Climbing Archives

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

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

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

Watch the ‘Reel Rock 17’ Trailer, With Seb Bouin, Babsi Zangerl, and More

Grab a brew, call your crew, and get the popcorn popping, rock climbers: Reel Rock 17 is almost here.

Written by Sam Anderson February 03, 2023

Stiff Project Denies Adam Ondra and Mega-Strong Friends

From Ondra: ‘You will watch me struggle, try really hard, and eventually give up … I am sure the project might go down pretty soon.…

Written by Andrew McLemore January 31, 2023

Outdoor Vitals NovaPro Jacket Review: A Seamless Baffled Puffy With Zippered Climate Control

The Outdoor Vitals NovaPro Jacket makes temperature regulation easy, feels wind resistant and is less likely to lose insulation over time.

Written by M.T. Elliott January 26, 2023

Patagonia DAS Light Pants Review: The Missing Link in Ultralight Puffy Pants

The newest contender in the belay pant showdown goes minimalist to maximize functionality across the outdoor rec spectrum: the Patagonia DAS Light pant.

Written by Bergen Tjossem January 24, 2023

Adam Ondra Flashes Old Jerry Moffatt Problem ‘The Ace’ 8B/V13

Adam Ondra is likely the first person to flash the classic boulder problem. It’s an impressive achievement — if not exactly surprising for the world’s…

Written by Andrew McLemore January 24, 2023