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Petzl Corax Kit Review

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petzl corax kit harness package review
Petzl Corax Kit
Credit: petzl.com
Price:  $175 List
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Manufacturer:   Petzl
By Chris McNamara ⋅ Founder and Editor-in-Chief  ⋅  Mar 29, 2011

Our Verdict

This wins our Editors' Choice award for best climbing package because it has the best stuff at a solid discount. Each item in the package scored highly and the package as a whole saves you 13 percent as opposed to buying everything separately. Even though it makes a great "intro" package, every item is also top of the line. The Corax harness is a favorite of rock climbing guides. The belay device is the lightest made and the carabiner is one of the most versatile. You won't outgrow any of this gear as you become a better climber.
REASONS TO BUY
Everything in package is top notch; you won't ever grow out of this kit
REASONS TO AVOID
Expensive
SuperTop Best Buy Climbing Kit almost as good and 50 percent less expensive
However, this is the most expensive climbing package. It is $20 more expensive than the Black Diamond Momentum AL Package, which is a great buy. It is $40 more than the Black Diamond/Wild Country Package, which scored almost as high in the tests. The Petzl Corax Kit is a good option for trad climbing and could save you some money. It also will save you from having to track down all the individual items in the Black Diamond/Wild Country Package (they are not sold together). But if you want the best deal on some great gear, get the OutdoorGearLab Best Buy Package.

Our Analysis and Test Results

What Comes in The Kit


Petzl Corax ($76) - One of the best all-around harnesses made. Winner of the OutdoorGearLab Recommended award and one of the most popular harnesses with professional guides. Very versatile sizing so that you can share with a big group of people.
Petzl Verso ($26) - Highly rated belay device and the lightest made.
Petzl Am'd ($13) - Highly rated carabiner, one of our top seven.
Petzl Bandi Chalk Bag ($20).

Petzl Power Crunch Chalk ($10).

All parts bought separately cost $147 and the retail price of this kit is $120, which saves you about 19 percent. That is a pretty good deal. However, it is still a full $50 more than our OutdoorGearLab Best Buy Climbing Package.

— Chris McNamara