While there are numerous ways to haul and lower, we’ve outlined simple and efficient methods that are versatile for a number of situations and easy to learn by beginners and longtime climbers alike.
"I’ve been climbing for a pretty long time, long enough that I feel like I shouldn’t still get so freaking nervous when I’m going for the send."
No so long ago, hand jamming seemed a trad-only skill. But now jams play a crucial role in World Cup Comps and on America's first 5.15c sport route. Is it time you learned?
No need to wait until you can lead 5.12 or poop on a portaledge. If you can lead 5.6 trad, you can climb here, especially if you follow these 10 tips. (From 2013)
Instead of spending your climbs untangling a rope, learn a few simple methods that will help you spend more time sending.
Your Virgin Island itinerary is simple: send, rinse, repeat.
It seems simple in theory—throw your heel around a hold or feature to use those powerful leg muscles to pull you into the wall—but it’s much more nuanced in practice. Here's how to perfect it.
We’ve gathered experience-driven tips and tricks to create a foolproof recipe for success on pumpy layback pitches.
Although the correct process to cut a rope is very simple, there are two things to keep in mind when you’re done.
Racking them, placing them, threading them, stacking them, trusting them. Here's what you need to know about using nuts.
Progressing from weekend cragging to long alpine routes can be intimidating for anyone, even strong and competent traditional climbers.
A directional is a piece of gear, be it a bolt or a cam or a nut, that places your climbing rope in the most appropriate location for zigs and zags on a climb.
When the wall kicks back past vertical, the pump clock starts ticking. It’s all about getting to the chains before that alarm goes off.
Thou shalt read this and do as I sayeth
Whether you’re seeking out pods and pin scars in Yosemite, tackling the blissful parallels of Indian Creek, or just trying not to blow your chances in your next bouldering comp, we’ve compiled tricks of the trade that will open up a whole new world of crack climbing.
Want to enhance your rappelling skillset? Build better anchors? Perfect your gear placements? Crush your first multi-pitch?
Check out Julie Ellison's author page.
There’s a fatal flaw to many climbers’ training regimen: monotony. Get strong by having fun.
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How The Climbing Academy—a traveling high school centered on rock climbing— is building the next generation of redpoint and academic crushers
Check out Julie Ellison's author page.
The exquisite finger crack that inspired the author’s trad-climbing career
Climbing travel with social awareness
Check out Julie Ellison's author page.
Check out Julie Ellison's author page.
Are big-wall speed climbers pushing too far?
The story behind one of Bishop’s most prized (and misspelled) problems
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The Austrian Barbara “Babsi” Zangerl has ticked V13, 5.14d sport, 5.14 trad, the Alpine Trilogy of 5.14-, multi-pitch, high-altitude free climbs, and some of the hardest free routes on El Capitan, making her one of the best, most versatile climbers in the world.
After a slew of climbing tragedies last fall, big wall climber Madaleine Sorkin partners with the American Alpine Club to provide resources for climbers affected by death.
An economic-impact study of climbing in Chattanooga, Tennessee, has revealed that climbers have a major influence on local economies
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An excerpt from our new book Climb to Fitness: The Ultimate Guide to Customizing a Powerful Workout on the Wall.
After the indigenous people of Indonesia’s West Timor prevented miners from destroying their sacred mountains, they sought sustainable forms of revenue. A team of kayakers and climbers traveled here with one question: Could climbing and adventure tourism be it?
Check out Julie Ellison's author page.
Check out Julie Ellison's author page.
Check out Julie Ellison's author page.
Check out Julie Ellison's author page.
Scarface is a photographic rite of passage for Indian Creek climbers
As pro climbers strive to maintain sponsor attention, they are often forced to seek out harder, bigger, or bolder lines—and then to do them for the camera.
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Looking back on the 2017 Women's Climbing Festival
Check out Julie Ellison's author page.
Check out Julie Ellison's author page.
Give your favorite climber improved performance with this eating plan
Check out Julie Ellison's author page.
Check out Julie Ellison's author page.
More fundamentals for multi-pitch awesomeness to get you to the top—and back down—safely.
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Sponsored by La Sportiva: How an ultrarunner biked 79 miles, ran 14 miles, and climbed the Diamond on Longs Peak in just 9 hours.
Check out Julie Ellison's author page.
Check out Julie Ellison's author page.
Fighting jealousy in an age of virtual spray
6 products to keep you boozin’ in the backcountry
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Check out Julie Ellison's author page.
Check out Julie Ellison's author page.
Check out Julie Ellison's author page.
Check out Julie Ellison's author page.
Check out Julie Ellison's author page.
5 must-have products tested on 6 continents
Check out Julie Ellison's author page.
Check out Julie Ellison's author page.
Check out Julie Ellison's author page.
Check out Julie Ellison's author page.
Check out Julie Ellison's author page.
5 minimalist softshells with maximum protection
Check out Julie Ellison's author page.
Check out Julie Ellison's author page.
Check out Julie Ellison's author page.
Check out Julie Ellison's author page.
Check out Julie Ellison's author page.
Get a full serving of veggies, grains, and meat in this healthy dish
El Potrero Chico, Mexico, is a big wall sport climbing paradise with short approaches, a tight community, and the world's best and biggest margaritas. When Editor Julie Ellison set off on her own life-list trip south of the border, she had no idea that the experience would change her as a climber forever.
Learn two jugging techniques for efficient rope ascension
The best climbing trips are about more than filling a tick list. One climber finds epic beauty and stark reality in Kalymnos.
Improve redpointing efficiency with these simple clipping tricks
Conquer trail and technical approaches with our approach shoe picks
Check out Julie Ellison's author page.