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Welcome to our Blog where you will find a large collection of informative articles and videos for new and experienced climbers, runners and outdoor enthusiasts.

We are particulary proud of our in-depth Product Reviews and associated Buying Guides. We have a series on The Basics, for those new to, or are interested in climbing. We also have a wealth of Product Information and Brand Profiles and much much more.

The Flash: Rock+Run Blog

Bigger, bolder, better. The new Evolv Zenist Pro truly earns its name as one of the most cutting edge climbing shoes Evolv has ever made. Locked and loaded with a lot of the same new tech as its more outdoor focussed cousin, the Shaman Pro, the pair spearhead a revitalised Evolv and thrust it firmly in a modern direction. But, is this new look bang or bust for Evolv?
  • 4 min read
In a world where all kit is getting lighter and lighter and lighter is it such a bad thing to consider an advanced piece of kit that isn't quite at the cutting edge of development? This is a review for the Blue Ice - Aero Ice Screw. It's important to note this is different to the newer Aero Lite screw from Blue Ice. 
  • 5 min read
Sleek, slim and supremely soft, the Unparallel Souped UP is the epitome of the modern climbing shoe, refined and ready to hook, jam and jump its way into your gym climbing heart. But, write this one off as just another volume hopper at your peril - the Souped UP might just be the perfect shoe for some outdoor climbers too.
  • 3 min read
Refined simplicity in a versatile pack designed to tackle the fastest and lightest mountain adventures, the Vertrail 16 comes in as the most intriguing addition to the 2023 Deuter pack range. Hybridising elements of a trail running vest, a roll top dry bag and a conventional mountaineering day pack in a compact 16 litre offering, have Deuter nailed it or have they bitten off more than most of us can chew?
  • 2 min read

Dynamic precision in a newly conceptualised take on a classic, the Evolv Shaman Pro seizes its family line and thrusts it firmly to the pinnacle of the performance shoe world. Used and no doubt co-designed with Evolv's elite rostrum of top athletes like Daniel Woods and Alex Johnson, the Shaman Pro is the shoe for hard projects and that next level in bouldering difficulty - so it's good, really flipping good, but is it the shoe for you?

  • 4 min read
Innovative brilliance in a versatile vehicle of climbing comfort and performance, it doesn't get any better than the modern day remake of the Scarpa Vapour S. Recent years have seen a renaissance for the climbing slipper with many of the top brands ranging one, although most seem to type cast their slipper into one of two categories; the left-field performance thoroughbred or the super-soft, comfy training shoe. But, as legendary inventor, Thomas Edison once said, "There's a way to do it better - find it", and I reckon Scarpa might just have done that with the Vapour S, here's why.
  • 4 min read
From easy-going, summer trails to soggy coastal walk ins, the Mission Leather Lows from Black Diamond have been a revelation. Like a best hits album, the Mission Leather Lows combine a lot of the essential underfoot features of their superb approach shoe range with the best bits of a sturdier leather walking boot to produce the ultimate approaching machine. 
  • 3 min read
Faster, lighter, brighter, the Guide 30 is the quintessential Deuter pack within the new SS23 range boasting a range of subtle and some not so subtle improvements that put the new packs up there as the very best on the market. Perfectly sized for a day out in the UK hills, the Guide 30 sits at the fulcrum of the Guide range and will doubtless be one of the most popular options for UK mountaineers but, is it worth your money?
  • 3 min read

The Cuesta from Blue Ice is a sleek, modern rock climbing harness from the Chamonix-based French brand. While Blue Ice might be known more for their alpine gear, the Cuesta is very much a rock climbing harness – though the version that has adjustable leg loops would no doubt be at home in any mountain environment. I’ve been easing my way into the early season for rock climbing here in the south of the UK with the Cuesta in tow (along with gloves, hat and many layers!). 

  • 4 min read

Deuter have been making some of the best packs on the market for over 100 years, and manage to keep surprising us with new ideas and designs of their packs. This season is no different with the release of updated versions of some much loved packs.

  • 3 min read

Organic pads have long been at the pinnacle of the bouldering mat market, becoming the premium go-to for keen boulderers everywhere with unique patchwork patterns and the unbeatable quality that can only come from a handmade product. But, are Organic pads still the best in the business? I've been test driving a full Organic pad set up with a Full Pad, Simple Pad, Slider Pad and the Muffin Protector and Load Flap accessories to find out just how good they really are.

