Best crack climbing equipment 7. Shop now! Apr 16, 2025 · Whether you're trad climbing, bouldering, or crack climbing, climbing shoes are a must, no matter your style. Trad climbing is different: Crushing 5. 11c at the Motherlode in the Red? Not once you start climbing trad. It was only until recently that crack climbing again became more popular with the advent of the popularity of outdoor climbing feats which featured crack climbing. It shows many techniques that turn hard challenges into wins. (Photo: Courtesy Scarpa) Scarpa Veloce L Climbing Shoe. But it’s the thin cracks where tiny size differences can be absolutely critical. Great for Comfort and Durability – Black Diamond Transition Dec 31, 2022 · Our list of the best crack climbing gloves will save you save time researching and choosing the best one for you. The gloves could make a thinner crack more difficult, as they would make my hands more difficult to fit in the crack. The Splitter Glove has long been the go-to choice for dedicated crack climbers, and one of the original high-end models. Go low-profile: Lace-up shoes are preferred for crack climbing because they have a slimmer profile than shoes with hook-and-loop strap closures. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced climber, we’ve got the perfect shoe f Big Bros are must have pieces for wide cracks. Indian Creek is the undisputed home of crack climbing. Feb 23, 2020 · If you’ve ever left the crag at the end of a day of crack climbing with torn up hands, you understand how painful hand jams can be. We were initially skeptical that these lightweight climbing cams wouldn't hold up as well as their predecessors, but after a couple of years of use at this point, they've held many falls, been up quite a few large walls, and are in just as good a shape as when we bought them. Let’s explore these key techniques for crack climbing. Photo Credit: Ryan Tuttle Photography. Crack climbing is an arduous endeavor, so the right gear and apparel are necessary. Apr 4, 2025 · The Black Diamond Camalot Ultralights are everything we love about the original Camalot C4s with a weight reduction of 25%. Build Your Own Extendable Bouldering Brush. Climbing Rope. Climbing Shoes. Guidebook: Shelf Road Climbing, by Bob D’Antonio. Nov 12, 2024 · These gloves offer the durability climbers need for tough crack routes while allowing for precise movement. 1 a “super sticky” compound developed with an emphasis on high adhesion that significantly increases friction. No one tests climbing gear as extensively and thoughtfully as we do, and our review Nov 27, 2023 · The best crack climbing shoes provide exceptional grip and durability for optimal performance. Jul 5, 2021 · Ocun is a climbing gear manufacturer from the Czech Republic that is probably best known for their crack climbing gloves. Aug 10, 2021 · Factor in convenience and eco-friendliness and the bargain starts to look more favorable. Understanding the Features that Define the Best Crack Climbing Gloves; 2023’s Standout Crack Climbing Gloves; Key Features to Look for in High-Quality Crack Climbing Gloves. You can also tape your wrists, fingers, and ankles as needed to protect them from Jun 27, 2018 · A standard crack climbing glove taping method. 10; Incredible Hand Crack 5. Rule 4: Use structure not strength. 10; Jolly Rancher 5. Oct 7, 2024 · *This is hand and crack size dependent. Mar 23, 2025 · Looking for the best crack climbing shoes?You’re in luck! We’ve compiled a list of the top five shoes for crack climbing, based on reviews from online shoppers. A. Because the competition is so limited, choosing a pair of crack gloves comes down to a few simple Crack climbing requires a specific set of gear to navigate the varying widths and shapes of cracks found in rock faces. How to Choose the Best Crack Climbing Gloves for Your Needs. Below, you’ll find the best climbing hardware available in 2024. Perhaps the trickiest gear on this list, C. With all crack climbing, you use the frame (structure) of your body to stay in and on the rock. Feb 16, 2023 · Alvendo. P. These climbing gloves feature adhesive rubber over a microfiber suede base and offer ample protection even from the roughest of rocks. 6, South Face Angling Crack 5. Apr 22, 2025 · Although we love the crack-climbing performance of the hi-top Generator Mid, the La Sportiva Katana Lace is still our top choice for thin and technical crack climbing. Thin Crack Gloves Aug 20, 2024 · With a comfortable design and durable construction, these are one of the best crack climbing gloves available: Rating Categories: Metolius Belay: Metolius Climbing G Black Diamond Trans Petzl Cordex: Black Diamond Stone: Black Diamond Crag Black Diamond Crag Ocun Crack Glove: Rope Handling Protection (30%) Aug 8, 2018 · We can help you find the best crack climbing shoe for you in our post on the 8 Best Rock Climbing Shoes for Crack Climbing. They are a mid-top climbing shoe and made for crack climbing, big walling and any long day on the rock. 4. Here is a breakdown of essential equipment needed for crack climbing: Cams: Also known as camming devices, these spring-loaded mechanical devices are crucial for protecting climbs in parallel-sided cracks. S. Practically the perfect cragging destination in the U. Oct 28, 2016 · Trad climbing requires a large and somewhat complex set of gear that’s used instead of bolts to stop a fall. 10c; South Six Shooter Peak: South Face II 5. Durability and Material; Fit and Comfort Oct 15, 2019 · Crack Climbing by Pete Whittaker provides a single point of reference for all crack climbing techniques, regardless of the grade you climb. Jul 25, 2024 · Essential Techniques for Crack Climbing. Their huge range and sleek design save on both weight and racking space compared to large cams. Plumb Line (5. Feb 16, 2023 · Appartus. 