Sam Stroh Frees El Cap’s ‘El Corazón’ In a Day
It was the 23-year-old’s third free route on El Cap, after 'Golden Gate' and 'Freerider' in a day.
Displaying 161 - 240 of approximately 420 results
An Incomplete List of Alex Honnold’s Less Famous Badassery
Alex Honnold has done quite a bit more than just boulder El Cap. Here’s what you didn’t know about climbing’s biggest celebrity
Our Editors’ Favorite Approach Shoes (Updated for 2023)
This isn't a guide to 2023's newest approach shoes—it's the pairs we return to time and again.
The Arc’teryx Konseal Is the Best Harness I’ve Ever Used
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.
Our Favorite Underrated Gear
A roundup of all the old gear we can’t stop using
American Climber Has Died On Mount Everest
Retired doctor Jonathan Sugarman of Seattle died at Camp 2 on Monday, May 1
Are These the Most Annoying Climbing Phrases of All Time?
And how to combat this noxious trend of empty-and-meaningless humblebrag effluvia...
Why I Didn’t Want to Review My Favorite Jacket
Field Tested: Outdoor Vital's Ventus Active Hoodie
Mad Rock’s Long-Awaited Drone Comp: Excellent Performance, Great Price
Check out Josh Howard's author page.
Yep: Weird Things Can Happen On Safe Climbs
Was it a freak almost-accident? A parable about life and fate? Both?
Should Aging Pro Climbers Step Down?
As the climbing community struggles to improve representation among sponsored athletes, it might be time for elder statespeople to leave professional climbing behind—or to consider new roles. (A de-paywalled piece from 2021)
Confession: I Almost Killed Myself On My First Trad Lead
I was young, dumb, and ambitious. But I should have known that 5.10 slab wasn’t a great place to start.
Watch Jonathan Siegrist Climb “Flex Luthor,” 5.15
This excellent film by Cameron Maier captures the moody soul of the Fortress of Solitude
The Tenaya Indalo Is Finally Here. It’s as Great as We’d Hoped.
The Indalo offers high performance and versatility in an incredibly comfortable, low-volume package.
A Climber We Lost: Ed Webster
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.
Imbeciles on a String
An easy day's outing turned nearly deadly when the author set aside his own experience and instead trusted an inexperienced "guide"
What’s An Injured Tommy Caldwell Up To? A Q/A With Mr. El Cap.
"I think over the years—and I couldn’t have told myself this when I was younger—I’ve learned ... not to have my life’s worth be dependent on one thing."
Clinics, Sandstone, and Pancakes at Third Annual Adaptive Climber’s Festival
With nearly 100 adaptive athletes and 60 volunteers, this year’s ACF was more than twice the size of the previous fest.
10 Freakishly Funny Climber Halloween Costume Ideas
From how to nail the Yosemite Stonemaster to a satirical take on the Weekend Ice Warrior
Alex Megos Establishes Steep 5.15b in Margalef, Spain
Megos sent The Full Journey—a route with “a rather violent dead point”—after seven days of work.
Sneak Peek of Three New Climbing Shoes (and other Gear)
New goodies are coming to the market soon!
Scarpa’s Quantix SF May be 2022’s Best High End All-arounder
Scarpa’s Quantix SF is a high-end all-arounder that outperforms many specialized shoes—and costs less.
Shawn Raboutou Does First Ascent of “Alphane” (V17)
Raboutou at last discloses one of his two rumored V17 ascents.
Scarpa’s New Instinct S is More Than “Just” a Slipper
The Instinct S nails the sweet spot for slipper fans who thrive on sensitivity and feedback, but who also want a solid dash of edging support.
Field Tested: Five Ten Crawe
A no-frills all-arounder that does well across disciplines, especially in the gym.
If You Climb Long Enough, You Will Lose People
As climbers, we can—perhaps all too easily—make sense of a comrade falling to their death. It’s a grim reality, but we understand that these things happen. If you climb long enough, you will lose people.
