Key Details: 2025 Climbing Gear Highlights
- Top Picks for 2025: Featuring new innovations from La Sportiva, Petzl, Arc’teryx, C.A.M.P., Mammut, and more.
- Elite Athlete Collabs: The Janja Collection brings style and performance, endorsed by Janja Garnbret.
- Eco-Conscious Gear: Mammut’s Rime Light jacket uses recycled rope insulation; Petzl Sirocco improves ventilation and visibility.
- Tech-Forward Safety: GME MT610G PLB offers compact, waterproof emergency readiness with a 7-year battery life.
- Comfort Meets Performance: New entries like the Arc’teryx Kragg and Rossignol Vizion boots redefine comfort in approach and snow gear.
- All Skill Levels: Gear designed for climbers of all types—boulderers, sport climbers, mountaineers, and beginners.
- Available Now: All items are available through trusted stockists and brand retailers across Australia and New Zealand.
The Janja Collection
Few athletes reach the kind of legendary status that permits them to be known outside of their sport, the best example of this is probably Michael Jordan, whose name and achievements (and shoes) are recognised even by those who confuse a three-pointer with a touchdown (which was me about two google searches ago). Well after 45 World Cup victories, 8 World Championships, and two Olympic gold medal winning “masterclasses”, Janja is well on her way to achieving such status (or arguably already has). The Janja line is an exclusive collaboration between between C.A.M.P. and Janja Garnbret, featuring some crowd favourite products with a new look and what we’re calling the ‘Air Janja’ emblem.
*Disclaimer: Elite level climbing not guaranteed.
RRP: Priceless
Available at Climbinganchors.com.au
La Sportiva TX4 EVO ST
The TX4 is another one of those products that really needs no introduction… But maybe the EVO and ST parts do.The main difference with the new EVO models (not to be confused with EVOO) are the patented Resole Platform™ inserts, which help your shoes to be resoled year after year without affecting comfort and performance. While the ST simply stands for Synthetic, meaning these puppies weigh in at a multipitch-friendly 360g per shoe and offer exceptional breathability thanks to the ‘High Tenacity’ mesh upper. Of course they still feature the beloved Vibram® MegaGrip outsole, huge climbing zone at the toe, and Impact Brake System™ tread pattern that’s helped the TX4 maintain iconic approach shoe status over the years.
RRP $289.95
Available at local stockists
Petzl Sirocco (2024 update)
Tis’ the season, because Petzl have also just released an update to one of their iconic products. The Sirocco 2024 features a list of small, but meaningful updates that will no doubt be appreciated by longtime users. Firstly the front ventilation holes have been redistributed through the rest of the helmet, and channels have been added inside the front brim to still allow forehead airflow. The brim has also been tweaked to allow an improved field of vision (exactly 14° more according to Petzl). And finally, the magnetic buckle is no more (this will make some very sad, but most quite happy). Otherwise it’s business as usual, still 170g, still EN 12492 and UIAA certified.
RRP $279.95
Available at local stockists
BD Gapstopper
We love a product that does what it says on the box, and that’s exactly what the new Gapstopper does… it stop gaps. This is a severely underappreciated piece of kit if you ask me! It’s great for those using multiple pads as it covers any trenches and uneven bits between pads, helping to keep your ankles happy! At 183 x 113cm open (2cm thick) it’s got some decent coverage, but stays manageable to carry at 91 x 56cm folded and only 2.2kg heavy. Features include 600D ripstop fabric, a carpeted corner piece for your shoes, four grab handles, and a very appreciated crease design to help it fold down much more easily than similar pads. Simple and highly effective, well done BD.
RRP $169.99
Available at Blackdiamondequipment.com.au
Mammut Rime Light In Flex jacket
Have you ever turned a climbing rope into a doormat? Yeah, that’s great and all but you only really need one doormat, which is why Mammut’s turning them into jackets instead! Mammut Loopinsulation is a synthetic insulation made from rope production offcuts and recycled plastic. This is achieved using a mechanical recycling process (rather than a chemical one) and has converted 12 tons of rope scraps to insulation during last Spring/Summer alone! The Rime Light In Flex is one of these very jackets, featuring 40 g/m² of Loopinsulation to help keep you warm—even in wet or humid conditions. The hybrid construction uses a combo of wind/water resistant shell material and stretchy Polartec Power Grid fleece to provide extra freedom of movement and mapped insulation. It also features an under-helmet compatible hood, harness friendly hand pockets, and a rackable packed size/weight (346g).
RRP $429.95
Available at Mammut1862.com.au
Crux Tape
For those who remember, these are the same folks who make the ‘Crux Taco’ skin file, which impressed our gear editor so much that he bought three (yes he uses all of them… no, not simultaneously). Having already perfected sanding blocks, they’ve now moved on to world domination of the climbing tape market. Crux must’ve seriously gone into the weeds with this one because they’ve released two specific tape versions in multiple sizes. Power tape is made from a dense fabric that offers durability and continuous tension for taping to support joints or for more skin protection. On the other hand, Sense tape is made from a light fabric specifically designed to create a “second skin” effect, preserving sensitivity and precision for send burns. Bonus: All their tapes are hypoallergenic and latex-free, plus the Sense tape comes pre-cut to 0.6cm wide (perfect for the Megos taping technique)
RRP $13.95-$15.95
Available at local stockists
GME MT610G PLB
While this PLB isn’t actually “new”, we’re including it anyway, because having a PLB when it matters never gets old. The MT610G is a compact, lightweight design and IP68 rated, meaning its completely dustproof and waterproof (up to 10m deep for one hour). It features a seven year battery life (from the date of manufacture), a six year warranty, and is Cospas-Sarsat Certified (Class 2) to meet all applicable Australian and New Zealand Standards. They’ve been manufacturing emergency beacons in Australia for over 40 years, so if you’re in the market for a new PLB, give this one a look.
(RRP $397.95 )
Available at GME Australia.
Arc’teryx Kragg
If you ever dream of resoling your Crocs or Birkenstocks with some sticky approach shoe rubber for those short (but still techy) walk-ins, then look no further. The Kragg is designed to nestle somewhere between sandals and approach shoes, creating a category we can only describe as ‘technical approach slippers’. The upper is made from a stretchy ‘Spacermesh’, the rubber is a familiar Vibram Megagrip (just like your approach shoes), and the insoles are made from a very cloud-like Contoura® foam to help provide sweet relief after a few hours cramming your foot into inappropriately downsized climbing shoes. Best of all, it has the crowd favourite collapsible heel, an underappreciated feature for cragging, bouldering, midnight toilet runs, or the most overpowered house slippers in existence. Bonus: Apparently Kanye has been seen wearing them (this may or may not be a bonus)
RRP $270.00
Available at Arcteryx.com.au
TNF Summit Series Papsura Futurelight Jacket
The Papsura is back with a new snazzy look and the same alpine-friendly weight. At just 224g, you have no excuses not to carry a hardshell—even as a ‘just in case’ on a bluebird day. This lightweight, highly packable 3L hardshell has been designed for high-output adventures and difficult expeditions, inspired by the “Peak of Evil” in the Indian Himalaya. Featuring a seam-sealed FUTURELIGHT™ 3L shell, non-PFC DWR finish, underarm gussets for mobility, zippered hand pockets, internal mesh & internal gear loop pockets, seamless shoulders for comfort under a pack, and the ability to stow away into its right-hand pocket. Bonus: It’s green!
RRP $700.00
Available at Thenorthface.com.au
This story originally featured in Vertical Life # 50. Grab your copy here
