ROCHA by Petzl — I love these little guys. I only have one, currently but will be adding more, soon. Currently, this is my prusik carabiner.
TX4 Guide by La Sportiva — The old TX4 leather was my go-to approach shoe. It was durable, and climbed well enough for my taste. I've now switched to the TX Guide Leather. It climbs SO well, and it's comfy enough. I do wish it had a wider toe box, but comfort is sacrificed for performance.
GRIGRI ® by Petzl — This is the most common tool I use in my guiding. I'm almost never without a GriGri.
Sm'D (USA) by Petzl — I use a twist lock Sm'D as my carabiner for attaching my plaquette to the anchor.
ATC-Guide Belay Device by Black Diamond — I waffle back and forth between the ATC Guide and the Reverso from Petzl. I like the attachment of the Reverso to the anchor, but I like the feeding of the ATC Guide. Both are good-- I'm currently using the ATC Guide.
Granite Glove by Outdoor Research — Get a good pair of gloves. Your hands will thank you.
Men's Alpine Onset Merino 150 Hoodie by Outdoor Research — If it's cold, I have this on.
Men's Alpenglow Hoody by Black Diamond — If it's warm, I have this on.
Infinity Cord by Black Diamond — This is light enough that I keep it on my harness, always.
10mm Dynex Runners by Black Diamond — I've started carrying a triple length sling instead of a quad. I just find it to be less cumbersome.
120 Cm Double Length Sling by Black Diamond — This is the most widely available double-length sling. It's cheap and works fine enough. I also don't mind if it takes a beating.
Katana Lace by La Sportiva — My shoe quiver varies, but these have been fabulous on most terrain I encounter here in PA.
TC Pro by La Sportiva — For long days, I reach for this shoe. It's comfy, sturdy, and does what I need it to do. I typically size this one up a smidge so I can wear it with socks on colder days.
48oz Wide Mouth Sustain Silo Bottle (Bottle Color: Cerulean) by Nalgene — 1 of these plus the other one on the list and I'm good for most days.
Organized by Michael Murphy
Guide Kit
This is what I carry every time I go out, no matter what. It's ever evolving, but here's what is on my harness as of Fall 2026.
Hike Classic Edition Second Cut Crew Socks by Smartwool — Darn Toughs last longer, but these are more comfy.
32oz Narrow Mouth Ultralite White by Nalgene — I can drink out of this easier
Petzl Freino Autolocking Carabiner by Petzl — I love this carabiner for guiding. It has a few party tricks, but mostly it's just nice for belaying from above. It allows a quick transition to a lower from above with the redirect from the friction spur. It's expensive, but I like it.
Sterling Alpine Accessory Cord - 7 mm Blue 30 Ft by Sterling — You've got to have some cord with you. This usually stays in my bag unless I can forsee a reson to have it out.
Arc'teryx Men's AR-395a Harness Green L by Arc'teryx — I've used this harness for the past couple years. I really love its fit and comfort. I've found it holds plenty on the loops and it's thin enough that I don't feel super sweaty when wearing it on hot days. Big fan.
C4 Camalot by Black Diamond — BD cams are the workhorse of my rack. If you're looking to buy cams for the first time, buy a rack of Camalots.
Camalot™ Z4 by Black Diamond — If you have the $$ then pick these up in the smaller sizes instead of the Camalot C4s. These go into places that the C4s wont fit, and feel just as bomber.
9.5 Crag Dry Rope Duodess 60m by Mammut — This is my favorite rope. Bi-pattern, 9.5, and beautiful.
Trango Piranha by TAZ — This stays on my harness. It's really hard to open, which is a plus in my book. I want a knife attached to me to be securely closed at all times. It's incredibly compact, but mega sharp.
