Climbing
Bouldering to big walls, we cover climbing and mountaineering, ice climbing, gear, and all things vertical and off the ground.
Kilian Jornet Skis Europe’s Tallest Vertical Rock Face: Watch ‘Troll Wall’
This wall is so steep it’s hard to believe Kilian Jornet made it down. Watch him ice climb up, then ski down slopes of more than 60 degrees. His accomplishment marks the first ski descent of the Troll Wall.
Alex Honnold Breaks Down Famous Rock Climbing Scenes: Watch
Was Tom Cruise’s climbing in ‘Mission: Impossible 2’ realistic? Alex Honnold analyzes iconic movie climbing scenes from ‘Star Trek’ to ‘Cliff Hanger.’
Alaska Gear Test: Patagonia M10 Anorak & Galvanized Pants Review
The Patagonia M10 Anorak and Galvanized Pants blend minimalism and performance for hardcore alpine adventures. But these garments took a beating in our Alaskan ice climbing test for this review.
Patagonia Music Video: ‘Done in R1’
Sean Villanueva O’Driscoll and Nico Favresse put on the show of their lives, dangling high above the ground for the music video ‘Done in R1.’
Breaking Down Kilian Jornet’s 24-Hour Uphill Record Gear
Last week, Kilian Jornet did what he does best, crushing the 24-hour record for vertical gain. This is the kit he used to do it.
prAna, Sharma Gaffe Sparks Responsible Caving Dialogue
A controversial image of Chris Sharma in the prAna’s spring 2019 catalog ignited outrage among some climbers. But it also helped bring an important issue into the mainstream.
‘Sleepwalker (8C+/V16) First Ascent’ Is Climbing Video Done Right
Although just under seven minutes long, the simple story arc is compelling and keeps the viewer entranced by the subject — one tough-as-nails bouldering project.
Pico de Orizaba: Gear I Used to Climb Mexico’s Highest Mountain
At 18,491 feet, Orizaba is the highest mountain in Mexico and the third-highest in North America. Here’s the equipment that helped me and my team make it to the summit.
‘Free Solo’ Tops Out With Oscar Nomination
The most epic climbing film of 2018 now stands as the frontrunner for Best Feature Documentary at the 91st Academy Awards.
For Women, By Women: TNF, AMGA Collaborate on First All-Female Rock Guide Course
The North Face sponsored the American Mountain Guide Association’s first guide course made specifically for women.
Five Ten Quantum VCS Climbing Shoe Review: All Feet Welcome
All-day comfort meets all-around performance in the Five Ten Quantum VCS. From powerful edging on moderately steep terrain to heel and toe hooks along favorite bouldering projects, this shoe takes on a little bit of everything.
Alex Honnold Picks Up a Cutting-Edge Collab From the Future: Rivian
It’s fitting that Alex Honnold has teamed up with Rivian Automotive. Rivian touts its automobiles as ‘the world’s first electric adventure vehicles.’ And Honnold is, of course, one of the foremost adventurers of our time.
Watch: Adam Ondra Onsights 5.14c at Smith Rock
Adam Ondra climbs an incredibly difficult sport climbing route in one attempt. The 140-foot testpiece was America’s first 5.14c, set by Alan Watts, and had yet to see an onsight until Ondra.
Why Climb Solo? David Lama Summits Lunag Ri Alone
Burgeoning alpinist David Lama climbed one of the hardest unclimbed mountains in Nepal three years after his first attempt, foregoing a partner to make it to the top.
World’s Skinniest Half Rope: Edelrid Pro Dry 7.1 Review
We put ‘the skinniest and lightest half rope money can buy’ to the test.
Watch: Will Gadd Climbs Sketchy Icicles With ‘Natural Gear’
Ice climbing falls are sketchy enough. Will Gadd takes it a step further by testing snow stakes and V-threads with full-weight falls on one of the most overhanging ice climbing arenas: Helmcken Falls.
Vague Path: Your Almost Official Guide to Fell Running
Americans don’t really get Britain’s fell running. Is it mountain running? Is it trail running? Why does it get its own designation? So we asked an expert fell runner to break it down in all its mud and glory.
Watch: David Lama Summits Unclimbed Nepali Peak Solo
After multiple attempts, David Lama successfully climbed the 6,907-meter Lunag Ri in Nepal. He did it completely alone.