Climbing Archives

Versatility Between Vertical Winter Endeavors: La Sportiva Velan 2.0 Softshell Pants Review

La Sportiva’s new Velan 2.0 pants are the Parmigiano Reggiano of softshells — versatile, thoughtfully crafted, Italian, and just plain good.

Written by Bergen Tjossem October 02, 2023

How to Make the Most of Your Climbing Gym

Here are my tips for getting the most out of your climbing gym, generated from decades of experience, observation, and questioning clients.

Written by Seiji Ishii September 27, 2023

Women Crushers Take the Climbing Spotlight in ‘Girls Gone Hueco’

What happens when five female climbers with full-time jobs take a ladies-only trip to a world-famous bouldering crag? Watch and find out.

Written by Andrew McLemore September 27, 2023

Reinhold Messner Stripped of 2 Guinness World Records

Reinhold Messner, considered one of the greatest all-time mountaineers, dismisses claims that he doesn’t deserve the most important record of his career.

Written by Andrew McLemore September 26, 2023

Chris Warner Becomes 2nd American to Summit All 14 Highest Peaks

It’s a bit hard to believe: In 2023, Chris Warner has become just the second American to climb all 14 of the world’s highest peaks.

Written by Angela Benavides September 25, 2023

Alpen Outdoors Women’s Ridge Pant Review: The Most Versatile, No-Compromise Outdoor Pant

I’ve tested 30+ pairs of outdoor pants for GearJunkie. And these Ridge Pants have worked for every discipline, in every scenario I’ve put them in.

Written by Mary Murphy September 22, 2023

Climbing Gym, Auto-Belay Maker Settle Lawsuit of Injured Climber for $6M

In 2019, a climber fell 30 feet while using an auto-belay device at a Seattle climbing gym. His lawsuit could have far-reaching consequences.

Written by Andrew McLemore September 22, 2023

The Best Climbing Belay Devices of 2023

After months of testing, our avid rock climber and resident expert found the best climbing belay devices of 2023.

Written by Austin Beck-Doss September 21, 2023

The Best Bouldering Crash Pads of 2023

The object of the game is simple. Climb to the top — no rope required. Keep it safe and fun with our review of the…

Written by Austin Beck-Doss September 21, 2023

Sport Climbing Gear List: 12 Essentials for Beginners

Sport climbing is one of those hobbies that’s mostly free and extremely accessible once you own the gear. But, figuring out what gear to initially purchase…

Written by Seiji Ishii September 20, 2023

The Best Hangboards of 2023

Our climbing fanatic found the best hangboards of 2023. Take your climbing to the next level with top picks from Metolius, So iLL, and more.

Written by Austin Beck-Doss September 20, 2023

Sport Climbing 101: The Best Way to Learn the Ropes

Learn how to sport climb with our guide. We describe the basics of lead climbing, clipping bolts, anchor building, and eventually sport climbing outside on…

Written by Kyle Nossaman September 13, 2023

The Best Climbing Helmets of 2023

Whether you’re headed to the sport crag or a distant alpine big wall, every climber’s kit should include a helmet.

Written by Austin Beck-Doss September 07, 2023

Katie Lamb Becomes First Woman to Send V16 Boulder Problem: ‘Box Therapy’

What does it take to send one of the world’s hardest boulder problems? Just ask Katie Lamb, one of the brightest lights in the fast-growing…

Written by Andrew McLemore September 05, 2023

‘Sending,’ a Contemplative Journey to the Buttermilk Boulders

If top-notch cinematography in a pristine Cali crag sounds like your jam, don’t miss this new take on a classic film formula.

Written by Andrew McLemore September 05, 2023

The Best Windbreaker Jackets of 2023

Whether you’re traversing a wind-swept jagged range, or hunkering down at endless hanging belays, windbreaker jackets provide the versatile, packable protection you need. These are…

Written by Chris Carter September 05, 2023

Honnold, Caldwell Finish 2,300-Mile Bike Trip With Sailing, Traverse of Devils Thumb Skyline

The climbing duo’s latest adventure will also get the documentary treatment from National Geographic TV. Stay tuned!

Written by Andrew McLemore August 30, 2023

Competitive Climbing Must Address Eating Disorders, but How?

Insiders say eating disorders in climbing are a growing issue, and competition managers are racing to catch up.

Written by Andrew McLemore August 28, 2023

The Best Approach Shoes of 2023

Even though the sport climbers and boulderers don’t like it, sometimes getting to the crag requires a bit of hiking.

Written by Austin Beck-Doss August 23, 2023

The Best Men’s Climbing Pants of 2023

Our climbing fanatic found the best climbing pants of 2023. Whether heading to the gym or hitting up your local crag, we’ve got you covered.

Written by Austin Beck-Doss August 23, 2023

Love It or Hate It, Bouldering Gyms Are Changing Climbing

Bouldering gym enthusiast versus rock climbing purist: Two camps face off on the future of the sport.

Written by Andrew McLemore August 21, 2023

The Best Women’s Climbing Pants of 2023

After months of testing, we found the best women’s climbing pants for every style and budget. Suit up and climb on.

Written by Chelsey Magness and Katie Griffith August 21, 2023

Q&A: How Fatherhood Helped This Man Send One of the World’s Hardest Trad Climbs

UK climber James Pearson has sent one of the hardest trad lines in the world. And his secret to success? Becoming a father.

Written by Andrew McLemore August 18, 2023

Inflatable Crash Pad That Fits In Your Pack Could Revolutionize Bouldering

Combining materials used in running shoes and inflatable paddleboards, the Sick Sequence Crash Pad claims durability and — most significantly — portability.

Written by Andrew McLemore August 18, 2023

The Best Hardshell Jackets of 2023

Whether you’re getting good sticks in hero ice or traversing the snowfields of some foreign range, a good hardshell jacket will have your back. After…

Written by Nick Belcaster August 18, 2023