Gear Guide: Top Picks for Ultimate Cragging

Here are a few of our favorite cragging gadgets. Because hey, who doesn’t love a relaxed and laid-back day of springtime cragging?

 

Black Diamond Magnetron RockLock Carabiner

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When you’re in the mood to crag, you want to keep your climbing processes as easy and safe as possible.

And while on the surface it may seem like a gimmicky device to have on your harness, (maybe because its name sounds like a character straight out of “Transformers”?), you’ll be delighted by the huge leaps in both convenience and simplicity that Black Diamond’s Magnetron RockLock Carabiner provides. This innovative device features two magnetic arms and a steel insert on a keylock nose that deliver an ultra-secure, self-clearing, single-hand operable, and redundant locking carabiner—perfect for use with your Personal Anchor System (PAS) or while belaying. The Magnetron RockLock makes securing yourself quick and easy, and its design avoids unecessary snagging on ropes, bolts, and gear.

And hey, depending on how crag-tastic you choose to make your day, you’ll be plenty entertained just sitting in the dirt, playing with this state-of-the-art piece of gear, and watching your friends crush.

Mammut Smart 2.0 Belay Device

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For a full day of single-pitch climbing, you really can’t go wrong with Mammut’s Smart Belay Device. It’s the cheapest and most lightweight assisted-breaking belay device out there …

There’s no question that having assisted-breaking makes things easier at the crag—especially when you’re belaying your buddy who’s working his project for the next hour. But it’s the lethal combination of the Smart’s simplicity, light weight, and affordable price that make it a favored choice for single-pitch outings. At only 80 grams (2.8oz) it’s about half the weight and half the price of the Petzl GriGri. The no-nonsense design of the Smart provides dynamic braking and lends itself to intuitive operation—making it great for beginner climbers adjusting to assisted devices. And with its fluid rope handling enabled by its simple design, feeding out slack is easy, so you don’t have to worry about short-roping your partner or struggling to take.

There’s really no need to overthink it when you’re just trying to crag. Let the Mammut Smart Belay Device do the thinking for you.

 

Black Diamond Half Dome Helmet

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The last place you want to end up after a perfect day of cragging is the emergency room because a large rock happened to thrash down onto your head.

We don’t want to be your mom, but we’ll reiterate what you hear all of the time; climbing is inherently dangerous. You never know when a chossy rock will hit you! So when you’re packing up for your spring day at the crag, use your head and pack your helmet. And we promise this one makes it painless to wear. With this newest iteration of Black Diamond’s Half Dome Helmet, you’ll have serious protection at a weight that’s 40 grams lighter than its predecessor—meaning it won’t weigh you down while you’re pulling hard to go up. Its molded EPS foam keeps it incredibly durable, and the improved fit, ventilation, and highly adjustable suspension system make it more comfortable than ever.

So keep your day of cragging safe, comfortable, and incident-free. It’s truly a no brainer to keep your brain intact! (Apologies for the terrible pun—couldn’t resist).

Black Diamond Crag 40L Pack

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The self-explanatory name may not sound the most stoke-worthy but this ultra durable, stream-lined pack is any boring.

The Crag 40 is essentially the dirtbag lovechild of Black Diamond’s most iconic packs, the Stone Duffel and haul-bag inspired Creek Packs. The intention? To create a versatile, go-to pack that could be seamlessly integrated into their Gym. Crag. Repeat. Say goodbye to needing whole closet for your climbing packs. This one does it all, and since it’s made of bomber 840D and 1260 D Ballistic nylon, it’ll last forever, too. With a spacious 40L capacity and several outside ditty pockets, you’ll have no trouble fitting all your gear, whether it’s just for a short gym sesh, or a full day trad assault. It’s primarily a top-loading design, but also conveniently features a full length side zipper for easy access (because the one piece of gear you’re looking for is ALWAYS at the bottom). Lastly, the top closure doubles as an integrated rope strap, so you’ll have no problem comfortable attaching a rope of any size to the pack.

