Product Description
Traditional Lead Climbing is the first and only guidebook intended to teach rock climbers how to lead with gear. Unlike other types of climbing such as sport and direct-aid climbing, "trad" climbing relies on placing your own gear as you climb from the ground. It's also one of the more dangerous climbing activities, where expert guidance is a must. This invaluable guide gives step-by-step descriptions of equipment, rope management, and techniques. Dozens of close-up photos and fun yet informative drawings show situations climbers might encounter and how to deal with them. In addition to covering the basics, the book showcases the experience and wisdom of a number of world-class climbers in self-revealing sidebars. The second edition includes a new chapter on transitioning from the climbing gym to the great outdoors. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

OK but far from complete
This book is OK for a new trad climber but could use more detail on anchors, self rescue, and route finding. It does contain some useful advice on how to mentally prepare to take the sharp end, gear selection, etc and if the author could flesh this book out in a subsequent edition, it could earn five stars.

Basic information
Basic information for the beginner trad climber. Too little info on placing pro and belay set-up and too large a chapter about top roping. (Is top-roping trad as well ?)
I also found a few mistakes (and I'm not talking about the frequently wrong feet - meters conversions)
Interesting reading, though.

Not a very good training book
this book was interesting reading material but if you are looking for learning guide its terrible. there are only a few photos and all of them are sooooo dark you can't tell what is going on. I would NOT recommend this book if you wanna learn how to setup anchors or to learn rope techniques. I bought Climbing Anchors by john Long and Rock Climbing Anchors: A Comprehensive Guide by Craig Luebben those are much much much! better books.

Extraordinary book!
An exceptionally well-written how-to book filled with unusual subtlety and detail. Her female perspective really contributes to the importance and "newness" of this special and modern work.Highly recommended to any climber!

Very Informative
I think it's a great book with a lot of valuable information inside. The writing style is simple and clear. Illustrations are cheesy but good enough to get the point across most of the time. About half of the black and white photographs are clear enough to get the point across. Definitely a recommended read for a beginning lead climber or any climber interested in learning more about the sport. I checked the book out from a library at first but like it enough to be buying my own copy as a permanent reference. ... Read more

Product Description
These stunning images from late adventure photographer Galen Rowell capture the incredible beauty of mountain climbing. Clinging to rocky outcroppings amidst jagged peaks, these determined climbers ascend to dangerous and challenging heights to reach their place in the sun. This Mountain Climbing wall calendar takes a close look at this amazing sport and the daring deeds that it engenders. ... Read more

Product Description
Traces the history of the black family from its roots in Africa, through slavery, Reconstruction, the Depression, and the civil rights movement, to the present, arguing that black families cannot be measured against white ""norms."" Reprint. 25,000 first printing. ... Read more

Product Description
Globe Pequot Press Rock Climbing New England By Globe Pequot Press ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Book Seems Great
This book seems like a great book.We havnt used it yet (because it is stil winter) but have gone through and found some climbs we plan on trying as soon as it warms up.

We are both begginer climbers, currently top roping only, and this book seems to focus more on lead climbing attributes of routes.Reading it does give you a feel for the area though, and we think a lot of the routes should be easy to top rope (or maybe we will just have to learn to lead climb by summer!)

Stewart Green has big shoes to fill...
Let's get this straight, "Rock Climbing New England" is one of those select guidebooks. Author Stewart Green picks out 15 areas in all of New England and only describes certain climbs in each. That said, there are almost 750 climbs detailed, not at all an insignificant number, and from what I can tell most are done quite well.

In some cases Green repeats information already available in Webster or other guides. Still, it does have some of the new climbs on Cathedral and Whitehorse, like George Hurley's great 10c addition to the Cathedral Ledge North End, Bailsafe. The coolest thing is that Green includes information on areas that to my knowledge have never been included in any guidebook, like Rose Ledge in central Mass and Owl's Head in New Hampshire.

