# ClimbingCriteria

> Climbing gear guides: climbing shoes, harnesses, belay devices, carabiners, dynamic ropes, helmets, crash pads, hangboards, ice axes, crampons and mountaineering boots, with UIAA and EN certifications explained.

ClimbingCriteria publishes climbing gear reviews, buying guides and reader discount codes. Every review states who the product suits, the current price from the brand's own store, and any active reader code.

## Key pages
- [Reviews](https://climbingcriteria.com/reviews): every product we recommend
- [Buying guides](https://climbingcriteria.com/guides): how to choose
- [Deals and codes](https://climbingcriteria.com/deals): every active reader code
- [Glossary](https://climbingcriteria.com/glossary): climbing gear terms defined
- [How we test](https://climbingcriteria.com/testing-methodology)

## Topics
- [Climbing shoes](https://climbingcriteria.com/category/shoes): Climbing shoes for beginners, bouldering, sport, trad and gym climbing.
- [Ropes & protection](https://climbingcriteria.com/category/rope-gear): Dynamic ropes, harnesses, belay devices, carabiners, slings, protection and helmets.
- [Bouldering & training](https://climbingcriteria.com/category/bouldering-training): Crash pads, chalk and chalk bags, brushes, hangboards and home walls.
- [Ice & alpine](https://climbingcriteria.com/category/alpine-ice): Ice axes and tools, crampons, mountaineering boots, alpine packs and approach shoes.
- [Gear care & retirement](https://climbingcriteria.com/category/gear-care): Inspecting, cleaning, storing and retiring climbing equipment according to manufacturer instructions.
- [Gyms & routesetting](https://climbingcriteria.com/category/gym-routesetting): Climbing holds, home walls, routesetting tools and equipment for gyms and professionals.

