Whether climbing indoors or outdoors, there are many ways to minimize your environmental footprint. Here’s a quick guide to becoming a greener climber!

Reducing Your Carbon Footprint

One of the most effective ways to lessen your ecological impact is by reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Here are a few strategies:

• Whenever possible, opt for public transportation or active transportation (walking, cycling) to get to the climbing gym or outdoor sites. This can be challenging, but even small efforts count.
• Want to go further? Consider offsetting your emissions.
• Buy locally whenever possible, as this reduces emissions linked to long-distance transportation.
• For outdoor climbing, choose local crags instead of traveling long distances by plane. If you must fly, continental flights produce fewer GHGs than transatlantic ones.

Adopting a “Zero Waste” Approach

Here are some tips to minimize waste from your favorite sport:

• Use reusable water bottles and containers instead of plastic bottles or disposable packaging.
• When it comes to chalk, consider buying it in bulk to reduce packaging waste.
• Always pack out what you pack in when climbing outdoors and recycle whenever possible.

Choosing Eco-Friendly Gear

In recent years, there have been great improvements in climbing gear manufacturing to reduce its environmental impact. Here’s how you can make a difference:

• Opt for brands that offer eco-friendly gear (recycled ropes, harnesses made from sustainable materials, clothing made from organic or recycled fibers, etc.).
• Choose high-quality products that last longer. They may be more expensive upfront, but they save money in the long run and require fewer resources.
• Wooden brushes are a more sustainable option compared to plastic ones.
• Instead of replacing worn-out climbing shoes, consider resoling them to extend their lifespan and reduce waste.

Eco-Conscious Outdoor Climbing

If you’re heading outdoors to climb boulders or big walls, there are several best practices to minimize your impact:

• Follow a “Leave No Trace” approach,
• If a climbing site is temporarily closed for ecological restoration, respect the closure.
• Minimize chalk use and brush off any marks you leave behind—this is both an environmental concern and a courtesy to fellow climbers.

Of course, it’s nearly impossible to climb without any impact, but many small decisions can help reduce our environmental footprint. By making more eco-conscious choices, we can collectively ensure that climbing remains sustainable for future generations!

On February 22nd, Bloc Shop is taking a deep dive into the golden era of bouldering competitions with the Open Dark Room. This event brings back the raw, no-frills spirit of legendary early 2000s comps like the Pusher PCA Tour.

Back to the Basics

In the 2000s-2010s, bouldering comps were radically different from today’s flashy formats. No giant volumes, no parkour-style moves, no social media hype—just climbers facing brutally technical problems where power and precision ruled.

That’s exactly what Open Dark Room is reviving: 50 boulders, two qualifying waves, and an epic final round in the unique atmosphere of the Dark Room. A true return to the essence of bouldering.

Why Compete?

First, to test yourself in an old-school format that leaves no room for tricks. Second, for the sheer energy of the event: sweat, raw effort, and an electric underground comp vibe. And of course, for the prizes. With a total prize pool of $9,000, this competition has some serious stakes.

• 1st place: $2,000
• 2nd place: $1,500
• 3rd place: $1,000

And because we wanted to add a legendary retro touch: the two winners will take home a pair of Over the Top sunglasses. Yes, those Over the Top sunglasses. If you know, you know.

Who’s It For?

Everyone. Whether you’re a nostalgic for the raw comps of the early 2000s or just want to experience a different kind of competition, this is for you. Expect tough problems, big energy, and a pure bouldering experience.

Oh, and spectators get in for free. So even if you’re not competing, don’t miss the finals—it’s going to be intense.

Event Details

• Date: February 22, 2025
• Location: Bloc Shop
• Registration: $45 for members, $55 for non-members
• Bonus: The first 100 registrants before January 30 get an exclusive t-shirt

Sign up now: Registration link

Let’s go!

Climbing shoes are like cars. You’re constantly promised something better and improved. But every now and then, a new release truly delivers on its promises. And for La Sportiva shoes, that means the Adam Ondra Comp.

The 15-second summary:

An upgraded version of La Sportiva’s Theory—slightly more aggressive and a bit more asymmetrical, designed to grip every foothold in its path.

The deep dive for the gear geeks:

At first, I was skeptical. Shoe companies regularly introduce “new” models that often feel like slight variations on the same theme—different colors, a bit more rubber here, a fancier closure system there. So, when I got my hands on the Ondra Comp, I wasn’t convinced they would be radically different. But I was wrong!

At first glance, the AO Comp seems like just another take on the Theory, which I already love. But a series of small changes make them, in my opinion, significantly better. First, they’re a bit stiffer, which really helps with foothold precision. They’re also slightly more asymmetrical than the Theory, and these two factors together completely change how the shoe grips holds. No joke—I was thrown off during my first few sessions because the AO Comp felt so sticky on the footholds. Bonus: they’re super comfortable right out of the box.

La Sportiva has also introduced a new system called SensGrip, which improves grip on rounded footholds. The toe box is stiffer but still allows you to feel what’s happening under your toes—definitely a plus.

I tested these shoes across all climbing styles: vertical, overhangs, slabs, volumes, and the Kilter Board. They quickly became my go-to shoes. They perform well in every scenario—I even sent two projects on the Kilter Board, and I’m convinced these shoes played a major role! Naturally, with all the rubber coverage, toe hooks are flawless. And as always, La Sportiva’s heel design does not disappoint (at least for me!).

