Best Bouldering Gear of 2020

With the coronavirus pandemic closing most gyms across the nation and a lot of outdoor crags, climbers were forced to take an unexpected hiatus. Now nearly 6 months since the initial lockdown, gyms and popular climbing destinations are opening back up, albeit with strict health and social distancing guidelines. Here is a list of some of our favorite new gear from spring and summer 2020.

Evolv Phantom ($185)

(Photo: Courtesy Evolv Sports)

The Phantom is the brainchild of two of the most prolific boulderers of our generation, Daniel Woods and Paul Robinson. The collaboration resulted in one of the highest-performance shoes ever designed by Evolv. Aggressive, precise, and loaded with Evolv’s TRAX SAS rubber, this shoe is designed for technical footwork, overhanging routes, and the hardest boulder problems in the world.

Tension Climbing Shoe Spray ($20)

(Photo: Courtesy Tension Climbing)

Tension has been a major player in the hangboard and training game for a while so the release of a shoe spray seemed out of left-field. However, with the new shoe spray, Tension maintained its golden standard for quality. The spray is a biodegradable, plant-based solution that restores climbing shoe rubber and protects by deoxidizing old rubber and removing dirt and debris.

Organic Climbing Boulder Roll ($89)

(Photo: Courtesy Organic Climbing)

Organic Climbing quietly released the new Boulder Roll earlier this summer with six colorway options. The bag is larger than the wildly popular Roll Down Pack but it is still relatively sleek. Designed to attach to your crash pad, this pack eliminates the clunky approach to the crag. Made with 1000D CORDURA Nylon, the Boulder Roll will withstand anything you can at it.

CREAG Quantum and Quasar Climbing Pant ($169)

(Photo: Courtesy CREAG)

CREAG’s Quantum (men) and Quasar (women) are as comfortable as a pair of pajamas but they are durable enough for nearly any adventure. Proudly designed and assembled in the USA, CREAG uses a proprietary weaving process which hollows the fibers, making the Quantum and Quasar some of the lightest climbing pants on the market.

Milwaukee M18 Jobsite Fan ($69)

(Photo: Courtesy Milwaukee)

It’s sometimes difficult to get the perfect conditions at the crag. Whether you need to dry off some holds on your project or get some air circulating on a hot day, the Milwaukee M18 Jobsite will do the trick. Weighing in at just over 5lbs, the M18 Jobsite will not weigh you down during your approach.

On the Roam Chalk Bucket ($45)

(Photo: Courtesy SoiLL)

The collaboration between Jason Mamoa’s ON THE ROAM and So iLL produced a line of chalk bags and back packs. The roll down style, fleece lined chalk bucket is perfect for your next bouldering session. Available in Wolf Black and Dirty Pink colorways.