Climbing

Expensive Taste: My Favorite Belay Parka Has a Price Tag to Match

The Arc’teryx Alpha Lightweight Parka is a great belay parka. It was warm, windproof, durable, and packable. But the price is high.

Written by Seiji Ishii April 06, 2023

Meet the World’s Only Blind Rock Climber Tagging First Ascents

Jesse Dufton is the only blind rock climber on Earth putting up first ascents. But for him, probing the vertical unknown is an everyday thing.

Written by Sam Anderson April 05, 2023

Woman Crushed Saving Belayer From Falling Ice Block

The Utah climbing community at large today mourns Meg O’Neill, who reportedly died rescuing a fellow ice climber.

Written by Sam Anderson April 05, 2023

‘Ascend’: A Journey From Afghanistan to Yosemite

Forced to flee their homes after the Taliban takeover in 2021, three Afghan women reconnect with each other and fellow climbers in Yosemite.

Written by Andrew Marshall March 31, 2023

Harmful vs. Offensive: The Troublesome Debate Over Climbing Route Names

Climbing and bouldering route names are sometimes offensive. But are they harmful? Should they be changed without first ascensionists’ consent?

Written by Matt Samet March 30, 2023

‘Ultimate Infinity Loop’ Gear List: Setting an FKT on North America’s Highest Volcano

Jason Hardrath just completed a 43-mile Infinity Loop FKT of the tallest volcano in North America in less than 24 hours. Here’s the gear that…

Written by Will Brendza March 30, 2023

Conrad’s Close Calls and Favorite Gear: Conversations With the Legend

Conrad Anker talks about his current work in climbing, near-death experiences, gear innovation, and the future of alpine climbing.

Written by Chris Van Leuven March 29, 2023

Scan Your Body, Choose Features for Perfect Hardshell Kit: Made Custom Apparel Review

Made Custom Apparel builds a custom-fitted shell with custom features. Remarkably, the price is comparable to other high-end shell systems.

Written by Seiji Ishii March 28, 2023

59 Colorado 14ers in a Single Winter: Chris Fisher Shares Secrets to His Latest FKT

Summiting Colorado’s famous 14ers is hard enough. Doing them all in the winter? That’s a whole different ballgame.

Written by Andrew Marshall March 28, 2023

Sure-Footed, Lightweight, and Foldable: Black Diamond Neve Pro Crampon Review

Black Diamond went back to the drawing board with their lightest crampon, the Neve Pro — the result is even lighter and ultra-packable.

Written by Bergen Tjossem March 23, 2023

‘Beastmaking’ Hangboard Tutorial With Climbing Badass Alex Megos

Still clueless about parts of your hangboard? Level up your training with a how-to from one of the strongest climbers in the game.

Written by Andrew McLemore March 23, 2023

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