14c), Cobra Crack (5. In addition, they often have a flat sole and a snug fit to allow for better foot placement <a title="Best Crack Climbing Shoes: Conquer any Oct 16, 2012 · Century Crack, a 5. When Should Oct 6, 2021 · When everything is in line with the crack, effective jamming is in action. Practice on Indoor Cracks. Let our team of climbing experts help you find the best climbing shoes, top climbing harnesses, and climbing ropes for your needs and budget. May 17, 2025 · Hands are perhaps a climber’s most important tool, and climbing gloves protect them whether you’re belaying, rappelling, or crack climbing. From training tailored to moms and long-lasting gear to great climbing reads. Mar 9, 2022 · The route is bolted for sport climbing, though it protects well on natural gear. For a trad ascent, bring cams to 4 inches. In rock climbing, a crack climb is a type of climbing route that follows a system of crack(s) or fissure(s) which the climber uses to ascend the route. For over a decade, our climbing experts have tested over 75 shoes side-by-side to bring you the most comprehensive climbing shoe review in existence. Climbing a crack is like climbing a ladder. The World’s Best Crack Climbing. Our team of experts thoroughly tests and evaluates Best Crack Climbing Gloves products and provides detailed insights and recommendations to help you make informed purchase decisions. Finding the right shoes for crack climbing can be a challenge, as the shoes need to provide the right amount of comfort, support and grip. These shoes are designed specifically for crack climbing, with features such as sticky rubber and a narrow toe box for maximum precision and sensitivity. We work to share our vertical inspiration with everyone, helping climbers test their strength, challenge their limits, and live in the ascent. Crack climbing is a mix of creativity and skill. Check out “Senderella” for a tailored recommendation. Jan 30, 2025 · Best crack climbing gloves reviewed! Find top-rated hand protection for your next climb. TriCams are passive camming devices that use camming action to achieve great holding power. With their precision, durability, and comfort, these shoes will take your climbing abilities to new heights. 9+) Vedauwoo, Wyoming. See full list on outdoorgearlab. Pete is widely regarded as one of the best crack climbers in the world, having made dozens of cutting-edge first ascents and hard repeats, including the first ascent of Century Crack (5. All the trad climbing gear you could need. Scarpa’s Best Crack-Climbing Shoe is the New Generator Anthony Walsh. Until you crack the code and fill the gaps with new skills. 14b) in Canyonlands Apr 20, 2025 · Hanging upside-down from offwidth roofs, for example, feels best on shoes with heavy padding and rigidity. May 1, 2025 · Best All-Around: Arc’teryx AR-385a/AR-395a ($160) Best Value: Ocun Twist Tech Eco ($80) Most Inclusive Sizing: Petzl Corax ($80) Best for Projecting: Mammut Sender ($90) Best for Redpointing: Arc’teryx Skaha ($180) Best Big Wall Harness: Singing Rock Dome ($120) Other Harnesses We Tested; How to Choose a Climbing Harness; How We Test; Meet May 5, 2024 · If you're looking for the best crack climbing shoes to add to your gear collection, then you're in the right place. 14b in Utah’s Canyonlands National Park, required two years of training on “crack machines” in Randall’s cellar, including a six- and nineinch roof crack; a 40-foot, two-inch horizontal crack; a 45-degree-overhanging armbar crack; and a kneebar sit-up machine. " 5 days ago · Climbing Gear Reviews » Best Climbing Shoes: Top 13 Picks of 2024. com. Feb 2, 2024 · Crack climbing reached something of a peak in the 80s when the outdoor climbing fad was at its strongest, but when sport climbing rose to popularity, crack climbing fell somewhat behind. Consider finding a partner who has gear to see if you like it before investing in your own gear. Constrictions make the best holds in finger cracks, but they also provide the best gear. Generally, you want to size crack climbing shoes for all-day comfort and make sure Nov 11, 2023 · The Best Crack Climbing Shoes. Oct 15, 2021 · You can also decide whether you’d like to take an approach more in line with trad climbing (traditional climbing, in which you place gear yourself as you climb) or sport climbing (climbing a slope with pre-attached gear). Ocun Crack Climbing Gloves Cons. $131. 