be used to protect you and your family from the sun, wind, and rain. Its durable nylon and polyester fly offer UPF 50+ protection while three removable windows and a sunroof offer plenty of ventilation. You can choose to pitch this tent with the included stakes or sandbags, so it’s truly useful in any conditions. The OutdoorMaster Pop Up XL Beach Tent even has a zippered built-in door to quickly convert it into a changing room for the whole family to use. What’s not to love?

• Very simple and efficient set up
• UPF 50+ sun protection
• Converts into changing room
• Windows and sunroof for ventilation
• Stakes and sandbags make anchoring easy

• Bulkier packed size than most other tents
• Fairly heavy (8.15lbs/3.6kg)

Lightspeed Outdoors’ Sun Shelter is one of the best rated beach tents out there for a large family, thanks to its intelligent and spacious design. Lightspeed Outdoors’ proprietary side-pull hub system makes it quick and easy to set up the Sun Shelter, so you can get right back to hanging out with your kids.

The tent even features a front porch that rolls up for privacy so the whole family can quickly and easily change out of their wet bathing suits right on the beach. Plus, the Sun Shelter has roll-up windows for maximum ventilation, as well as a large overhang and UPF 50+ fabric to provide ample shade and sun protection on those hot summer days.

• Large, spacious tent
• Big overhang and UPF 50+ fabric for sun protection
• Front porch rolls up into privacy screen
• Easy set up
• Windows for ventilation

• Relatively heavy
• Fairly expensive

The luxury Easthills Outdoors Instant Shader Deluxe XL is one of the best quality options for people looking to truly relax during their time on the beach. Large and comfortable, the Easthills Outdoors Instant Shader offers UPF 50+ protection. The tent has a spacious interior size as well as a sizable front porch, that provides plenty of space for up to four adults to kick back, relax, and lie down.

This beach tent even provides a whole lot of airflow, thanks to its huge mesh windows, but these can even be covered up to provide more shade. You can also fold up the Instant Shader’s front porch for added privacy on the beach. If that wasn’t enough, this massive tent packs down tight into a relatively small bag, which makes it great for traveling.

• Spacious enough for four adults to lie down
• UPF 50+ sun protection
• Mesh windows for ventilation can be covered for privacy
• Front porch turns into a privacy screen
• Compact packed size

• Expensive
• Relatively heavy

Specifically designed to be one of the most portable beach tents on the market today, the Pacific Breeze Easy Setup Beach Tent makes it quick and easy to enjoy your fun in the sun. The Pacific Breeze Easy Setup Beach Tent is light and compact but still provides rain, wind, and sun protection.

Made out of a water-resistant and breathable polyester, the Pacific Breeze Easy Setup Beach Tent even has UPF 50+ fabric to protect you against sunburns. Plus, it weighs just 4.5 pounds so it’s super convenient for throwing in the back of your car as you head to the beach. With a spacious interior and a lightweight fiberglass frame, the Pacific Breeze Easy Setup Beach Tent is the perfect buddy for beach getaways and for traveling.

• Very lightweight and portable
• Spacious interior
• Water-resistant and UPF 50+ fabric

• No privacy screen
• No big overhang for added sun protection

Large and spacious, the Sport-Brella Premiere XL Beach Umbrella Tent is a 9-foot wide shelter for use on the beach, the soccer field or wherever life takes you. The Sport-Brella Premiere XL is made with a heavy-duty 1.25” center pole that provides ample durability in the wind.

It also features a large zippered window for ample airflow and natural light. Plus, the Sport-Brella Premiere XL has a few internal pockets so you can store and organize your personal items when you’re out and about. What could be better?

• Very simple to set up
• Large and spacious coverage area
• Durable materials
• Window for airflow

• Fairly heavy
• No privacy shield option

The smaller, more compact version of its Premiere XL cousin, the Sport-Brella Vented Canopy Umbrella is a portable instant shelter for any situation. On the beach, the Sport-Brella Vented Canopy Umbrella can protect you from the sun and the rain, thanks to its UPF 50+ rating.

It has two windows for plentiful airflow and ventilation, as well as an 8-foot diameter for comfort on the beach. The Sport-Brella Vented Canopy Umbrella even comes with a convenient carrying bag so you can load up and go to maximize your time outside.

• Compact design
• Easy to set up
• Two windows for ventilation
• More affordable than Deluxe XL version

Spacious and effective, the Kelty Shade Maker 2 is the ultimate beach canopy tent for large groups. This simple to set up canopy tent provides users with a 100 square foot area for lounging and relaxation. There’s enough room under the canopy to stand upright, so it’s even great for those barbecues on the beach.

Plus, even though it provides an exceptional amount of shelter, the Kelty Shade Maker 2 packs down into a small backpack-style carry bag for easy transport and weighs just 9 pounds. What’s not to love?

