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Pining to play
in the vertical world?
Below, the basics for a day on belay.
Hardware
A minimalist design allows [1] Petzl's Hirundo harness ($80) to shed ounces without compromising safety. [2] Sterling Ropes' ten-millimeter dry-treated Marathon (60 meters, $196) hangs tough, even on sharp granite, thanks to a 50 percent thicker sheath. The brake-side ridges on [3] Black Diamond's new ATC-XP belay and rappel device ($20) (REI.com: ATC-XP belay and rappel device) and low-profile Anodized Mini Pearabiner ($12) work together to provide variable friction control and more braking power than conventional belay devices. Once you're locked and loaded, start clipping bolts with [4] Trango's Directional/Lightweight Wire Gate QuickDraws ($16). These draws pair a traditional wire-gate carabiner with a specially slotted 'biner designed to prevent it from rotating in the sling. Climbing on loose rock? Breathe easy in [5] C.A.M.P.'s well-ventilated Silver Star helmet ($72).
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Footwear and Apparel
With an edge-friendly toe platform and Stealth C4 rubber on the forefoot, [6] Five Ten's new Southwest shoes ($150) (REI.com: Southwest shoes) will make you feel at home on faces and overhangs. Between climbs, slip on [7] La Sportiva's Crag flip-flops ($25) and give your dogs a rest. Up top, the [8] Prana Jewell Sleeveless ($36) (REI.com: Jewell Sleeveless) won't bunch around your harness and is made of a quick-drying nylon-Lycra blend that stretches four ways for ultimate mobility. [9] Blurr's stylish Mission pants ($75) keep your knees scuff-free and have pockets you can actually reach while wearing your harness. Stay toasty on belay in [10] S7's Tracksuit Top ($55) during spring and fall climbs.
Accessories
Full-size packs are overkill for sport climbing; [11] Arc'teryx's 1,300-cubic-inch RT 25 ($100) (REI.com: Arc'teryx RT25 backpack) is a featherweight two pounds 11 ounces and the right size for crag gear plus food. [12] Metolius's Rope Ranger duffel ($49) (REI.com: Rope Ranger duffel) folds out to a four-by-five-foot tarp that protects your rope from wear. The [13] Franklin Climbing Quickdraw Chalk Bag ($17) (REI.com: Quickdraw Chalk Bag) holds its shape, granting hassle-free access to the Metolius Eco Ball ($4) (REI.com: Eco Ball), a neo-chalk ball that lends kung fu grip and won't gunk up your favorite routes.
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