[Boondock Buddy]

Hey fellow crag chasers! As someone who spends way too much time flipping through guidebooks instead of actually climbing (anyone else guilty of that?), I thought it would be great to share some of my favorites. In this post, I’ll be giving you my top three climbing guidebooks and a little bit about what makes them absolute gems. So grab your chalk bag and get ready to take some notes because these books are as essential to your climbing gear as a good pair of shoes!

After the mini-reviews, I’ll throw in a quick buyer’s guide, so you’ll know what to look for when you’re on the hunt for your next climbing companion. Let’s get to it!

• The Rock Climber’s Guide to Yosemite
• Squamish Select
• Red River Gorge Rock Climbs

[Boondock Buddy]

The Rock Climber’s Guide to Yosemite

So, I finally got my chalk-covered hands on “The Rock Climber’s Guide to Yosemite”—and let me tell you, it was worth every penny (or should I say, every fall!). If you’ve ever dreamt of scaling the granite walls of Yosemite like a wary squirrel with an obsession for selfies, buckle up because this guide is your new best friend.

First things first, this guide is like having a wise old climbing buddy in your backpack. You know, the type that’s always five pitches ahead, mocking you just a little but always there with genuine tips. It’s packed with an incredible amount of detail that even my grandmother could decipher, though I wouldn’t recommend handing her the rope just yet.

• The descriptions of climbing routes are spot-on, loaded with enough beta to satisfy even the most information-hungry climbers out there. I mean, when it says “crux at the third pitch will make you question your life choices,” it ain’t wrong!
• There’s a healthy mix of historical anecdotes, too, which add a splash of color to the relentless granite grey. Did you know climbers in the 70s once cooked dinner halfway up El Capitan? It’s like a real-life “dine and dash!”
• Navigation is simple, aiming to keep you on the right path rather than wandering off on some improvised route that leads to yet another “epic” story to tell over beers.

Now, on a personal note, I took this guide with me last summer. There’s nothing quite like hanging off El Cap with one hand, the guide delicately balanced in the other, as you try to decipher if you’re on the right path or just following a chalk mark from someone else who was equally lost. That moment when you realize you are on “The Nose” not “The Nosebleed”—priceless!

And if you’re the kind of climber who loves the idea of strategic pit stops, this guide even tells you where to safely munch on your granola bar without triggering an avalanche of nuts and raisins. Priorities, right?

So, where to snag your copy? You can find it on their official website, or for those who prefer to avoid the concept of shipping fees, there are digital versions, too.

In sum, whether you’re a dirtbag living out of a van in Camp 4, or just a weekend warrior looking to tackle Yosemite’s incredible routes, “The Rock Climber’s Guide to Yosemite” is your ticket to unlocking the secrets of the granite kingdom. Happy climbing, and don’t forget to look down—just once!

[Boondock Buddy]

Squamish Select

Having recently had the pleasure—and occasional terror—of scrambling up the grand granite faces of Squamish, I can safely say that Squamish Select is practically the climber’s equivalent of a Swiss Army knife. This guidebook has it all, minus the corkscrew (though I wouldn’t mind if it magically pulled out post-climb wine).

First of all, let’s talk about the book’s coverage. It’s like the bulging biceps of climbing guides, chock-full of routes so diverse that even the pickiest dirtbag climber would have trouble complaining. From the pristine slabs to overhanging cracks that make you question your life choices, Squamish Select guides you with nurturing ease through it all.

The route descriptions are as detailed as a grandma recounting a family recipe, which is great because it means fewer wrong turns into “oops-that’s-the-5.12-I’m-definitely-on-the-wrong-path” land. The anecdotes sprinkled throughout are almost as entertaining as watching your dog try to chase his tail after a hike.

Now, let’s address the maps—I mean, can they get any better? The topo lines are so clear that even my allergy to directions couldn’t mess this up. There’s even handy little beta, like which coffee shops are nearby in case climbing caffeine-fueled is your thing (it’s definitely mine).

Oh, and a personal anecdote I just have to share: My partner and I were climbing Star Chek on a sunny Sunday when I realized I left the Squamish Select book at the base. After the initial panic—envisioning myself dangling, lost on the rock face for eternity—we found fellow climbers using the same guidebook happily willing to share. This guide has a kind of community magnetism!

A pun to close (because really, who doesn’t love those?): This book truly is a “rock”-solid investment for any climber heading to Squamish. If there’s one “pitch” you’ll want to commit to memory, it’s the one that starts with snagging this guidebook. Happy climbing, and don’t forget to pack your sense of adventure (and maybe an extra Nutella sandwich). 🧗‍♂️

[Boondock Buddy]

Red River Gorge Rock Climbs

So, I finally caved and got myself the “Red River Gorge Rock Climbs” guidebook—and let me tell you, it was like being handed the Rosetta Stone of climbing the Red. Picture me walking up with my new book, a goofy grin plastered on my face, ready to conquer rocks so hard they could double as Clint Eastwood’s jawline.

First Impressions: This guide is a beast, literally. You’ll have Popeye forearms just from carrying it around. The sheer number of routes detailed is enough to make even a seasoned climber’s head spin. It’s like trying to read the dictionary in one night because you suddenly felt erudite.

Content: The organization of climbs is spot-on. You get this satisfying breakdown by area, and it’s nicely laid out with clear topos and succinct descriptions. The creators definitely deserve a pat on the back—and maybe a cold beer or three.

• Clarity: The topos are clear enough that you won’t need a PhD in cartography to decipher them. But do yourself a favor and don’t try to climb based solely on memory after a couple of celebratory post-climb beverages.
• Humor: Whoever wrote the descriptions has a sense of humor, which I absolutely appreciate. If a climb is going to make me cry, I prefer knowing it comes with some laughs along the way.

