10 Best Climbing Books In 2021

The name of Alex Honnold has become one of the most famous in the sport, and will probably be familiar also to people that are not looking for books on climbing. The climber is most known for his solo ascent of El Capitan, in Yosemite, which was recorded in the famous documentary "Free Solo", but Honnold has also proved his worth in a variety of different settings and climbing styles, holding many records to his name. 

Guided by veteran climber and award-winning writer David Roberts, in "Alone on the wall" Honnold tells the story of his seven most challenging climbs, taking us through all the steps in the journey. As readers of this excellent climbing book, we get to experience the details of the inner workings and thoughts of this groundbreaking climber through every stage of the climb. Included are all the doubts and missteps he has had to endure as well as a healthy dose of self-criticism, but the most precious material for aspiring climbers will be without a doubt the climbing journal.

This section turns makes this volume also fall in the category of mountain climbing books, given the wealth of details that are described. Most importantly, Honnold explains how he manages to conquer fear and not let it prevent him from reaching for his goals. Masterfully put together by Roberts, who manages to put Honnold's achievements in perspective so to really understand their value, "Alone on the wall" is one of the best climbing books you can read. It will give you insight into the mind of an artist and a visionary, that has attempted and succeeded in tasks few would dream of taking on.

It is not often mentioned, but climbing is considered by many to be an activity that transcends the simple description of the sport, rising to the level of meditation. It is certainly true that the focus and concentration it requires, if properly harnessed, can lead to a better understanding of one's self. Pushing yourself to overcome your limits and reach your goals, or simply having to get yourself out of complicated and risky situations on the walls, is a powerful tool to get to know yourself better and learn to focus your efforts.

This is precisely what Arno Ilgner presents in his rock climbing book, "The rock warrior's way: Mental training for climbers". Ilner has had extensive experience as a rock climber in the 70s and 80s and has, over time, developed a unique physical and mental training program, dubbed "The Warrior's Way". Since 1995, Ilner has been teaching his program full-time, helping numerous students works on their awareness, focus attention and learn to make better decisions in whatever situation in life, not just tock climbing. 

In the volume, which is unique between books about mountain climbing, Ilner describes step-by-step how to analyze your motivation, gather information, effectively assess risks, focusing mentally and then translate all this into action. In this precious rock climbing book, climbers will find the key to unlock the path to outstanding performance fueled by unbending intention. Not many books have the potential to change lives, but "The rock warrior's way" by Arno Ilgner, aside from being simply one of the best climbing books you can find, may well be one of them.

Tommy Caldwell is the first person, together with his partner Kevin Jorgeson, to summit the "Dawn Wall" of El Capitan in Yosemite's national park, and he did so without his left index finger. This wall is a nearly vertical, 3000-foot climb, and is widely regarded as one of the most challenging, if not the hardest, climb in the world. This book tells the story of how it happened, and what Caldwell had to go through to achieve this.

With swift and enthralling prose, "The Push" tells the story of a boy first driven by his father to become as tough as he could in the mountains, who then becomes obsessed with sport climbing and sets his sights on the highest goal achievable. In a tale of focus, perseverance, motivation, endurance and self-transformation, the book chronicles the many ups and downs of Caldwell's life before he achieved the feat that made him famous. Being held hostage in Kyrgystan, losing a finger, being abandoned by his wife and main climbing partner are all described in this book, that shows how Caldwell's obsessions pushed through.

In the seven years it took him to go from the lowest point in his life to the highest, Caldwell has become an example and an inspiration for a new generation of climbers. Thanks to this unique mountaineering book, readers are taken along for the ride, seeing how failure is transformed into success and witnessing what the sheer refusal to quit might bring. "The Push" reminds us vividly how no road is devoid of challenges, but that we are always the makers of our destiny.

Climbers are sometimes considered with skepticism by the masses. Some of us may fall prey to the romance of challenging unclaimed heights, while others might struggle to comprehend what pushes someone to risk their neck. A friend's insight into a climber's life may, therefore, prove helpful to understand these peculiar personas. Longtime friend and colleague of the famed Alex Honnold, Mark Synnott delivers an inside perspective of life on the rocks, in particular, the one that led to the now famous free solo climb of El Capitan.

Not only does Synnott take us to the backstage of that particular climb, but he also revisits and confronts his personal history and obsession with climbing and his strive to live life to the fullest. In "The impossible climb", Synnott paints a broad picture of the significance of Yosemite's famous peak, compiling stories of the first climbers as well as recounts of his own adventures aside Honnold, halfway around the globe. 

