The Best Climbing Ropes of 2026, Tested and Reviewed
Testing nine new dynamic ropes identified six standouts across the three main climbing categories. The BlueWater Xenon 9.2 Standard emerged as the best all‑around rope, while the Metolius Monster 9.8 topped sport climbing and the Fixe Pedraforca 8.8 led alpine performance. Mid‑range options include the Sterling VR Eco 9.6 for gym/crag use, Mammut Crag Eco Dry 9.5 for lightweight cragging, and Black Diamond 9.4 Dry for trad climbing. Prices range from $160 to $343, reflecting a market where durability and dry‑treatment technology justify premium pricing.
Watch What Happens When This Climber Breaks the First Rule of Alpine Climbing
The article recounts a climber’s near‑miss after ignoring Marc‑André Leclerc’s advice to use a lightweight tagline instead of a heavy rope during alpine mixed climbs. After taking a big whipper in the Canadian Rockies, the author’s ice‑tool leash broke, while...
Climbing Magazine’s Editorial Standards
Climbing Magazine has published comprehensive editorial standards outlining strict journalistic ethics, fact‑checking protocols, and gear‑testing guidelines. The policy bans the use of artificial intelligence for writing or image creation, mandates source quote review without draft access, and requires unbiased product...
California Nutrition Startup Launches New Protein Chalk for Climbing
Los Angeles startup NutriHacks introduced Protein Chalk, a biodegradable, edible, 83% plant‑based protein chalk for climbers. The product aims to replace magnesium carbonate, reducing inhalation hazards while delivering protein to support muscle growth. Founders claim larger particles limit airborne exposure,...
Nepal Announces New Permit Tiers, Giving Wealthy Climbers On-Mountain Priority
Nepal’s tourism ministry launched the FastClimb Premium Summit+ permit for the 2026 Everest season, tacking a $12,000 surcharge onto the standard $15,000 permit. The tier grants holders priority camp departure, right‑of‑way on fixed lines, and access to carbon‑fiber bridges with...
What Really Caused the Kilter-Pocalypse?
Kilter Board’s original app was abruptly taken down on March 26, wiping twelve years of climbers’ logged ascents and training data. The shutdown followed a cease‑and‑desist letter from Kilter to Aurora’s developer, Peter Michaux, amid a long‑running dispute over ownership...
A Masterclass in Screaming Your Way Off the Crux
Patrick Allen attempted the 5.11a/b trad route Coarse and Buggy in Joshua Tree, using a series of loud power screams to power through its crux layback. Despite the vocal effort, he fell roughly 15 feet into the stem corner, underscoring the...
Listen to the Stories of 8 Climbers, From the Late Upside-Down Soloist to the Trad Princess
Climbing.com has launched an audio playlist that curates eight in‑depth climber profiles, ranging from legendary alpinists to unconventional free‑soloists. Each story is available via a “Listen” button and runs between six and twenty‑seven minutes, catering to fans who prefer audio...
Why I Wear Long Earrings on All My Hardest Offwidth Climbs
The author explains how wearing long earrings on demanding off‑width climbs became a personal power ritual, starting with early trips to Vedauwoo alongside climbers Mary Eden and Kaya Lindsay. The earrings, once seen as a safety risk, turned into a...