Unearth The Voyage
Black Diamond has earned its reputation as a go-to brand for serious climbers and mountaineers worldwide. Their gear combines cutting-edge technology with field-tested durability, making every adventure safer and more enjoyable. Whether you’re scaling icy peaks or tackling technical alpine routes, having reliable equipment can make all the difference. Here are five standout Black Diamond products that mountaineers trust in 2025.
1. Black Diamond Vision MIPS Helmet
OutdoorGearLab crowned this one of 2025’s top climbing helmets, and for good reason. The Vision MIPS integrates Multi-directional Impact Protection System technology, which shields your head from rotational forces during falls or rockfall impacts. This added layer of safety doesn’t compromise comfort or airflow.
Adjustability stands out as a key feature here. You can dial in the perfect fit quickly, even with gloves on. Side-impact protection has been rigorously tested, proving its durability in real-world conditions.
There’s a slight weight trade-off due to the enhanced protective features. However, most climbers agree the extra ounces are worth the peace of mind on exposed routes.
2. Black Diamond Alpine Light Pants
Switchback Tested put these pants through the wringer—long alpine days, gnarly scrambles, and multipitch climbs—and they came out singing praises. Weighing just 10.2 ounces, these pants feel almost weightless on your body. Four-way stretch fabric moves with you, whether you’re high-stepping over boulders or reaching for distant holds.
The DWR finish repels light moisture and dirt effectively. Mobility is exceptional, giving you freedom to move without restriction during technical sections.
Keep in mind they’re designed for warmer conditions or layering systems. Without insulation, they won’t keep you warm alone in frigid alpine environments, so plan your layers accordingly.
3. Black Diamond Speed Ultra 35 & Cirque Ultra Pack
Black Diamond’s 2025 launch introduced these game-changing ultralight alpine packs built from Challenge Sailcloth UltraWeave™. The Speed Ultra 35 earns its title as their most technical alpine pack yet, engineered specifically for fast-and-light missions where every ounce matters.
Meanwhile, the Cirque Ultra Pack targets expedition and big mountain objectives. It features convenient side access, dedicated rope and crampon attachments, plus full stripping options for flexibility on complex routes.
Both packs strike that sweet spot between minimal weight and essential functionality. You’re not sacrificing critical features to shave grams, which matters when you’re pushing into serious mountain terrain where gear reliability counts.
4. Black Diamond Ascension Nylon & Glidelite Mix Climbing Skins
GearJunkie’s 2025 climbing skins roundup highlighted two Black Diamond winners. The Ascension Nylon earned praise as a reliable, heavy-duty option with exceptional grip on steep terrain. Its glue system and hardware hold up season after season, even with frequent use.
The Glidelite Mix STS offers something different—a balanced blend of grip and glide. This versatility shines when conditions vary throughout your tour, from crusty morning snow to softer afternoon conditions.
For backcountry ski-mountaineering terrain, these skins prove essential. They attach securely, track straight on sidehills, and provide confidence-inspiring traction when you’re skinning up to remote objectives in variable snow.
5. Black Diamond Viper Ice Tool & Mountaineering Hardware
Black Diamond’s 2025 Fall collection brought significant upgrades to their ice tools, headlined by the Viper. A hydroformed shaft reduces weight while maintaining strength, and the refined pick angle improves penetration on everything from alpine ice to mixed rock-and-ice terrain.
Compatibility with the I.C.E. system (interchangeable heads and picks) adds modular flexibility. You can swap components based on your specific objective, from waterfall ice to technical mixed climbing.
The collection also includes updated harnesses like the Solution Guide, plus ropes, carabiners, and accessories. For mountaineers tackling mixed or vertical terrain, this refined climbing kit delivers the performance and reliability you need when consequences are high.