"The impossible climb" becomes an emotional drama about passionate people pushing themselves to the extremes and looking to achieve a delicate balance in nature, all the while guiding us to reflect on our own struggles and motivations, urging us to look deep inside ourselves to find what pushes us forward. After all, each one of us has an engine driving our days, we just need to remember to keep it well fueled and ready to go.

As the title suggests, "The Rock Climber's Training Manual" delivers an effective step-by-step guide to constantly improving your rock climbing. Drawing on the experiences of elite climbers, the book develops from the famous "Rock Prodigy" training method and expands on it, proving a very useful tool to quickly take your climbing to the next level. 

With concise and easy language, the manual describes daily schedules specifically designed for beginner, intermediate and advanced climbers, as well as training programs tailored for traditional, sport climbing or bouldering. The wealth of information continues with over two hundred full color illustrations that let you visualize the correct techniques and eleven exercise protocols that describe every training activity in detail.

The manual incorporates the latest advancements in sport science and users report experiencing significant improvements after following the instructions described by the authors. If you're willing to put in the work and the hours of practice, this may well be one of the best rock climbing books you can find, or at least one that can have a significant impact on your abilities.

Craig Luebben's first edition of "Rock Climbing: Mastering Basic Skills" has helped hundreds and hundreds of aspiring rock climber become familiar with the sport, and now his friend and fellow climber Topher Donahue has expanded the content. Donahue has kept the core of Luebben's precious teaching and brought whatever needed to up to date with the latest developments, complementing it with stunning photographs.

Rock climbing can seem daunting to any newcomer, but by following the trail carefully lain by Luebben and Donahue, the whole activity is decoded and simplified, providing even the complete novice with the tools to ascend their first rock walls. In the second edition, European climbing techniques find space alongside North American ones and three never before published techniques are shared. These are Adjustable Hitch, High Friction Tubes and Bright Method, and we leave you with the pleasure of discovering them. 

Despite having fallen victim to a lethal accident on the North Cascades, Luebben's teaching stay alive in this text, and continue inspiring and educating ever-growing numbers of new and ambitious climbers. For those looking for books about rock climbing to know what to expect when they head out the door, few come as well recommended as the second edition of "Rock Climbing: Mastering Basic Skills".

Readers fascinated with personal stories of loss and redemption will much appreciate "Learning to Fly: A Memoir of Hanging On and Letting Go", by Steph Davis. After making a name for herself as one of the best climbers in the world, Davis has found herself stranded and seemingly without a purpose in life after her husband make a controversial climb in a national park. This is the story of how, with the only company of her dog, Davies discovers skydiving during the search for a new identity.

Despite this being as close to the complete opposite of climbing as one could imagine, the book describes how Davis opens herself up to this new experience and new self, eventually getting to the point where she can love again even following a heartbreak. Complemented by beautiful black and white photographs, the book tells an emotional tale of rediscovery and self-transformation, which is bound to inspire and motivate countless readers, in the climbing world or outside of it.

Mountain climbing books often focus on how much you can learn to control yourself and your emotions, and while "Learning to fly" may begin from a similar starting point but leads you through a journey in which we accept how little we can control and learn to trust end enjoy ourselves nonetheless. Truly an inspiring account and a volume that is bound to make us think about the way we lead our lives.

John Kettle is the UK's foremost climbing movement specialist and he has condensed two decades worth of experience in this essential climbing manual. The book explains how climbing is, at its core, a skill-based sport and does not solely focus on repetitive training, flexibility, endurance or simple raw strength. The text aims to get you moving as smoothly and effortlessly as you can on the rock, whatever your ability and experience.

"Rock Climbing Technique" comes illustrated with over 35 skills exercises meant for all kinds of climbers, complemented by online videos aimed at helping you develop those fundamental skills you will need to feel at home even on the steepest walls. Achieving smooth, relaxed and powerful movements is Kettle's objective, and he has spent years as a professional training coach perfecting the path to get there. 

Divided into specific chapter focused on particular techniques, the book provides a comprehensive guide to improving your skillset before heading to the walls you aim to conquer, and users report feeling a significant difference in their abilities and confidence to tackle a climb. For those looking for the best rock climbing books to work on their skills or gift to a fellow avid climber, "Rock Climbing Technique" may well be the definitive choice and the benchmarks against which all other manuals are tested.