9; North Six Shooter Peak: Lightning Bolt Cracks II 5. com, which is offering up to 60% off during its Black Friday/Cyber Monday Sale. Experiment with crack climbing movement while on top rope enjoy the process and hopefully bleed less. It’ll make the climb much harder if you fill all the best finger locks with gear before using them. 14a), and Meltdown (5. Read More: Best Climbing Rope 2021. 2-0. Ocun Crack Climbing Gloves Pros. In addition, they resist pull in any direction, giving you added security as you confidently climb past them. A high-quality climbing rope is your lifeline on the wall, and it’s crucial for both safety and performance. 10 Ways To Repair Your Own Gear. Many crack climbers protect the backs of their hands with purpose-made crack gloves, or make their own from climbing tape. The name says it all for this short and perfectly Jul 5, 2021 · Ideal Use: All around crack climbing Author’s Sizing: Small/Medium. Wrist closure can be finicky. There are plenty of good crack shoes out there and armed with the information above, you can now identify which type of climbing shoe will work best for you. CLIMBING ADHESION TECHNOLOGY: Features CAT Rubber 1. Looking for climbing gear? Whether your goal is the gym, the crag, the mountains, or a big wall, we've got your covered. Get the right climbing gear. Butora Altura Wide Fit Climbing Shoe . If it is safe to do so, it can be better to use the finger lock first, then place gear in it at waist level. We're climbers who design products to improve the climbing experience. The climbing in some trad areas, like the Gunks and Eldorado Canyon, might involve a lot of horizontal rails, pockets, edges, and other features familiar to someone adept at face climbing, but the norm is for trad climbing to involve a lot of crack climbing as well. At a Glance. 5mm and 9. 95) Feb 9, 2020 · Footwork is essential to all climbing, and crack climbing is no different. Choose stiff, low-profile shoes that allow you to jam effectively without excessive toe pain. Aug 5, 2022 · Today, crack climbing is often viewed as the territory of fearless dirtbags, but after this chapter, you’ll know the basic techniques for getting up these sunken holds. Good crack climbers use minimal strength and hang from their jams instead of pulling themselves up. Hand-cracks tend to offer great foot placements, but you have to twist your feet into them. The width of the crack dictates the techniques needed, and crack-climbs are further differentiated by the body parts that can be 'jammed' into them, such as finger cracks (the narrowest), hand/fist cracks, arm cracks, and body (also called Jun 13, 2024 · The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Crack Climbing Gloves; Top 10 Best Crack Climbing Gloves of 2023: A Comparative Review. No matter how good your technique, crack climbing will be a little painful at times. Use Rubber Bands To Increase Safety. If you’re looking for more techy climbing gear or alpine equipment and REI doesn’t carry it, try Backcountry. 6. Protect yourself. Because cracks come in different sizes, crack climbing actually involves a Dec 12, 2023 · So, if you're ready to elevate your crack climbing experience, don't settle for anything less than the best crack climbing shoes. They offer the grip, precision, and control you need to send it on any problem or route. Belay and rappel gloves help keep your hands clean and in control of the rope, while crack gloves are designed to protect the backs of your hands when you’re jamming them in cracks. Length: Back of hand. 9; Super Crack 5. Best Crack Climbing Shoes: Five Ten NIAD Moccasym; Best Competition Climbing Shoe: 8 Tips for Better Crack Climbing 1. Conclusion. The right climbing shoes go a long way toward making crack climbing comfortable and fun. Durable construction, slim profile for crack climbing, and excellent sticky rubber. M. Follow the unmistakable crack near the start (climber’s left) of Cactus Cliff. In the beginning, you can use your regular hiking backpack, however once you get ropes and more gear, you’ll want a climbing specific rope bag. 3 cam-sized cracks // The tongue’s inner and outer layers have come unglued, separating like a quesadilla without enough cheese, which is functionally inconsequential but aesthetically displeasing // Not a go-to shoe for steep terrain due to its stiffness and flat last Shoes for Crack Climbing. Editor’s Choice: Metolius Roll Up Stick Clip Kit ($225) Jun 2, 2025 · 2. That said, if you want a few suggestions, then here are a few of what I think represent the best crack climbing shoes currently available. Finding the best crack climbing gloves for your needs shouldn’t be too difficult. This protection, also called pro, is placed in cracks and fissures as you climb up, and then removed, or cleaned, when you’re done, so all you leave on the rock is a few chalk marks. Likewise, climbers with naturally large hands may not benefit from that extra thickness in a 2-inch “perfect hands” crack. How To Do A Move You Can’t Do. There’s a reason why the world’s hardest finger cracks—like Magic Line (5. Jan 22, 2020 · Widely regarded as one of the finest crack climbers in the world, Pete Whittaker—part of the Wide Boyz duo—has made made his name through dozens of cutting-edge first ascents and hard repeats. Durable, comfortable, and grippy. Indoor cracks are some of the best places to learn basic crack climbing technique. “Nice fit, minimal slippage Dec 19, 2012 · TriCams. Black Diamond Equipment Crack Rock Climbing Jan 21, 2021 · Trad climbing is expensive: Purchasing a trad rack costs $500-$1000 minimum, just to get started. is host to a wide array of classic climbs and towers, not to mention scenic car camping. 