Versa Pack EP Climbing: Tested by La Fabrique Verticale

This year, EP Climbing is launching a pack that was missing from its range of holds: the Versa Pack, which combines a Starter and Advanced sets. In a single mega-series, it brings together all the types of grips one could dream of for setting routes or boulders. Highly versatile, it gives a climbing gym or club access to 150 varied holds—at a reasonable cost since it comes as a pack, but with modern, contemporary shapes. La Fabrique Verticale had the chance to put them to the test.

With the explosion of indoor bouldering and the rise of large PU shapes, the price of climbing holds has soared in recent years. For clubs and public facilities, it’s often more economical to buy in packs when equipping or renewing their walls. However, many packs lack variety in grip types. EP Climbing’s idea was therefore to rethink its offering and propose a more complete, technical, and attractive solution.

The Concept Behind the Versa Pack

This is how the Versa Pack came to life: two sets, Starter and Advanced, for a total of 150 holds with ergonomic, up-to-date shapes. Curious to see how this new pack would perform, La Fabrique Verticale tested it this spring in different settings: first for route setting on the University of Corsica’s campus wall, then at home while creating boulder problems on our own training wall.

EP Climbing is certainly no newcomer to the climbing hold market—in fact, it’s a pioneer celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. Yet, the French brand remains better known for its artificial climbing structures than for its holds. Despite producing modern and relevant shapes, more fashionable brands often dominate the scene—an unfair outcome given the quality of EP’s products.

Versa Pack: First Impressions

Straight out of the box, we found the Versa Pack holds smooth to the touch and reasonably lightweight, given their PE construction. The design is clean, with grips organized by type and size. The set includes slopers, jugs, pinches, pockets, and crimps of various sizes, as well as screw-on footholds and micro holds. Everything you need to create a route or boulder without digging through boxes to complete the selection.

The Starter set, as its name suggests, is designed for easier routes. It features plenty of jugs, edges, pockets, and big comfy crimps. Most of the footholds are positive and straightforward. By contrast, the Advanced set steps up the challenge, with more technical grips: open-hand slopers and pinches, plus an array of screw-on micros for volumes or footholds.

Color-wise, the Versa Pack is available in all EP Climbing catalog shades—including mint, a stylish and fresh option. We did wonder, however, about the durability of this color and the likelihood of rubber marks in heavy-use settings. But this caveat applies to all brands.

Versa Pack in Action

We tested the Versa Pack holds in two very different contexts: on the University of Corsica’s wall (with moderate profiles from slabs to slight overhangs), and on our personal wall, which features a variety of angles, volumes, and edges. The holds proved versatile and rich in possibilities, suitable for both bouldering and routes.

Most of the holds are compact and easy to store. Even the larger Advanced set slopers and pinches remain lightweight thanks to hollow backs. Though made of PE, they are easy to handle and install—a real plus for setters.

For fixing, you have two options: for larger holds, CHC/FHC bolts with supplementary wood screws, or wood screws alone (3–4 holes provided). For micros (plus 2–3 pockets in the Starter set), attachment is only with wood screws. We really appreciated this versatility: for instance, on a wall already packed with holds, you can fill gaps off-grid, spray-wall style. In general, the holds can be installed on any panel or volume, even without inserts.

The Shapes

Designed by Ben Norman and Cailean Harker of Impact Route Setting, the large slopers and pinches of the Advanced set are wonderfully crafted for developing open-hand strength. These were our favorites: highly ergonomic and perfect for engaging palm and chest muscles—not to mention core tension. Movement-wise, they allow for sequences that demand focus on body positioning and direction of applied force, especially on overhangs. Ideal for bouldering or tough routes. We had a blast with these!

The Starter set, meanwhile, offers a wide range of jugs, ledges, and crimps. Some shapes feel a little redundant, but they’re very suitable for moderate-grade routes. We particularly liked the symmetrical effects and near-identical holds, which can create uncertainty for climbers when reading from below. Another strength is their tapered edges: on the side opposite the grip, the holds don’t provide unintended big footholds when placed upside down or vertically. Smart design!

Pockets, Bi- and Tris

Another pleasant surprise was the inclusion of about ten pockets, with ergonomic, finger-friendly shapes. The two- and three-finger pockets come in various depths and angles, with curves that make them comfortable and non-injurious. We happily integrated them into routes and boulders—even in steep overhangs and roofs. They enrich the pack by enabling forced sequences, especially big cross moves, since by definition you can’t easily switch hands on them. A great pedagogical tool.

Versa Pack: The Texture

The texture of the Versa Pack holds is pleasant—grippy but not abrasive. They don’t sand down your skin, yet they provide just enough friction to hold securely. Being made of PE, they avoid the unpleasant feel of plastic and don’t polish too quickly under heavy use. The choice of PE struck us as wise for two reasons. First, the tactile quality. Second, durability, since the pack is primarily aimed at clubs and public facilities.

La Fabrique Verticale’s Verdict

With the Versa Pack, EP Climbing’s goal was clear: to make it easy and affordable for any gym or club to acquire a comprehensive range of holds—sufficiently technical to support varied levels of climbing. Mission accomplished! While typical “club packs” are often limited and repetitive, the Versa Pack is truly… versatile.

The shapes are more modern than those usually found in such packs. Used thoughtfully, whether on vertical or overhanging terrain, the Versa Pack allows setters to create routes with diverse grip types and boulders that reflect today’s movement styles. It can also help less experienced climbers improve their technique and sensations. Great !

Versa Pack: Technical Specs

• Set of 150 PE holds
• Sizes S, M, and L
• Fixing options: CHC/FHC bolts with wood screws, or wood screws alone
• Price: €1,290 for the complete pack (each grip family—jugs, crimps, slopers, pinches, footholds, etc.—can also be purchased separately)