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Compare fit, climbing style, and the features that change how a shoe feels on the wall.
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Learn the fundamentals Clear guides to climbing skills and concepts.Plan your training Choose a focus for your time on the wall.Explore climbing culture People and stories from climbing.Original photography from the Cliff Culture community. Meet the photographers.
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Beginner’s guide to gear
Start with your activity and your gym’s equipment requirements. The beginner checklist separates personal gear from equipment used in taught rope systems.
View the beginner equipment checklistEditorial standards
Firsthand use and research answer different questions. Our editorial standards explain how we use both and their limits.
Read the editorial standardsSources you can checkManufacturer details, research, and attributed reviews.
How options differFit, intended use, and the compromises involved.
Climber-ownedLuc Gonzales is responsible for the content and corrections.