This updated edition of the mountaineering classic is an essential reference for novices and experts alike. Chapters are devoted to in-depth discussions of outdoors fundamentals; climbing techniques for rock, snow, and ice; safety procedures and emergency response; geology and weather; and appendices for climb ratings and supplementary reading, among other topics. Detailed sections on navigation, ropes, knots, and protection include drawings, diagrams, and maps. Enjoy the freedom of the hills to the fullest with this thorough guide.


From Publishers Weekly
This hefty tome, first published in 1960, was the book that started The Mountaineers Books. Known as "the climber's bible," it covers virtually all aspects of climbing, from choosing equipment and tying knots to basic rappelling techniques and expedition planning. There are sections on rock climbing, alpine climbing, emergency prevention and response and snow cycles, along with appendices on wind chill temperatures and suggestions for further reading. This seventh edition, written by a team of more than 40 expert climbers, reflects changes in equipment and technique, with new chapters on waterfall ice climbing and mixed climbing, physical conditioning, and land stewardship issues. It's also enhanced with 415 new illustrations depicting the "chimney technique" and the "twin-rope technique," among other maneuvers, and a new "ten essentials" list. Although the prose is workmanlike at best ("understanding fall factor and how it determines impact forces is fundamental to safe leading"), this work remains a must-have for climbing enthusiasts. Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From Library Journal
This fifth edition of the all-time best mountaineering "textbook" is certainly no disappointment. (The last edition was published in 1982.) Some 550 pages and approximately 400 illustrations help make it the most comprehensive book in its class. The writing is clear and the book is organized logically. Chapters deal with clothing, route-finding and navigation, camping, climbing fundamentals (ropes, knots, belaying, rappelling), rock climbing techniques, and snow and ice climbing. There are also appendixes on avalanche, lightning, and rock climb rating systems. This edition includes the latest updates on equipment improvements and a new chapter on expedition climbing. This single book adequately covers a wide range of mountaineering skills, and libraries could easily spend five times as much to get the same coverage. Highly recommended for all libraries.- Thomas K. Fry, UCLA Libs.Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From Book News, Inc.
An essential teaching tool and resource for novice to advanced mountaineers and the standard text for climbing courses in the US and abroad. Completely revised and updated (4th ed., 1982), the 5th edition adds new sections on rock climbing, a new chapter on winter and expedition climbing, and 350 new illustrations. Annotation copyright Book News, Inc. Portland, Or.


Albuquerque Journal
It's an erudite tome that's referenced by many climbers, in all reverence and seriousness, as the 'bible'.


Los Angeles Daily News
[T]he book to read if you plan to venture out to the high places people go because they're there.


Hooked on the Outdoors
The bible for anyone who spends any time in the mountains. I recommend reading it cover to cover.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

The more than forty contributors to Freedom 7 are all active climbers who regularly use and teach the skills about which they write. They have also incorporated comments and suggestions from veteran climbers around the world. This is a resource trusted by mountaineering communities everywhere.

FROM THE CRITICS

Juneau Empire