When it comes to climbing, having the right gear is paramount to ensure safety and enhance performance. The market is filled with a myriad of brands offering everything from helmets and harnesses to ropes and shoes. These brands are distinguished by their commitment to quality, innovation, and reliability, making them favorites among climbers of all levels. Discover the top brands that are charting the course for excellence in climbing gear below.
Illustration of climbing gear
Best brands of climbing gear in 2025
Black Diamond
Black Diamond is a leading brand in the climbing gear industry, renowned for its high-quality equipment such as helmets, carabiners, and harnesses, boasting a market share of 40%-50% in these categories. The brand was named as one of the top bestselling climbing equipment brands in 2020, with nearly eight out of ten respondents identifying it as their top seller in hardware. Generating significant revenue, climbing gear represents a substantial portion of its sales as Black Diamond operates in 60 countries through 9,000 wholesale retail outlets. As part of Clarus Corporation, Black Diamond is known for its innovative products and strong consumer demand, especially during challenging times. The brand is focusing on its core climbing products to drive growth and enhance margins.
Petzl
Petzl is a renowned brand in the climbing and adventure industry, celebrated for its innovative and high-quality gear. Founded by Fernand Petzl, the company has been a pioneer in the vertical world for over 50 years, with products like the Grigri belay device and the Croll ascender remaining industry standards. Petzl's sales are dominated by climbing gear, with work at height and rescue-related products also playing a significant role, and caving equipment accounting for about 5% of overall sales. The company operates factories in France and the United States and has an annual revenue of $260.3 million with 819 employees. Petzl's commitment to safety and innovation has made it a leader in niche markets such as arborism and fire rescue.
La Sportiva
La Sportiva is a leading producer of climbing gear, renowned for its commitment to quality and performance. The brand, which originated in Italy in 1928, has expanded its product offerings to include a wide range of climbing shoes, apparel, and equipment. La Sportiva's new store in Boulder, Colorado showcases its full brand offering, including a comprehensive line of climbing and approach shoes, apparel, and mountaineering gear. The brand is part of a vibrant and diverse global climbing shoes market, projected to reach $1860.5 million by 2031 with a CAGR of 5.4% from 2024 to 2031. La Sportiva's products are known for their innovative designs and high-quality materials, such as eco-leather and recycled rubber, contributing to the brand's strong presence in the market.
Mammut
Mammut, a Swiss outdoor company, stands as a leading producer of climbing gear, celebrating 160 years since its founding in 1862. The company has evolved from a modest ropemaking operation to a global specialist in ropes, harnesses, and other mountain sports equipment. Mammut is renowned for its innovative products, such as the Barryvox(r) avalanche transceiver, and its commitment to safety and sustainability. With approximately 800 employees and operations in around 40 countries, Mammut continues to shape the climbing sport with modern technologies and a strong emphasis on environmental responsibility. The company's legacy in mountain sports is marked by its high-quality products and unique brand experiences. Explore their journey from a rope maker to a distinguished outdoor brand through their 160-year legacy.
Arc'teryx
Arc'teryx is renowned as a leading producer of high-quality climbing gear, known for its innovative products, technical excellence, and commitment to performance. The brand has established a strong reputation among outdoor enthusiasts, with a loyal customer base appreciating its premium and reliable gear. The outdoor gear market, in which Arc'teryx operates, is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.1% from 2023 to 2030, reaching a size of US$ 82,600 million by 2028. Arc'teryx's revenue has significantly increased, reaching an estimated $434 million in 2023, reflecting its expanding global reach and demand for its high-performance gear. The brand's focus on quality and innovation positions it well to capture the growing market for wearable gear and other climbing equipment.
Scarpa
Scarpa is a renowned brand in the climbing gear industry, known for its high-quality climbing shoes that cater to various climbing needs, including crags, indoor, bouldering, and multi-pitch climbing. Founded in 1938 in Asolo, Italy, Scarpa has established itself as a leader, utilizing advanced technologies and premium materials like Vibram's XS Grip 2 rubber. The company's sales value increased to 110 million euros in 2020, reflecting its growing market presence. Scarpa offers a diverse range of shoes, including 41 different models and 17 women's shoes, with a notable presence of vegan options. Its products are favored by professional climbers, with 11 athletes using Scarpa shoes at the 2020 Olympic games.
Edelrid
Edelrid is renowned as one of the top producers of climbing gear, celebrated for its innovative and sustainable products. The brand has been at the forefront of climbing equipment design, with items like the Mega Jul belay device that offers assistive braking without moving parts, and their "bulletproof" series of carabiners combining aluminum and stainless steel for enhanced durability. Edelrid's commitment to quality and safety is evident in their high-end climbing ropes, which have set the industry standard since 1953. Their products are favored for their long-lasting and environmentally friendly design, making them a preferred choice among climbers. As part of the VAUDE group, Edelrid continues to drive innovation in the climbing gear market.
Metolius
Metolius Climbing, a renowned American manufacturer of rock climbing gear, was founded in 1983 by Doug Philips in Bend, Oregon. Named after the Metolius River, the company has expanded significantly, employing around 45 individuals by 2010, many of whom are climbers themselves. Metolius is acclaimed for its extensive range of climbing equipment, such as spring-loaded camming devices, climbing nuts, belay devices, and harnesses. Their products are noted for their quality and innovation, exemplified by the Metolius Ultralight Power Cams and Master Cams, which are popular for their lightweight and user-friendly design. The climbing gear market, where Metolius is a key player, is predicted to expand at a CAGR of 7.9% from 2022 to 2031. For more details, visit their official website.
DMM
DMM International Ltd. is renowned as one of the top producers of climbing gear, known for its high-quality and innovative products. The company's carabiners, in particular, are highly recommended by climbers for their durability and performance. DMM's products contribute significantly to the global climbing gear market, which was valued at $1.3 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach $2.7 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 7.9%. The offline segment, where DMM's products are predominantly sold, held more than four-fifths of the global climbing gear market revenue in 2021. DMM's commitment to quality and innovation aligns with the growing demand for climbing gear, especially in regions like North America and Europe.
Five Ten
Five Ten, a renowned brand in the climbing gear industry, has a rich history dating back to its founding in California in 1985. Acquired by Adidas in 2011 for $25 million, Five Ten has maintained its reputation for producing high-quality climbing shoes, although it has faced competition from brands like Sportiva, Scarpa, and Evolv, which have gained significant market share in recent years. Despite this, Five Ten remains a favorite among professional climbers, sponsoring top athletes such as Shauna Coxsey and Dave Graham. The brand's mountain bike shoes have also seen considerable success, outperforming in their respective market. However, in the climbing shoe segment, Five Ten's market share has been overshadowed by other brands. For more insights into their pricing strategies, refer to this discussion on their pricing policies.
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