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Metolius Big Wall Gear Sling Review

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metolius big wall gear sling
Metolius Big Wall Gear Sling
Credit: Metoliusclimbing.com
Price:  $45 List
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Manufacturer:   Metolius Climbing
By Chris McNamara ⋅ Founder and Editor-in-Chief  ⋅  Feb 2, 2010

Our Verdict

This is one of the few gear slings to have an insulated pouch for a hydration system. This is handy if you don't mind using a very small hydration bladder (you have to provide your own). Otherwise, it is a handy pouch and does not add much weight. The gear sling is solid and comfy. It is burlier than the Black Diamond Zodiac but not as burly as the Fish Double Gear Sling or Yates Big Wall Rack.
REASONS TO BUY
Light and comfy
Hydration pack option
Adjustable
REASONS TO AVOID
Only two gear loops
Also, it has only one gear loop on each side so it is better for Grade V clean aid routes and not ideal for Grade VI nail-ups. The clip on the front is easy to get on and off and both the sternum strap and the length of the gear loops are fully adjustable. There is also a multi loop version of this gear sling but we would never take the multi-loop version on a big wall or any climb.

Our Analysis and Test Results

Likes


This has a lot of innovative features not found on other gear slings. There is a generous insulated pouch on the back that can hold a very small hydration pack (you have to provide your own). The gear loops themselves are adjustable; something no other gear sling has. There are a ton of places to clip things on the front (a pro and a con). The front buckle is very quick to get on and off.

Dislikes


The main dislike is there is only one gear loop on each side. That is okay for Grade V walls but not ideal for Grade V nail-ups. We also wish there was a bigger tab on the top to clip the gear sling to the anchor. The current tab is small and tricky to clip when you are holding the entire loaded-up rack in one hand and don't want to drop it.

Value


This is a good value if you like the hydration pocket feature and extra durability over the Black Diamond Zodiac. Otherwise, if you are looking to save pennies the Zodiac is not as highly rated but is light and 50 percent cheaper.

Best Application


This is ideal for Grade V clean aid walls. Once you get a heavy pin rack involved, this is not the best gear sling.

— Chris McNamara