Products

mountaineering

Petzl crampons tested: Leopard, Leopard Hybrid and Dart – the right crampon for every application

I've been a loyal Petzl crampon user for several years now. Whether on ski mountaineering tours, classic alpine tours, or ice climbing – the various models have always reliably accompanied me. So I was all the more excited about the new 2026 generation of crampons with the Leopard, Leopard Hybrid, and Dart models.
climbing

Scarpa BLACKBIRD: Carbon midsole for the smallest lasts

Scarpa spent six years developing their new climbing shoe. At its heart is the Italian company's first carbon-reinforced midsole – built for precision on the smallest footholds, without the shoe needing to fit brutally tightly.
Products

La Sportiva Challenger 28 review: Sailcloth at full throttle

With the Challenger 28, La Sportiva is entering a category previously unknown to the brand: technical backpacks. I took it with me for five days of touring, including trips to the Arête des Cosmiques and alpine climbing.
Products

Warming up on the rock: This is how Alexander Megos does it.

On a trip away from Bleu and Ticino, it's often just you and your project. No warm-up boulders and easy routes in sight. Professional climber Alexander Megos explained to us how best to prepare your fingers and body for such situations. He always keeps two things in his car for this purpose – a yoga mat and a fingerboard. Here he explains how he uses both.
climbing

New sole instead of a new shoe: the time to resole

The right time to get climbing shoes resoled is sooner than you might think: when there's about one millimeter of sole left. Honestly, nobody measures it, but how do I know when I should get my shoes resoled, and where can I even do that?
climbing

Competition: Edelrid Ohm II in the exclusive Bergfreunde edition

Bergfreunde is turning 20! And for you, that means: a lot of climbing gear in the special Bergfreunde edition. The Ohm has been a staple in many climbing gyms for years. Edelrid has redesigned it, Bergfreunde has released a special color version for its 20th anniversary – and we're giving away three limited edition copies.
climbing

Arc'teryx Lithos SL in the test: A day in “Les Eaux Noires” with Lara Neumeier

Arc'teryx's new sport climbing harness weighs almost nothing, has only two gear loops, and a waist belt that's just two millimeters thick. Our editor Gwen tested it together with professional athlete Lara Neumeier while sport climbing in Switzerland.
mountaineering

A week in Chamonix: The North Face Summit Series put to the test

Seven pieces from The North Face Summit Series, a week in the Mont Blanc massif: How does the series perform in alpine conditions? Our editor Gwen tested the collection on high-altitude tours and multi-pitch climbs and discovered that the best compliment for mountain clothing is a rather unspectacular one.
climbing

Climb – Bivouac – Fly: Paragliding and sleeping bag through the south face of the Meije

Fabi Buhl and Melissa Le Nevé fly to the Massif des Écrins, climb the Mitchka, and paraglide back down from the summit. A project amidst rock, down, and thermals – with the new deuter Guide and the Astro Pro.
Products

Patagonia Free Wall Kit Review: Four Pieces for Multi-Rope Climbing

Patagonia is launching a completely new collection for ambitious multi-pitch climbers in 2026 with the Free Wall Kit. We put four pieces of it through their paces on the limestone walls of Arco.
climbing

GRIGRI+ 2026: Petzl updates its classic

More than 30 years ago, Petzl launched the GRIGRI, the first belay device with cam-assisted locking. Since then, it has become an essential part of climbing gear – both indoors and outdoors. In 2026, Petzl is updating the GRIGRI+, the enhanced version of this classic, with a comprehensive upgrade.
climbing

10 Years of Skwama | The Italian All-Rounder Put to the Test

It's been on the market for 10 years: the Skwama climbing shoe, one of the most popular performance climbing shoes in the sport and bouldering sectors. We tested this Italian all-rounder to see what it can do and what makes it so special.
Products

Petzl recall: Batches of NOMIC and ERGONOMIC ice tools affected

French mountaineering equipment manufacturer Petzl is recalling NOMIC (U021AA00) and ERGONOMIC (U022AA00) ice axes from certain batches. Here you can find out if your product is affected and what you need to do if so.
ice climbing

Mentor on the ice: on the road with Ines Papert | »Havana« (WI4)

A frozen waterfall high above the Pitztal valley. The weather: ideal. Not too warm, not too cold, the sun peeking through the clouds now and then. Together with professional athlete Ines Papert, Gwen from LACRUX tackles a multi-pitch ice climb. She learns a great deal, from route planning and avalanche awareness to precise ice-cutting techniques. She's also using CAMP X-Dreams ice axes and Alpinist Tech crampons for a practical test.
ice climbing

Ever tried ice cream? – the "Total Ice Cream" 2026

From rock to steep ice lines: For many sport climbers, getting started on ice can be quite intimidating. Different techniques, different equipment, completely new conditions. But with the right setup and some know-how, getting started is surprisingly straightforward. At the "Eis Total" festival in the Pitztal Valley, we from the LACRUX editorial team, together with Black Diamond, tested how the transition from rock to ice works and what really matters. Our editor Gwen shares her impressions with you.
climbing

Between granite and sandstone: the Totem Cams put to the test

Black Diamond, DMM, and Wild Country cams need no introduction. An unknown but very interesting alternative comes from the Basque Country: Totem Cams. Mountaineer Anna Truntschnig tested these camming devices in Indian Creek, Red Rocks, and Yosemite for the LACRUX community to see how well they perform in practice.
Products

