must-haves for your next climbing tour

This doctor prescribes a good dose of adventure: the Dr. Duffel bag is now available in an "Expedition" version for transporting travel essentials. The exterior of the bestseller from BACH is reminiscent of a doctor's bag. Thanks to the large opening, you can easily see the contents, and the self-standing padding ensures that the equipment is both well protected and clearly arranged. The durable outer material of the bag is made entirely from recycled polyester. "BACH Equipment has always strived to make durable products that stand the test of time, but here too we want to go down the path of using fewer new materials," explains designer Nadia Zoller. Practical: The main zipper can be locked, the padded shoulder straps and the carrying and fastening options can be individually adjusted.

The MPDBC is designed to protect the head, but Oakley hits the proverbial nail right on the head with its first backcountry helmet. The minimalistically designed lightweight weighs in at just 450 grams. Nevertheless, the helmet has numerous useful features, such as options for storing goggles or integrating a headlamp. Instead of traditional ear pads, a lightweight beanie is hidden under the hard shell. The comfortable beanie has protective ear flaps and can be machine washed. Its ventilated visor ensures optimum air circulation, as does the adjustable ventilation on the top of the helmet, which directs incoming air to the rear via channels on the inside of the helmet. Integrated technologies such as Mips, Twiceme and Recco ensure added safety. This makes the MPDBC backcountry helmet a valuable companion in rocky terrain.

When should you replace a climbing harness? Presumably at the end of the service life specified by the manufacturer. Also when there are clear signs of wear and tear at safety-relevant points. And of course: as soon as the harness itself gives the corresponding recommendation. The Twist Tech Eco from Ocun uses wear indicators to show that it is time to buy something new. Until that time comes, the harness makes it as pleasant as possible for climbing enthusiasts to practice their sport. The tie-in points are easily accessible and comfortable to put on. The three-buckle harness is available as a unisex model and as a women's specific version, which takes the female anatomy into account. The Twist Tech Eco is mainly made from the bio-based material Dyneema and recycled polyester yarn. The climbing harness impresses in terms of tensile strength, stretch, abrasion and UV stability, making it just as suitable for sport climbing and mountaineering as it is for

On its own, the Ocean Brush with its pinpoint flexibility and precise bristle cut fulfills its purpose exactly: the reliable cleaning of holds and footholds. But the climbing brush is much more than just a practical cleaning tool. Thanks to the way it is manufactured, it helps to reduce plastic pollution in the oceans and create sustainable jobs. Developed by Austrian climbing company 8BPLUS together with Tide Ocean Material, the Ocean Brush is made from recycled plastic from the sea. The plastic waste is collected by members of local communities in return for fair payment and then recycled - good for nature and the local economy. The low carbon footprint of the new, 100% ROHS and REACH-compliant products also makes the brushes a clean thing.

Not only for reasons of space, but also in terms of sustainability, many people have already seen the light: They use a single product for several sports. This is particularly easy with headlamps from SILVA's Free Headlamp series. Designed for versatility, the lights work just as well for running as they do for mountain biking or skiing. All parts and accessories are interchangeable, and three different mounting options ensure flexibility. The rechargeable batteries are available with four different watt hours (WH) and the lamp units dispel the darkness with values between 1,200 and 3,000 lumens. Thanks to a special airflow technology, the lamp keeps a cool head and achieves maximum effect when in motion. The mains cable of the waterproof headlamp is integrated into the adjustable headband. This means that only the light cone is in the field of vision, but not a dangling distraction.

There is a lot of know-how in these climbing holds. The Greenholds development process involved experts from fields such as materials & science, engineering and circular economics, and field tests were also carried out with climbing fans of all abilities. The result is a recyclable product that is itself already made from recycled waste material. This makes Greenholds significantly more sustainable than conventional plastic grips, which are usually disposed of at the end of their life cycle. "The possibility of returning used holds and benefiting from a price advantage certainly motivates an environmentally conscious, sustainable rethink in climbing and bouldering gyms," says the ISPO Award jury. And the performance also speaks for the green alternative. Greenholds are robust and easy to grip and are just as suitable for halls as they are for home climbing walls.

When the weather in the mountains shows its harsh side, it can quickly become uncomfortable. Or really comfortable: the Y MountainLine Wooltech mid-layer jacket from Bergans is made from knitted technostretch with a ceramic print for additional protection. The highly technical material is extremely soft and flexible, but at the same time promises breathability, durability and warmth. Offset shoulder and side seams provide additional comfort. They are positioned to reduce friction when wearing rucksacks. Items such as smartphones or keys can be stowed in the spacious Napoleon pockets on the front of the jacket. And the integrated neck warmer is positioned so that it works well both when worn around the neck and face and when not in use. The Y MountainLine Wooltech Midlayer has been extensively tested in mountaineering, ski touring and climbing. "To ensure that the jacket really does its job," says Thea Holo, designer at Bergans.