CRAG GUIDEBOOK
Climb smarter, from first holds to anchors.
Plain-language guides to technique, bouldering, knots, gear, and safety. No brands, no bro-science, no gatekeeping.
Footwork Basics for Climbers
Footwork is the quiet foundation of good climbing.
TypeTechniqueCategoryClimbing TechniquesGradeBeginner Read guide 02Body Positioning and Balance
Body positioning and balance are the foundation of efficient climbing.
TypeTechniqueCategoryClimbing TechniquesGradeBeginner Read guide 03How to Crimp Safely
Crimping is a foundational hand technique in climbing, especially on steep or small holds.
TypeTechniqueCategoryClimbing TechniquesGradeIntermediate Read guide 04Bouldering Basics
Bouldering is a form of rock climbing that strips away ropes and harnesses, focusing instead on short, powerful sequences of movement close to the ground.
TypeBoulderingCategoryBoulderingGradeBeginner Read guide 05Crash Pads and Spotting
Bouldering is a form of climbing that takes place on short walls, typically no higher than four to five meters, without the use of ropes.
TypeBoulderingCategoryBoulderingGradeBeginner Read guide 06Dyno Technique, Explained
A dyno, short for dynamic movement, is a climbing technique where you generate momentum to reach a hold that is too far to grasp statically.
TypeBoulderingCategoryBoulderingGradeIntermediate Read guide 07How to Tie a Figure-Eight Knot
The figure-eight knot is one of the most fundamental knots in climbing.
TypeKnot & RopeCategoryKnots & Rope SystemsGradeBeginner Read guide 08Tying In to the Rope
Tying in to the rope is one of the first skills every climber learns, and it is the critical link between you and your belayer.
TypeKnot & RopeCategoryKnots & Rope SystemsGradeBeginner Read guide 09Belaying Basics
Belaying is the art of managing the rope to protect a climber.
TypeKnot & RopeCategoryKnots & Rope SystemsGradeBeginner Read guide 10Climbing Shoes: A Fit Guide
Climbing shoes are your most direct connection to the rock or plastic holds.
TypeGearCategoryGear & EquipmentGradeBeginner Read guide 11How to Fit a Climbing Harness
A climbing harness is one of the most important pieces of gear you will own.
TypeGearCategoryGear & EquipmentGradeBeginner Read guide 12Climbing Ropes, Explained
Climbing ropes are the unsung heroes of our vertical adventures, quietly enabling us to push our limits while keeping us connected to safety.
TypeGearCategoryGear & EquipmentGradeIntermediate Read guide 13How to Build a Climbing Anchor
Building a climbing anchor is a fundamental skill that every climber should understand, especially when transitioning from indoor gym climbing to outdoor…
TypeSafetyCategorySafety & AnchorsGradeAdvanced Read guide 14Lead Belaying, Explained
Lead belaying is a critical skill for any climber who wants to progress beyond top-roping.
TypeSafetyCategorySafety & AnchorsGradeAdvanced Read guide 15Fall Factors, Explained
Fall factors are a fundamental concept in lead climbing that help climbers understand the relative severity of a fall.
TypeSafetyCategorySafety & AnchorsGradeAdvanced Read guide 16Crack Climbing Basics
Crack climbing is the art of ascending a fissure in the rock by placing your hands, fingers, feet, and sometimes your whole body inside the opening and using…
TypeTechniqueCategoryClimbing TechniquesGradeIntermediate Read guide 17Slab Climbing Basics
Slab climbing is a style of climbing that takes place on rock faces or indoor walls that are less than vertical, often just slightly overhanging or completely…
TypeTechniqueCategoryClimbing TechniquesGradeBeginner Read guide 18Lead Climbing Basics
Lead climbing is a style of roped climbing where the climber clips the rope into protection points—typically quickdraws—as they ascend.
TypeTechniqueCategoryClimbing TechniquesGradeAdvanced Read guide 19Mantling, Explained
Mantling is a fundamental climbing movement where you transition from pulling on holds to pushing down on them, eventually getting your body on top of a ledge or…
TypeBoulderingCategoryBoulderingGradeBeginner Read guide 20How to Read a Boulder Problem
Reading a boulder problem is the skill of looking at a short climbing route and figuring out how to climb it before you pull on.
TypeBoulderingCategoryBoulderingGradeIntermediate Read guide 21Topping Out, Explained
Topping out is the final phase of a bouldering problem where you transition from the vertical face to standing on top of the boulder.
TypeBoulderingCategoryBoulderingGradeIntermediate Read guide 22How to Use a Belay Device
Belaying is the art of managing the rope to protect a climber.
TypeKnot & RopeCategoryKnots & Rope SystemsGradeIntermediate Read guide 23Rappelling Basics
Rappelling, also called abseiling, is the controlled descent of a rope using a friction device and a harness.
TypeKnot & RopeCategoryKnots & Rope SystemsGradeIntermediate Read guide 24Rope Management for Climbers
Rope management is the practice of handling your climbing rope efficiently and safely, both at the crag and in the gym.
TypeKnot & RopeCategoryKnots & Rope SystemsGradeBeginner Read guide 25Quickdraws and Carabiners, Explained
Quickdraws and carabiners are fundamental pieces of climbing equipment that every recreational climber should understand.
TypeGearCategoryGear & EquipmentGradeBeginner Read guide 26Chalk and Hand Care for Climbers
Chalk and hand care are simple but important parts of climbing.
TypeGearCategoryGear & EquipmentGradeBeginner Read guide 27Trad Gear Placement Basics
Trad gear placement is the art and science of using removable protection to safeguard a climb.
TypeGearCategoryGear & EquipmentGradeAdvanced Read guide 28Climbing Communication Commands
Climbing communication commands are the standardized words and phrases that climbers use to convey critical information to each other while on the wall or at the…
TypeSafetyCategorySafety & AnchorsGradeBeginner Read guide 29Gym Climbing Safety
Gym climbing is a fantastic way to enjoy the sport in a controlled environment, but it still requires your full attention to safety.
TypeSafetyCategorySafety & AnchorsGradeBeginner Read guide