• Very large amount of space under the canopy
• Comes with backpack carry bag
• Easy to set up
• Room to stand upright

• Doesn’t protect from wind
• Expensive

The perfect small group canopy tent, the Lightspeed Outdoors Quick Canopy Instant Shade Tent is a great option for those beach getaways. The Lightspeed Outdoors Quick Canopy is easily pitched, thanks to its quick up and down hub system and pre-threaded poles

The fabric of the Lightspeed Outdoors Quick Canopy features UPF 50+ sun protection and even comes with a floor so you don’t have to lie down in the sand. It also packs down into a small carry bag and weighs just 7lbs for maximum portability.

• Lightweight and portable
• Easy to pitch instantly
• Built-in floor for comfort

• Not big enough to stand upright
• Doesn’t provide much wind protection

Anchoring a tent on the beach is a bit trickier than anchoring one elsewhere. Indeed, sand is not the ideal surface for anchoring tent stakes, but it is possible, if you know what you’re doing.

If you’re trying to anchor your tent in firm sand, it might be possible for you to simply use large sand-specific tent pegs and place them in the ground as you normally would in dirt. However, most of the time you’ll need to use the “deadman” method. To use this method, do the following:

• Dig a hole 6-8 inches deep in each location where you intend to place your stakes.
• Place each stake in the hole.
• Wrap each tent guyline around the appropriate stake and place the end of the guyline near the tent.
• Cover the tent stake with sand and pack it down tightly, be sure that you don’t completely cover the guyline.
• Tighten and fasten the guyline to the tent.
• Ensure that your tent stakes are properly buried and secure.
• Voila, you have a properly anchored tent on the beach!

Folding a pop up beach tent can be tricky. Here’s what you need to do:

• Step 1 – While facing the opening of the tent, grab the two sides of the tent next to the tent door. Fold the left and then the right side of the tent down to the ground and hold them together to form an oval shape.
• Step 2 – Take the oval shape and twist it so that it forms a figure eight shape.
• Step 3 – Fold one end of the figure eight to form a circle with the tent.
• Step 4 – Find the elastic band strap that can be used to hold the tent together and fasten it tightly.
• Step 5 – Place the tent in the bag and pack it away.

How you set up a beach tent is going to vary greatly depending on the kind of tent you bought and the individual model. The premise, however, of pitching a tent is generally the same, regardless of the type of tent in question. Here are some guidelines:

• Find a flat location. While you can pitch a tent on an angle, it’s not ideal for relaxation, so you’ll want to find the flattest possible location for your tent.
• Prep the tent for set up. Once you have a suitable location, you can take the tent, poles, and stakes out of their carrying bag and lay them out on the ground.
• Set up the poles. Then, you can arrange and set up the tent poles so your tent is freestanding. If you don’t have a freestanding tent, you may have to come back to this step after you stake out the tent.
• Place the stakes and tighten the guylines. You’ll want to take your tent stakes and dig a small hole (about 6-8 inches deep) for each stake to anchor your tent down. Take the tent guylines and wrap each of them around the appropriate stake, tighten the guylines, and tie them off. Congrats, you have a pitched beach tent!

Here are our answers to some of your top questions about beach tents:

Simply put, beach tents are a great way to get some quick shelter from the sun and the wind when you’re at the beach. Since most beaches are devoid of trees and shrubbery, sitting out in the sun for too long can be uncomfortable, especially because there’s nowhere to hide for a few minutes of shade. That’s where a beach tent comes in handy. These portable, lightweight shelters provide instant protection from the elements so you can stay comfortable and happy at the beach.
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The size of the beach tent you need is wholly dependent on the number of people you think you’ll regularly go to the beach with. If you have a large family, you’ll probably need a larger tent than a single individual or a couple. Plus, families with young children often need more space as the little ones often like to play inside the tent.

A beach tent is just like a lightweight beach-specific version of a regular camping tent with four walls and a roof. On the other hand, a beach canopy doesn’t have any walls. And is just a large dome that protects you from the sun. Thus, beach tents are better for providing privacy and wind protection, while beach canopies offer a lot of shade and more space for larger groups of people.

If you’re planning on camping out on the beach, you may be wondering what you can do to stay dry, even when you’re in a fairly moist, damp environment. Thankfully, there are some steps you can take to stay dry while tent camping on the beach:

• Pitch your tent well away from the high tideline – Even if you’ve looked at the tide tables (which we recommend) and know that you’re not expecting very high tides that night, it’s worth the extra effort to pitch your tent as far back from the tideline as you can, just in case the wind picks up and you have bigger swell breaking on the beach.
• Bring lots of towels – Even if you don’t plan on swimming a lot at the beach, it’s always helpful to have towels on hand, especially if you want to lounge in the sand.
• Pitch your tent properly – Make sure you’ve properly placed your tent stakes in the sand using the deadman technique and ensure that your rainfly is taut. If not, water might start to leak into your tent if it rains.
• Keep wet clothing outside the tent – If you choose to go swimming, keep your wet swimwear and other clothing outside your tent to keep your other gear dry. If you have a tent vestibule, you can leave it in there. Alternatively, you can set up a clothing line to dry your gear in the midday sun.

