The guides over at RMI collectively spend over 10,000+ days a year on the world's highest mountains, climbing hundreds of thousands of vertical feet. They put their gear and apparel through the wringer. This stuff is their work wear and they simply will not tolerate inferior gear.

At the end of the climbing season, guides are given a survey to find out what gear they are using and why it is their favorite. We don’t often get complete agreement but we do get alignment and by looking at the data, a few clear winners rise to the top in each category.

We take those winners, and stamp them with the Guide Pick™ logo on our site. We also compile this wonderful little document, which you can use to see top contenders, gear advice, Guide Quotes, and more.