A call for self-control: Mammut Skywalker Pro Via Ferrata Set

Mammut is urging customers to check their Via Ferrata sets. The Skywalker Pro and Skywalker Pro Turn sets are affected. Find out here if your set might be affected and what exactly you should check. 
bouldering

Bernd Zangerl publishes a guide to bouldering in the Himalayas: »Rakchham«

When people think of the Himalayas, they probably primarily associate them with peaks over 8.000 meters high. But mountaineering isn't the only mountain sport you can practice there: After many years of work, Tyrolean professional climber Bernd Zangerl has now published a guide to bouldering in the region.
Products

Beal recall: one batch of Sunrise 9,2 mm rope affected

French mountaineering equipment manufacturer Beal is recalling a production batch of its Sunrise 9,2 mm 50 m climbing rope. Find out here whether your rope is affected and what you need to do if necessary.
climbing

Test report: EDELRID OHMEGA – Real added value in terms of safety and comfort

We had the opportunity to intensively test the new EDELRID OHMEGA belay assistant – the successor to the Ohm II – over a period of about two months, both in the climbing hall and on the rock.
Products

In review: Arc'teryx Beta Jacket & Beta Pants 

We tested Arc'teryx's lightweight Beta jacket and pants combination on a glacier tour. A hardshell combo at its finest. 
Products

Recall: CAMP recalls Nimbus Lock carabiners for inspection

The Italian equipment manufacturer CAMP has initiated a recall to check the Nimbus Lock carabiner. You can find the recall information here.
climbing

Ultralight climbing harness tested: Petzl Whisper

If I'm honest, I was immediately impressed with the Whisper climbing harness the first time I put it on. The feeling? Almost as if I wasn't wearing a harness at all. For me, as someone who often hikes in the Alps, every gram counts – and at just 170 g (size M), this harness has really impressed me on long alpine tours.
climbing

A tribute to the red dot revolution

Kurt Albert was not only an outstanding mountaineer, but also a pioneer of the free climbing movement. With his groundbreaking idea of ​​the redpoint in 1975, he shaped a worldwide climbing philosophy that revolutionized the sport. Hanwag is dedicating a new shoe collection to Kurt Albert and the redpoint idea.
climbing

Recall of the Mammut Skywalker Pro Via Ferrata Set

Swiss mountaineering equipment manufacturer Mammut is recalling its Skywalker Pro Via Ferrata Set. Details about the recall can be found here.
climbing

Book: Adam Ondra the Child Prodigy | Raffle

In his book "Adam Ondra - The Climber," Pietro Dal Pra not only describes the remarkable career of the exceptional Czech climber, but also describes how Adam Ondra lives climbing and his understanding of the sport. We're giving away a copy of the book signed by Adam Ondra.
climbing

Urgent recall of climbing harness | Black Diamond Vision

Black Diamond Equipment Europe GmbH is recalling the Vision climbing harness because the special material and construction used can lead to premature wear. This can lead to serious or fatal injuries.
mountaineering

LSV recall: Black Diamond Recon LT | Avalanche beacon

This is the second time that the Black Diamond Recon LT has been affected by a product recall. After a software problem led to a recall in 2023, it is currently a technical problem. In 2022, it was the Black Diamond Recon BT that was affected by a call for review.
climbing

The most versatile training tool for climbers | Crimproll

It feels like there are a ton of fingerboards on the market, and yet the different models only differ marginally from one another. With the Crimproll, there is now a fingerboard that boasts an unusual rotating mechanism. We took a closer look at the Crimproll.
climbing

Edelrid Product Warning: Cable Comfort Tri

Edelrid calls on owners of the Cable Comfort Tri via ferrata set to stop using the product immediately and return it to Edelrid for inspection.

News

mountaineering

Alexander Huber in conversation | Life, the mountains & the love of music

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If you look up the word "all-rounder" in the dictionary, you'll find Alexander Huber. Mountaineering, alpine climbing, sport climbing, ice climbing, free soloing, and even playing the piano – all no problem for the 58-year-old extreme athlete and physicist, who had to undergo brain tumor surgery in 2024. We talk to him about his fight to regain his former strength, his beginnings in climbing, and whether you can give piano concerts with climbing hands.
climbing

Saxony's bivouac dispute: Where self-regulation ends 

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Since 2026, bivouacking (or "boofen") in the Saxon Switzerland National Park has been prohibited from February 1st to June 15th. Mountaineering associations are challenging this legally – which also puts the decades-long model of self-regulation to the test.
mountaineering

Speed ​​and efficiency in large walls – Part 1

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This two-part article focuses on speed and efficiency in multi-pitch climbing – not just on big walls, but also on long ridges or wherever you might find yourself. Can such an article do justice to this topic?
Ski touring

A dream tour: Corno Grande (2.912m), highest peak of the Apennines

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Corno Grande in the Gran Sasso massif is one of the most fascinating peaks in Europe. Visible from afar, it towers above all the other peaks and mountains of the Apennines. And the best part: you can enjoy fantastic hikes here any time of year.
Sponsored Content

Red Bull X-Alps 2027: New challengers, old hands and a novelty

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The field of participants for the 2027 Red Bull X-Alps has been finalized: 37 athletes from 16 countries will tackle the next edition of the world's toughest adventure race. The starting field has never been so large or so female – and for the first time, there will also be a separate women's ranking.