Vertical Life

As climbers, we have the privilege of being part of a global community of people who often get to access remote environments regularly, and because of that, climbers as a collective know a thing or two about being awestruck. A central feature that de

Content warning: This podcast discusses PTSD, physical and mental trauma. Ian Overton is (I think) the only American to attempt to climb Pakistan’s “Killer Mountain” Nanga Parbat in winter. When discussing it later he commented, “I can’t say they sen

If you know Rick Ridgeway mostly due to some of his more notable ascents, you’d be in the same position I was before I cracked the spine on his memoir. I settled into the book expecting a bunch of daring tales told by adventurous lads driven by adren

Alexandra was six months old when we started going to the climbing gym as an alternative to the park. A stimulating environment with upbeat music, padded mats, ropes, colourful holds and, of course, people climbing. Okay, yes, we were there for me as

On a four-day traverse of the NZ Alps, mountain guide and photographer Gavin Lang took these two incredible shots—one a sunset shot from a crevasse where he and his partner made camp, and one the next morning as they continued on at sunrise. Read the

When you arrive by plane in Mparntwe/Alice Springs, the first sign you read at the airport is in Central Arrernte: Werte (welcome). From the moment you set foot in this town, it’s very clear that this is a place where language, culture and connection

Maddy Whittaker discovered the mountains at 17 and launched herself into alpinism with inspirational—and slightly intimidating—passion. Just five years later, she’s undertaking a mentorship with the NZ Alpine Team and has first ascents, a two-month t

The visually stunning Winter Dance Wall in Montana’s Hyalite Canyon is one that would tempt any eager ice-climber. In this film, its ethereal expanse sets the stage for a spectacular ascent. The Nutcracker follows Matt Cornell as he attempts the firs

Tim Macartney-Snape may be Australia’s best known mountaineer. In 1984, he and Greg Mortimer were the first Australians to summit Everest—which they did via a new route, without supplementary oxygen and in ski boots (after their mountaineering boots

There is a distinct satisfaction in listening to the rhythmic sound of your ice axe and crampons biting into a frozen snow and ice surface. Jason and I could not see much that morning. We had begun in the dark, the colder predawn temperature reducing

Australian mountaineer Allie Pepper is attempting to become the fastest person to reach the true summit of all 14 of the 8000m+ peaks without supplemental oxygen. Speed record aside, the feat has only ever been achieved by a minuscule number of climb

We’ve teamed up with Mountain Designs on this issue to kit out our subscribers ready for winter training and travel. The Daybreaker Duffle sports a generous 35-litre packing capacity with an internal zippered pocket to secure your valuables (or snack

We’ve taken a step further back in history with a piece from 1910. And oh my word! How things change and how they stay the same. I’ve never heard a modern mountaineer extol the power of the hills to maintain one’s youth and beauty, though I have hear

Climbing safety is everyone’s responsibility, and it’s something our editorial team are incredibly passionate about. Our Tale of Woah column is our continued commitment to creating a culture of safety within our community. Alpine adventures bring wit

RRP $449.99 Is your old haulbag broken? A bag barely alive? What if I told you BD can rebuild it. They have the technology. They can make it better than it was. Better, stronger, faster… Introducing Black Diamond’s new midsize haulbag; they’ve taken

When it comes to alpine climbing, the coffee situation presents a paradox that has always intrigued me. The lore of “light and fast” demands ruthless efficiency when it comes to packing, making my overly “lavish” coffee kit a prime suspect for the “n

Ah, the joys of alpine huts and the gastronomic delights they bestow upon us! In the initial days following a food run into town, we feast like kings! However, as the name suggests, perishables have a limited lifespan, and inevitably, anything that h