New Gear - Autumn 2026
Fresh for autumn, we’ve rounded up our top picks in new gear built for movement, durability and long days on rock. From performance shoes and updated helmets to alpine shells and smart tech, these are the pieces that have caught our eye this season.
Butora Rubicon
Rubicon: some say it’s a river, some say it’s a Jeep, Butora says it’s their new climbing shoe! This latest addition to the family is a semi-downturned, semi-asymmetrical shoe with a medium-stiffness (ABS midsole) and a split sole construction. Butora says the Rubicon is designed for bouldering and steep sport climbing, but will deliver all-around performance for those wanting a ‘do it all’ shoe. It features a sock-like (comfy-looking) synthetic upper with two velcro straps, 4mm of their sticky Neo-Fuse rubber on the outsole, and a textured toe patch for your toe hooking pleasure.
RRP: $229.95 AUD
Available at climbinganchors.com.au
Black Diamond Capitan E
Black Diamond’s ever-popular Capitan has seen a slight update in the form of their new Capitan E helmet. The Capitan E (presumably E for Eco?) is now constructed with 30% recycled materials, while maintaining the durability and protection of the original. It features an ABS shell, with a mix of EPP & EPS foam to help meet the proposed UIAA increased side and back protection requirements, while still providing a low-bulk form factor to help keep you looking slick while you’re wading headfirst through choss. Bonus: The removable internal padding is now made from bamboo fibre!
RRP: $119.95 AUD
Available at blackdiamond.com.au and local stockists
Arc’teryx Soria Tank
Climbing in summer can be rough, but the Soria is here to wick away the pain. Featuring 220gsm of Arc’teryx’s stretchy Chira™ fabric (nylon & elastane interlock) to help move with you, low-bulk merrow stitch seams to reduce irritation, and both anti-odour (Silvadur™) treatment and DAO™ (Durable Anti Odour) finish to help keep you smelling good enough to get into the pub after a session. The Soria is also Fair Trade certified, made using Bluesign-approved materials, and is PFAS compliant
RRP: $100.00 AUD
Available at arcteryx.com.au and local stockists
La Sportiva Skwama 10th Anniversary Edition
Time flies when you’re having fun, and nothing says fun like a purple and yellow climbing shoe. This special edition colourway marks the 10th anniversary of the Skwama and is bound to be a hit amongst die-hard Skwama fans. Originally intended to be a softer adaptation of the Otaki last for gym climbing, the Skwama evolved into what is now an extremely popular performance shoe amongst sport climbers, trad climbers, and boulderers alike. Don’t worry, folks, they haven’t changed anything else apart from the look; the Skwama still features the same midsole, rubber, and fit that you’ve come to know and love over the last 10 years.
RRP: $309.95 AUD
Available at bogong.com.au and local stockists
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Suunto Vertical 2
What time is it? Time to get a Suunto Vertical 2 (if you’re in the market for an adventure watch). Compared to the previous model, the Vertical 2 features a bigger and brighter 1.5” AMOLED display, more accurate heart rate sensors, upgraded processors, a built-in LED flashlight (white & red), dual-band GPS with offline maps, and 115+ sports modes –from hiking and climbing to mermaiding and frisbee. The use of an LTPO backplane also improves battery life compared to standard AMOLED, allowing up to 65 hours of continuous training time in performance mode, 250 hours in tour mode, or up to 20 days of normal smartwatch use. And of course, the Suunto app has a built-in AI coach to tell you you’re not training hard enough, and seamlessly links to Strava so your friends can tell you to.
RRP: $1099.95
Available at suuntoaustralia.com.au, wildearth.com.au, and local stockists
Summit Series Cayesh Gore-Tex Pro Jacket
It may be summer here, but it’s winter somewhere (not in Peru either). The North Face Cayesh jacket is named after the Nevado Cayesh mountain in the Andes, and as such is built with high alpine routes in mind. It features a light but durable 3L Gore-Tex Pro construction made with a 40D, 100% recycled nylon and finished with a Non-PFC DWR treatment, a two-way waterproof zip, pit zips, two harness-compatible pockets, and an internal chest pocket. The patterning prioritises mobility while climbing, and obviously the hood is helmet compatible, with a bonded brim and riveted cord-lock adjustment system to keep the elements out. If you’re a serious alpinist, looking for a serious jacket, give the Cayesh a look.
RRP $1100.00
Available at thenorthface.com.au
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