Personal Experience: Now, I used this guidebook to tackle my first 5.12c at Military Wall. The description said, “Smooth sailing, like a hot knife through butter,” which I can confirm was accurate only if the butter had undergone cryogenic treatment. Nevertheless, I didn’t end up having to make any embarrassing calls for a rescue, so I owe my remaining shred of dignity to this guidebook.

One word of advice: do not use it as a substitute pillow in the crag because those corners are sharp. Trust me, waking up with a guidebook spine imprint on your cheek is not the best way to start your climbing day.

In conclusion, if you’re heading to the Red, bringing this guide is a no-brainer. Not only will it stop you from wandering around aimlessly, but it’s bound to make your rocky love affair with the gorge even more memorable. Plus, when a climb says “spicy,” it’s nice to know you can trust the guidebook and pack some extra courage (and snacks) accordingly. Check it out here if you haven’t already. Happy climbing, and may your chalk bag forever overflow!

[Boondock Buddy]

Best Climbing Guidebooks Buyer’s Guide

So, you’ve decided to scale the lofty peaks and are on the hunt for the best climbing guidebooks to help you conquer the mountains. Welcome to the club! Choosing the right guidebook is like finding the perfect climbing partner—one that’s reliable, informative, and maybe even makes you laugh when you’re dangling off a cliff edge. Here’s my take on finding the perfect one for your adventures.

Why Do You Need a Guidebook?

First off, let me say that relying solely on the wisdom of the internet is like using an inflatable pickaxe—it’ll only get you so far. A solid climbing guidebook can be the difference between heroically reaching the summit or heroically getting lost. Plus, they often contain delightful local lore that turns a tedious approach hike into a treasure hunt.

What to Look For in a Guidebook:

• Region Specific: Whether you have your sights set on the granite cliffs of Yosemite or the ice climbs of the Alps, ensure your guidebook is specific to the location. Trust me, using a Joshua Tree guidebook in the French Alps is like trying to learn French with a Spanish dictionary—you might get by with hand gestures and sheer luck.
• Updated Information: Just like milk left in a tent, guidebooks can go sour. Always check the publication date and look for the latest edition. A friend of mine once tried to follow a “trail” to a climb, only to find out that it had been rerouted years ago—a surprising way to get extra cardio!
• Clear Maps and Photos: Blurry photos taken during a snowstorm are now out of style. Look for books with clear, color photos, and maps. A good photo-topo can save you the trouble of trying to decode a knot of routes with nothing but a sketch and your imagination.
• Route Descriptions: Detailed and humorous route descriptions can be gold, especially when the climbing gets spicy. Look for personal anecdotes or humorous commentary that not only describe the line but add a dash of personality. Laughing at a joke about the “moment of truth” crack while you’re halfway up can be strangely comforting.
• Author’s Credibility: Trust is key. Research the author like you’re about to online date them. Check their climbing credentials and scope out their other works. A well-respected mountaineer can make a guidebook feel like chatting with an old veteran climber by the campfire.

A Few Recommendations:

While personal preference plays a big role (just like that questionable neon chalk bag you love), here are some standout picks that deliver:

• Supertopo series: Known for user-friendly descriptions and comprehensive coverage of the Western U.S. climbing areas.
• Mountain Project’s Guidebooks: A great source for various locations, drawing on community input for fresher beta.
• Cicerone Guides: Perfect for European adventures, combining essential information with delightful narratives.
• Rockfax guides: They’re the Apple of guidebooks—beautifully put together and highly reliable.

In conclusion, selecting the right climbing guidebook involves balancing the facts you need with the enjoyable, often humorous narratives that make the journey worthwhile. Remember, a good guidebook is like having a trusty sherpa—informative, trustworthy, and, above all else, a source of comfort and confidence in the great outdoors. Now, go forth and climb!

[Boondock Buddy]

Hey there, fellow vertical adventurers! 🧗‍♂️📚

First of all, is it just me, or does flipping through climbing guidebooks sometimes turn into a full-on couch expedition? It’s like being on a thrilling ascent, one page at a time! And hey, the pages don’t judge me if I’m “resting” (aka binge-watching climbing films) instead of crushing routes.

But let me add a few extra nuggets to your guidebook journey:

• 🌌 Adventure Alchemist: Consider these guidebooks your personal adventure concoction. Mix a dash of granite and a sprinkle of sandstone, and voila—you’ve got a recipe for epic climbing tales!
• 🤔 Living Room Crag: Has anyone else tried to mimic crux moves right there on the carpet? It’s like a flash mob but just with yourself and your cat as the unwilling audience. 10/10, would “climb” again!
• 🥾 Mismatched Mythologist: Sometimes I mix up guidebooks and almost end up packing for Iceland while preparing for Joshua Tree. Whoops! Always an exciting twist when you’ve got crampons next to your sun hat.
• 🕵️‍♀️ Route Detective: Treat finding a route as a detective mission. If Sherlock had climbing shoes, he’d empathize with solving the mystery of discovering that elusive 5.11b line.
• 🍕 Pizza-Sized Projects: For those particularly daunting routes, might I suggest a mental incentive: topping it with a victory pizza upon return. Every crux is easier with dream cheese motivation!

Hope these thoughts add a sprinkling of whimsy to your already colorful expedition into climbing literature! What’s the quirkiest side quest your guidebooks have led you on? 🤔✨

[Gear Vids]

An amazing video on how to use a climbing guidebook

[Author]

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