Climbing Articles & Videos

• About Adventure of the Seas

  Operated by Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, the 138,000-ton Adventure of the Seas plies the trans-Atlantic, Mediterranean and Caribbean cruise routes with a speed of 23.7 knots. Launched in 2001, the ship carries 3,114 passengers in a length… read more

• How to Climb in the Redwood Forest

  Redwood trees can grow over 300 feet tall and live more than three thousand years. These ancient giants support an ecosystem up in the canopies. Explored first for research, recreational climbers also seek out redwoods to experience the wil… read more

• How To Prepare to Climb Mount Whitney

  Though it doesn't have the severe glaciation associated with peaks in the Cascades and the Alps, Mount Whitney, at 14,505 feet high, is the highest mountain in the lower 48 states. Even hiking the normal route up this California mountain is… read more

• Outdoor Living Skills

  Living outdoors, and enjoying outdoor activities can be fun and safe with a little planning and education. As you gain outdoor experience, you will learn what to bring and what not to bring, what to do and what not to do, and your outdoor s… read more

• How to Charter a Plane

  Chartering a plane to get you and your group to your destination, possibly to a wilderness area only accessible by air, is an option valued by many outdoor adventurers. By chartering a plane, you and your group are the only individuals on b… read more

• How to Sharpen Climbing Spikes

  For mountaineers, a climbing spike may refer to a spike on a climber's crampons (spiked metal straps attached to the feet to increase traction in snow and ice) or the spike of an ice axe. Maintaining these climbing spikes is important--espe… read more

• How to Climb Back Into a Kayak in Deep Water

  After exiting from your kayak in deep water, getting back without knowing proper techniques can be challenging. The scramble, sometimes called the cowboy, is one of the quickest kayak reentry techniques. In moderate to calm conditions, the… read more

• Mariner of the Seas Information

  Lugging your climbing equipment and snorkel gear from hotel to hotel at different adventure destinations can become annoying and tiresome. You can avoid this hassle by traveling on a cruise ship like the Mariner of the Seas. read more

• How to Make Climbing Holds

  The crags outside are wet or frozen, and you're stuck at the gym ... again. Gym climbing is fine a couple of times a week, but when it gets to be the only place to climb, you can feel like a hamster on a wheel. Routes get really old really… read more

• How to Solo Climb Safely

  Rock climbing offers a challenging outdoor experience, typically in the company of friends or climbing partners. At times, though, some climbers simply want to go it alone, ascending or descending the rock face solo. This presents a whole n… read more

• Famous Granite Formations in Yosemite Valley

  Every year, thousands of rock climbers and hikers visit the Yosemite Valley to challenge themselves on one of the area's massive granite formations. Inside the one-mile wide and seven-mile-long canyon, visitors find amazing views of glacier… read more

• Seven Summits to Climb Before You Die

  Mountain climbing is a tough but rewarding sport. You have to be in excellent condition and have plenty of training to successfully scale some of the more challenging mountain peaks on the planet. Depending on your level of skill and fitnes… read more

• Black Diamond Quantum Pack Review

  An exceptional alpine climbing backpack, the Black Diamond Quantum costs $230 as of 2009. The Quantum is available in 45- and 55-liter capacity models, both of which weigh around 4 pounds. The Quantum is top-loading, with a full-length acce… read more

• How to Climb Kilimanjaro

  Kilimanjaro is the tallest mountain in Africa, but unlike a Himalayan climb, most able-bodied persons have a good chance of reaching its summit. It's important to consider the risk factors when undertaking this climb, however. Most successf… read more

• North Face Cable Knit Hat Beanie Review

  North Face's cable knit beanies are composed of a blend of wool, acrylic and alpaca. This blend combines heat-retention, softness and stretch. The hat also comes in one size, which is designed to fit any head. North Face's cable knit beanie… read more

• What Size Climbing Belt Should You Wear?

  The climbing belt provides a link between the climber and his protection. A properly fitting belt is important for safety and comfort while climbing. Many styles and sizes are available so take the time to find one that fits your body. read more

• What Are Snowblades?

