How to Rock Climb: Climbing Anchors

Rating:
Summary: I am only a beginner...
Review: ...but this is a fantastic book. I have been climbing since I was in high school, and I'm only 22, but I have had a desire to lead trad since the beginning and if there is anything that I can say to make feel more comfortable about spending [money] just to be safe, then I want to say it. This book changed my perception about trad before I was even able to develop one on my own. I read this book cover to cover in 48 hrs. not because it was spell-binding but because it is such valid information. Look, you need this, and Mountaineering "The Freedon of the Hills," to begin the library of an adventure seeking individual. But, this book is specifically useful because of all of it's definitively perfect pictures of placements of passive gear and active camming devices. You want this book, believe me, and if you won't buy it then e-mail me and I'll sell you mine, or give it to you because it would be a crying shame to deck out just because you were too silly to purchase a book on "How not to die, and have fun doing it."

Rating:
Summary: I am only a beginner...
Review: ...but this is a fantastic book. I have been climbing since I was in high school, and I'm only 22, but I have had a desire to lead trad since the beginning and if there is anything that I can say to make feel more comfortable about spending [money] just to be safe, then I want to say it. This book changed my perception about trad before I was even able to develop one on my own. I read this book cover to cover in 48 hrs. not because it was spell-binding but because it is such valid information. Look, you need this, and Mountaineering "The Freedon of the Hills," to begin the library of an adventure seeking individual. But, this book is specifically useful because of all of it's definitively perfect pictures of placements of passive gear and active camming devices. You want this book, believe me, and if you won't buy it then e-mail me and I'll sell you mine, or give it to you because it would be a crying shame to deck out just because you were too silly to purchase a book on "How not to die, and have fun doing it."

Rating:
Summary: A must for trad climbers
Review: A bit out of date (for example, he talks about cordelettes like they're something really rare and new) and some of the black and white photos of anchor systems are difficult to see, but I still learned a lot from this book (in conjunction with hands-on learning, of course). It helps to have the companion book (More Climbing Anchors) because some of the techniques in there are a little more up to date. I liked how he talked about the pros/cons of each anchor setup and situation. I've heard that Bob Gaines and John Long are working on a new book on anchors, but not sure when that's supposed to be out.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent Resource
Review: Books on climbing technique have typically been incomplete in their coverage and lacking in illustrative detail. John Long's "How To Rock Climb" series has made a quantum leap in these areas and are the current standard-bearers. This book and its companion (More Climbing Anchors) show many possible anchor problems and discuss the pros and cons of several solutions for each. By practicing the techniques presented, trad climbers can improve the integrity of their anchors.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent Resource
Review: Books on climbing technique have typically been incomplete in their coverage and lacking in illustrative detail. John Long's "How To Rock Climb" series has made a quantum leap in these areas and are the current standard-bearers. This book and its companion (More Climbing Anchors) show many possible anchor problems and discuss the pros and cons of several solutions for each. By practicing the techniques presented, trad climbers can improve the integrity of their anchors.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent Resource
Review: Books on climbing technique have typically been incomplete in their coverage and lacking in illustrative detail. John Long's "How To Rock Climb" series has made a quantum leap in these areas and are the current standard-bearers. This book and its companion (More Climbing Anchors) show many possible anchor problems and discuss the pros and cons of several solutions for each. By practicing the techniques presented, trad climbers can improve the integrity of their anchors.

Rating:
Summary: A must
Review: Every trad leader should have this book. One of the best books on building anchors around. Long is a great writer too.

Rating:
Summary: Incredibly good book.
Review: I cant believe that John Long can tell such hilarious, scary storries yet the accuracy and seriousness with which he describes his subject is absolutely top rate. I'd had years of good trad experience before reading this but its added a lot for me. Also, he doesnt write like some stuffy old git who doesnt climb any more.

Rating:
Summary: Perfect guide for anchoring systems that will save your life
Review: In this day and age of punk kids, raiding the rocks and getting vertical with an attitude of "well I've seen Cliffhanger, let's go", this book offers a sensible if not manditory alternative. Climbing Anchors is what every aspiring climber needs to read to obtain the theoretical know-how of every anchoring system. If you are new to rock climbing, it is nearly your responsibility to read this book to develop an appreciation and understanding of all the mechanics and forces involved in the sport. Heed this advice and you'll stay alive while having fun. This is the best book of John Long's How to Rock Climb series.

Rating:
Summary: Perfect guide for anchoring systems that will save your life
Review: In this day and age of punk kids, raiding the rocks and getting vertical with an attitude of "well I've seen Cliffhanger, let's go", this book offers a sensible if not manditory alternative. Climbing Anchors is what every aspiring climber needs to read to obtain the theoretical know-how of every anchoring system. If you are new to rock climbing, it is nearly your responsibility to read this book to develop an appreciation and understanding of all the mechanics and forces involved in the sport. Heed this advice and you'll stay alive while having fun. This is the best book of John Long's How to Rock Climb series.