  • 4 min read
A detailed review of the Sea to Summit Women’s Flame FmIII Sleeping System, incorporating the Flame FmIII Down Sleeping Bag, Ether Light XT Insulated Mat and Aeros™ pillow.
  • 4 min read
Having been in the Evolv line-up for many years now, the Shaman could be viewed alongside other stone cold classics such as the La Sportiva Miura or the Boreal Joker. The Shaman originally entered the range way back when as Chris Sharma’s signature model, and there was a time when nearly everyone had a pair. Over time the design has changed (evolved?) slightly, but the shoe itself never lost the broad appeal and features that made it popular in the first place.
  • 4 min read
Super soft sensitivity - the all new Red Chili Sensor does exactly what it says on the tin with an unrivalled set of supple skills that dominate indoor terrain. But beware, this is no one trick pony.
  • 3 min read
The Siurana rope is a keenly priced rope that I’ve been testing for the last few months. I’ve used it mainly sport climbing in the UK, with the occasional trad outing and a bit of top roping and indoor training thrown in. In a nutshell, the Siurana is a medium-diameter sport climbing rope that is suited to a wide variety of climbs. It clocks in at 9.6mm diameter, and comes in lengths of 30, 40, 50, 60 and 80 metres – a good range with something for everyone.
  • 3 min read

Sustainable excellence in a comfortable, breathable package - the Red Chili Ventic Air Lace is without a doubt the nicest climbing shoe experience I’ve ever had.

Like much of the competition, Red Chili have opted to make their latest all-rounder shoe with a knitted upper. Plucked from the big branded world of trainers, these softer knit fabrics have become synonymous with the comfy shoe in any brand’s line up. Promising a more forgiving fit on top of the foot and offering more breathability than the classic climbing shoe uppers, the benefits of this new material’s climbing shoe infiltration are clear. But, how will it affect performance and how will it stand up to the rigours of regular climbing? More on this below.

  • 3 min read
In an age where climbing styles and disciplines are growing further apart, that old moniker of the ‘all-rounder’ is becoming increasingly obsolete, pushing climbing shoe manufacturers to produce more specialist models designed for a particular purpose. Up steps the Mantra, quite possibly the most extreme version of this refinement we’ve ever seen. Is this a good thing? Keep reading to find out.
  • 4 min read
Here in the UK we share a lot with the Americans. Our taste in music, fashion and culture, the food we eat and even some of their climbing brands. The latest of which is Flashed, a bouldering pad company some might recognise having been on the UK climbing scene over 10 years ago. Now they’re back for another bite of the cherry with two pads that attack the premium end of the bouldering mat market but promise robust, unrivalled quality. A neat addition or more American trash? Read on to find out.
  • 4 min read
Dave Westlake has been testing two models of approach shoe from Black Diamond in recent months – the Mission XP and the Technician Leather. These are both what I’d call ‘cragging’ approach shoes, in a category of footwear which now covers all eventualities and all approaches. At one extreme, we have easy on/off trainer style shoes for approaching the indoor gym from the carpark. At the other, we have sturdy waterproof mountain shoes for treacherous 2+ hour walk-ins. Both the Mission XP and the Technician Leather from BD are somewhere in between – most similar to the classic Five Ten Guide Tennie. 
  • 5 min read
The evolution of an old classic, the La Sportiva TX2 EVO comes to the market packed full of fantastic features that revamp and refresh the original TX2. Will this second iteration live up to the name? Find out here as Rock+Run team member Pete gives them the runaround.
  • 3 min read
Aggressive precision in an updated, back-to-basics package - the second iteration of the Red Chili Voltage 2 is a no frills, no spills high performance shoe that just seems to make sense. Produced in the wake of Edelrid’s Red Chili takeover, the Voltage 2 came to market in 2019 as the flagship shoe for this new alliance but, did they get it right? Read our review to find out.
  • 3 min read
Choosing a new sleeping bag is never an easy task. With so many different well known brands and models on offer, why should you consider the Rock+Run own brand range? Hopefully, within the next few minutes, this review will give you pause for thought.
  • 3 min read
A detailed look at the adaptable Scarpa Maestro Womens rock shoe, which offers stability yet still has enough flex for smearing.
  • 3 min read
GB ice climber, Matt Foot, takes Mammut's Alpine Dry 8mm half ropes for a spin. Testing them in both summer and winter, Matt gives his full review from first impressions to 6 months in.
  • 6 min read