Sure there are those who will find fault, there always are. But in spite of having set a very lofty goal, "Rock Climbing New England" succeeds. If you can only afford one, or just want the only available info on one of those obscure places that you have only heard about through the grapevine, this guide will be well worth the investment. ... Read more

Product Description

This book is a comprehensive, practical resource for travelers, trekkers, and climbers who are going to be living at high elevation for any period of time. The author simplifies and organizes the technical information found in scientific texts and combines it with excerpts from actual expedition accounts and narratives to present a complete picture of how altitude affects the body both physically and psychologically. The book also includes complete guidelines for how to prepare for travel at altitude, including how to train and acclimatize, what to bring, how to treat altitude sickness should it occur, and how to "come down" from an experience at high altitude.

Customer Reviews (1)

Heavy Science
I bought this book because it was recommended by Tom Steinstra, the Outdoors Editor in the San Francisco Chronicle. I have always hit a wall above 9,000 feet in the Sierras, so I wanted to improve my performance to tackle the higher passes on the PCT or JMT.

This book is very heavy on the science, but thin on the applications. If you want to know exactly why your performance starts to lag at higher elevations, this book is for you. If you want to train for the big hikes, or acclimatize yourself quickly, look somewhere else.

... Read more

Product Description
Climbing in North America is the definitive, complete history of mountaineering in the United States and Canada, from the earliest days of the sport through the 1970s. In this climbing tribute, Chris Jones celebrates the climbers and their routes, peaks, and adventures, bringing them to life through anecdotes and historic black and white photos.Amazon.com Review
Climbing in North America takes a historical look atthe fascinating, dangerous world of mountaineering in the U.S. andCanada. Expatriate English climber Chris Jones offers a uniqueperspective, capturing the intensity and wealth of personality in themen and women who have the gritty determination to go to the top. Heintroduces North American climbing pioneers such as Zebulon Pike andRoyal Robbins, who helped to establish a completely new style ofclimbing, as well as the noteworthy athletes and thrill seekers whowould come after. Each climbing legend is presented with a fresh voiceand a true eye for the sport's detail. This 1997 reprint edition alsoincludes classic black-and-white photos of the sport's summitchasers. --Lance Judd ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Mis-titled
First published in 1975, this book really should be titled `Mountaineering in Western North American.' The book does cover technical climbing, but it seems to be mainly concerned with how it affected mountaineering.The East coast is almost completely ignored. It mentions Seneca Rocks in passing, has a short chapter on the Vulgarians and mostly covers the Eastern climbers only when they visited the West. It neglects climbing in New Hampshire which is odd considering the state's role in ice climbing advances, that is central to mountaineering. In light of the large geographic area that Jones tries to cover, there is not a great deal of material. The time period he covers is from about 1900's to 1970. The topics he chooses to include seem a little random at times. He has great chapters on John Salathé, Yosemite and Tahquitz climbing that complements well with Roper's `Camp 4.' These chapters in themselves make the book worth it. Overall, a good read for people interested in mountaineering and climbing in the West. If you're interested in a history of East coast climbing, read `Yankee Rock and Ice.' It's the best climbing history I have ever read and I've read a lot of them.

High recommended if you are interested in climbing history.
This book is hard to put down.Although I am more interested in rock climbing and skipped a few chapters initially, this covers both mountaineering and rock climbing, east and west, very well.While Steve Roper's "Camp 4: Reflections of a Yosemite Rockclimber" might be THE single best history of that center of development, Jones' chapters such as "Hard Rock, Hard Steel," "El Capitan," and "The Granite Crucible" are worth the price alone.A must for the serious collector ... Read more

Product Description
Sixteen lively essays illuminate different aspects of the spiritual journey. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Oh boy, here we go again
Another book of Spiritual clap-trap for those people who are "trying to find themselves". Come on people get a life.

Great stories, great inspiration
This is a book of essays that are deceptively simple in their telling, yet get to the heart of spiritual development: what do you need to do, today, to make your life feel better? Easwaran doesn't lecture, rather he chats to you, and gradually you realise that he is talking about something that you really want to know about. His answers are straightforward and clear.

