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Deals

The Six Formative Moments in Every Climbing Career

Whether you’re a climber from Southern California or from Northern Vietnam, these will probably be familiar, and they probably changed the way you do business.

Esq., Ryan Siacci Mar 17, 2022
Skills

A Faster Way to Descend Multipitch Routes? The Lower / Rappel Combo

Descending at maximum efficiency on long routes should include lowering techniques as well as rappelling. Here's how to make it work.

Steve Banks Mar 16, 2022
Skills

Flappers, Bruises, Shredded Tips? Here’s How to Deal With Bad Skin.

A comprehensive guide to skin care for rock climbing.

Chris Schulte Mar 16, 2022
People

Why You Should Seek Out the Sisterhood of the Rope

The unique way women inspire each other to climb.

Katie Lambert Mar 15, 2022
Skills

Master the Ultimate Multi-Pitch Anchor: The Quadalette

Use a long cordelette or sling to create a fast, safe, and easy self-equalizing quad anchor

Rob Coppolillo and Marc Chauvin Mar 15, 2022
People

The Best Climbing Advice 12 Pros Have Ever Received

We asked 12 pros: What's the best piece of climbing advice you've received? Some of their answers are obvious, others are enlightening. But all are worthy considerations when out on the rock, plastic, or ice.

Bennett Slavsky Mar 14, 2022
Places

Are these the Best 5.6 Multipitch Routes in the US?

Eight routes that keep the adventure high and the difficulty manageable.

Leia Larsen Mar 11, 2022
Places

Are These the Best Hand Cracks in America?

Take a look at some of the best hand-sized crack climbs across the country, from Nevada to West Virginia.

Sean Bacon Mar 9, 2022
People

“Who the F#$% bolted this?”: The Five Stages of a Sandbag

Sandbag: (noun) A route of substantially elevated difficulty in comparison to others of the same grade. (verb) To suggest a route of such character to a friend.

Esq., Ryan Siacci Mar 8, 2022
Skills

Learn to Trad Climb: A Beginner’s Guide

Want to enhance your rappelling skillset? Build better anchors? Perfect your gear placements? Crush your first multi-pitch?

Julie Ellison Mar 8, 2022
Skills

How to Train for Climbing by Climbing Outside

Climbing gyms are great. But you can also train for climbing by climbing outside. Here are eight tips from veteran crusher Chris Schulte.

Chris Schulte Mar 7, 2022
Places

Six Classic Free Routes With Cruxes You Can Skip (Just in Case)

Some climbers wait to attempt famous free routes until they’re good enough to do them in perfect style. But what if you are never that good? Purists would say you should stay off the climb—leave it for those who have the necessary strength and talent. I say go for it, with a few points of A0.

Dougald MacDonald Mar 3, 2022
Skills

How to Hangboard

Hangboard training is one of the most efficient, effective ways to improve finger strength. Here's how to get started, safely and in good style.

Dave Sheldon Mar 1, 2022
News

Yosemite’s Wild Days (in Pictures)

The following photos provide a glimpse into the evolution of Yosemite's climbing scene, including pioneers like Royal Robbins and Warren Harding, as well as present-day badasses like Alex Honnold.

Climbing Mar 1, 2022
News

10 Things You Didn’t Know About Granite

Granite. Climbers love it, even as it tears their flesh, steals their gear, and makes them feel oh-so-small. You know how granite feels under your hands and feet, how it smells, and the way it turns to gold in the last light of day, but here are a few things you probably didn't know.

Sarah Garlick Feb 25, 2022
Skills

The 50 Most Common Climbing Mistakes

These all-too-common climbing mistakes could kill you, hurt you, beat you down, delay your send, or ruin your reputation.

Laura Snider Feb 24, 2022
Skills

Everything You Need to Know for Your First Big Wall

Solid on 5.9 gear routes? Ready for the greatest adventure of your life? From hauling to lower-outs and poop tubes, our step-by-step guide will show you the way.

Mark Synnott Feb 23, 2022
Skills

Five Tips For Safer Rappelling in Alpine Terrain

Rappelling in alpine terrain can be the crux of big routes. Stuck ropes, high winds, leaving gear... a lot can go wrong. Here are five tips to stack your odds.

Mark Synnott Feb 21, 2022
Skills

Tap The Flow State To Climb Your Best. Sounds Absurd? Believe It.

