A dude’s guide to climbing gear.
1. PrAna Titan
Meet this man’s favorite pair of climbing pants.These lightweight brushed-cotton-and-polyester knickers provide the types of little features a climber appreciates—gusseted crotch, adjustable waistband. Longer than shorts but shorter than manpris, the knickers extra length protects your flesh on knee scums.
$65; prana.com
2. REI Revelcloud Jacket
A warm jacket is a necessity to keep you warm between goes on your latest project. At 12.5 ounces (and compressible down to the size of a NERF football), the Revelcloud is the perfect layer to shove away in a pack and pull out when it gets chilly. The low bulk and high versatility make it ideal for drawn-out belays or multi-pitch routes. Plus it’s insulated with 50 percent recycled polyester.
$139; rei.com
3. Metolius Express Haul Pack
Rock climbing tears the skin off you hands, wrists, elbows, knees and ankles. Suck it up—luckily skin grows back. Fabric does not. Since a climber drags his pack over rough terrain day-in and day-out, it needs to be extra tough or it will soon be riddled with permanent holes. Enter the Express, made of light-yet-abrasion-resistant Durathane. It’s quite functional on the wall, too, thanks to haul-bag-style clip-in points, two three-pocket daisy chains and an “unbreakable” aluminum-closure buckle. Tuck-away shoulder straps and a removable waist belt mean you can convert it into a haul bag. Oh, and it’s guaranteed for life.
$109; metoliusclimbing.com
4. Evolv Geshido
It’s impossible to recommend just one climbing shoe since they are each designed for different conditions. But the (relatively) comfy Geshido can do a little bit of everything well—its slightly downturned toe makes for nimble edging and you can still jam it in cracks.
$135; evolvsports.com
5. Native Apex
The perfect pair of dude’s sunglasses need to be fashionable for the city or the crags. These babies deliver. Like all Native’s shades, the Apex is built with the brand’s ultra-light Rhyno-Tuff material, so it can withstand a decent drop. It features interchangeable lenses and the optional Polarized Reflex is easy on the eyes when faced with high-glare conditions on the rock.
$109/$129 Reflex lens; nativeeyewear.com
6. Black Diamond Ozone
The ultra-sleek, 320-gram Ozone is built with a technology BD calls Kinetic Core. Translation—thin strands of polymer fiber called Vectra line the entire harness, keeping the weight and bulk down and providing comfort alongside support. It’s perfect for redpointing a route at Rifle or wiggling into tight chimneys in Eldo. And the lime green color is hot.
$100; blackdiamondequipment.com
7. Patagonia Men’s Capeline Skivvies
Ah, the age-old question: boxers or briefs? How about both? Patagonia’s Sport Boxer Briefs are built from the brand’s action-ready wicking Capeline 2, a 54-percent recycled polyester that features an odor control treatment (trust us, your partners—climbing and romantic—will appreciate this). Other climbing friendly features include a no-chafe, brushed elastic waistband and an easy-access fly. If you’re simply looking for comfy undies for post-crag chilling, check out Patagonia’s Silkweight Boxers and Silkweight Boxer Briefs.
$30-$32; patagonia.com
8. Metolius Techno/Techno ID
It’s impossible to get away from your gadgets these days and this seemingly basic chalk bag is made for the modern climbing geek. Its ergonomic shape features a downslope opening for easy access and stiff side panels that hold the bag open. Inside, there’s a pocket for an MP3 player. Don’t worry it seals tight so you won’t lose your toys when you are on route.
$25; metoliusclimbing.com
EO bloggger Chris Van Leuven is the author of Yosemite Sport Climbs and Top Ropes.