Caring for a beach tent is just like caring for any kind of tent. To keep your tent in working condition for years to come, you’ll want to ensure that you’re always pitching it properly. Then, at the end of your beach day, you’ll want to hang up your tent in the backyard or the garage and let it dry for at least a day, even if the tent doesn’t seem very wet. Once the tent is as dry as possible, you can carefully pack it into its storage bag and place it in a cool, dry, dark location until you need it again.

If we had to choose just one of these great tents to take with us on our next beach vacation, we’d have to go with the OutdoorMaster Pop Up XL Beach Tent for its great mix of versatility, simplicity, and spacious interior. That being said, it’s important to find the best beach tent that’s right for your specific needs by researching all the best models out there.

A professional mountain guide and experienced outdoor educator, Gaby enjoys traveling and exploring the world’s most remote locales. As a writer and editor, Gaby has written for a variety of climbing and travel blogs, news sites, and climbing magazines. She is currently finishing a master’s degree in outdoor education but in her free time, Gaby loves a strong cup of coffee and searching for the next great adventure.

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A good pair of mountaineering boots are perhaps the most important thing you could ever invest in as an alpinist or mountaineer. These insulated, crampon-compatible boots are designed precisely for high mountain pursuits, providing the protection and support your feet need to perform at their best in extreme environments.

However, there are a lot of different mountaineering boots on the market today, so it can be difficult to find just one pair that’s best for your needs. To get you started on your search, we’ve put together a guide to the best mountaineering boots around, complete with advice on how to choose the pair that’s right for your needs.

Buying a pair of mountaineering boots can be tricky since these technology-packed boots come in many different shapes and sizes. So, here are the main factors you should focus on when shopping around:

Single v. Double

Modern mountaineering boots can come in one of two styles: single or double. Single mountaineering boots are very similar in construction to a hiking boot. They have just one layer of insulation that also acts as the shell that protects your feet from the elements.

Double boots, on the other hand, have one hard, outer layer that’s designed primarily to keep your feet dry. Additionally, they have an insulated inner boot whose main purpose is to keep your feet warm. Double boots are almost always heavier than single boots but are preferred for very cold or particularly warm trips where keeping your feet warm and dry is critical.

Super-gaiter

A super-gaiter is basically an integrated gaiter system on a boot. Many high-end mountaineering boots feature super-gaiters, which prevent snow and ice from getting inside the boot and also add some insulation to the overall boot structure. This design is particularly popular among high-altitude climbers but is rarely found on summer-weight mountaineering boots for low-elevation objectives.

Weight

Since you carry your boots on your feet with every step you take, it’s incredibly important that your boots are as light as possible. If you’re just doing some roadside ice climbing, lightweight boots might not make too much of a difference. But, if you’re in the middle of climbing a 7,000m peak or you’re heading out to climb a remote route, you’ll certainly want a lightweight pair of boots.

Generally speaking, summerweight mountaineering boots will be lighter than well-insulated double boots. However, there are some surprisingly light double boots out there, but you should expect to pay a premium for those models.

Fit and Size

Perhaps the single most important factor when it comes to choosing a pair of mountaineering boots, there is no special technology that can magically make a pair of boots fit you well. Since a poorly fitting pair of boots can cause blisters and foot pain, it’s of the utmost importance that you get a pair of mountaineering boots that fit well.

When sizing mountaineering boots, be sure to try them on with the socks you’re likely to wear while climbing. Test them out at home, wearing them around the house for a few days before you commit to the boots. Your mountaineering boots should feel comfortable around the ankle and foot, but there shouldn’t be any movement in your heel or blisters will soon follow.

Unfortunately, while some people say that adding two sizes to your street shoe size is the way to find the right size for your mountaineering boots, there is no foolproof way to ensure that you get the perfect fit without trying the boots on first. What’s most important is that you choose a pair of boots that, above all else, fits perfectly. We can assure you that if a pair of boots don’t feel comfortable when you’re lounging around at home, they will definitely not feel any better after 12 hours in the mountains.

Best Mountaineering Boots on the Market Reviews

Here are our reviews of the ten best mountaineering boots on the market today:

The Salewa Condor EVO GTX are some of the best lightweight mountaineering boots for summer use and warm winter days. The Condor EVO GTX feature a Perwanger suede leather in the upper as well as a Gore-tex liner for maximum waterproofing.

The boot also uses Salewa’s 3F system, which makes it surprisingly comfortable while also providing the support and comfort you need for a day in the mountains. The Condor EVO also features a fully adjustable lacing system as well as a stiff fiberglass shank that provides the rigidity you need to use the boots with semi-automatic crampons.

• Easy to adjust for the perfect fit
• Good for summer alpine activities
• Lightweight fiberglass shank underfoot

• Not really warm enough for winter
• Can’t be used with automatic crampons

The Phantom Tech are one of Scarpa’s top of the line mountaineering boots for ice climbing and technical alpinism. The boots are designed specifically for sensitive performance, particularly on challenging ice and mixed climbs during the winter months.