When we're in a flow state we not only climb our best but also feel our best—it doesn’t matter if we fail because we know we could not have done any better.

Hazel Findlay Feb 12, 2022
People

When You Fall Free Soloing … and Live: Five Climbers Recall Their Lucky Grounders

Michael Reardon fell while free soloing... and lived. So Did John Bachar, James Lucas, Doug Heinrich, and Ben Heason. One of the five later died soloing.

Michael Reardon Jan 19, 2022
Places

“If You Can Lead at Devil’s Lake You Can Lead Anywhere”: The Heady Climbs of the Midwest

On the sharp end and otherwise at the Midwest's most storied climbing area.

Jay Knower Jan 18, 2022
Skills

Jonathan Siegrist’s Top 5 Rules for Effective Goal-Setting

Almost every climber has ambitions, but often we simply don’t know how to move forward or at what pace—and so, perhaps, we plateau. Fortunately, there are five simple ways to track your goals and encourage steady progress.

Jonathan Siegrist Jan 5, 2022
Photos

The Nine Pieces of Gear That Saved Our Readers

140-footers on El Cap? Check.

Climbing Staff Jan 2, 2022
People

Soloist Is Stranded Midway Up Longs Peak. His Rescuer Piggybacks Him Up 5.4 To Safety

What do you do if you find an injured solo climber halfway up a 1,600-foot face? In the 1930s, the only option was a high-elevation piggyback ride.

Dougald MacDonald Dec 30, 2021
News

This Incident Was So Unsafe It’s Unbelievable, But It’s True

Out of draws, the leader opted to hold onto the chains and untie to thread.

Kevin Corrigan Dec 27, 2021
News

Cedar Wright: “Dirtbagging Is Dead”

Where have all the dirtbags gone?

Cedar Wright Dec 22, 2021
Skills

Training: Perfect Pull-Ups for Climbing Strength

Basic exercises to increase endurance and lockoff strength

Julie Ellison and Adam Scheer Dec 22, 2021
People

A Mis-clipped Anchor Leads to a 60-foot Grounder—And a Life Saving Spot

We spot boulder problems. Sometimes we spot climbers before they clip their first piece of pro. Now imagine spotting a climber falling 60 feet.

Dougald MacDonald Dec 16, 2021
Skills

Uncoordinated? Here are Three Drills to Improve Your Dynamic Movement

Check out Josh Larson's author page.

Josh Larson Dec 14, 2021
People

The Calculated Madness of Marc-André Leclerc

Check out Drew Copeland's author page.

Drew Copeland Dec 9, 2021
People

Climber’s Only Pro Pulls While 30ft Up. Stranger Solos Up to Reset It As He Whips

In a crisis, decisive action may be the difference between life and death. Sometimes only a bystander is prepared to take that step.

Dougald MacDonald Dec 8, 2021
Places

Six Big Snow and Ice Couloirs for Beginners

It doesn’t take much to learn the basics (ice axe and crampon use, self-arresting techniques, snow hazard analysis) and unlock big new terrain for yourself.

Molly Loomis Dec 6, 2021
News

For Safety’s Sake Don’t Do This: Let A Clueless Dad Take A Kid Climbing

He bought all new gear then hit the cliff with his son. Unfortunately, he hadn't learned to climb and put both their lives in danger.

Kevin Corrigan Dec 5, 2021
People

With No Rescue Equipment and a Dying, Paralyzed Partner, This Climber Dug Deep

Where do you find superhuman strength? If someone you love is utterly dependent on your efforts, sometimes you discover it’s already within you.

Dougald MacDonald Dec 1, 2021
People

Climbers Come Unclipped At Anchor, A Life-Saving Body Belay Ensues

A tiny ledge three pitches off the ground. The anchor is unclipped. Your belayer has just fallen over the edge. Now what?

Dougald MacDonald Nov 23, 2021
People

Ordinary Heroes: Never Mono a Bolt Hanger—Unless You’re Saving Someone’s Life

Everyone has heard of the distraught mother lifting a car off of her baby. But grabbing a bolt while saving a falling climber? That one is new.

Dougald MacDonald Nov 16, 2021
Skills

Climb Harder By Mastering Kneebars. Heather Weidner’s Advice For Success.

Unlock hard sequences and recover with a solid kneebar.

James Lucas Nov 15, 2021
People

Trapped By A 600-pound Block, He Would Have Died Except For A Quick-Thinking Partner

The climbers thought they might do a variation to the Steck-Salathé and brought a bolt kit—a decision that would prove crucial.

