Historically, climbers cut their teeth with the help of guides or mentors. Now, a new climber can follow, scroll, and like their way towards proficiency. Or can they?

“It was probably too big of a grade jump!”

We chatted with a few industry experts to better understand the strengths and weaknesses of each product. 

Hörst spoke with Climbing the day after his ascent on downgrading, kneepads, and keeping grades with the times.

Closures of famous crags are encouraging new development further afield, and widening the often-insular route-development community.

Because big differences in weight—surprise!—make a difference.

Here are some favorites from our team, which range from $20-$350, and are sure to be appreciated by beginners and seasoned tool-swingers alike.

After her fall, Whitney Clark crawled for 2.5 hours down talus and scree to reach a rescue helicopter, but ultimately suffered only minor injuries.

With 'Round Trip Ticket' (M7 AI5+ A0), Alan Rousseau, Jackson Marvell, and Matt Cornell have established one of the most impressive Himalayan routes in recent memory.

“This was my first time ever falling while clipping. A huge but very safe fall.”

Earlier this month, the Verzasca Dam in Ticino, Switzerland, saw the return of the Red Bull Dual Ascent for its second iteration. Twelve mixed-gender teams of climbers battled it out on the 720-foot-high concrete wall, culminating in a nail-bitingly close final for Jenya Kazbekova (Ukraine) and teammate Alberto Ginés López (Spain), and the sibling team of Jernej and Julija Kruder (Slovenia), who ultimately claimed first place.

Their 2,100-meter route was graded ED, a terse grade that feels appropriate for the duo’s proudly minimalist climbing style.

It was the 23-year-old’s third free route on El Cap, after 'Golden Gate' and 'Freerider' in a day.

“I’ll be back for you, 'Prime Directive.' Hopefully with someone who will hang the draws for me.”

No shoes, no problem. The barefoot Frenchman is back with another potential V17, 'L’Ombre du Voyageur.'

After four seasons of work, Sabourin has become the first person to repeat Mason Earle’s trad route 'Stranger Than Fiction' (5.14), at Bartlett Wash outside of Moab.

Andrey Stepanov failed to adhere to safety requirements while planning a 2022 expedition.

Sometimes, at hanging belays, there’s nowhere to hide.

The Kong Panic Draw has an ingenious “stick clip” design to skip cruxes and reachy clips.

As good as Roper was at writing and editing, he was also one heck of a climber whose résumé during the Golden Age of Yosemite put him amongst the best of his generation.

The classic mistake is to listen to your natural instinct to save yourself by jumping from an easy warm-up route onto your target onsight for the day.

A magazine can dream.

We would have done a few things differently here.

“The belayer and I were aware of his left leg under the rope but we let him focus on his climb.”

Climbers from Canada, France, and the U.K. will be awarded in Briançon, France, in November. American George Lowe will receive the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award.

‘Prayer for a Friend’ joins a growing list of impressive multi-pitch free climbs in Washington.

Plus: Anak Verhoeven sends yet another 5.14d/15a, and Access Fund is donating $10,000 to replace bolts at your favorite crag.

The 18-year-old college student passed away after a fall from the anchors of a sport route. 

Each January we post a farewell tribute to those members of our community lost in the year just past. Some of the people you may have heard of, some not. All are part of our community and contributed to climbing.

A quick, attentive belay prevented a gnarly ground fall.

Two American women vying for the 8000er record and their guides were swept away by the slide on the famed Chinese peak. One U.S. climber and a Sherpa guide are confirmed dead.

We’d want this belayer at the end of our rope.

Plyometrics involve rapid muscle stretching and contraction to increase power production. For a climber, this means the ability to move quickly off a hold with a large amount of force.

The Venturas have been posted in the Red River Gorge for 40 years. A first-time visitor experiences the magic for himself.

Yikes.

The weekly roundup: Niky Ceria taps Finland's unbelievable bouldering potential; Patagonia's Aguja Standhardt is climbed in winter; Beckett Hsin (14) climbs stout V14; Connor Herson and Fan Yang add 2,000-foot 5.13+ to Mt. Whitney's East Face.

Nearly every move a climber makes is based around the center of the body, the core. The stronger the core, the easier climbing becomes.

