A Trailside Guide: Rock Climbing

by Don Mellor

Book Overview

Norton proudly reissues these best-selling guides with fully revised "Sources & Resources" sections (including where to find the Web sites, gear, services, books, clubs, and organizations that make for foolproof outings); updates to reflect the latest in gear technology, wilderness medicine, and first aid; and advances in techniques. Climbing has become a hot sport thanks to indoor climbing walls in big cities and small towns all across America. But...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 039331653X
• ISBN13: 9780393316537
• Release Date: January 2003
• Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
• Length: 192 Pages
• Weight: 1.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.5" x 7.6"

Customer Reviews

It's like Climbing 101

I've only just started doing indoor climbing, but am verry interested in the sport. I bought this book as it didn't seem to intense or technical and it had a lot of pictures :) The pictures actually help, as I was able to put a face to a name, so to speak, for some of the things I've heard people talk about. The book gives a really brought and comprehensive over-view of climbing, from gym to multi-pitch long hauls. It was pretty good, can't think of anything bad about it. Only thing I'd say is that it's not really very deep any any one thing, like, I totally wouldn't say I know how to set up an anchor now, but I'd be able to understand someone who was telling me about an anchor they set up kinda thing.

Written right

The old "textbook" model of learning is obsolete. This book does it right: Short, well illustrated articles that cover topics concisely; Sidebars that reinforce; Well marked sections that are self-contained.I started climbing last week and I bought half a dozen books. I have two that I consider priceless. This one and: Rock Climbing (Outdoor Pursuits Series).Call me a Gen. X, MTV, schitzoid; but these books both work the way I think!

CLIMB INTO A NEW ACTIVITY

Ever wanted to learn how to rock climb? Well this book is an excellent starting point. Everything from grips to gear to knots to terminology to training is covered. The illustrations are excellent and Don Mellon keeps the writing swift (for a guide) while really pouring on the information. My only gripe is that the guide is filled with lots of information that won't be necessary to most begining and intermediate climbers. Still, if you ever find yourself heading towards a rock climbing adventure, this is the one book I'd want to have with me.Great exercise, great excitement, and a great read...don't delay start your climbing adventures today!

A comprehensive and well-illustrated source of information

This is absolutely the best beginner's guide to hiking that I have seen. It briefly covers every aspect of the sport, from gear to technique (and even some philosophy.) It is concisely written and well illustrated with color diagrams and stunning photography. The information is presented in the perfect level of detail, which keeps the reader from feeling bogged down with useless information. If I had to recommend one single source of information for the beginning climber, this would be it.

Tons of information. Useful for beginner to intermediate.

I picked up this book thinking that it would be useless considering the high proportion of color photos to words. After scanning it for a couple of minutes, I changed my mind and took it to the check-out counter (I was in a store). This book starts at the beginning and covers nearly everything I newcomer needs to know. I've read "climbing" books many times thicker that didn't have nearly as much usleful info. The color graphics show the reader *how* to do things instead of merely explain them. This book is less than 3/4 inch thick and bound in plastic/nylon so that it will fit in any backpack and resist abuse. The author makes this an interesting read and scattered throughout the book are many sidenotes with extra tips, bits of climbing history, and interesting facts. No book can take the place of professional training and practice, but this is one of the best books on the modern art of rock climbing. Keep in mind the age of the material when buying books on rock climbing as the "sport" is ever-changing and so is the gear that you need to understand.