February 2011 – 292

FEATURES

GALLERY
5.6 to 5.14+ and everything in between.

HALF-LIFE
Chris Sharma is turning 30 in April. In our in-depth interview, Chris explains why he’s so happy to settle down at last—and how that will help him climb harder than ever.
By Jeff Achey, Photos by Boone Speed

THE WANKER 101
You can climb V1 and V0. But can you climb it all day? PLUS: three more classic bouldering circuits in California, Colorado, and the Deep South.
By Carrie Cooper, Photos by Dawn Kish

GOLDEN PITON AWARDS
Celebrating this year’s hottest sport, alpine, ice, bouldering, and endurance achievements. PLUS: Climbing’s picks for the breakthrough climbers of 2010.

DEPARTMENTS

Contributors
Carrie Cooper, Dawn Kish, Boone Speed

Editorial
The Access Fund’s Land Conservation Campaign is kicking ass.

Letters

Just Out
A new stove, a sweet pack, and a classic way to keep your paws warm

Hot Flashes
A harrowing new route on Mt. Edgar; Paige Claassen gets it done

Off the Wall
Breaking barriers in the Tetons; fixing bad bolts in Cayman Brac and Thailand

Ten Things…
Camming devices, from the very big to the very small

Tech Tips
A four-pack of must-know techniques

Classic Climbs
One of the best tower routes in the desert is not in Utah—and it’s only 5.9.

Mileage
Bienvenidos a Jilotepec, the crazy cobble zone near Mexico City.

Anchored
Chad Ellars

Perspective
Peter Metcalf, Black Diamond’s CEO, recalls the early days.