Multipitch Climbing Routes at Cochise Stronghold (5.8-5.9+)

QuestionHi Jeff, Are there other multipitch bolted routes in the 5.8 to 5.9+ range like Ewephoria at Cochise Stronghold. My wife and I are interested in g

Tenaya Peak NW Buttress Descent: A Guide for Yosemite Climbers

QuestionQUESTION: We are going to visit Yosemite for the first time in late Sept to early Oct.  I read several ascent notes on Tenaya Peak NW buttres

Pinnacles Climbing Routes for Beginners: Family-Friendly Options

QuestionHi Robert, I am usually climbing on the East Side of Pinnacles with my buddies. My kids are getting old enough (7 years old... yes I have twins

Transitioning Kids from Indoor Climbing to Outdoor Rock Climbing in San Francisco

QuestionDear Jeff, My five-year-old daughter is a beast of a climber on plastic. She is very comfortable doing 5.7/5.8 face routes, basic chimneys and lo

Best Beginner-Friendly Climbs in Pinnacles National Park

QuestionQUESTION: Hi Robert, I have been climbing in The Pinnacles several times and have led Portent, Rat Race, the First Sister, Swallow Crack and a fe

Mountaineering Careers: Options & Earning Potential

QuestionQUESTION: Hey Jeff, i want to take mountaineering as a profession or career. so as an expertise will you tell me career options n future earnings

Mountaineering at 30: Is It Too Late? A Beginner's Guide

QuestionHello,I am a 30 year old young woman from Portugal, i ve been practising some trekking and running for 7 or 8 years. i am able to trekk difficult p

Static vs. Dynamic Climbing Ropes: Which is Right for You?

QuestionWhat kind of rope would I want for an indoor top rope situation, a static or dynamic rope. AnswerDynamic. Dynamic ropes stretch a bit and allow fo

Climbing & Mountaineering at 29: Is It Too Late? - Expert Advice

Questionim 29 years old. is it too late to start climbing/mountaineering. ive given up playing rugby and need to do something. ive been backpacking, hiking

Rope Kinks and Sheath Damage: What You Need to Know

QuestionI recently went climbing in Oklahoma, came back and did some rope inspections. In the process I found what can only be called small kinks or small

Historical Accounts of Early Pakistani Mountaineering Routes - PNM Era

Question Allen Steck on FA of Y Hi Robert, Now that Im over the hill I specialize in reminiscing. (e.g. www.gasherbrum1.org) Some of the most enjoyable mem

Understanding Climbing Pitches: Length, Rope, and Angle

QuestionI understand the pitches of a climb are determined by the length of the climb and the length of the rope. example one mile climb with 160 ft. rope

Rock Climbing Route Growth: New Routes Added Annually

QuestionI know that rock climbing is a growing sport, but how fast is it growing? I really am interested in how many new routes (sport or otherwise) are cr

Career Paths in Climbing: A Guide for Aspiring Professionals

QuestionI am a 28 year old brasilian with a spanish passport that has allowed me to live in england for 5 years. I climbed frequently in brasil, very succe

Safe Rappelling Practices: Protecting Chains and Ropes

QuestionIve learned that its best not to lower someone from the chains after leading a sport route but rather its best for them to rappel...the idea being

Rope Lifespan & Safety: When to Retire Your Climbing Ropes

QuestionIve seen other answers to this question, but none of them really address my situation.  I have been climbing for about ten years and my two r

Best Affordable Tree Climbing Harnesses (Under $50)

QuestionHey, i just got into tree climbing. I found a video on youtube on how to make a rope harness which is what I have been using. My mom said i will cu

Bouldering in Mt. Diablo: Beginner-Friendly Spots & Safety Tips

QuestionHi- I have only been climbing for about 6 months now and would really like to take it outdoors. Could you fill me in on some bouldering routs in th

Improve Grip Strength: Expert Training Advice for Climbers

QuestionMr. Vargen, How often would you train your forearms/fingers? My main aim is to improve grip strength. Thanks for your help AnswerTarek, Like all t

Silent Partner Climbing Gear: Safe Backup Techniques & Usage Tips

QuestionQUESTION: Hi, I just got the Silent Partner in the mail and intend to try it out tomorrow.  Any advice on how to back it up?   Thanks AN