The Phantom Tech feature a Vibram Precision Tech Roll outsole that provides traction, as well as a carbon fiber shank for automatic crampon compatibility. They are warm enough for winter use, thanks to their Primaloft Silver insulation and even feature a super-gaiter for maximum weather-resistance. Plus, thanks to their shape, the Phantom Tech are also one of the best mountaineering boots for wide feet.

• Super gaiters add warmth and waterproofing
• Primaloft Silver insulation for cold days
• Durable Vibram outsole and carbon fiber shank

• Expensive
• Not great for warm days

Designed specifically with big mountain objectives in mind, the La Sportiva G5 is one of the best winter mountaineering boots. Highly technical to the core, the G5 are a fully synthetic boot crafted for high performing alpinists.

They feature a cutting-edge Boa lacing system that is easy to use with gloves on, as well as a flexible ankle for more comfort in difficult terrain. Oh, and they have high-top external Cordura gaiters that help keep your feet as dry as possible in the world’s worst weather.

• Super durable Cordura gaiter for maximum waterproofing
• Comfortable design and lots of ankle flexibility
• Full synthetic upper cuts weight
• Boa lacing system for use with gloves

• Expensive
• Too warm for summer and mild winter days

Bridging the gap between high performance and light weight, the Arc’teryx Acrux AR is a top of the line mountaineering boot for the most technical of climbs. Built with the weight savings of a single boot, but with the warmth of a double boot model, the Acrux AR is a do-anything boot for light and fast missions in the mountains.

The Acrux AR features Arc’teryx’s Adaptive Fit technology, which provides ample comfort and support while also being sensitive enough for difficult climbs. It also has a separate shell and insulated liner for warmth and waterproofing, as well as a super-gaiter with a T-ZIP watertight zipper for maximum weather protection.

• Very lightweight
• Double boot construction with super gaiter for warmth and weather protection
• Comfortable yet supportive

• Not for use above 5,000 meters
• Very expensive

Crafted with single day alpine pursuits in mind, the La Sportiva Trango Tower Extreme GTX is the most technically advanced mountaineering boot in the Trango line-up. This highly durable mountaineering boot has an abrasion-resistant upper with Honeycomb Guards in the most high-wear areas.

It also has a Vibram One sole that’s great for alpine climbing and rocky trails as well as PU inserts for compatibility with automatic crampons. The Trango Tower Extreme GTX even help provide the perfect fit with their 3D flex ankle for extra comfort during long days in the mountains.

• Highly durable
• Comfortable for hours on end
• Good for summer use

• Not well insulated
• No super-gaiter for extra weather-proofing

One of the most versatile mountaineering boots around, the Scarpa Mont Blanc Pro GTX are a new take on a classic design. The Mont Blanc Pro GTX are one of the best leather mountaineering boots, thanks to their super-durable 3mm Suede Perwanger upper.

They also have an integrated cuff gaiter that’s perfect for keeping out snow and rocks during climbing days. While they’re not quite warm enough for most winter outings, the Mont Blanc Pro are perfect for summer climbing and mountaineering thanks to their lightweight and do-anything design.

• Compatible with automatic crampons
• Integrated cuff gaiter for keeping out snow
• Light enough for summer climbing

• Not very warm
• Expensive compared to most single boots

A classic time-tested mountaineering boot, the La Sportiva Nepal EVO GTX is the traditional choice for a comfortable, yet technical ice climbing shoe. The Nepal EVO GTX is made with 3.2mm silicone impregnated Idro-Perwanger leather and a high traction Vibram Matterhorn outsole.

It also features a 3D Flex ankle that allows for natural foot movement while still providing ample support and stability for use with crampons. The Nepal EVO GTX even has a variable fit tongue with inserts, which is very useful for getting just the right fit for your boots so you can excel in difficult terrain

• Comfortable fit, especially for narrow feet
• Warm enough for single day outings in winter
• Great colors

• No super-gaiter
• Not ideal for multi-day trips

Perfect for summer adventures in the alpine, the Mammut Magic High GTX is a comfortable, crampon-compatible mountaineering boot for rock climbing and all-around mountain activities. The Magic High GTX use Base Fit 2.0 technology for ample heel support and more precise foot placements in tricky terrain.

Thanks to its Gore-Tex liner, the Magic High GTX keep your feet dry, regardless of the conditions. Meanwhile, memory foam inserts around the instep, shin, and ankles improve comfort and reduce fatigue after hours on the trail. Plus, a Vibram Maton outsole gives the Magic High GTX fantastic traction, even on slick rock.

• Lightweight and breathable
• Comfortable memory foam and Base Fit 2.0 technology for improved fit
• Vibram Maton outsole for performance and traction

• Not good in winter
• Can only be used with semi-automatic crampons

Perhaps the best high altitude mountaineering boots on the market today, the La Sportiva Olympus Mons EVO are an incredibly well-insulated pair of performance footwear for the world’s most remote terrain. These double boots are made with a PE thermal insulating liner, in addition to a heat-reflective outer boot.