Simple lessons, difficult practice, worth every moment.
Sri Easwaran shed his body in October, 1999.His lessons will live with us forever.He told us that his greatest tribute as a teacher would be for all of us to continue learning and practicing his 8-point program.Thisbook is just one of the fabulous guides to a life filled with meaning.Getit-read it-DO IT.

Practical Spirituality at its best.
For those following Easwaran's 8-point program outlined in his book, "Meditation," this collection of essays sheds wonderful new insights into the spiritual journey. For those not following it, this maywell inspire you to. Easwaran has a gentle way of taking you by the handand leading you through all that lays ahead once you begin the journeyinward. And, while he doesn't hesitate to tell you that this is theheardest thing you'll ever do, he's so darn reassuring that you actuallybelieve you can get there.These essays are filled with personal ancedotesand stories from the life of a man who has obviously arrived where we'reall trying to go, and yet, still manages to sound as down to earth as anyof us.As with all Easwaran's books, highly recommended. ... Read more

Product Description
On a hot summer afternoon when there's nothing to do, Sam's father says, "Sam, time you and I went to climb a Kansas mountain." When they climb to the top of one of the grain elevators full of wheat, they see the patchwork of beautiful fields that is the Midwest's beauty. School Library Journal Best Book of the Year. Full color. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

There IS No Place Like Home
A father and his son discover that Kansas does have mountains, and many other wonderful things, as they spend a Sunday afternoon bonding on the plains of Kansas.The charming story by George Shannon is beautifully illustrated by Thomas B. Allen.Gorgeous pastels of the wheat fields, grain elevators and sleepy main streets will be quickly recognizable to anyone from the midwest.The twist is - the words and illustrations will make you see your surroundings in a new way, just like the little boy in the book!

Mountains in Kansas?
Hey--Kansas isn't flat-there are many hills, and this book is an awesome read---and sooooooo funny.You don't have to be from Kansas to enjoy the midwest humor---everyone from Kansas doesn't not have a dog named Toto! You will also find little tidbits of history. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Excellent History, but lagging on routes.
All Colorado 14er guidebooks have strengths and weaknesses. Borneman and Lampart's famous guides is not exempt. It's major strength is in the history of each peak: e.g. first climbed, how it got its name, etc. No other 14er guidebook comes close to doing as thorough a job as Borneman and Lampart do on history.

That said the major weaknesses are on route diversity: i.e. each peak has only ahandful of routes. I say this because Lou Dawson and Garry Roaches guidebooks have many different routes, and are far better in terms of route diversity.

Which guidebook is best depends on what you're looking for,.

(1) History: Borneman and Lamparts guide

(2) Ski Descents and Snowclimbing: Lou Dawson's guidebooks

(3) How to/detailed guide: Garry Roach

Get high
This book is the definitive guide to Colorado 14ers.There are newer, flashier books available, but this is the one that goes in my pack before every climb and has for the last 20 years.It is a must have.

Great Reference Book
Great Reference book.Includes maps and directions for the best way to do any of the Fourteeners.Excellent maps to show you physically what you will encounter.Another good reference is [online]where you can read and see photos from folks climbing to check currentconditions after picking the one you want to climb from this book.

To be consulted after you have climbed your mountain.
Yes, Bourneman and Lampert are good climbers. Too good! This is a text to consult after you have climbed your mountain. I suggest that you choose your route in "Colorado's Fourteeners: From Hikes to Climbs" byGerry Roach. Bourneman often selects routes that are not appropriate forthose who are not up to his ability. I have learned the hard way. After, 37successful Colorado 14er climbs, I recommend Roach. You should also checkEdrinn's "Grand Slam", and Ormes' "Guide to the ColoradoMountains". Bourneman and Lampert salvage two stars but only becausetheir historical information is interesting.