But don’t take our word for how awesome this pack is; go ahead and read it’s many great reviews if you need a little more convincing. Time to think little less and crag a little more with Black Diamond’s Crag 40 pack.

ENO SingleNest Hammock

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Well, let’s be honest—not everyday of cragging means crushing.

So when you’re in the mood to soak up the outdoors in less physical fashion, packing along an “all access pass to relaxation” can make for the perfect day at the crag. Clearly, climbers prefer life elevated—and with the ENO SingleNest Hammock you can still stay lifted. Weighing just a pound and easily storable in a pack, your lucky self can comfortably unwind in this breathable, quick drying nylon hammock. It comes with aluminum wiregate carabiners, for ultra easy setup and a compression stuff sack to carry it on the go. If you want room for two, go with the DoubleNest.

Treat yourself to the beauty of a springtime day at the crag and unwind in the hammock paradise of an ENO SingleNest.

Belāggles Belay Glasses

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There’s no need to kid ourselves. Belay glasses may not be wholly necessary, but they are incredibly awesome to have on hand.

Anyone who commits to long days of cragging knows how uncomfortable your neck can feel after a full day of off-and-on belaying. Unfortunately, sometimes this pain nuisance can also lead to inattentive belaying. But there’s really no need to sacrifice the safety of your partner for comfort. If you are a regular cragmaster, Belāggles are the perfect addition to your stock of climbing gear. These state-of-the-art belay glasses allow you to look straight ahead while seeing your climbing partner right above you. Providing an ample peripheral viewing area, you’ll be more aware and more comfortable while belaying than ever before—and you’ll look pretty damn funky (in a good way!) too. The Belāggles patented design of these durable nylon frames provides wide view lenses, crystal clear clarity, rubber nose caps, temple bow eyelets, and curved lens with minimal impact points to keep your eyes safe in the event of unexpected rock or gear dropping from the wall.

Welcome this spring with some comfort, style, and added security for your climbing partner, and get the climbing accessory that deep down, we all wish we had.

Outdoor Tech Turtle Shell 3.0

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We’re focused on craggin’ here … not the day of your epic alpine ascent. So don’t judge yourself for bringing a little excess.

When the setting feels right and a little music is desired, there’s no better speaker to captivate the crag with than Outdoor Tech’s Turtle Shell 3.0. Water resistant, shock-proof, and dust-proof—this wireless boom box is one vocal animal, prepared for all the choss your crag carries. With Bluetooth 4.0 technology, this beast of a boom box connects with your Bluetooth devices to play omnidirectional, hi-fi audio that sounds so good, it might make you think your crag’s got the acoustics of Carnegie Hall. It even features a built-in microphone in case you need to make a quick conference call mid send. And within a 32-foot range, your Turtle Shell will last for up to 16 hours.

Banging out 110 decibels of sound power—this is one talented turtle that’s always ready to get turnt up. Who says you can’t have a quick dance party at the crag?

 

Hydro Flask Insulated Wide-Mouth Water Bottle & Growler 64oz

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What better way to end a day of climbing than by enjoying a couple of cold beers with your best friends under some big beautiful rock?

But hauling glass bottles or finishing the day with warm cans of beer isn’t nearly as satisfying of a scenario. Thankfully, Hydro Flask found a solution for your beer (and other beverage) drinking desires. With a 64oz capacity, the Hydro Flask Wide-Mouth Insulated Water Bottle and Growler has an opening that makes it easy to fill and pour, and can contain almost an entire 6-pack. And in case your day at the crag extends a little bit longer—no worries; the growler can keep cold beverages cold for a whopping 24 hours. And in case you pefer hot beverages, the double wall insulation of the Wide-Mouth Hydro Flask also keeps hot beverages warm for 12 hours! Hydro Flask bottles are made from 100% recycled materials, which are BPA-free and bacteria/odor-resistant.

When you’re setting yourself up for a perfect day of spring cragging, there’s no need to settle. With a full Hydro Flask Growler, you guarantee you and your friends a refreshing reward for a day of almighty crushing.