Earlier this December, I had the privilege of attending the Western Winter Sports Representatives Association (WWSRA) in Tacoma, Washington—one of the most dynamic and influential gatherings for outdoor brands, innovators, and distributors in the Pacific Northwest. Over two full days, I represented Loco por la Aventura Basecamp, exploring new technologies, meeting vendors, and evaluating upcoming equipment that could directly support our climbing, mountaineering, and alpine programs for 2026.
This year, one booth stood out immediately: Petzl. Their upcoming Fall/Winter 2026 product line is full of innovation, sustainability-driven updates, and redesigned tools that reflect Petzl’s ongoing leadership in the climbing and safety industry. Having the chance to see these products months before their public release was an exciting opportunity—and today, I’m sharing that experience with our entire community.
Gear Review: Petzl NAO RL 2026 — Refined Power for Cold and Alpine Conditions
I had the chance to test and closely examine the Petzl NAO RL 2026 at the WWXRA Expo in Tacoma, and it’s clear this update is focused on real-world alpine performance rather than flashy spec changes.
The lamp maintains its 1500-lumen output, but the most noticeable improvement is beam stability and cold-weather performance. In winter and high-elevation environments—where I rely on my headlamp for both movement and safety—the light feels more consistent and predictable, especially during transitions between close-up tasks and long-distance visibility.
Compared to the NAO RL 2025, which I’ve used extensively, the 2026 version feels more refined. The previous model is still reliable, but in prolonged cold conditions, battery efficiency and beam consistency can degrade. The 2026 NAO RL clearly addresses that gap, offering better performance in sustained low temperatures and more confidence on long alpine starts.
Battery performance with the CORE rechargeable system and hybrid compatibility also feels more dependable in cold environments, which is exactly what I look for in technical winter gear.
The NAO RL 2026 doesn’t reinvent the platform—it perfects it. For guiding, winter mountaineering, and serious alpine objectives, this is a meaningful upgrade and the model I would choose moving forward.
Petzl GULLY & RIDE 2026 — Small Updates That Matter in the Mountains
I’ve used both the GULLY and RIDE for years in ski mountaineering and alpine terrain, and they’ve always been tools I trust. The 2025 versions were already solid: light, compact, and reliable for steep snow and glacier travel. But after seeing and handling the 2026 updates, it’s clear Petzl wasn’t just refreshing these tools—they were refining how they actually perform in real conditions.
GULLY 2026 — More Control Where It Counts
The GULLY 2025 was already one of the best ultralight technical axes on the market, but it always felt like a tool that demanded very precise handling. The 2026 GULLY feels more intuitive in the hand.
The improved piolet-canne grip and grooved shaft make a noticeable difference on long approaches and steep traverses, especially when conditions are firm and exposure is high. The updated pick design, tapered to 3 mm, bites cleaner into hard snow and alpine ice, and feels more durable when placing it repeatedly.
What I appreciate most is the tool-free adjustable TRIGREST—this is a real improvement for guides and climbers who move between different terrain types in the same day. Compared to the 2025 model, the 2026 GULLY feels more precise, more comfortable, and more forgiving over long days.
RIDE 2026 — Still Minimal, Now More Confidence-Inspiring
The RIDE 2025 has always been about simplicity and weight savings, and at 240 g, the 2026 version stays true to that philosophy. What’s changed is how secure it feels.
The enhanced pick geometry and better piolet-canne grip make the RIDE more effective on steep snow where you really don’t want to question your tool. The 3 mm steel pick penetrates more cleanly, and the beveled spike sits better in a pack without catching—small details, but ones you notice when moving fast.
Compared to the 2025 RIDE, this version feels less like an “emergency axe” and more like a purpose-built tool for ski mountaineering and high-angle snow travel.
Neither the GULLY nor the RIDE 2026 reinvent their categories—but that’s the point. These updates focus on handling, precision, and confidence, not just weight savings.
As a mountaineer and guide, I value tools that disappear in my hand and simply work when conditions get serious. The 2026 versions do exactly that, and I would choose them over the 2025 models without hesitation for alpine and ski mountaineering objectives.
Petzl’s Updated Pulley Lineup 2026 — Simple Tools, Smarter Design
One of the products that quietly stood out to me at the WWXRA Expo was Petzl’s updated pulley lineup for 2026. It’s the kind of gear that doesn’t always get the spotlight, but when you work with rescue systems, hauling, or efficiency in the mountains, pulleys matter—a lot.
I’ll be honest: in the middle of all the excitement, conversations, and new gear, I missed the chance to take photos of these pulleys. But I did have the opportunity to handle them, inspect them closely, and feel the changes firsthand—and that’s where the difference really shows.