To be consulted after you have climbed your mountain.
Yes, Bourneman and Lampert are good climbers. Too good!This is a text to consult after you have climbed your mountain. I suggest that you choose your route in "Colorado's Fourteeners: From Hikes to Climbs" byGerry Roach. Bourneman often selects routes that are not appropriate forthose who are not up to his ability. I have learned the hard way. After, 37successful Colorado 14er climbs, I recommend Roach.You should also checkEdrinn's "Grand Slam", and Ormes' "Guide to the ColoradoMountains". Bourneman and Lampert salvage two stars, but only becausetheir historical information is interesting. ... Read more

Product Description
Cameron Burns presents a detailed guide to t hirty of the majour routes for climbers in the East African mountains of Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya. ' ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Very informative
Having gone through the preparation to climb Kili, I found this book to be very informative ... especially the sections on traveling through Tanzania and Kenya.Much thanks to the other reviewers for warnings on the use of Diamox and the need for conditioning.

An essential guide!
Cameron Burns has filled a void with the publication of this climbing and trekking guide for Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya. While much is probably written about Kili, there is very little practical literature about Mount Kenya. The introductory pages are full of useful hints for traveling in Kenya that, from my recent experience there, all ring true. The route descriptions on Mount Kenya, while lacking in some detail, certainly convey the necessary information for a successful climb. It is already time for a new edition, however, since some of the features have changed. Kami Camp, for instance, no longer exists.

Agree with Keith Kendall - Caution advised
As others have noted Mr. Burn's book is well written, and informative. But as Keith D. Kendall correctly observes in a review elsewhere on this page, the notion that a trek to the summit of a 19,000 foot peak may be accomplished without achieving a high level of cardiovascular fitness is not only misleading and potentially dangerous, but frankly absurd. Ditto for Mr. Burn's comments on the use of Diamox, which he either doesn't understand(his comments in the book indicate little experience with its correct use), or again, dismisses out of hand as he has never had to use it. You may. The information in the book is valuable, but as with everything else, it is only a single point of view. I liked the book a great deal, but take some pause when obvious misinformation is attributed to an `expert' source.

Good preplanner
This is a good book to read before you actually book a trip. There is alot of information in this book that puts you in a frame of reference of where you are going. Africa is a total different world from the United States so it is nice to know what you are getting into. In regards to some of the info I think Burns thinks that everyone is in as great a shape as he is in. I would recommend overtraining and doing altitude to make the trip as enjoyable as possible. I was in great shape and zipped up to the top but anyone can make it if they go slow. Also don't worry about travelers checks they take any kind. I would recommend booking an African travel agent and advoid using an American agent. This will save you money. We used Easy Travel and Tours for our Tanzania trip and were very satisfied with them

Be careful of a strong bias on the part of the author
Mr. Burns book was informative but I took strong exception to his reccomendations on physical preperation for the trip. Further, his reccomendation on nonuse of Diamox for altitude sickness prevention alsodisturbed me. Mr. Burns gives the impression that the trek is nothing morethat a brisk walk and that a genuine workout program of cardiovasculartraining and weight training is of little use. If one were to rest on hisreccomendations they would stand a very small chance of reaching thesummit. Further, the use of Diamox for many who summited proved to be a keyfactor in their success. If one were to take these sections of his book toheart I do not think theirKilimanjaro experience would be a positive one.Be in the best condition you are able and have Diamox at the ready if youneed it. ... Read more

Product Description
Yes, Virginia, there is ice climbing in Washington State!Learn where in the first guide to this undiscovered country.

· Presents more than 200 waterfall ice routes and alpine ice climbs in 28 areas in all regions of the state
· Several Washington climbing schools offer specific courses in ice climbing
· Includes information on how weather patterns affect ice routes and the best times to climb, from KING5 TV’s Jeff Renner

From established ice areas such as Alpental and Leavenworth to routes being developed (or rediscovered) around Coulee City and Wenatchee, the word is finally out: There are ample opportunities for quality ice climbing in Washington state! Arctic Grail, The Drip, and Hanging Curtain are just a few of the hottest ice routes that await you. Even more exciting, there are many routes yet to be conquered! Veteran ice climber Alex Kramarik and mountain guide Jason D. Martin have consulted with ice climbing experts around Washington to ensure the greatest accuracy and the best selection of routes. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Great Resource!
This might be the best ice climbing guidebook I've ever seen!Let it freeze!Let it freeze!Let it freeze!