I see these as ideal bouldering shoes, both indoors and outdoors, as well as for sport climbing—probably better for shorter, overhung routes rather than 50-meter vertical pitches. The AO Comp seems like a great choice for intermediate to advanced climbers, who will be able to take full advantage of their performance.

My verdict?

The AO Comp has earned a spot in my climbing shoe quiver. They feel like an incredible tool for tackling different styles and problems. Will they make me climb more like Adam Ondra? Who knows!

And we have them on our online store, check them out !

Perhaps the cold conditions have pushed you toward the indoor walls, or maybe your diet mainly consists of eating plastic holds… Whatever the case, it’s likely that the coming months will be spent indoors, climbing problems created by crazy setters whose only goal is to come up with heart-breaking sequences. Don’t despair, here are three tips to help you crack the mysteries of boulder problems! 

Look at what’s in front of you 

You’re at the Bloc Shop, facing new problems. You want to send the V4 on the purple holds. Before you leap into action, take a good look at all the holds – for hands and feet. You’ll already have a rough idea of the sequence. Well-spaced holds indicate a dynamic move. Small crimps that are close together with bad feet suggest you’ll need to squeeze hard and maintain tension. Few or no feet might mean a heel or toe hook. 

Make a sequence for yourself 

The second step, even before attempting the problem: come up with a sequence, an attack plan. When you’re on the third hold, where will you go next? How will you position your left foot? And your right hand? You don’t need to create a five-year plan. The idea is to think about how to move your body (your body!) through space, and to climb according to your strengths and weaknesses. If your sequence doesn’t work, no worries. See what went wrong, make a mental note, and adjust for the next problem. 

Watch others climb! 

I don’t have much credibility as a climber: I often watch people climb problems in the gym, which gives me a good idea of how I might chain it together. Except for Sébastien Lazure… Watching someone climb a problem is a goldmine of information. You’ll get a pretty good sense of which holds are good, where the tough spots are, and what works or doesn’t. That doesn’t mean the problem will necessarily be much easier, but you’ll start with a good idea! 

Bonus: Reading on the Kilterboard 

Walls like the Kilter are uncharted climbing objects (UCOs). You can clearly see all the holds. But the sequence itself may not be as simple. Two tips. The first, very simple: you can often find the sequence already laid out for many problems because you’ll find a video sequence. Now, you just need to execute it (easier said than done)! Second tip: think ‘Kilter’: the moves are generally long, quite dynamic, with funky foot and hand sequences. Look at the problem and try to figure out how to apply this logic to your current Nemesis. Good luck! 

You’ve had your fill of plastic holds and now you’re craving some real rock outdoors? Here are a few interesting destinations, depending on the type of weather you might encounter during the fall. Of course, having access to transportation or friends who do is something to consider.

The thermometer stubbornly remains high? No worries.

Bas Saint-Laurent

A good way to seek out cooler weather is to head to Bas Saint-Laurent, where a fresh breeze sweeps through while the rest of Quebec is sweltering. The bouldering here is of good quality, and the approach hikes can be quite short, depending on the area. And the scenery and food? A winning combination.

Smuggler’s Notch

If it’s hot, don’t hesitate to head south to neighboring Vermont. Since “Smuggs” is at a higher altitude, you’ll shave off a few degrees even if it’s summer elsewhere. It’s a paradise for climbers of all levels: some V4s are stunning, and just a stone’s throw away, you’ll find V12s with heinous crimps. The growing popularity of this destination has led to new developments in recent years, so there’s a wide range of options available. With minimal approach hikes, it’s hard to ask for more!

Finally, the good conditions are here. Quickly, go explore these destinations!

The Laurentians

Of course, there’s Val-David, with its slopers and classic problems that will leave your fingers more raw than ever. But the great boulders don’t stop there! A bit further north, Kanata offers numerous problems to explore. And that’s not to mention other sites—where access is not an issue—where you can find a variety of problems, angles, and hold types that will give you a broad repertoire of boulders.

Snowy Mountain

This is a unique experience in the Northeast United States: granite, sculpted by the wind, sometimes resembling Swiss cheese. Many problems are quite gymnastic and will remind you of what you might find in an indoor climbing gym. The site isn’t very large, but there’s enough to play around on these rocks for a few days without getting bored. Not to mention the enchanting fall scenery.

In the “I Can’t Feel My Fingers” Category
It’s now quite cold in the province, and bundling up in multiple coats, armed with hand warmers and lots of coffee in a thermos doesn’t appeal to you? Here are some destinations that will warm your climber’s heart… though a few hours of driving will be necessary to savor this rocky nectar.

Niagara Glen

It’s said that local climbers here go at it year-round. Certainly, there’s a way to escape the freezing temperatures found here in this slightly milder area. The place boasts plenty of problems to explore—700 to be exact, which should keep you busy! Not to mention the exotic aspect: the limestone will definitely present a different challenge!

Gunks

Officially known as Shawangunks, but everyone says “the Gunks.” The place saw the rise of traditional climbing in the 70s, but the boulders at the base of the cliffs are of excellent quality. And there are plenty of them. The guidebooks only cover a small fraction of what can be climbed. A bit of sun in February with good conditions, and you could be climbing in a sweater. Nice plan, right? Plus, the nearby town of New Paltz is very charming. That said, it’s far from Quebec’s granite. The quartz conglomerate that shapes the local rocks requires some adjustment, and picky climbers might not enjoy it at all.