  Snowblades are similar to skis, yet half the length and are typically used without poles. Made by Solomon, Snowblades are a type of skiboard, but a trademark of Solomon. Because of their size they are easy to maneuver anywhere on the mounta… read more

• About OSHA Climbing Regulations

  For those who oversee or manage facilities that involve outdoor or indoor rock climbing or mountain hiking, certain regulations must be followed as set forth by the federal Occupational Health & Safety Administration. read more

• How to Climb Better

  Skilled climbing requires a combination of skill, strength, flexibility, and balance. By practicing your technique and cross training with targeted exercises, you can dramatically improve your climbing ability in a short period of time. As… read more

• Grand Teton Facts

  Climbing the Grand Teton is a much sought-after pastime by adventurous mountain climbers. Since it offers a number of routes to the top, and since the ascents may be completed in less than half a day, it is a perfect vacation experience for… read more

• How to Sharpen Crampons

  Once you've used your crampons several times, they can get worn down. Using your crampons on mixed terrain with rocks, dirt and ice can wear down the original sharpness of your points. Sharpening your points can help keep your points even,… read more

• How to Choose a Climbing Gym

  Climbing gyms are springing up all over the country. Choosing the right gym to accelerate your climbing abilities is easy if you know what to look for. read more

• How to Adjust to Higher Altitudes While Climbing

  Ascending too quickly above 8,000 feet can lead to serious illness. You can help prevent the most serious degrees of altitude illness by taking a few precautions. read more

• Transition From Indoor to Outdoor Climbing

  Whether you've mastered all the walls and boulders at your indoor rock climbing gym or you've just begun to learn how to handle the ropes, climbing quickly becomes a sort of addiction. For those who want to transition their need to reach gr… read more

• Tie Off With a Clove Hitch Knot

  A clove hitch is a simple knot to tie and can be used in camping, boating and climbing. It's useful to pass through a caribiner when climbing, and is the knot to use when you need to tie anything to a pole. There are many ways to tie the cl… read more

• How to Improve Grip Strength for Climbing

  Improving your grip for rock climbing will help you to become a more confident, stronger and safer climber. Of course rock climbing is great training for ice and mixed climbing as well. There are several ways you can improve your grip stren… read more

• How to Improve Balance for Climbing

  A good sense of balance is essential for climbing. When you first begin climbing, you may find that you have difficulty keeping your body close to the wall or controlling your center of gravity. Improved balance will develop naturally the m… read more

• Types of Climbing Chalk

  Colorado climber John Gill introduced the use of chalk (a.k.a. magnesium carbonate) to the climbing world in the 1970s. A former gymnast, he decided to try using chalk to absorb sweat while climbing. It worked well and caught on quickly. Un… read more

• How to Clean Indoor Climbing Holds

  Climbing holds at your home gym can get caked with chalk, skin, blood and grime, which makes them slick and difficult to hold onto. Thus they should be cleaned regularly. read more

• Climbing Calls and Terminology

  A key skill all rock climbers need to have in their repertoire is a solid understanding of climbing commands (calls and terminology). These commands are a standard form of communication that ensure the safety of the climber. They should be… read more

• Primary Muscles Used for Climbing

  It has been said that climbing is one of the best exercises in the world. Not only does climbing offer a great cardio workout in comparison to running, it also works nearly every muscle in the body from the fingers to toes. While most muscl… read more

• How to Prepare for a Mixed Climb

  The practice of climbing on rock, ice and sometimes snow on the same route is known as mixed climbing. Alpinists often encounter conditions on peaks that call for both rock and ice climbing skills, sometimes within the same pitch. This is a… read more

• How to Do a Multi Pitch Climb

  In order to do a multipitch climb you must have a good foundation in traditional rock climbing first, unless you plan on going with an accredited guide service. This guide is for people who already have a base knowledge of traditional climb… read more

• Types of Indoor Climbing Holds

  Indoor climbing has developed to include more possibilities for the climber who wants extra training or to play on a rainy day, or for those who live in an area where there isn't much rock. Holds for indoor climbing are produced in just abo… read more

• About Grappling Hooks for Climbing

  Grappling hooks were not originally made for climbing. They were first invented to use on naval ships. The main purpose was to launch them at an enemy ship to pull them close or to tear into the other ship or its sails. Today they are used… read more

• Grappling Hooks for Climbing

  A basic grappling hook is a hook with a rope attached it. It is used mainly as a way to help climb up an area or get across an area where it is difficult to do so without assistance. Rock climbers sometimes use them for icy conditions or wh… read more

• Learn What to Expect the First Time You Go Climbing

  Learn what to expect from your first experience climbing, including how to prevent injuries and get the most out of your rock climbing skill level in this free beginner rock climbing video series. read more

• Understand the Drawbacks of Using Static Lines When Climbing

  Learn about the drawbacks of using static lines when rock climbing to determine whether they are right for you, your level of expertise and your confidence in your climbing abilities in this free video series. read more