Best Winter Guide in Washington
This is clearly the definitive guide to steep winter climbing in Washington State.Martin and Krawarik have done a spectacular job researching and reporting on these routes.

This is the first book of it's kind for the area.I absolutely cannot wait for it to get cold! ... Read more

Product Description
Rock 'n' Road is the fundamental reference guide to climbing areas in North America. The rock climber's atlas, this completely revised and updated edition provides details on more than 2,400 climbing locales in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.Tim Toula, who has been driving around the continent climbing rocks for more than two decades, provides information for climbing areas including common names, descriptions, rock types, and the best times to climb.Each climbing site is rated to indicate where you will find the best climbs and where you will find the black holes.Look inside for: locator maps; directions to the climbing areas; star ratings; access issues; classic routes; camping information; the type of climbing and rock encountered. (8 1/2 x 11, 552 pages, b&w photos, maps) ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Huge resource
This is a great resource for finding out what is out there in Mexico, Canada, and everything in between. Finding out how to get to the actual climbs and knowing what you're getting on is different. However, if you're really into adventure and onsighting, what do you need lengthy route descriptions for?

The best guide for dirtbagging roadtrippers
Easily the definitive road trip guide for the country. With the growth of the climbing community since its last printing it could use an update, access issues are such a constantly changing thing that there cold be a national update every year.. Anyway, great book, worth it for any climber anywhere in the country!

Rock Climbing Book
I purchased this book for my son as a Christmas gift.He's been reading it intermittantly to reference our next journey.Great detail to describe & locate places to climb throughout North America. ... Read more

Product Description

Deep in the heart of the city. . .

Miss Nancy saw somebody run off with her binoculars. . .Where did the thief go? And will she get her binoculars back?

This sounds like a case for the High-Rise Private Eyes--Case #002, to be exact, The Case of the Climbing Cat

Because no mystery is too mysterious, no puzzle to puzzling, no crime too criminal, no trouble too troubling for ace detectives and very best friends Bunny Brown and Jack Jones.

Customer Reviews (1)

High Rise Private Eyes:The Case of the Climbing Cat
Sometimes I struggle to get my daughter (8) to read voluntarily.This series was the first she absolutely loved and couldn't get enough of...her enthusiasm spread to other kids in her class...now we can't wait for the next edition! ... Read more

Product Description
Written by a parent for parents, Climbing with Children shows how to have fun climbing with your kids while ensuring a safe outing. Not just another book on rock craft, this guide examines the special concerns present when children climb, from preparing their bodies and minds to managing them at the cliffs. You'll also learn about stretching techniques, pre-climbing exercises, climb selection and setting up top-ropes.

Whether you are a parent, guardian or counselor, if children and climbing are in your life, this book will get you started. With a few pieces of equipment and your favorite crag, you and the kids can be climbing in no time. ... Read more

Product Description
Rock Climbing will help you explore one of the world's fastest-growing activities safely and successfully. The experts at the Wilderness Education Association ensure you learn proper technique essential to a safe and enjoyable experience. They prepare you for your adventure with information on fitness and conditioning, equipment and gear selection, and nutrition. Safety skills are integrated throughout the book, ensuring safety is never overlooked. You'll learn how you can use indoor climbing to practice basic skills before moving on to refine and build on those skills in the outdoors. You'll find easy-to-follow instruction of climbing fundamentals, including knots, belaying, building anchor systems, moving on rock, descending, and lead climbing, giving you all the skills and knowledge you need to be a capable beginning climber.

Throughout the book the authors share consumer, technique, and safety tips collected from their years of experience as both climbers and instructors. They also list Web sites to help you find climbing clubs and organizations, shop for equipment and gear, and plan outdoor climbing trips.

Rock Climbing is part of the Outdoor Adventure series. This practical series provides you with the essential information so you can get ready and go. The Outdoor Adventures series will prepare you with instruction in the basic techniques and skills so you can be on your way to an adventure in no time. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (9)

Good to read if you are a mountain, not rock, climber
The picture on the cover and the fact that I enjoy John Long's writing is what motivated my to buy the book. I am a boulderer/rock climber who has done roped solo climbing in the past (using a Silent Partner self-belay device - a little plug for that device since it worked so well for me).