Compared to previous versions, the 2026 pulleys feel cleaner, more refined, and more intuitive. The updates aren’t flashy, but they’re purposeful. Ergonomics have clearly improved: everything from how the rope sits to how the pulley feels in hand is more deliberate. Friction management feels more efficient, especially in models like the MINI and MINDER, which are tools I regularly use for hauling systems and training scenarios.
The RESCUE S stands out as a compact, no-nonsense rescue solution—lighter, simpler, and clearly designed for efficiency when time and clarity matter. The updated FIXE feels more modern and streamlined, while the OSCILLANTE remains a smart ultralight option for emergency or minimalist setups.
Compared to earlier models, these pulleys feel less like “basic hardware” and more like refined tools designed by people who actually use them in the field. The visual redesign is subtle, but the functional improvements are what really count.
Petzl’s 2026 pulley updates reflect a strong focus on efficiency, simplicity, and real-world rescue performance. They don’t try to reinvent the pulley—but they make it better in all the ways that matter when systems need to work smoothly and without hesitation.
Sometimes the best updates are the ones you feel in your hands before you ever read the specs—and these pulleys are a perfect example of that.
Two Key Technologies Shaping Petzl’s Winter Future: CORD-TEC & DART
Beyond individual products, what really caught my attention at WWXRA were two technologies that show where Petzl is heading in winter and technical terrain: the redesigned CORD-TEC system and the evolution of the DART crampon range. These aren’t just new models—they’re refinements of systems that many of us already trust.
There aren’t photos to show here, because these are technological updates rather than visual redesigns. But after handling them, discussing them with Petzl reps, and thinking about how we actually use this gear in the field, the direction feels very clear.
CORD-TEC — Ultralight, Finally Dialed In
I’ve used CORD-TEC crampons for years in ski touring and glacier travel. The concept has always been brilliant: ultralight, packable, efficient. The weak point, historically, was durability and stretch over time.
The 2026 CORD-TEC update feels like Petzl closing that gap.
The stronger anti-abrasion cord with 80% less stretch immediately stood out to me. This directly addresses one of the main concerns users had with earlier generations. The system now feels more stable under load, especially during longer days where small inefficiencies add up.
The redesigned aluminum rear sections, increased rocker, and longer front points improve walking efficiency and bite on firmer snow. Adding ANTISNOW plates as standard in several kits is also a smart move—this is the kind of detail that shows Petzl is thinking about real conditions, not just lab performance.
What I appreciate most is the field-replaceable cord that requires no knot. That’s a big deal for guides, educators, and anyone who wants a system that’s simple, repairable, and reliable in remote environments.
This update doesn’t change what CORD-TEC is—it makes it trustworthy for more people, in more situations.
DART — Precision Without Compromise
The DART system has always been about technical performance, and the 2026 updates reinforce that identity. The most striking improvement is the weight reduction—115 g lighter than previous versions—without sacrificing stability.
The aluminum rear sections and flexible linking bars improve walking comfort and boot compatibility, which matters more than people think on long ice days. The modular mono/dual point system continues to be one of the strongest aspects of the DART line, allowing climbers to fine-tune their setup depending on terrain and conditions.
What really stands out to me is Petzl’s decision to expand spare parts for both front and rear sections. This reinforces a philosophy I strongly agree with: high-end technical gear should be modifiable and repairable, not disposable.
Final Thoughts
Both CORD-TEC and DART represent Petzl doing what they do best: listening to how gear is actually used, then refining it without overcomplicating things.
These technologies don’t aim to impress at first glance—they aim to perform when conditions are demanding, which is exactly what we look for in winter mountaineering, glacier travel, and ice climbing. They’ll directly support the kind of technical education and outings we run at Loco por la Aventura Basecamp, and I’m excited to see them in real field use in the seasons ahead.
A Transformative Experience at WWSRA
The WWSRA Expo was more than a trade show—it was a place to learn, to connect, and to witness firsthand the innovation that continues to push our sport forward. Seeing Petzl’s FW26 line up close allowed me to evaluate equipment that will make a real difference for the climbers and adventurers we serve at Loco por la Aventura.
A Final Note — Purpose, Community, and What Comes Next
Connecting with these upcoming Petzl releases was a powerful reminder of how innovation shapes the future of climbing and mountaineering. We’re excited to announce that many of these Fall/Winter 2026 Petzl products will soon be available at Loco por la Aventura Basecamp.
This means our community will have access to some of the best gear in the world—from one of the most respected brands in the vertical and safety industry.
And when you shop at Basecamp, you’re doing much more than purchasing outdoor equipment—you’re buying with purpose.
At Basecamp, 100% of all sales support Loco por la Aventura’s mission to provide free outdoor education and activities to the Latino community and to anyone seeking a welcoming entry into the outdoors.
Your purchase becomes a bridge—helping us break barriers, create opportunities, and empower more individuals to explore nature safely and confidently.
We can’t wait to bring these new products to our shelves and continue building a stronger, more connected outdoor community—one adventure at a time