10. It’s a great place to learn the subtleties of crack climbing, and hone your climbing skills. Dec 1, 2024 · The Best Cyber Monday Climbing Deals at Backcountry. Invented by Greg Lowe in the 70s, TriCams are a niche piece of climbing protection, well-loved by those who learn to place them well, but ignored by many climbers who find them difficult to use. While many crack climbers tape their hands to help protect them from the destructive forces of rock against skin, a number of different gear companies have come out with specialised crack climbing gloves to protect you on your adventures. com is the go-to website for comprehensive and unbiased Best Crack Climbing Gloves reviews. Perfect for climbers who take on crack climbing challenges. Many gyms have a crack or two, but the selection is always limited: Even the best indoor joints don’t represent the variety of fissures you’ll find outside. 3. The Altura is Butora’s mid-priced answer to the TC pros. Hand Jams and Fist Jams: Techniques and Tips Apr 29, 2020 · How To Build Cheap And Portable Crack Trainers. Build your trad climbing rack with Black Diamond's ultralight cams, stoppers, alpine draws, quickdraws, runners and more. Read More: Best Climbing Sun Protection Gear. The Katana has been a beloved shoe by many for years, and La Sportiva just 3 days ago · Ocun Crack Climbing Gloves Features and Specs. 21 ($174. Gear for Crack Climbing 1. If you’re not sure, buy some climbing tape and the glove above that best fits your climbing objectives. Learning hand jams, fist jams, and good footwork can make climbing better. They aren’t essential equipment, but crack gloves certainly have a place in the gear closet. . Material: Synthetic and Rubber. Start with your knee facing out like you’re sitting cross-legged, and bring your foot roughly level to your other knee. You’ll likely find a Generic Crack 5. 9mm strikes a balance between durability and weight for trad climbing. 14c)—are too thin to foot jam Apr 29, 2024 · Still, climbing hardware continues to evolve, from refinements on classic gear like belay devices, to more-ergonomic iterations of staples like quickdraws, to more compact and lighter designs. ZIGZAG Chalk and Stylish Chalk Bags Sep 12, 2023 · This is because crack climbing involves less pulling and crimping than sport climbing. com Aug 16, 2023 · The toe profile is slightly taller than other crack-climbing shoes on the market, making the Generator a second choice for 0. If you can, try to find a climbing gym with an indoor, artificial crack. Its low profile design ensures a nearly bareback experience on the rock, which is always appreciated for the dreaded thin hand cracks. Related Searches: crack climbing protection gloves, Wideboyz climbing gloves, crack gloves gift for rock climbers, best crack climbing gear; 6. With a narrow toe box, excellent edging abilities, and relative comfort in cracks, the Katana Lace is a more versatile shoe on routes that require a variety of techniques. 11‑, Shadows Route 5. Related: Get Swole: The Top 8 Hangboards on the Market Right Now; Review: Crack Climbing: The Definitive Guide, by Pete Whittaker Learn the fundamentals of crack climbing and start your journey to climbing El Cap! Face it, crack climbing is not face climbing. Jan 22, 2016 · DESIGN: Specially designed gloves engineered for maximal comfort while crack climbing, with a Velcro closure that tucks away so they stay secure while climbing. Ideal Diameter: A rope between 9. 10b, South Face Right 5. He joins us today to share the five basic rules of crack climbing from his new book, "Crack Climbing: The Definitive Guide. We create innovative products climbers trust. It is unintuitive, frustrating, and uncomfortable. Aug 25, 2020 · Given their overall thickness of less than 1mm, the gloves didn’t impede slotting into thin-hand cracks, while the thumb loop provided additional protection on wider fissures. “I ran a few laps on Sidescraper, an obscure hands/fist climb in the South Platte of Colorado, in the Crack Gloves,” noted one tester. So while you might be safe from pulley sprains or elbow tendonitis when you go crack climbing, make sure you are confident placing gear if you are leading. Jun 21, 2024 · Once you get ropes and more gear, you’ll want a climbing specific rope bag (Image credit: Jordan Siemens) Chances are you’ll need to hike to the crag with your gear so you’ll want a good backpack. If your body parts aren’t in line, you will not be able to pull up and push down as effectively. Picking the right climbing gloves can be a challenge, depending on Nov 14, 2024 · The Women’s Katana Lace from La Sportiva ($219) is one of the best all-around, high-performing shoes on the market. wfsmet jkddih ougi hfhuk bmj nbmgzc nvt nevrm xilu jseqj