Dougald MacDonald Nov 9, 2021
People

Brittany Griffith, Worldclass Chef and Climber, Is the Ideal Expedition Partner

“She’s my favorite international climbing partner,” says Kate Rutherford. "She can make ramen and tuna taste gourmet."

James Lucas Nov 8, 2021
Skills

Have A Sore Neck From Belaying? Then You Need To Read This.

Belaying can strain your neck, causing a host of health issues.

Dr. Carla Cupido Nov 8, 2021
People

Ordinary Heroes: Escaping a 2,000-Foot Alaskan Wall With a Paralyzed Partner

Check out Dougald MacDonald's author page.

Dougald MacDonald Nov 2, 2021
Skills

5 Tips for Safer Belaying

Internationally certified mountain guide Rob Coppolillo shares five ways to ensure a safer belay.

Rob Coppolillo Nov 1, 2021
News

10 Things You Didn’t Know about Sport Climbing’s Early Days

A few eureka moments, plus years of refinement, led to the tricks, tools, and techniques we take for granted when out bolt-wrasslin’ today.

Matt Samet Oct 29, 2021
People

Photo Essay: Yosemite’s Stone Monkeys Climbed Hard and Lived on the Fringe

Check out Cedar Wright's author page.

Cedar Wright Oct 27, 2021
People

Ordinary Heroes: Though He Was Killed by Rockfall, His Belay Hand Never Left the Rope

Check out Dougald MacDonald's author page.

Dougald MacDonald Oct 26, 2021
People

What’s the Point of Climbing? A Lifer Weighs In

Check out Katie Lambert's author page.

Katie Lambert Oct 25, 2021
People

To Bolt or Not to Bolt? The Frightful Story of Air China (5.13+ R)

Check out Matt Segal's author page.

Matt Segal Oct 19, 2021
Skills

How and Why to Train on the Moonboard

Pro climber and coach Justen Sjong teaches the basics of this powerful training tool.

Ula Chrobak Oct 19, 2021
People

Peter Mortimer, Director of “The Alpinist”, On How to Make Better Climbing Films

Sender Films’ Pete Mortimer shares his secrets to creating fresh, exciting climbing media.

JP Whitehead Oct 15, 2021
Skills

7 Ways to (Secretly) Train for Climbing

Train on a train, at a desk, in the car, in a chair, on the plane. Seriously. You'll actually see benefits.

Pat Nabong Oct 15, 2021
Skills

Dreaming of Big Mountains? Here’s How to Get Fit For Them.

Check out Steve House's author page.

Steve House Oct 13, 2021
Skills

Why, How, and When to Extend Your Draws

Learn how to extend your draws to minimize rope drag and rope abrasion while making falls less dangerous.

Jeff Achey Sep 30, 2021
People

What Happens When a 5.9 Climber Starts Training Like a Pro?

A 5.9 climber recruits the best climbing coaches in America to see if he can jump two number grades in two months. Here’s what he learned.

Kevin Corrigan Sep 24, 2021
Skills

Going Low-Carb? Say Goodbye to Power!

The evidence that going low-carb benefits any athlete’s performance is weak, mostly anecdotal, and often driven by dogma.

Brian Rigby Sep 23, 2021
Skills

Hungry? Broke? Try This Dirtbag Dinner

An easy and nutrient-rich meal for effective recovery

Elliott Natz Sep 22, 2021
People

Your Ape Index and 10 Other Really Super Important Measurements

Check out Esq.'s author page.

Esq., Ryan Siacci Sep 22, 2021
Skills

Why You Should Embrace Your “Anti-Style”

How Heather Weidner learned to embrace routes that challenged her weaknesses to become a stronger, more well-rounded climber.

Heather Weidner Sep 22, 2021
People

The Nose Alone, Patagonian Walls, and Hard Trad: Profile of Miranda Oakley

Check out Chris Kalman's author page.

Chris Kalman Sep 20, 2021
People

The Confessions of a Weight-Obsessed Climber

How skinny do we really need to be to crush? Where do you draw the line between strategic dieting and an unhealthy eating disorder?

James Lucas Sep 20, 2021
Skills

Want to Survive an Unplanned Bivy? Bring the 10 Essentials

The mountains are perilous places; packing these 10 items can save your life.