I should have noticed the phrase "edited by John Long" on the cover. He didn't write this book - it is a collection of individual stories. That wasn't so bad because I enjoyed some of the writing.

The problem I had was that the cover shows a rock climber but the book is mainly written about solo mountain climbers. I was more interested in rock climbers.

If you are a mountain climber, or ice climber, then you may enjoy this book.

I'd give this book 2 stars as a rock climber (since I think it was deceiving to show a rock climber on the cover), and 4 stars if I were a mountain climber. So, I'll average it out to 3 stars.

They're Better than You
This is a collection of stories about climbing alone.Some of them are well written, some are a bit bland, but all of them are exciting.However, the appeal to non-climbers might be a bit limited, because it's hard to explain climbing's intensity to someone who hasn't been there.

"Just don't fall!" said the soloist to himself.

Oh, wait.That's redundant.

Thought Provoking
As a climber, you become comfortable with the uncomfortable, but that is because you have a rope between you and the great beyond.These stories become even more amazing when you think deeply and appreciatively of the mental control over fear that these individuals master, which goes beyond the obvious physical mastery to climb solo.The stories give you a glimpse into the psyche of people who are true individuals.Whatever your view on their sanity or motivation, it is gripping stuff.One note, if you are John Long fan, this book is edited by Long, not written by him.But he combines great stories and insightful prologues.

Fast read
Another great John Long compilation!!Read while on a business trip & could hardly put it down, really saved me from the travel boredom.Any climber can relate to the drama & excitement!

Good reasons to not climb alone
This is an easy, quick read that will entertain if you like climbing stories.While I enjoyed reading this book as I have all of Long's climbing stories, I just can't see the thrill of tackling mountains alone.The element of danger is raised exponentially.Therefore, I didn't identify with the climbers and why they take this risk.It does detail these climbers and why so many feel the desire to climb alone in dangerous conditions. Personally, it just made me more comfortable on an indoor rock wall.Climbers will still enjoy the read however. ... Read more

Product Description
The only training guide for making the move from indoor to outdoor climbing.

The first book in our new Mountaineers Outdoor Expert Series, whichwill provide in-depth instruction on a variety of climbing topics.

Surpasses other training guides with a new level of instruction,clarity, and safety. Complements any indoor or outdoor climbingcourse.

Climbing: From Gym to Crag helps indoor climbers safely make thetransition from a controlled climbing environment, which requires fewtechnical skills and presents no objective dangers, to the outdoorenvironment, where the risks and rewards require a well-honed set ofbasic skills and awareness.

Each of the four sections-Indoor Climbing, Sport Climbing,Traditional Climbing, and Retreat Techniques-contains instructionalchapters on safety, belaying, technique, leading, andanchors. Transitional skills are taught in a logical progression soclimbers can begin at the point in the text that their skillsdictate. Key Transition Exercises walk climbers through steps on theground so they can safely master techniques that are not found indoorsor are done differently outdoors. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Essential book in your climbing library
Any gym climbers who are aspiring to climb outside must buy this book. It is a very comprehensive book that helps guide the transition from gym climbing to outdoor climbing. There are detailed exercises on proper top rope placement, rappelling, self-rescue, and a number of other safety issues. The advice is clear and safe. You really should go with someone more experienced when you try these techniques, but the book makes an excellent case for being safe and going beyond what is normally done. For example, you should back up your rappel with an autoblock or a fireman's belay. Why not do this easy thing that may save your life? Your friend that teaches you how to climb may not show you these lifesaving techniques. I rarely see people back up their rappel!
As you get more experienced and want to make the transition to trad climbing, it teaches important techniques like making a multi-directional anchor for your first trad anchor by using a sliding girth hitch. It takes extra time, but it may save your life by preventing all your gear placement from zippering (popping out) after your fall. Happy climbing and safe climbing to you!

