Toproping is so safe it’s virtually foolproof, right? Think again. Just a brief belay lapse can produce high loads, testing the holding power of your gear. Rock and Ice field-tests real-world climbing scenarios.

The greatest riches lie at the end of your dreams

In July and early August, the Swiss team of Giovanni Quirici, Francesco Pellanda and Christophe Steck made a near free ascent of Gran Diedre Desploma...

Chris Lindner has been climbing for 20 years - which is a lot, considering this blond surfer dude turned 23 in March. He's an original article: styling 5.10a trad at age 4 when the cams were almost as long as his legs, redpointing his first 8a at age 10, and climbing 5.14c at age 16.

A tricky crux, a surprise pop, a very fast 15-foot descent. I was delighted to find myself dangling from my beloved little blue Metolius. But when doing a quick body inventory, I noted that my left foot was attempting an inward 180. Suddenly, explosively, it hurt like hell. My partner Peter quickly lowered me, winced, and suggested we call an ambulance.

The old adage about a rope, a rack and the shirt on your back no longer applies in this era of bumper belays.