Logan Barber Frees The Firewall (5.13d)—Hardest Trad Line in China
After a quick jaunt up to the Northern Hemisphere, Aussie Logan Barber made the first free ascent of The Firewall (5.13d) in Liming, China last week—now considered the hardest traditional climb in the country.
Unlock this article and more benefits with 40% off.
Already have an Outside Account? Sign in
40% Off Outside+.
$4.99/month $2.99/month*
Get the one subscription to fuel all your adventures.
- Map your next adventure with our premium GPS apps: Gaia GPS Premium and Trailforks Pro.
- Read unlimited digital content from 15+ brands, including Outside Magazine, Triathlete, Ski, Trail Runner, and VeloNews.
- Watch 600+ hours of endurance challenges, cycling and skiing action, and travel documentaries.
- Learn from the pros with expert-led online courses.
*Outside memberships are billed annually. Print subscriptions available to U.S. residents only. You may cancel your membership at anytime, but no refunds will be issued for payments already made. Upon cancellation, you will have access to your membership through the end of your paid year. More Details
It took Barber 22 attempts over two trips to free the line. He placed all pro on lead.
The burly off-width to overhanging-ring-locks sandstone crack is the third pitch of The Flying Buttress—a former aid line established and named by the Canadian James Cherry in November of 2012.
“The climb is stunning, the gear is solid and the rock is a fantastic iron red,” Barber told Rock and Ice, “Only once in the entire route did I place a foot outside the crack.”
As for the grade, Barber says, “The Firewall is definitely harder than Air China [5.13d],” the previous hardest trad route in the country,“by a grade.”
But despite The Firewall being “a grade” harder, Barber doesn’t think it warrants a 5.14.
“I found the grade difficult to give,” he says. “So I guess I have settled on 13d even though that is what Air China will stay at for now despite Firewall being a lot harder.
“Anyway, I guess the grades will all be up to future ascensionist.”
As for what’s next, Barber will be heading to Squamish, B.C., Canada to “tickle the holds on the Cobra,” Sonnie Trotter’s 5.14 crack test-piece.
Find Logan Barber (@loganclimbsrocks) and photographer Garrett Bradley (@garrettlbradley) on Instagram.
Also Read