Rock Climbing Know-How | Mountain Hardwear

It’s not an adventure until something goes wrong. Set in a smoke-saturated, storm-brimming episode in the North Cascades of Washington, this photo essay chronicles the challenges of the alpine and boils down the important things while climbing up high.

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Nestled in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, “The Incredible Hulk” towers over a floor of scree like a giant—and not the friendly kind. A steep 1,200-foot wall with long granite ridges stacked with striking spires culminates to its 11,300-foot summit, making a true marvel for climbers.

On a multi-pitch, mid way up route in the rural Utah desert.

ROCK CLIMBING
KNOW-HOW:

insight to
onsight

get a solid grasp

In the past, rock climbers were born out of mentorship and close-knit coaching directly on the rock. That landscape has since changed dramatically, and the entry points into the sport have grown in number and methods. For the questions that you’re just not sure where to begin or who to ask, start here.

What is ‘Sport Climbing’?

Competition climbing started in the United States in the late 80's at Snowbird Resort. The sport of climbing has come a long way since then, and we're not just talking about graduating from leopard print tights and mullets...

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Kyra Condie lead climbing in the gym

Kyra sitting in gym

Getting Started
in Gym Climbing

Kyra bouldering

Gaining Mental
Toughness & Tapping
into Your Try-Hard

Kyra bouldering in sport climbing comepition

A Guide to Sport Climbing
Scoring & Strategy

Josh showing Kyra her next hold with a long pointer

Advice From a Coach
on Giving Advice

illustration of rock climbers in the red desert inspecting the rock from afar, determining it isn't safe to climb as showers pass

Rock n’ Rain: Climbing after an event of wet-weather

The Mountain Guides explain why and when it is imperative to wait to climb after it rains, for the sake of your safety and the preservation of our sandstone climbing areas.

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gym climbing:
how to get started

MHW Athlete Kyra Condie trains on a boulder wall in the gym

training tools: hangboards,
campus boards & moonboards

how to plan a
climbing road trip

climbing protection:
when to use cams vs. nuts

how to stay
motivated

rock climbing pants:
your secret weapon

route-finding 101:
understanding topos,
terrain & your intuition

competition climbing:
everything you need to know

intro to bouldering:
getting started safely

Climbing n the Utah desert wearing the Basin pant

the latest climb kit

Expedition Know-How