Essential book in your climbing library
Any gym climbers who are aspiring to climb outside must buy this book. It is a very comprehensive book that helps guide the transition from gym climbing to outdoor climbing. There are detailed exercises on proper top rope placement, rappelling, self-rescue, and a number of other safety issues. The advice is clear and safe. You really should go with someone more experienced when you try these techniques, but the book makes an excellent case for being safe and going beyond what is normally done. For example, you should back up your rappel with an autoblock or a fireman's belay. Why not do this easy thing that may save your life? Your friend that teaches you how to climb may not show you these lifesaving techniques. I rarely see people back up their rappel!
As you get more experienced and want to make the transition to trad climbing, it teaches important techniques like making a multi-directional anchor for your first trad anchor by using a sliding girth hitch. It takes extra time, but it may save your life by preventing all your gear placement from zippering (popping out) after your fall. Happy climbing and safe climbing to you!

Good, but don't let this be it
I've been gym climbing off and on for years, mostly in the last three months as there is an excellent wall at the school I go to, and found this book to be quite helpful in getting me ready for the trip outside.I have been able to climb outside in the past only with the help of other more experienced climbers, and thanks to the help of this book and other resources, I am beginning to feel comfortable going out without the help.However, do not let this book be your only resource.There are many terms not adequately defined and several concepts are not introduced, but are referenced.For instance, the author refers to the "magic X", a method of attaching to anchors, but never defines it, and doesn't even say anything more than "use the magic x method of equalizing the anchors" for many pages.However, if you have other available sources of information, this guide can fill the gaps.

Good, but don't let this be it
I've been gym climbing off and on for years, mostly in the last three months as there is an excellent wall at the school I go to, and found this book to be quite helpful in getting me ready for the trip outside.I have been able to climb outside in the past only with the help of other more experienced climbers, and thanks to the help of this book and other resources, I am beginning to feel comfortable going out without the help.However, do not let this book be your only resource.There are many terms not adequately defined and several concepts are not introduced, but are referenced.For instance, the author refers to the "magic X", a method of attaching to anchors, but never defines it, and doesn't even say anything more than "use the magic x method of equalizing the anchors" for many pages.However, if you have other available sources of information, this guide can fill the gaps.

every climber needs this book
One book every climber must have. Much more specific to rock climbing than "the bible", "Mountaineering: the Freedom of the Hills".

If you and a partner go through the exercises you will be better skilled than most of the climbers on the rocks.

Covers basic skills,and has great sections on setting up Toprope anchors and placing protection on Lead.

ONLY problem is the casual use of girth-hitched slings. Girth hitching seriously reduces rope strength. ... Read more

Product Description
Smart, instructive, and beautifully designed, every book in the Trailside Guide series contains the essential information readers need to master outdoor activities and have fun in the process.

Norton proudly reissues these best-selling guides with fully revised "Sources & Resources" sections (including where to find the Web sites, gear, services, books, clubs, and organizations that make for foolproof outings); updates to reflect the latest in gear technology, wilderness medicine, and first aid; and advances in techniques.

You can take it with you: Trailside Guides are designed to be used on the trail. Their handy size makes them easy to take along on outdoor adventures.
Picture this: Trailside Guides show you how it's done. Each book has more than 100 color photographs and dozens of informative, full-color technical illustrations you'll refer to again and again.
Buying Guide: Each Guide has all the information readers need to make informed decisions about what gear is available, and what they should buy.
Step-by-step: Tutorials take readers through every aspect of a given outdoor activity. Each Guide covers planning and preparing for a trip, getting in shape, technique, safety, and first-aid tips, and how to have more fun along the way!
Easy to use: Trailside Guides provide information quickly. Every book contains detailed illustrations, information-packed sidebars, and a complete index and bibliography.
Technique tips: Any physical activity is more fun when it's done right. Trailside Guides are written by experts and contain lucid explanations that help the reader quickly achieve proficiency.

It's a big world out there. Get into it with the Trailside Guides. Color photographs and drawings throughout. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Great book for the beginner!
This is a great book for someone looking to improve their basic rock climbing skills. I think this book would be best for someone who has just taken a 1 day orientation at scout camp or the gym or whatever and wants to learn what it takes to climb on their own. It's a great beginnger book full of clear color diagrams and photos.

