The Metolius Pocket Aider is a lightweight 5-step ladder aider that packs into its own pouch and disappears onto your harness. Clip it on and forget about it until the route throws in a pitch you'd rather aid.

It's made for mixed free-and-aid and alpine routes where the aid kit only comes out occasionally, so there's no reason to haul a full-size aider around. When you need it, you have five steps of ladder; when you don't, it stows small. Rated for body weight only, in a choice of blue or yellow.

Why you'll love it

• 5-step ladder design – proper aiding when you need it
• Packs into its own pouch – attached storage keeps it tidy on your rack
• Lightweight and compact – lives on your harness without you noticing
• Made for mixed routes – free/aid and alpine climbing where aid is occasional

Good to know

• Body-weight rated only
• Colours: blue or yellow

Who it's for

Intermediate to advanced climbers on mixed free/aid or alpine routes who want a compact aider for the odd tricky pitch.