Climbing Archives

Fall Hazard: Wild Country Recalls ‘Superlight Rocks’ Cable Chocks

Breaking news for coastal climbers: Some Superlight cable chocks can weaken and break when exposed to ‘seaside conditions.’

Written by Andrew McLemore July 24, 2023

Full Foot Tensioning: Evolv Zenist Pro First Look Review

The stellar Evolv Zenist launched in 2020. Evolv just put it in hyperdrive with the new Zenist Pro.

Written by Seiji Ishii July 17, 2023

Hot Pants! Salewa ‘Lavaredo Hemp Light’ Keeps You Oh-So-Cool

Salewa says its Lavaredo Alpine Hemp Light pants are for climbing. I say they’re for anything.

Written by Sean McCoy and Mary Murphy July 11, 2023

Honnold, Caldwell Bromance Shifts to Bikes in ‘Biggest Adventure’ Yet

Can climbing’s two biggest stars handle a 2,000-mile bike ride to Alaska?

Written by Andrew McLemore July 10, 2023

Rocky Mountain Low? Colorado 14ers See Record Dip in Visits

In 2022, fewer hikers hit the trails of Colorado 14ers than any year since 2015, when a local nonprofit began recording foot traffic.

Written by Andrew McLemore July 10, 2023

IFSC Doctors Resign, Alleging Health Dangers in Competitive Climbing

Dr. Volker Schöffl relinquished his position on the Medical Commission over dissatisfaction with the group’s response to ongoing RED-S issues.

Written by Andrew Marshall July 06, 2023

Burly, Bomber, but Also Organized: Mystery Ranch Tower 47 Long-Term Review

The Mystery Ranch Tower 47 had the size, carrying ability, organization, and durability I’ve always wanted in a crag pack.

Written by Seiji Ishii July 06, 2023

‘World’s Hardest Ice Climb’ Sees First Ascent

Tim Emmett and Klemen Premrl pulled off a stunning new line on British Columbia’s famously steep Helmcken Falls.

Written by Andrew McLemore June 27, 2023

Watch Will Bosi Climb the ‘World’s Hardest Boulder Problem’

‘Burden of Dreams’ was the first problem given the V17 grade and stood unrepeated for 7 years. Until now, thanks to Will Bosi.

Written by Seiji Ishii June 16, 2023

Osprey Zealot Crag Pack Review: Superb for Single-Pitch, Sport Objectives

From the gear-protected roofs of the Gunks to the sunny slabs of Shelf Road, the Osprey Zealot is a first-rate kit hauler.

Written by Austin Beck-Doss June 15, 2023

Slot Tower 36 Climbing Pack and Rope Bag Review: Desert Tough, Designed to Work Together

The Slot Tower 36 and Rope Bag deliver a flexible way to get essentials to the crag. And their durability offers years of trouble-free use.

Written by Berne Broudy June 14, 2023

Rescued Climber Slammed Online for Not Thanking Sherpa

Malaysian climber Ravichandran Tharumalingam was near death above 26,000 feet when a heroic Sherpa stepped in to save him.

Written by Seiji Ishii June 06, 2023

Miracle Blister Prevention: Why Leukotape Is the Surprise Solution

Leukotape is breathable, tearable, works when wet, and it is particularly well suited for preventing friction blisters.

Written by Bergen Tjossem May 31, 2023

Dumpster Diving: The Proven Path to Professional Success in the Outdoors

It’s hard to imagine Dumpster diving as a path to success, but many leaders in the outdoor industry started with this humble beginning.

Written by James Lucas May 30, 2023

You Want Me to Rappel on That? Petzl RAD Line, Mammut Glacier Cord Head-to-Head Review

6mm hyperstatic cords like the Mammut Glacier Cord and Petzl RAD Line offer big benefits to mountaineers and backcountry skiers — but they come with…

Written by Bergen Tjossem May 30, 2023

First Double-Above-Knee Amputee Summits Everest

Hari Budha Magar lost his legs to an IED explosion in Afghanistan. And 13 years later, he stood atop the world.

Written by Sam Anderson May 24, 2023

Waterproof Running Pants I Tried to Hate: Arc’teryx Norvan Shell Pants Review

The breathable GORE-TEX Norvan Shell Pants from Arc’teryx are purpose-built for trail running in nasty conditions — and they won’t turn you into a swamp monster.

Written by Bergen Tjossem May 22, 2023

Why Boulder? Watch ‘Pursuit of Pointless’ for the Answer

What makes bouldering worth it? If you enjoy watching this video, you may not need the answer.

Written by Andrew McLemore May 22, 2023

Climbers Make History: 2 Mountaineers Become First Deaf Americans to Reach Everest Summit

In the wake of harsh conditions and a high death toll already this season, today’s summit victory by one team brings positive news from Everest.

Written by Mary Murphy May 22, 2023

Samaya Brings Electro-Spun Tech to Single-Wall Tents: 2.5 ‘Nanovent’ Tent Review

Employing space-age textiles, the Samaya 2.5 tent was made with the brand’s proprietary and groundbreaking Nanovent tech for unsupported first ascents.

Written by Nick Belcaster May 19, 2023

An Ode to Failure: There Is No Adventure Without It

In an era that celebrates success with virality, remember that failures are what truly test us.

Written by Sean McCoy May 18, 2023

Everest Season Death Toll Reaches 8 After 4 Fatalities in 3 Days

It’s been an unusually lethal season on Mount Everest, with multiple deaths occurring among various expeditions.

Written by Andrew McLemore May 18, 2023

Dirtbag Fund: Cedar Wright Offers Cash for True Low-Budget Adventuring

Wright, with his psych on fringe life and distilled passion for rock climbing, has pulled the ripcord on a small glut of funding.

Written by Sam Anderson May 16, 2023

The Best Climbing Harnesses of 2023

We found the best climbing harnesses of 2022. Whether you’re sport climbing or mountaineering, we have you covered.

Written by Austin Beck-Doss May 15, 2023

Climb Rock & Ice, Hike in Comfort: La Sportiva Aequilibrium Top GTX Review

The top of the new Aequilibrium Top GTX boot line gets the BOA treatment and an integrated gaiter for snowy hiking, scrambling, and glacier climbs.…

Written by Bergen Tjossem May 10, 2023

Watch Seb Bouin Climb America’s First 5.15c, ‘Suprême Jumbo Love’

Some claim sport climbing is trite. Seb Bouin, Chris Sharma, and Randy Leavitt do not care.

Written by Sam Anderson May 09, 2023

‘Translucent’ Mountain Pack for All-Season Action: The North Face Phantom 38 Review

The updated North Face Phantom 38 Backpack attaches every tool you’ll need for mountaineering, ski touring, and backpacking if you don’t mind it getting dirty.

Written by Bergen Tjossem May 08, 2023