Is This the Best Edging Shoe on the Market?
Field Tested: the 2022 Katana Lace.
How To Choose, Fit, And Break In Rock Shoes
Stop wasting your money on shoes that don't fit or are painful or fail you. Don't be disappointed again. Here's how to buy what' just right, just for you.
The Best Climbing Shoes of 2022
Quality rubber is the most important part of your crag bag
Ten Great Mother’s Day Gift Ideas
Whether she needs a new harness or new shoes, a new helmet or new crash pad, a new rope or a fresh pair of belay glasses, Backcountry.com has great gifts for the mothers in your life.
“It was the best climbing trip of my life”: Jonathan Siegrist Crushes His Anti-Style in Spain
In a five-week period, Jonathan Siegrist sent two 5.15a's, one 5.14d/5.15a, and two 5.14d's. It was the best trip of his life—but it wasn’t what he’d planned.
Deal of the Week: Climbing Footwear
Whether you need a fresh pair of kicks for sending your steep sport project, running circuits in the gym, or approaching the climb, Backcountry.com has great deals on all your climbing footwear needs.
Deal of the Week: Tradsters
Check out Climbing Editors's author page.
Using Climbing to Fight Gender Inequality in Pakistan
The nonprofit Climbing for a Reason heads to a remote village in Pakistan's Sigar Valley to introduce climbing to its systemically disenfranchised young girls.
The TC Pro, Great All-Arounder Just Got Greater
Updated gear often takes a step back from the original design, but this redo of a classic is actually better.
How Janja Garnbret Beat Everyone By Preparing For The Worst
The Slovenian is one of the most dominant competition climbers of all time. Fresh off winning Olympic sport-climbing gold, she has her eye on the next prize.
Deal of the Week: The Approach
Check out The Editors's author page.
“You’re Outdoorsy, or You’re Girly. Be Both, Damn.” Climbing Photographer Irene Yee Talks Representation.
Irene Yee (she/her), a climber of eight years, breaks down barriers through her photography. She reflects on our community, privilege, and what it means to be loud.
Deal of the Week: New Year, New You
Check out The Editors's author page.
Are you a rock-shoe hoarder? Organize the quiver with these 3 simple tips!
Check out Matt Samet's author page.
How to Find and Fit Your Next Climbing Shoe
Check out Francis Sanzaro's author page.
Field Tested: Ocun Nitro
Check out Steven Potter's author page.
A Lost Boulderer Battles Back From His Hardest Problem: Addiction
An honest account by Nate Draughn, a top climber who hit rock bottom.
Field Tested: Scarpa Rapid Trail-Running/Scrambling Approach Shoe (Redesign)
Check out Ilana Newman's author page.
Deal of the Week: The Alpine
Check out The Editors's author page.
Acopa’s JB (for John Bachar) Pays Tribute and Is A Fantastic and Durable All-Around Rock Shoe
There are hundreds of models of rock shoes, but it's tough to find a great all-arounder. The JB makes the search easier.
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Climb in the Balkans with Rockbusters
This rock climbing road trip should be added to your bucket list
A Diamond Speed Solo So Fast The Park Ranger Didn’t Believe It
10 miles, 5,000 feet of vert including a romp up Longs Peak's Casual Route in just 3:26. What did you do before lunch?
Deal of the Week: Multi-Pitch Climbing
Check out The Editors's author page.
Breaking in Tight Rock Shoes—Gradually and Au Naturel
Check out Matt Samet's author page.
Women Show Their Grit at UK Trad Climbing Festival
The Women's Trad Festival has climbing clinics, yoga sessions, and post-cragging presentations—all the fixings for a classic weekend.
Sneak Peak From The Big Gear Show—What’s New In Climbing Equipage
A new consumer and retail trade show in Salt Lake City unveils the latest offerings in this sneak peak.
8 Tips for Fitting Rock Shoes to Problematic Feet: Yours
Feet come in infinite sizes, but rock shoes come in about 12. Still, with a bit of thought, you can find a pair that fits.