Climber in critical condition following gear-ripping fall on pitch four of The Great White Wall

“I knew the crimp was a bit suspect, but it made the first crux flow better, so I just went for it.”

309 hectares of old growth forest protected in perpetuity in “The Yosemite of South America”

Jerry Gallwas made history when he climbed the Northwest Face of Half Dome with Royal Robbins and Mike Sherrick in 1957. Then the army, raising a family, and a 150-foot fall changed his priorities.

Read it all in our weekly news roundup.

Seriously. It’s not pleasant.

The British crack guru hopes to link it into a massive single pitch this month.

The National Park Service is implementing a temporary area and trail closure while the crack is investigated further.

The Konseal looks a little unorthodox but it is the most practical and comfortable all-day rock harness I’ve had the pleasure of abusing.

There’s a lot to learn from this video.

Salvaterra climbed around the world with true dedication—especially in Patagonia. Guidebook author Rolando Garibotti called Salvaterra “The most devoted and committed lover Cerro Torre has ever had.”

Liza Mills has climbed 25 Grade V (or harder) walls, had epics with Lynn Hill, sailed across the world in a 35-foot sailboat, taught art in a city dubbed its state’s “murder capital,” and, at 48, still climbs 5.13. And she has big plans ahead.

The Weekly Roundup: 12-year-old Bayes Wilder sends 5.14c, Laura Rogora onsights 5.14b (while hanging draws!), Everest prices are sky rocketing, and Seb Berthe flashes 'Rayu' (5.14b; 2000ft).

“I got the pitch dialed but my arms were so pumped that I couldn’t quite put it together.”

More climbers than ever are stirring collagen into their morning coffee, or snacking on gelatin, trying to keep their tendons healthy. But are these supplements actually helping?

The Sourdough and Blue Lake Fires shut down the only road through the park, preventing climbers from accessing the area’s premium alpine granite.

The fall is safe, at least, if a bit exciting.

The 20-year-old sent four 5.14s (two trad, two bolted, all classic) and two 5.13 stem corners, in just over a month.

Perhaps most exciting is the Generator’s sub categories: mid top or low, and high- or low-volume fit.

Plus the two best climbing films of the week.

Sometimes it’s better to stay on-edge.

Hit a plateau? There’s no need to switch up your training routine, nor incorporate hangboarding. All you have to do to boost your climbing grade is relocate. To the Midwest.

After watching ‘Free Solo,’ the social worker knew he wanted to try climbing. Only his own doubts stood in his way.

Vedauwoo’s crack boulders are just as quality as its soaring splitters, yet their low height and minimal rack make them far more accessible.

Retreating ice continues to yield bodies across the Alps

Faced with a serious pump, this climber tried to clip in a very strenuous position.

Pelvic problems are overwhelmingly prevalent—but they do not need to be accepted as part of life.

Each January we post a farewell tribute to those members of our community lost in the year just past. Some of the people you may have heard of, some not. All are part of our community and contributed to climbing.

The film takes us from glacier to summit, highlighting the tip-thrashing cracks, portaledge cook-offs, and poopy travails of living on a wall.

Projecting is intimidating—especially if you’re working this airy route.

So where are all the climbers?

Their commitment, at least, deserves high praise.

Todra Gorge has world-class limestone with hundreds of routes for every skill level. Here’s what to know when planning a trip. 

The crux of 'Magical Thinking' has an 80-plus-foot fall potential—with a leg-snapping slab lurking below.

Stick-clipping can be a safe way to start your route. But only if you do it right.

The story of the deadly avalanche in October 2022 on India’s Draupadi Ka Danda II.

This isn’t a guide to 2024's flashiest bivy gear—although there are some instant-classics included below. This is the gear we return to time and again when we’re headed for the hills.

After his brother was paralyzed from the waist down, the climber was determined to make big adventures accessible for everyone.

After quitting climbing to join a Swiss monastery in the early 2000s, Berthod returned to Squamish with two goals.

Climbing falls can be disorienting and unexpected. Why not wear a bucket?

This one will make your palms sweat.

Use these stretches as a way to balance your time hangboarding, climbing, or at home to keep your hands, wrists, fingers, and elbows strong and mobile.

The 22-year-old spoke with us about 'Law'—the hardest route of his career—and his desire to bolt hard new American lines.