December 2010 – 291

FEATURES

GALLERY
World tour: Switzerland, Mexico, Arizona, California, North Carolina

SOFT KOR
Not all of Layton Kor’s masterpieces were desperate frightfests. Here, seven climbs mere mortals can enjoy.
By Brendan Leonard

DIAMONDS IN THE DUST
A spur-of-the-moment trip to Oman reveals great climbing and a fascinating, friendly culture.
By Molly Loomis

BAJA UNREQUITED
It was such a brilliant plan: unclimbed cliffs approached by inflatable kayak. What could go wrong?

SKILLS SPECIAL: STEEP ICE
Tap the combined wisdom of seven ice experts and learn how to lead vertical ice with confidence.

DEPARTMENTS

Contributors
Lynn Willis, Brendan Leonard, Lee Lang

Editorial
Learning to love climbing’s coldest game

Letters

Just Out
Super-light boots, an innovative belay device, and an inexpensive softshell

Hot Flashes
Big-wall free climbing: the Eiger’s Harlin Route and Africa’s toughest wall

Off the Wall
Married couple attemps Fifty Classics, Paul Ross completes 500th FA, and more

Ten Things…
Sport climbing’s weird early days

Players
Brian Runnells: the "Climbing Narcissist"

Tech Tips
The serious dangers of dirty cordage

Classic Climbs
North Carolina Dopey Duck (5.9)

Mileage
Head north for sea-cliff ice climbing on Quebec’s gorgeous Gaspe Peninsula

Reviews
Six can’t-miss gift ideas for the holidays

Perspective
Dean Fidelman, Mr. Stone Nudes, turns the camera on himself