Shannon Davis Sep 15, 2021
Community

10 Things You Didn’t Know about Camming Devices

Check out Laura Snider's author page.

Laura Snider Sep 14, 2021
People

“It’s a Suffering Game”: Simone Moro and the Fine Art of Climbing 8,000m Peaks in Winter

With four first winter ascents of 8,000-meter peaks, Simone Moro has taken the art of climbing in harsh conditions to new heights, but controversy plagues his climbing résumé.

Marcello Rossi Sep 13, 2021
People

Connecting Disadvantaged Children With Nature in Greenland

Against a background of 10,000-foot peaks, icebergs, and the vast Atlantic Ocean, local Inuit kids in East Greenland are growing up stuck somewhere between traditional ways of life and the quickly encroaching modern world. Communities struggle with record suicide, alcoholism, and abuse rates. Four Icelanders and an American asked the question: Can rock climbing help?

Berne Broudy Sep 10, 2021
Places

How Miguel’s Pizza Made the Red River Gorge What It Is Today

How an immigrant from Portugal helped create America's premier sport climbing destination.

Whitney Boland Sep 9, 2021
Skills

Lacking Power? Here’s How to Moonboard

Check out James Lucas's author page.

James Lucas Sep 8, 2021
People

Jim Bridwell: The Dance of the Woo-Li Masters

The classic story of the first ascent of the East Face of Moose's Tooth by climbing legends Jim Bridwell and Mugs Stump.

Jim Bridwell Sep 8, 2021
Places

Dirty Dingus McGee and the Reese Mountain Gang

Climbing in the Laramie Mountains? It's not for the faint of heart.

Dougald MacDonald Sep 7, 2021
Skills

6 Climbing Hacks That Cost Nothing

From better boinking to a cleaner way to fill your chalk bag, savor these tips from climbers like you.

Climbing Readers Sep 6, 2021
Places

Five Darn Good Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Go Climbing in Australia

It's too beautiful. It's not crowded enough. You're better off at your local gym.

Esq., Ryan Siacci Sep 5, 2021
Bonus Columns

For Safety’s Sake, Don’t Do This: Speed Lowering

Gyms have a lot of rules and some of them might irritate you, but speed lowering is never a good idea

Matt Samet Sep 5, 2021
Skills

Why Improve as a Climber When You Can Just Lie? Here’s How To Do It

Check out Kevin Corrigan's author page.

Kevin Corrigan Sep 3, 2021
Skills

Eat Right, Feel Better, Send Harder. It’s That Simple, Right?

Climbing your best requires finding alignment between what you eat, when you eat, and what you're trying to do.

Julia Delves Sep 1, 2021
Skills

Jonathan Siegrist: How to Get Stronger? Turn Climbing into Training

Is it true that the most effective way to improve your climbing is to simply climb? Yes. At least up to a certain point.

Jonathan Siegrist Aug 31, 2021
Skills

You Trust Your Life To That? Here’s How to Identify Dangerous Climbing Bolts.

Knowing the difference between good and bad bolts can save your life.

Bruce Hildenbrand Aug 30, 2021
Skills

For Safety’s Sake, Don’t Do This: Simul-Rappel

Professional mountain guide Rob Coppolillo explains four ways simul-rappelling can be unsafe and why it might not actually save time.

Rob Coppolillo Aug 29, 2021
People

How to Spray—6 Ways to Sound Like a Better Climber Than You Are

Check out James Lucas's author page.

James Lucas Aug 25, 2021
Skills

Learn to Train for Rock Climbing: Improve Your Climbing Technique

Climbing is a skill sport and simply working on your technique can improve your ability more than any fingerboard workout. Here's how to style your way to the next grade.

Brendan Blanchard Aug 24, 2021
Skills

Learn to Train for Rock Climbing: Increase Your Power

Tired of failing on single moves because you lack the power to do them? Then this power program is for you.

Brendan Blanchard Aug 24, 2021
Skills

Get Fit for Steep Sport Routes in Four Weeks

Robyn Erbesfield-Raboutou's 4-week plan will prepare you for those wicked overhangs.

Robyn Erbesfield-Raboutou and Julie Ellison Aug 23, 2021
Skills

Make the Most of Your Office-Bound Rest Day With These 12 Climber’s Hacks

More climbers than ever are working from home—and are feeling the strain of 40 hours behind a computer. Here's how to rest up.

Dr. Lisa Erikson Aug 16, 2021
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