Climbing Archives

Where Did Margo Hayes Get Her Climbing Chops? Rifle, Her ‘Home Crag’

The Boulderite became the first woman to notch a 5.15. But long before that, she started climbing in Rifle, Colo.

Written by Sam Anderson March 20, 2023

Save 20% During the REI ‘Member Moment’ Sale This Spring

Refresh your gear closet during this exclusive 11-day sale thanks to discounts across all of REI. Now’s a prime time to save.

Big Bouldering Deals Just in Time for Spring

Find great deals on outdoor gear. That’s our goal each week. This week, save on bouldering essentials.

Written by Austin Beck-Doss March 17, 2023

Sauter, Smith-Gobat Earn Women’s Speed Record on El Capitan

Mayan Smith-Gobat and Libby Sauter can blitz cliffs. Speed climbing on ‘El Cap’ takes intensive teamwork, plenty of creativity, and nerves of steel.

Written by Sam Anderson March 10, 2023

Patagonia Athlete Alex Megos Claims Multiple First Ascents at Red River Gorge

Alex Megos is sending 5.14 and playing the hits at the Red River Gorge. At least, the ones by millennial-famous rock band Papa Roach.

Written by Sam Anderson March 09, 2023

‘Protect America’s Rock Climbing Act’ Lands in Congress

In the first-ever standalone bill on climbing at a national policy level, a bipartisan group looks to defend the sport from “a growing threat.”

Written by Sam Anderson March 09, 2023

International Women’s Day Film Series Celebrates 3 Climbers Who ‘Pass It On’

With a three-episode series, Arc’teryx puts the spotlight on the women who make space for themselves — and others — in Squamish, British Columbia.

Written by Andrew McLemore March 09, 2023

Adam Ondra, Jerry Moffatt, Ben Moon, and Magnus Midtbø Hit the Grit!

Bust out your soul patch, Euro-pop cassette tapes, and climbing slippers. Ondra’s latest legend-stacked vid will tickle your retro bouldering nostalgia.

Written by Andrew McLemore March 07, 2023

Wild Country Recalls Trad Gear for Corrosion Hazard

Wild Country voluntarily recalled Superlight Rock stoppers Nos. 1-6 and urged all users to stop using the affected units as of Feb. 13.

Written by Sam Anderson March 02, 2023

Babsi Zangerl & Jacopo Larcher vs. El Capitan’s ‘Zodiac’

One of climbing’s most talented couples tackles the legendary ‘Zodiac’ in this refreshing take on big-wall storytelling.

Written by Andrew McLemore March 02, 2023

2 Women Skiers Tackle Sweden’s ‘Great Jagged Traverse’ — Alone

Kajsa Vickhoff Lie and Ida Sivander search test themselves against one of Sweden’s most iconic ridge climbs in this climb-and-ski adventure.

Written by Andrew McLemore February 27, 2023

2023 Climbing Gym Gear Review: 7 Must-Haves for an Amazing Session

Having proper and specific climbing gym gear can improve everything about your session. Here are our seven favorites!

Written by Matt Samet February 27, 2023

Avalanche Near Leavenworth, WA Kills 3

Half of a six-member climbing team died in an avalanche at Colchuck Peak on Sunday. Conditions remain too dangerous to recover the bodies, authorities said.

Written by Andrew McLemore February 23, 2023

The 5 Best Trad Climbing Areas in the United States

The U.S. has abundant rock types that lend themselves to amazing cracks. We also have stable weather in many of our trad climbing areas.

Written by Matt Samet February 23, 2023

‘Crack Baby’: Alpinist Retraces Steps of Legendary Swiss Ice Climb

Ice climbing comes in many forms. This edit from Mammut explores the history and future of a legendary Swiss route that’s helped define the discipline.

Written by Andrew McLemore February 22, 2023

An Ode to Home and High Peaks With Alpinist Dani Arnold

To say the Swiss alpinist is well-traveled is like saying water is wet. But, he says, it’s important to appreciate what’s outside your front door.

Written by Sam Anderson February 22, 2023

Lowa Alpine Ice GTX Climbing Boot Review: High Dexterity and Warmth, Low Bulk

The Lowa Alpine Ice GTX climbed ice exceptionally well due to its low bulk and kept my feet warm in extremely cold conditions.

Written by Seiji Ishii February 20, 2023

Sterling Nano 8.9 XEROS Climbing Rope Review: A Reliable Cord for All Seasons and Disciplines

The Sterling Nano 8.9 XEROS is light, sheds water like a champ, and is triple-rated. It’s one rope for all climbing.

Written by Christian Black February 17, 2023

Evolv Shaman Review: All-Around Warrior for Long Days on Any Rock

Prolonged testing showed the Evolv Shaman was versatile, with a precise toe, snug heel, and secure TRAX-SAS rubber.

Written by Sam Anderson February 16, 2023

The Best Hangboards of 2023

Our climbing fanatic found the best hangboards of 2021. Take your climbing to the next level with top picks from Metolius, So iLL, and more.

Written by Austin Beck-Doss February 16, 2023

Adam Ondra: ‘Second-Hardest Redpoint of My Life’

Returning to a crag he calls the best limestone in his native Czech Republic, Ondra wages a war of attrition on this brutal ascent.

Written by Andrew McLemore February 15, 2023

Watch Emily Harrington Free Climb El Cap

Stand in awe as the American climbing phenom takes on the classic route with her customary nerve and verve.

Written by Andrew Marshall February 14, 2023

Learn From a Legend: Lynn Hill Drops Climbing Tutorial on YouTube

Preview the intro to the climbing great’s tutorial before purchasing Lynn Hill’s ‘The Fundamentals of Climbing.’

Written by Andrew McLemore February 14, 2023

Salewa Piuma 3.0 Review: The Mountain Adventure Helmet You Want

The Salewa Piuma 3.0 helmet is a true quiver-killer for all forms of climbing and ski touring. Our tester is ditching his other helmets.

Written by Christian Black February 13, 2023

Where Ski Mountaineering Meets Trad Climbing: Epic Routes in Rio Negro, Argentina

Athlete Colter Hinchliffe combines skimo, trad, and freeriding in this sweet little edit from Backcountry.

Written by Andrew McLemore February 09, 2023

‘Slabducation’ Is a Star-Studded, Offbeat Climbing Delight

Nobody likes slab climbing, right? Watch this clip of misfits and major talents cavorting happily on low-angle rock.

Written by Sam Anderson February 09, 2023

Top 5 Sport Climbing Destinations in the United States

America is a vast country — 2,500 to 3,500 miles coast to coast. We have an impressive amount of sport climbing cliffs stacked with many…

Written by Matt Samet February 09, 2023

Can the World’s Strongest Man Rock Climb? Find Out

Watching a World’s Strongest Man athlete go climbing should provide the definitive answer to the ‘strength versus technique’ question — shouldn’t it?

Written by Sam Anderson February 07, 2023

The Best 4-Season Tents of 2023

Our experts tested the best 4-season tents of 2023 for every budget and use case. Top picks include Thule, Stone Glacier, and more.

Written by Morgan Tilton February 06, 2023

This Half–Pound Climbing Harness Is Crazy Light yet Somehow Comfy

The Wild Country Mosquito harness is affordable and proved comfortable despite being one of the lightest in its class.

Written by Christian Black February 06, 2023

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