It's like Climbing 101
I've only just started doing indoor climbing, but am verry interested in the sport.I bought this book as it didn't seem to intense or technical and it had a lot of pictures :)

The pictures actually help, as I was able to put a face to a name, so to speak, for some of the things I've heard people talk about.The book gives a really brought and comprehensive over-view of climbing, from gym to multi-pitch long hauls.

It was pretty good, can't think of anything bad about it.Only thing I'd say is that it's not really very deep any any one thing, like, I totally wouldn't say I know how to set up an anchor now, but I'd be able to understand someone who was telling me about an anchor they set up kinda thing.

Written right
The old "textbook" model of learning is obsolete.This book does it right:Short, well illustrated articles that cover topics concisely; Sidebars that reinforce; Well marked sections that are self-contained.

I started climbing last week and I bought half a dozen books.I have two that I consider priceless.This one and: Rock Climbing (Outdoor Pursuits Series).

Call me a Gen. X, MTV, schitzoid; but these books both work the way I think!

CLIMB INTO A NEW ACTIVITY
Ever wanted to learn how to rock climb?Well this book is an excellent starting point.Everything from grips to gear to knots to terminology to training is covered.The illustrations are excellent and Don Mellon keeps the writing swift (for a guide) while really pouring on the information.My only gripe is that the guide is filled with lots of information that won't be necessary to most begining and intermediate climbers.Still, if you ever find yourself heading towards a rock climbing adventure, this is the one book I'd want to have with me.

Great exercise, great excitement, and a great read...don't delay start your climbing adventures today!

A comprehensive and well-illustrated source of information
This is absolutely the best beginner's guide to hiking that I have seen.It briefly covers every aspect of the sport, from gear to technique (and even some philosophy.)It is concisely written and well illustrated withcolor diagrams and stunning photography.The information is presented inthe perfect level of detail, which keeps the reader from feeling boggeddown with useless information.If I had to recommend one single source ofinformation for the beginning climber, this would be it. ... Read more

Product Description
Whether you’re a beginner bouldering a low-angled face or an experienced climber flashing a route on-sight, Rock Climbing will help you explore one of the world’s fastest growing activities safely and successfully.

Rock Climbing covers the basic techniques in four styles of free rock climbing: bouldering, top-roping, traditional leading, and sport leading. The book contains 47 full-color photos that demonstrate correct techniques for moving over rock faces, cracks, and overhangs. The book also provides photos and descriptions of the world’s best rock climbing destinations.

Like all the books in the Outdoor Pursuits Series, Rock Climbing emphasizes safety, environmental responsibility, and—most of all—the fun of outdoor activity! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Perfect for Beginners
A picture is worth 1000 words and this book uses color pictures well.The book is fairly short, but covers the subject with concise grace.I am a rank beginner.My first climb was 3 days ago, my second was yesterday (both indoors).I took my 3 year old and 10 year old yesterday and they loved it!In the past 2 days I've read 5 books on climbing, and so far this has been the best.

I read a 250 page "textbook" on climbing, and only saw about 10% that I cared about right now.At this point I really don't want to know 75 different ways to wrap a rope around my body to rappel. (you know what I mean?)Teach me something fast, show me some good graphics.Get me started on the right foot!That's what this book does in spades.

The author's best use of pictures are to show both the right way and the wrong way to do something (like run rope through a 'biner).Also, I have done alot of equipment pricing over the past few days, and this book is DEAD ON when it comes to costs of climbing equipment and accessories.

This book is everything the beginner needs to start crawling up walls, just make sure you have a belay partner so you don't kill yourself. :-)

This book is great for beginning courses.
Rock Climbing is an excellent resource for beginning courses offered through high school and university programs.The text is full color and includes many exciting photographs by noted climbing photographers and very nice artist renderings of gear and techniques.All the basics for getting started are covered.The text describes techniques and methods for Traditional and Sport Leading as well as for Top-roping routes.Information on specific training for climbing is provided and one chapter even presents a mini-guide to some of the best areas around the world.Of course, I am a bit biased since I wrote the book ... Read more