Kids Gear - Reviews

The place to find real-life reviews of kids climbing gear. If you could contribute some information about any kids gear you have or are using, please let me know.

Harnesses

Wild Country Vision Kidz

I bought the Wild Country Vizion full body harness from Needle sports as they claimed on their website that it was the most adjustable and would last for a tall kid (which mine appears to be). I have adjusted the harness to the absolute minimum and it just about fits. The rope knot seems to be just at face height though when she rests on the rope which she doesn't like.

"RocknRoll" on UK Climbing forum 28 April 2008

Rock Empire Apache Harness
Bought from Cotswold Outdoor. My son chose them from the selection on the harnesses section of this site and luckily there's a Cotswolds locally that had one. They tell me that that they will not take returned climbing equipment if it's the wrong size for example. Be warned! I'd recommend that you take the child with you for fitting by the experts. He finds it easy to put on and take off himself (once adjusted) and he says it's very comfortable.

I also bought a belay set and an additional anchor strap and screwgate carabiner.

Rob Curry, December 2006

Another Rock Empire Apache review

When my daughter turned four, she was given a Rock Empire Apache harness by a close friend. We found the harness easy to use and being a full harness, it prevented her from tipping upside down. The harness showed little sign of wear when she grew out of it and my son started to use it. The only minor niggle is the sizing said it should of been able to have been used till she was 7 or 8, but she was about 6 when it became too small. The kids never found it uncomfortable and having gear loops was useful, as they like to practice removing gear outdoors and then clip it on to the harness.

Jim Croft. January 2007

Top

Rock boots

Rock Pillars Heroes
I wanted to try to get the same boots as my son was using at Calshot, and it took a while to track these down! However, they seem to be only for groups, and can only usually be bought in 10 or 20 pairs! You could try the supplier in case they have any odd pairs available.

Montrail Grommet
A cool looking boot, with a slightly cheap looking snazzy flame effect on the velcro tab. It had a high cut section around the ankle which may chafe. The boot seemed quite stiff to me, especially the tab. We decided not to buy, so would value a review from users with real experience. Please contact me.

Boreal Ninja Junior
A grown-up looking boot and with the elasticated sides at the ankle, is less likely to chafe. My son has worn them recently, and likes them. We bought the next size up, and even thought they're a little slack, he loves the extra friction they give. I decided on velcro rather than laces for two reasons:

1. Laces take longer to do up and undo, even though he can successfully tie them.
2. It's easier to crush their feet without meaning to if you overdo the tightening.

Bought from HitchNHike. Reasonable price and delivered without problem.

All above Rob Curry, December 2006