The most striking feature of the Olympus Mons EVO is the high-top integrated super-gaiter, which rises up to the knee to keep out snow, rain, and moisture at high elevations where it matters most. If that wasn’t enough, the Olympus Mons EVO feature insulated insoles for more heat retention at altitude while their stiff midsoles are fully crampon compatible for use on any climb.

• Very well insulated for high altitude climbs
• Comfortable yet functional
• High super-gaiter to keep out all snow and moisture

• Very heavy
• Some of the most expensive boots on the market
• Limited use – way too warm for climbs below 5000m

Sleek and streamlined, the Scarpa Phantom 6000 are a pair of cold-weather mountaineering boots for climbing during the winter months. Built with Primaloft Micropile, the Phantom 6000 are perfect for ice climbing at lower elevations for people who don’t want the weight of a pair of more traditional, bulky double boots.

The construction and design of the Phantom 6000 allow for more precision while climbing, which makes them great for winter mixed climbing objectives. They also have a high-ankle super-gaiter that keeps snow and ice out of your boot, so they’re incredibly functional for all winter mountain activities.

• Lightweight double boots
• High-ankle super-gaiter for waterproofing
• Good insulation for low elevation winter climbing

• Too warm for summer climbing but not warm enough for larger mountain objectives
• Very expensive

A good pair of mountaineering boots is an investment, to say the least. However, a poorly fitting pair of mountaineering boots is sure to turn any weekend outing into an uncomfortable epic. So, be sure you prioritize comfort and quality above all else when choosing the best mountaineering boots.

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One of the smartest things a climber can do is buy the best climbing helmet. They generally aren’t that expensive, and a helmet can truly mean the difference between life and death. When climbing outside, it is clear that having a helmet is better than not having one.

Helmets, like heads, come in all shapes and sizes. Some helmets are better for ice climbing, while others are better for multi pitch routes. You can bet that Dani Arnold and Tommy Caldwell don’t use the same helmet. Be smart, like a pro, and let us guide you through an investigation in the best helmet for your climbing style.

In order to know what kind of helmet is right for you, you need to do your research first. Think about what type of climbing you do and what you need from your helmet: Do you trad climb? Ice climb? Mountaineer? Are you a new climber or an experienced climber? Are you used to climbing with a certain type of helmet? How has that helmet worked for you? Do you have a small, medium, or large head?

If you have never climbed with a helmet before, it is a good idea to try out a multitude of helmets in order to figure out which ones you like best. If you can, check out some friends helmets at the crag and weigh the benefits and disadvantages for you and your climbing style.

Materials

The material of a climbing helmet essentially impacts almost every other part of the helmet: the weight, durability, and breathability. Most climbing helmets are made up of a protective foam on the inside and a type of shell on the outside.

You will find that the most common foam is called EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) foam. However, every once in a while a helmet will come along with EPP (Expanded Polypropylene) foam on the inside. What is the difference, you ask?

Essentially, EPS is easy to produce, it is cheap, not recyclable and it can normally absorb one hard impact before it must be retired. EPP on the other hand, is more expensive, but it can endure multiple impacts and it is recyclable. EPP is obviously the better choice because it is safer and long lasting, but it comes at a cost. If you are taking big whippers, have had concussions in the past, regularly climb where rock is falling, or really want to be as safe as possible, then it is definitely worth it to invest in EPP.

The outside of a helmet is often constructed of one or two materials: polycarbonate or Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). Most modern helmets are made of some thickness of polycarbonate, but there are a few that still use ABS because it is cheaper and lighter. Shells come in varying density, meaning that their durability depends on how thick the layer of plastic is. Hardshell helmets are what we think of when we imagine a more traditional climbing helmet.

They contain, you guessed it, a hard plastic covering that is substantially thicker than other helmets. For this reason, they don’t just act as a cover for the foam (which is often considered the real protectant). Rather, they are also considered a protective part of the helmet. Hardshell helmets are great for ice climbers and people who regularly climb where rock is loose. If a shell is thinner, then it actually isn’t protecting the head, but rather protecting the foam underneath.

Weight

The weight of the shell is dependant on the materials. Both types of foam are generally pretty lightweight, so the shell will play a large factor in the weight of the helmet.  Hardshells are often heavier because the plastic is thicker. If the plastic is applied in thinner layers, then the helmet will weigh less.

Durability

Just as the weight depends on the materials, so does the durability. Although EPP foam is more expensive than EPS foam, EPP lasts much longer than EPS. EPP can only withstand one major impact before it is crunched (think peanut packing foam), whereas EPP can withstand multiple hard impacts before needing to be retired. On the outside of the helmet, the thicker the shell the more durable it will be.

If a shell is all exposed EPP foam, then it is much more likely to be damaged by anything that hits it. If a shell has a thin layer of plastic or polycarbonate on it, then it also will not be very durable. If the plastic or polycarbonate is thicker, then it will be the most durable helmet, able to withstand many impacts without denting.

Breathability

Breathability is also dependant on the materials (surprise, surprise). A helmet will be more breathable if there is a thinner layer of plastic or polycarbonate on it. It will be less breathable if the plastic is thicker. However, even if a helmet has a hardshell, it can still potentially be breathable if it has vents. Some helmets even come with a ventilation system that opens and closes.

