"Traditional Lead Climbing" is intended to teach rock climbers how to lead with gear. This invaluable book gives step-by-step descriptions of equipment, rope management, and techniques. Dozens of close-up photos and fun yet informative drawings show situations climbers might encounter and how to deal with them.

For intermediate climbers who already have experience with roped climbing, this guide explains how to lead a climb with gear. It is not intended for beginners. She first describes how traditional leading fits with roped rock climbing as a whole and the challenges involved, hardware and tools, transitioning from the gym to outdoors, and skill building in low-risk environments. Chapters that follow discuss advanced trad lead skills, such as multipitch techniques and self-rescue; knot and rope craft; and ratings, climbing etiquette, and impact and access issues. Advice from traditional leaders, b&w photos, and illustrations are incorporated. A working knowledge of basic climbing equipment and simple systems like belaying, top-roping, and leading is assumed. Techniques described mainly refer to roped free climbing on rock. Pesterfield, a freelance writer, is also a rock climbing and outdoor recreation instructor. Annotation ©2007 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Traditional Lead Climbing is the first and only guidebook intended to teach rock climbers how to lead with gear. Unlike other types of climbing such as sport and direct-aid climbing, trad climbing relies on placing your own gear as you climb from the ground. Its also one of the more dangerous climbing activities, where expert guidance is a must. This invaluable guide gives step-by-step descriptions of equipment, rope management, and techniques. Dozens of close-up photos and fun yet informative drawings show situations climbers might encounter and how to deal with them. In addition to covering the basics, the book showcases the experience and wisdom of a number of world-class climbers in self-revealing sidebars. The second edition includes a new chapter on transitioning from the climbing gym to the great outdoors. Ý5 stars¨ an indispensable, even life-saving, instructional guide that should be mandatory reading for anyone aspiring to become a lead climber (Midwest Bk Review)