Gear Deals of the Week: 4th of July Climbing Fireworks
Check out The Editors's author page.
Attention Trad Climbers: Round Out Your Kit With These Great Deals
If you’re the type of climber that fantasizes about splitter cracks in the Creek, froths over long runouts on alpine granite, and has YouTubed “how to place a hex,” you are surely going to salivate over the deals that Backcountry.com is offering on trad gear. With discounts up to 30% off on everything from cams to crack shoes, you are not going to want to miss out on this.
200-Foot Fall on North Chimney, Longs Peak
On September 5, 2020, Annie Weinmann took a 200-foot fall while soloing the North Chimney (5.4) on the Diamond, Longs Peak, in order to reach the start of D7. Here, she presents the details of the accident and dissects the series of decisions and events leading up to it.
This Week: Save up to 35% on Puffies and Crag Wear
Because you can only patch something so many times.
How to Choose the Perfect All-Around Rock Shoe for You
All-around rock shoes, as the name implies, can do a bit of everything from slabs to vertical edging to cracks, and are supportive and comfortable enough for all-day wear.
Those Climbing Shoes You Wanted Are on Sale This Week
Check out The Editors's author page.
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The Essential Gear List for Joshua Tree Trad
Opening the season in Joshua Tree National Park? Add these 8 essentials to your gear list.
Shoemakers and Record Breakers: A Brief History of Women’s Climbing Shoes
These days almost every climbing shoe comes in a men's and a women's version. But this wasn’t always the case.
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Hueco or Bust!
9 Must-Have Items for Winter Bouldering at Hueco Tanks, Texas
6 Must-Have Training Tools for Autumn Fitness
Lost your snap thanks to too much summertime recreational climbing? Then get back in form with these critical training accoutrements.
8 Essentials For Your Next Climbing Road Trip
It's almost send season. Are you ready?
Ask an Editor: What Guidance Do You Have For New Climbers During COVID-19?
Check out Kevin Corrigan's author page.
2020 Climbing Shoe Review: The Year of the Comp Shoe
Check out Matt Samet's author page.
Green Line: How to Make Your Gear Habit More Sustainable
The first order of business: Make it last
2020 Gear Guide: Editors' Choice Awards
Our top climbing gear picks for 2020.
2019 Climbing Shoe Review: 12 New Rock Shoes
Check out Matt Samet's author page.
The Climbing Q&A: Lonnie Kosuko Kauk
Born and raised in Yosemite Valley, Ahwahneechee Tribe member—and pro climber/snowboarder—Lonnie Kosuko Kauk is taking Valley climbing to the next level, with 5.14 cracks, 5.14+ projects, and beyond.
2019 Climbing Gear Guide: Editors' Choice Awards
Our top climbing gear picks for 2019
Hueco Rock Rodeo 2019: Recap and Photo Gallery
Check out Levi Harrell's author page.
2018/2019 Rock Climbing Shoe Review: 14 New Rock Shoes
14 new rock-shoes for 2018/2019 fitted and field tested.
The Climbing Q&A: Pro Photogapher Savannah Cummins
With big-mountain trips to Alaska, India, and Antarctica, Savannah Cummins is fast becoming known for her alpine and rock-climbing photography.
This Year’s Most Sustainable Gear
The environment all too often pays the price for high-performing gear. But these 10 products save waste from landfills, ditch harmful chemicals, and allow you to adventure guilt-free.
Beyond the Bolt: The Past, Present, and Future of Yosemite Bouldering
Check out James Lucas's author page.
2017/2018 Rock Climbing Shoe Review: 13 New Rock Shoes
13 new rock shoes for 2017/2018, fitted, field-tested, and put through their paces.
2017 Approach Shoe Review
16 killer kicks to get you from car to crag, and back again, in style.
Robert Kelman, 87, Becomes Oldest Person to Climb Devils Tower
The tower was his magnum opus
2017 Climbing Gear Guide: Editors' Choice Awards
Check out The Editors's author page.