Head Size

It is really important to find a helmet that fits you well. Some helmets just seem like they were made for your head, and you will feel lucky if you find a helmet like this. Otherwise, you need to get a helmet that is easily adjustable.

Look for two things: First, a rear adjustment wheel that will make the helmet fit the circumference of your head. Wheels are the easiest way to adjust a helmet. Second, look for adjustable straps that go around the ears. This will enable you to shift the chin strap forward or backwards, ensuring that the helmet is sitting at the proper angle on your head.

Top 7 Best Climbing Helmet on the Market Review

Nothing can really beat the Half Dome helmet of its price. It may look simple, but it packs a protective barrier like you wouldn’t believe. For this reason, you will often see official outdoor recreation companies, such as NOLS, use the Half Dome for their trips. Not only is it cheap, but it is also safe.

• Easily adjustable
• Long Lasting
• Inexpensive

• Not very breathable
• Weighty

Because the Meteor is made of polycarbonate, this helmet is super light. You can really use it for anything, from a casual day at the crag to a full blown mountaineer trip. The breathability makes it comfortable for a hot summer day and a sweaty alpine ascent. Despite it’s lightweight nature, this helmet is tough as nails when it comes to protecting your head.

• Lightweight
• Breathable
• Protects well against falls

• Not as durable as a plastic shell helmet

If you are looking for cushy and comfy, this helmet is for you. With easily adjustable straps positioned under the ear, an extra padded interior, and a rear adjustment wheel, this helmet was made to fit any head shape and size. What’s more, it is a very nice looking helmet that can make any climber get their swag on while at the crag.

• Really comfortable
• Looks great

• Very heavy
• The headlamp attachment is frustrating

The El Cap has everything an ice climber needs. Firstly, it’s hard shell keeps little ice chips from making an impact. Secondly, it has a brim that will shield your eyes from those flying ice chips. Thirdly, It is low profile enough that it fits under the hood of a coat, to add extra warmth.

• Heavy
• Not as breathable as other helmets

 If you like to climb in places where rock is regularly raining down on your head, then you might be a masochist… Or someone from England. HOwever, if this is you, I won’t judge. I only implore that you buy this hardshell helmet from Petzl. It’s not very expensive, and it will keep your head safe from falling debris. Plus, it has an openable and closable ventilation system, so you can open it up when you need some air and close it when things are about to get serious on the wall.

• Durable
• Protective
• Ventilation system

​This helmet is ready to take on the bog walls with its breathability and long wearing comfort, without sacrificing any safety. Because it is partially made out of carbon, it is light but also always ready to protect your noggin.

• Super light
• Comfortable
• Great feel

• Non Adjustable chin strap
• Expensive

​The wall rider does exactly as its name implies: rides any wall. With a relatively affordable price, lightweight but durable dual material construction, and extreme comfort, this is the all around best helmet. It is good for a day at the crag, a day on a big wall, or even a day on a frozen waterfall. What’s more, this helmet comes with MIPS Brain Protection System, meaning that you are way less likely to get a concussion if you smack your head while wearing it.

• Lightweight
• Durable
• Long lasting comfort
• MIPS Brain Protection System

• Chin straps are hard to adjust

When climbing, safety always takes precedence. We trust our gear to keep us safe, and all of it is essential to living. However, some people choose not to look at helmets as essential. Climbers who disregard the safety of helmets are, well, frankly they are idiots. Don’t be that person who doesn’t climb without a helmet.

There are so many comfortable, breathable, and durable helmets on the market now, meaning that you don’t have an excuse to not own one. They can mean the difference between life and death when you take a hard fall, so choose life and buy the best climbing helmet.

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If you spend enough time camping out in the great outdoors, at some point, you’ll get caught in a rainstorm. When you do, you’d better hope that your tent is actually waterproof.

However, while many tents on the market today masquerade as quality outdoor shelters, few actually meet the requirements necessary for full protection from the elements. Indeed, finding the best waterproof backpacking tent can be incredibly difficult, especially if you don’t have a lot of time to research your options.

That’s where we come in the picture. Up next, we’ll walk you through the basics of buying the best waterproof tent so you know what to look for when you’re shopping around. We’ll give you some advice on choosing the right tent for your needs and even review ten of the best rated waterproof tents around. Let’s get to it!

Okay, first things first: how to choose a waterproof tent. While picking a tent might seem like a simple task, it turns out that tents are actually quite complex pieces of gear and deserve quite a lot of consideration before you buy one. Plus, many tents cost a pretty penny these days, so it’s worth knowing what you’re spending your hard-earned money on before you commit to a specific model.

Here’s what to look out for when choosing waterproof tent:

Modern tents come in all shapes and sizes, with some more practical than others. These days, dome and wedged shaped tents are some of the most common, and they provide a decent mix of durability and interior living space.

