Million climbers from all over the world. The fully updated seventh edition maintains the same high standard for complete, authoritative instructio...
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reviews
Jan 18, 2010
Nathan
rated it: 
This tome is a mountaineering beast.
It eloquently breaks down all of the bookish, academic aspects of outdoor survival and navigation that you could possibly need prior to genuine outdoor experience -- but academics only take us so far. True absorption of its contents can only come in combination of a solid factual base (this book's contribution) with practice.
This is a book I'll be diving head-first into, casually perusing, and rereading for years. It's one that I'll pro More...
It eloquently breaks down all of the bookish, academic aspects of outdoor survival and navigation that you could possibly need prior to genuine outdoor experience -- but academics only take us so far. True absorption of its contents can only come in combination of a solid factual base (this book's contribution) with practice.
This is a book I'll be diving head-first into, casually perusing, and rereading for years. It's one that I'll pro More...
Sep 01, 2011
Amanda
rated it:
If you are an outdoors-enthusiast, this book should be your Bible. It covers everything from mammals you may encounter while on the trail, to coniditioning for your hike or climb and how to use gear such as crampons, ice axe, etc. As hikers, we all know that we should never go into the wilderness without carrying the 10 Essentials. Well, this book should also be in your pack. I recommend it to every hiker/climber I know.
Jan 13, 2010
Unojoe2
rated it:
A good book for anybody who wants to learn just about anything about the outdoors and especially survival in harsh conditions with very limited resources. I havn't read it completely, but the ropes section is very useful for sailing, knots, understanding terms, types, .... I could keep going for a while. Worth owning even if you only read a chapter.
May 15, 2010
Simeon
rated it:
If you are not a climber and/or are not interested in ever being a climber, then, for the love of God, do NOT buy this book. You will be bored to tears! But if you love the outdoors and backpacking into the high country or would like to improve your skills climbing rocks/ice/glaciers/whatever, then this book is fantastic. Written by a team of professional climbers and continuously revised, this book covers every aspect of climbing, from setting up camp, choosing the right gear, advanced climb
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Dec 11, 2008
Kent
rated it:
A great guide for mountaineering technique, but only as reminders for some of the pointers you may have forgotten. Not a good substitute for hands on learning. This book is useless if you have never done any mountaineering or plan plan on doing any.
Aug 25, 2009
Ti
rated it:
The Climber's Bible.
A great resource to return to, time and again, before and after mountaineering trips. Strongly recommend having it on hand- the cumulative wisdom and experience of the writers is unparalleled.
A great resource to return to, time and again, before and after mountaineering trips. Strongly recommend having it on hand- the cumulative wisdom and experience of the writers is unparalleled.
Feb 25, 2010
Andrew
rated it:
amazing resource for anything from basic camping to hardcore mountaineering. well written and incredibly inclusive. the wording is simple and understandable but explains everything you need and more
Feb 03, 2009
Kelly
rated it: 
A comprehensive study guide for most mountain techniques old and new current to the start of the century. A must for every good mountaineers library.
Sep 23, 2008
Trevis
rated it:
I'll be reading this one for years, looks like. I'm having one of those moments when I look around and realize I'm surrounded by the products of a single source, an author, an artist, or in this case, a publisher. The Mountaineers are a seattle based outdoors organization that, among many other things, published awesome books. This book is a long term loan from my climbing buddy, who is obviously trying to groom me into a competent climbing partner. The freedom of the hills is a bible of mou
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Jun 08, 2011
Jonathan
rated it:
Everybody's starting point. Covers the basics and advanced topics. Still the (almost) universal "textbook" for getting into the game.
Apr 14, 2009
Cory
rated it:
THE book about mountaineering skills. I read it during the summer of '93 when I worked at Mt. Rainier National Park. good times...
Nov 16, 2009
kislam
rated it:
There is no other book you need should you wish to enter into mountaineering. This will tell you everything you need to know.
Jun 18, 2008
Ben
rated it:
The gold standard when it comes to mountaineering guidebooks. Reading the straightforward text and reviewing the frequent illustrations has vastly increased my knowledge of mountaineering best practices.
I made wiser decisions on a hike up to and beyond White Pine Lake in Little Cottonwood canyon having read up on snow travel and avalanches in this gem of a book the night before.
I made wiser decisions on a hike up to and beyond White Pine Lake in Little Cottonwood canyon having read up on snow travel and avalanches in this gem of a book the night before.
Oct 01, 2007
Sam
rated it:
The best all-around encyclopedia for every aspect and form of climbing. It doesn't always offer the most detailed information about some of the more intricate things like aid climbing, but for general resource, it can't be beat. When it comes to alpine climbing, in all of its variations, this is the place to go for core principals of leading, protecting, and belaying on ice, snow or rock.
Jul 10, 2007
Dan
rated it:
The definitive climber's handbook. Anyone with a true love and desire to be in the mountains should pick this up. Caution! Its is a very technical book, it contains a lot of information and is an incredible reference, but some people will find it boring... haha
Mar 18, 2008
Beth
rated it:
Should be required reading for climbers of all levels, or even those considering taking to the mountains. Well written, straightforward explanations of essential skills - everything from knots to anchors to snow caves. This is a book we refer to again and again.
Dec 13, 2007
Dan
rated it:
Known in the mountaineering world simply as 'The Bible,' Freedom of the Hills is a mandatory read. If the mountains are your playground and you haven't read this book, you better have luck on your side.
Nov 13, 2008
Joe
rated it:
I've been reading this book for about 3 years. The amount of information and knowledge bound in this book makes it must have for anyone with any serious interest in mountaineering.
Dec 12, 2007
Ken
rated it:
Did you know that there are three different ways to build a snow cave? This book will tell you how and the pros and cons of each depending on what type of snow you are dealing with.
