New Gear for Spring 2026

Petzl Gri Gri+ (2026)

Petzl has added yet another belay device to their arsenal with the latest update to the GriGri+  ( “GriGri+ 2″, as some are calling it). The original GriGri + was released in 2018 as a more beginner-friendly version of the GriGri; this remains the focus with the updated version, just with some meaningful tweaks. Firstly, the anti-panic handle has been updated so that it can’t be overridden by pulling even further back on the handle once it activates (compared to the previous model). The steel insert on the faceplate has been removed, dropping the weight to 200g. The old ‘top-rope or lead mode’ selector at the back of the device is also gone and has been replaced by a single switch that converts it from regular belaying to ‘ASSIST + mode’. This mode keeps the cam engaged, essentially acting as a progress-capture function to make your life easier for top-rope belaying (or bringing up a second on multis). Bonus: New device = new colours! 

RRP: $254.95 AUD

Available at local stockists or Petzl Australia

Black Diamond Zone (2026)

BD has been churning through harness updates this year, and the Zone is the latest to see a facelift. The main changes include bigger and better (shaped) gear loops, an updated 5th loop design (now sits higher up on the waist to reduce dangling), a seamless, stitch-free laminated construction, and BD’s new ‘Contour Edge’ technology, which reduces that ‘cutting in’ feeling on your waist/leg loops when hanging by maintaining rigidity in the centre and softening at the edges. The Infinity Belay Loop has been carried over from the previous model, but BD has removed the two ice clipper slots and the 0 kN rear haul loop. The Zone has also seen a new lick of paint (‘Piton Purple’ paint to be specific) and has a new fighting weight of 347g (Men’s Medium). This harness may be new, but it’s already sent the hardest trad climb in the world (Drifters Escape: 5.15a/36), or rather Connor Herson has… He must’ve really been in the zone (sorry)  

RRP: $199.99 AUD

Coming soon to local stockist or from Black Diamond

DMM Wisp

Here’s one for the gram-counting weight weenies (aka alpinists), multi-pitch climbers, or just anyone looking to carry less weight than they need to. The Wisp is DMM’s lightest fully rated carabiner at just 22g. There are plenty of light carabiners on the market, but Wisp prioritises a compact profile whilst still maintaining a 20mm gate opening. This ensures the carabiner remains easy to clip, avoiding the classic compromise found in other ultralight carabiners (small, but not too small). The Wisp is available in seven colours (red, green, blue, silver, purple, gold & matt grey) specifically matched to the DMM cams and is also available as a pre-assembled alpine draw. 

RRP: $24.95 AUD

Available at local stockists. Read more from DMM

Wild Country Friends (2026)

2026 marks the 50th anniversary of the original Friend (thanks Ray Jardine), and Wild Country has just released a new generation of updated Friends to mark the occasion. Firstly, the extendable sling is now 20cm long when fully extended and has been updated to WC’s new seamless ‘Flow Cord’ for snag-free extension and greater abrasion resistance – it also has a longer lifespan (14 years from manufacturing date) and a red wear indicator. The trigger and heads of the Friends have also been tweaked to reduce the weight by around 3.8% on average (7% for the size 3 and 4), and extra texture has been added to the lobe surface for more bite. Specifically on the size 4, Wild Country has finally added a trigger keeper/locking feature to keep the lobes retracted for more compact racking, with rumours that we’ll be seeing more of this on some bigger sizes in the near future. Bonus: The 0.3 now has a double axle.

RRP: $139.99 – $184.99  AUD

Available at climbinganchors.com.au

The North Face Universal Collection

Earlier this year, The North Face launched their Universal collection, built around the idea that when you engineer accessibility first, you end up with better equipment for all. This collection of five products was collaboratively designed with the brand’s adaptive athletes to produce gear that adapts to every body, removing friction at all touchpoints to make everyone’s lives easier. From a zipperless sleeping bag with adjustable warmth to a hi-vis tent with identically sized poles, backpacks that stay upright without needing to be held, and shoes for either foot. Adding features like tactile cues, easy-pull loops, and magnetic closures to replace fiddly fastenings, things that seem obvious in hindsight, every detail has been considered without feeling overworked. Better yet, this isn’t a one-off! The North Face has said that Universal sets the benchmark for the brand’s future production. 

RRP: $90-800 AUD

Available at thenorthface.com.au

Patagonia R1 Air Fleece Jacket

Here’s one for the hood haters (I know you’re reading this, probably in a beanie). The R1® Air Jacket is your favourite fleece midlayer, sans hood. This lightweight, highly breathable and quick-drying technical fleece features a full zip for easy on-off and venting, a zigzag-knit pattern for increased airflow, and one zippered chest pocket for storing your beanie. It weighs in at 340g (29g less than the hoody) and comes in three colours; black, coal orange, and blue sage. In classic Patagonia fashion, this has also been built using 100% recycled polyester fabric and is made in a Fair Trade Certified™ factory. 

RRP $249.95 AUD

Available at patagonia.com.au