Tunnel tents provide more headroom and living space, but can be trickier to set up and less storm-proof in high winds. Alternatively, cabin tents and multi-room tents provide maximum living space and plenty of head room (some are so large, you can stand up in them), but are going to be much less durable in high winds and not very practical for backpacking.

The amount of space you need in your tent is wholly dependent on the number of people you normally go camping with. If you usually camp alone, or with just one other person, a 2 man tent might suffice, but if you have more people, you’ll need to search for a bigger shelter.

In general, the quoted capacity of a given tent, however, is the number of people that can fit into a tent, not the number of people that you can comfortably fit into a tent. This means that if you like to have a little extra wiggle room at night, you might opt for a 3 man tent instead of a 2 man tent or perhaps an 8 person tent instead of a 6 person tent. However, doing so means that you’ll likely add both weight and cost to your set-up.

The number and size of the doors in a tent might seem like a minor feature, but it turns out they can actually have a huge impact on your camping experience. Small doors make it difficult to get in and out of your tent at night, however, tents with smaller doors tend to be lighter and cheaper. That being said, a tent with multiple large doors allows people to easily enter and exit the tent without stepping on each other at night.

A tent vestibule is basically an awning that fully covers the doors of your tents and provides you with a sheltered place to store gear or put on your boots when getting in and out of your tent. Tents with vestibules make it easier to keep your stuff dry, as you can leave your packs and wet gear in the vestibule, rather than bringing it in the tent.

However, tent vestibules add weight and bulk to a tent, not to mention cost. But, they do make life a whole lot easier, especially if you have a lot of gear to keep organized when on a backpacking trip.

Most modern tents are made with similar materials, namely, nylon and mesh. However, some forms of nylon are more durable than others, so you’ll want to check a prospective tent’s specs out carefully before you commit to buying it.

We generally recommend buying tents with “ripstop nylon,” which is a type of woven fabric that is more tear-resistant than a similar, non-ripstop material. Additionally, you’ll want to ensure that the inner part of your tent has plenty of mesh on it to help increase ventilation without allowing too many bugs and critters inside your shelter. Finally, high-quality aluminum tent poles will be lighter and easier to pitch than bulky steel poles but do keep in mind that very thin tent poles are more likely to break during a storm. 

Pitching a tent is many people’s worst nightmares. Countless TV shows and movies over the years have depicted people struggling to pitch a tent, but the good news is that most tents aren’t nearly as complicated as Hollywood wants you to believe.

However, some tents are certainly easier to pitch than others, so if you’re concerned about your shelter-building skills, you can opt for a quick set-up option when you’re shopping around. The easiest tents to set up are going to be of the “instant” or pop up tent variety, however these often are less durable and bulkier than other models. Alternatively, there are plenty of backpacking tents out there that have a simple, single-pole design for easy pitching in the backcountry.

No one wants to spend their hard-earned money on a tent only to have it fall apart after a few trips. Indeed, durability is one of the top concerns for any tent buyer as when you make an investment in a big-ticket item, like a tent, you want to know it’ll last for years to come.

That being said, durability is often a compromise with cost, weight, and packed-size. Generally, the more durable materials will either be expensive and lightweight, or relatively affordable and heavy. Thus, if you really value durability in your tent, you’ll have to decide if you’re willing to spend a bit more for a lighter model or if you’d rather save your money and carry around a heavier shelter.

These days, campers have plenty of options when it comes to their tents. However, some tents are much heavier than others, which can have a huge impact on your trip, especially if you’re backpacking.

Of course, backpackers generally prefer to have a lighter tent (they do have to carry everything on their backs!), but sometimes choosing a lighter weight tent means compromising long-term durability, interior tent space, and a higher price. Conversely, having a heavier tent means more effort and expended energy, whether that’s hiking up the trail or carrying your tent from the car to the tent platform in the campground.

Whenever we go camping, we need to find a way to pack and store our tent while en route to the camping site. Regardless of if we’re backpacking or car camping at a campground, the packed size of a tent can make a huge difference in how easy it is to get it to our campsite.

Generally speaking, tents that can hold fewer people (i.e. a two person tent) are going to have a smaller packed size than a larger tent (i.e. a six person tent), so it’s important not to compare apples to oranges here. Instead, it’s worth comparing the packed size of your prospective tent to the packed size of similar models, so you can get an idea of how bulky or compact it is. Of course, tent packed size is more of a concern for backpackers, but it’s important to keep in mind for all campers.

While we all wish we had an unlimited supply of funds available for use on buying gear, the fact of the matter is that most of us are on a budget. So, even if we have our eyes set on a tent that seems perfect for our needs, it just might not be possible financially. Cost is always going to be a deciding factor when buying a piece of gear, and a large investment like a tent is no exception.

Our advice? Spend as much as you’re comfortable with to get the quality tent you deserve. While it’s not always true that spending more means you’ll get a better quality product, when it comes to tents, we often find that cheaper tents are made with less durable materials and will likely need to be replaced more quickly than a more expensive model.

