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ice climbing

Ice climbing and ski touring in Norway: The Mountain Equipment Oreus and Xenith jackets put to the test

Frozen waterfalls, steep approaches, and cold belay stations: Norway is one of the most impressive destinations for ice climbers in Europe – but it also places high demands on equipment and clothing. Ice climber Anna embarked on a winter trip through Norway and tested two models from Mountain Equipment under realistic conditions. In the following review, Anna explains why these jackets complement each other surprisingly well in winter conditions.
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.
climbing

You are our athletes – 25 years of Chillaz

Since 2001, Chillaz has stood for sustainable materials, high-quality climbing apparel, and responsibility towards nature. For its 25th anniversary, we celebrate the history of this Tyrolean family business – and the athletes who bring the brand's vision to life on the rock face.
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.
bouldering

Mountain Equipment Stonewear: Born in 95. Rebuilt for today

Mountain Equipment is refreshing its climbing and bouldering collection – with clothing that captures the feeling of life between rock, gym and everyday life.
climbing

Ortovox Affinity series in practical testing: Clear focus on sport climbing

The Affinity series from Ortovox is clearly aimed at sport climbers. But how do the backpack, pants, shirt, and hoodie perform under real-world conditions on rock and in the climbing gym? And where are the technical limits? Severin from Lacrux has taken a close look at the gear for you.
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Red Bull X-Alps Challenger 2026: Mathis and Sweda secure wildcards in Mayrhofen

The Red Bull X-Alps Challenger 2026 has been decided: After three days of competition in Mayrhofen, Aaron Mathis and Romy Sweda secured the wildcards presented by Bergfreunde for the Red Bull X-Alps 2027. The new hike-and-fly format brought experienced athletes and up-and-coming pilots together at the end of May. While the veterans battled for the overall victory, the rookies in particular used the opportunity to recommend themselves for the main race.
bouldering

Two shoes, one manufacturer: The Jett S and Diamond S models from Ocún

Ocún is launching two models, the Jett S and the Diamond S, which at first glance appear to be siblings, but upon closer inspection reveal two quite different characters. We've taken a close look at these two Czech vehicles and will show you what terrain they're designed for.
mountaineering

Red Bull X-Alps Challenger 2026: New hike-and-fly format starts in Mayrhofen

The Red Bull X-Alps Challenger will launch a new format in the hike-and-fly sport from May 28th to 30th, 2026. The event will take place in Mayrhofen in the Zillertal valley. The three-day race is aimed at ambitious athletes who want to qualify for the main Red Bull X-Alps race in 2027.
climbing

Recolor the World! – BEAL makes the world more colorful again

The French family business BEAL is known for its wide range of climbing ropes for all disciplines. As a global market leader with a comprehensive assortment of climbing accessories, the brand will build on its own tradition in 2026 while simultaneously forging new paths.
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.
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.
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Chillaz – A look behind the scenes of the Tyrolean climbing brand

The Tyrolean brand for comfortable, functional climbing clothing has been around since 2001. We spoke with Chillaz about their ideas, values, and the production of their clothing, and learned a lot!
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. 
mountaineering

La Sportiva Trango Alpine GTX – Product presentation of an alpine all-rounder 

Today we would like to introduce you to the Trango Alpine GTX, a lightweight and versatile mountain boot for all kinds of alpine adventures.
climbing

The Arc'teryx Alpine Academy Chamonix – Highlights 2025

For the 14th edition of the Arc'teryx Alpine Academy 2025, around 1.300 alpine enthusiasts once again gathered in the heart of the Mont Blanc massif.
climbing

These are Alex Megos' camping tips | Interview

Summer in Norway, winter in Spain – Alex Megos travels a lot with his camper. In this interview, the YETI athlete shares his tips for training, eating, and living on the road.
mountaineering

Red Bull X-Alps 2025: Starting signal for the toughest adventure race in the world

Today, the prologue to the twelfth edition of the Red Bull X-Alps takes place in Kitzbühel. 32 men and one woman face the ultimate challenge for...
climbing

Mountaineering and paragliding | Information, risks, equipment tips

More and more mountaineers, alpinists, and climbers are taking up paragliding because combining the two worlds opens up entirely new horizons. In this article, we summarize what you need to know about paragliding, the risks associated with the sport, how to develop the necessary know-how for safe flights, and which equipment is best suited for your future mountain adventures.
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.
Products

Ultralight mountaineering boot for technical mountaineering | Trango Pro GTX in the test

This autumn, La Sportiva is launching the Trango Pro GTX, the new flagship of the Trango product range. The ultra-light, 640-gram high-end mountaineering boot is designed for demanding...
Products

Gift ideas for climbers, boulderers & outdoor athletes 2024/2025

Whether for a birthday or Christmas: We have put together 17 gift ideas for climbers, boulderers and outdoor athletes.

News

bouldering

Climbing and knee problems: where they come from and how to prevent them

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Knee pain is common among climbers. Klaus Isele explains what to do in case of knee pain.
climbing

A tie in the final: The decision at the German Lead Championships 2026 was that close.

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Anna Maria Apel (cover photo) and Yannick Nagel remain Germany's number one in lead climbing. Both successfully defended their titles at the German Championships in Darmstadt. While Apel had to wait anxiously until the very last moment, Nagel set the decisive mark in the men's competition.
ice climbing

Ice climbing and ski touring in Norway: The Mountain Equipment Oreus and Xenith jackets put to the test

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Frozen waterfalls, steep approaches, and cold belay stations: Norway is one of the most impressive destinations for ice climbers in Europe – but it also places high demands on equipment and clothing. Ice climber Anna embarked on a winter trip through Norway and tested two models from Mountain Equipment under realistic conditions. In the following review, Anna explains why these jackets complement each other surprisingly well in winter conditions.
Products

Competition: Edelrid indoor set in the Bergfreunde edition

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To celebrate their 20th anniversary, Bergfreunde has released special editions – we're giving away three indoor climbing sets: one Edelrid Twentie Exclusive (40m) and one Ohm II Exclusive. Just in time for the indoor climbing season.
mountaineering

Tenzing Norgay: A film about the first person to climb Everest

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Since October 16th, Apple TV has been streaming "Tenzing": an Everest film that, for the first time, focuses not on Edmund Hillary, but on Tenzing Norgay. Who was this man whom the world long only knew as a companion – and how close does the film get to him?