Aid Climbing

Oliver Tippett makes the first ascent of ‘Cardiac Arrest’ (VI 5.8 A3) up El Capitan in Yosemite.

Taylor Martin is proving that Yosemite is far from climbed out with her new, 1600-foot first ascent, ‘Hummingbird’ (5.9+ A4).

In his own words, Oliver Tippett reflects on his team’s in-a-day ascent of the ‘Reticent’ (A4+; 2700 feet) on May 24, 2025.

Bat hooks, anyone?

A primer for modern-day climbers on this vanishing—but still necessary—art.

Aid climbing is the one sure-fire way to accelerate the trad climbing learning curve

Many climbers settle into a niche discipline in the vast expanse of the climbing universe. Some—for better or worse—get so stuck at their grade that their personalities begin to mimic the rocks and routes they choose to climb. 

Hand-placed beaks, anyone?

Over five days, three Americans established "The Pace of Comfort" (VI 5.10 A3+ M6; 3,100 feet) on the northwest face of Kichatna Spire.

Ever wanted to climb an 8,000er while watching Netflix and sipping hot cocoa? The AlpineComfortMAX is bridging the gap between luxury and alpine adventure.

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.

First published in 1994, this interview with the late Jim Bridwell runs the gamut: aid routes, alpinism, fast free climbs, vivid dreams, Patagonia, sport climbing, and more.

Check out Chris Kalman's author page.

Check out Mark Synnott's author page.

“It’s cool doing an older route that doesn’t get climbed. That’s part of the appeal.”

Check out Kevin Corrigan's author page.

Check out Jim Erickson's author page.

A look at the climbing resume of Enormocast host Chris Kalous

Check out David Allfrey's author page.

Check out Adam Nawrot's author page.

DeWeese started climbing to quiet the voices in his head soon after his sister died in a car accident. Today, 17 years later—especially as he’s mid-pitch and strung out above a string of tipped-out bird beaks on a big wall—all is silent.

Brandon Adams and Kristoffer Wickstrom spent 10 days opening thin seams next to Yosemite's most-famous big wall route.

Check out Zoe Gates's author page.

Check out Chris Van Leuven's author page.

Check out Cameron Fenton's author page.

Check out The Editors's author page.

Check out Matt Rhodin's author page.

Lessons in Pulling on Gear in Zion

Check out Julie Ellison's author page.

Scoot down to the gear shop and buy four 20-foot sections of one-inch flat webbing and four 10-foot sections of 9/16 tubular webbing.