When you buy a big-ticket item, like a tent, you want to know that you’re purchasing from a brand you can trust. Here are our reviews of some of the best rated waterproof tent brands in the game today:

MSR, or Mountain Safety Research is a Seattle, Washington-based brand that produces a large selection of camping and backpacking gear. The vast majority of their equipment is designed specifically for lightweight and technical pursuits, but they make a nice line of camping tents that meet the needs of a wide range of outdoor recreationalists that value quality in their gear.

Founded by the legendary Yvon Chouinard of Patagonia fame, Black Diamond is a producer of technical climbing, skiing, and mountaineering equipment. While most of Black Diamond’s equipment is made for very technical pursuits, their line of camping tents are some of the best in the business for people who spend a lot of time in incredibly harsh environments.

Well known outside of the technical climbing and mountain sports world, The North Face is a California-based outdoor apparel and gear company. These days, they are perhaps best known for their line of outdoor-themed casual wear, however, their roots are as a technical climbing gear store and their current line-up of tents doesn’t disappoint in terms of quality or versatility.

Big Agnes is a Steamboat Springs, Colorado-based manufacturer of sleeping bags, sleeping pads, and tents that are designed specifically with durability and comfort in mind. Relatively affordable, Big Agnes makes tents that meet the needs of a wide range of campers.

Similar to Big Agnes, Nemo is a New Hampshire-based company that is best known for its innovative approach to tent manufacturing. Their biggest innovation is their AirSupported Technology, which uses low air pressure beams to keep a tent upright instead of the traditional aluminum tent poles.

Now that you know what to look for when buying the best waterproof tent, here are our reviews of the top ten waterproof tents on the market today!

The perfect blend of lightweight and functional, the Nemo Dragonfly is one of the best waterproof 2 man tents out there. The Dragonfly 2 features a spacious interior, which allows campers to stretch out and relax at the end of a long day in the mountains.

Made with premium ripstop nylon, no-see-um mesh netting, and durable aluminum poles, the Dragonfly 2 is a solid all-around three-season tent for regular backpackers. The Dragonfly 2 even features a large, 1200mm waterproof bathtub floor to help keep you and all of your belongings dry in a rainstorm. With two doors, two vestibules, and plenty of interior space, there’s a lot to love about the Nemo Dragonfly 2.

• Lightweight and packable
• Spacious interior
• Two doors and two vestibules
• Premium waterproof ripstop nylon and bathtub floor

• Expensive
• Not good for four-season use 

The MSR Hubba Hubba NX is a backpacker’s best friend, thanks to its lightweight, freestanding design. The Hubba Hubba NX has enough space to happily house two campers and all of their gear inside the tent and its two vestibules.

As far as waterproofing goes, the Hubba Hubba NX is made with 30D ripstop nylon and is treated with Xtreme Shield polyurethane and a DWR coating to stop water from getting inside your tent, even in the most torrential of downpours. The Hubba Hubba NX’s single Easton Syclon Pole design makes set up easy and resists breaking, even in gale-force winds. Easy to set up, comfy to sleep in, incredibly packable and light, you’d be hard-pressed to find something to complain about with the MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2.

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First time sex can feel overwhelming. Breaking virginity is a big deal both physically and emotionally for some people. It’s therefore important to avoid involving in fancy or too complicated techniques. It’s not surprising that some people prefer booking mature escorts to break their virginity. That’s because these are experienced and they know what will feel better for an inexperienced person.

But, the most important thing when it comes to having sex for the first time is preparation. Foreplay and lubrication are important when having sex for the first time. Additionally, choose a sex position that feels comfortable. Here are some of the best sex positions for virgins.

Missionary

This is a basic sex position that allows for easy vaginal penetration. It enables sex partners to maintain a natural eye contact and intimacy, which are great sex components. When you use this position when having sex for the first time, you feel connected and comfortable. The man is in control and the woman communicates her feelings with ease.

Backdoor Planking

This can sound like sort of a yoga position. However, it’s a great sex position for virgins. Backdoor planking is simply a modified doggy style. It provides great sensation for having sex from behind. This sex position gives a deeper cervical penetration. The woman lies on the bed on her stomach with pillows under the pelvis. The man straddles the woman’s legs to maintain a close position to the rear entry of the vagina. The woman can comfortably lie on the bed while the man accesses the vagina with ease. Thrusting depth should be increased slowly as the woman gets accustomed.

Spooning

This sex position allows for a deeper connection and intimacy. It makes sex partners feel closer to one another. It’s a great sex position for virgins especially when one of the partners feels nervous. This position allows for shallow penetration and stimulating the breasts and the clitoris is easy.

Butterfly

This sex position is geared towards the woman’s pleasure. To practice this sex position, the woman should lie on her back. Hips should be off the bed and legs wrapped around the hips of the man. The woman’s feet should be flat on the floor or the woman can bend up her knees to touch her breasts. With this position, the woman controls the penetration angle with hands and hips. This ensures that her clitoris is not ignored. Additionally, the woman controls the speed and depth of penetration.

If you, your partner, or both of you are virgins, try out any of these sex positions to enjoy comfortable and more satisfying sex.