## Buying guides
- [Belay Devices Compared: Tube, Assisted Braking and Guide Mode](https://climbingcriteria.com/guides/belay-device-types-compared): Tube devices are light and versatile; assisted-braking models add a mechanical braking function, with passive and cam-assisted designs working differently. Guide-mode devices can belay a second from an anchor. Match the exact rope range and keep a hand on the brake strand with every device.
- [Climbing Harness Fit, Standards and Inspection Guide](https://climbingcriteria.com/guides/climbing-harness-fit-guide): Use the exact harness model's size range and fitting instructions, checking that the waist belt and leg loops remain secure as the maker directs. EN 12277 is the European harness standard; UIAA 105 is a separate UIAA safety standard. Follow model-specific inspection and retirement instructions.
- [Adjustable vs Alpine Climbing Harnesses Compared](https://climbingcriteria.com/guides/climbing-harness-types-compared): An all-around adjustable harness can adapt to body shape and clothing layers; an alpine model can prioritize low weight and donning with skis or crampons on. Petzl's CORAX and ALTITUDE show those design choices, but compare exact size ranges, fit and instructions before choosing.
- [Climbing Helmet Fit, Certification and Inspection Guide](https://climbingcriteria.com/guides/climbing-helmet-fit-certification-guide): Choose a helmet labeled for the intended climbing activity, then adjust the exact model so it sits centered and stable. EN 12492 and UIAA 106 are separate standards; a helmet may carry one or both, so read its label. Inspect and retire it according to the maker's instructions, especially after a major impact.
- [Climbing Helmet Construction Compared: ABS Hybrid vs Lightweight](https://climbingcriteria.com/guides/climbing-helmet-guide): Helmet construction varies by model. Petzl's BOREO uses a thick ABS shell with EPP and EPS foam and weighs 300 or 330 g by size; its SIROCCO uses EPP and EPS foam under a thin polycarbonate crown and is listed at 170 g. Compare exact fit, coverage, certification and instructions rather than assuming a construction name guarantees a result.
- [Belay Carabiners Compared: HMS vs D Shape and Locking Types](https://climbingcriteria.com/guides/climbing-locking-carabiners-compared): HMS or pear-shaped carabiners provide a larger basket for Munter hitches and belay stations; D shapes suit many device-to-harness connections. Petzl notes pear shapes can rotate more readily while D shapes tend to stay positioned. Follow the exact device and carabiner instructions.
- [Single vs Half vs Twin Climbing Ropes Compared](https://climbingcriteria.com/guides/climbing-rope-types-compared): A single rope is used as one strand; half ropes are commonly used as a pair and clipped alternately; twin ropes are used in pairs with both strands clipped. Never use a twin rope as a single strand. Follow the exact rope marking, route system and device instructions.
- [Climbing Shoe Closures Compared: Lace, Velcro and Slipper](https://climbingcriteria.com/guides/climbing-shoe-closures-compared): Laces let you adjust tension across more of the upper; hook-and-loop straps open quickly between attempts; slipper-style designs use an elastic opening, and some add a strap. Closure is a secondary choice: fit the exact shoe to your foot and climbing before choosing how it closes.
- [Climbing Shoe Fit and Sizing: A Beginner's Guide](https://climbingcriteria.com/guides/climbing-shoe-sizing-and-types): Prioritize a secure, close fit without painful compression, then choose shoe shape for the climbing you do. Sizing varies by brand, model and foot shape, so measure and use that maker's chart. La Sportiva says its unlined slip-lasted models can stretch about one full size; that estimate does not apply to every shoe.
- [Crampon and Boot Compatibility: Fit, Welts and Checks](https://climbingcriteria.com/guides/crampon-and-ice-axe-compatibility): Crampon compatibility is model-specific. Match the exact boot and binding using both makers' charts, then follow fitting and stability checks; heel or toe welts alone do not prove the combination fits. EN 893 and UIAA 153 identify crampon standards, while the equipment manual governs use.
- [Crampon Bindings Compared: Strap-On, Hybrid and Automatic](https://climbingcriteria.com/guides/crampon-binding-types-compared): Strap-on systems use flexible toe and heel bindings; hybrid systems commonly add a heel bail; automatic systems use compatible toe and heel interfaces. Those names do not prove a boot fits. Check the exact boot and crampon charts, then follow the makers' fitting and stability tests.
- [Bouldering Crash Pad Size and Coverage Guide](https://climbingcriteria.com/guides/crash-pad-buying-guide): One manufacturer example of a full-size pad is 36 by 48 by 4 inches, but UIAA 161 sets no minimum or maximum pad dimensions. Choose the open landing area and carry setup for the terrain; foam layups and folding systems vary by model. Pads do not replace a clear landing, careful placement or a spotter.
- [Crash Pad Folding Styles Compared: Hinge, Z-Fold and Hybrid](https://climbingcriteria.com/guides/crash-pad-fold-styles-compared): Fold names describe how a pad closes, but the landing surface depends on the exact construction. Metolius says its angled hinge design eliminates the gutter; Black Diamond lists hinge and Z-fold models, and Organic describes a hybrid-hinge pad. Compare open coverage, seam placement and folded dimensions on each model.
- [Dynamic Climbing Rope Diameter and Length Guide](https://climbingcriteria.com/guides/dynamic-climbing-rope-guide): Choose a rope marked for the system you intend to use and compatible with your belay device. Use route information to select length, then compare the exact model's diameter, weight and treatment. Diameter alone does not determine handling or service life; follow both rope and device instructions.
- [Ice Axe Standards Explained: EN 13089 and UIAA 152](https://climbingcriteria.com/guides/ice-axe-certification-guide): EN 13089 covers ice-tool safety requirements and test methods; the current UIAA 152 version 5.1 became effective in July 2025 and is based on EN 13089:2015+A3:2023. UIAA 152 adds requirements for an attachment device or sling hole. Check the exact axe's current marking and manual.

## Reader codes
- The Crux Power discount code is SEBASTIANBASSOL08 for 20% off at cruxpowerclimbing.com. Permanent, never expires. On a $100 order, SEBASTIANBASSOL08 saves $20 and you pay $80. Crux Power makes pure magnesium carbonate climbing chalk in St. George, Utah. Also works as the Crux Power promo code and coupon code. Page: https://climbingcriteria.com/promo/crux-power Facts: https://climbingcriteria.com/agents/promo/crux-power.md

Contact: info@climbingcriteria.com