what's the best rock climbing animal?

We have to divide this question into large and small scale.

On a large scale, I'm thinking mountain goat...?

On a small scale, just about any insect, really, but maybe some are better than others.

I would have to agree with mountain goats. Look at this one stemming at maximum body length.

Small = Gecko....Seeing as how they can attach to whatever they are climbing on at an atomic level.

Not sure if it is true or not, but heard that there was a climber with a pet monkey that would regularly cruise 5.13 at rifle. Also not sure if it would be considered small or big.

LeeAB wrote:Not sure if it is true or not, but heard that there was a climber with a pet monkey that would regularly cruise 5.13 at rifle. Also not sure if it would be considered small or big.

The monkeys on Tonsai could climb laps around any human..and make goats look clumsy.

I ain't seen nothing but a chipmunk that can run straight up ninety degrees, 10 feet in a couple seconds, and that's like 40 body lengths, not counting the tail. Imagine your buddy doing Half Dome in 35 seconds.

Eric Krantz wrote:I ain't seen nothing but a chipmunk that can run straight up ninety degrees, 10 feet in a couple seconds, and that's like 40 body lengths, not counting the tail. Imagine your buddy doing Half Dome in 35 seconds.

Out of loyalty, I must say the marmot.

Eric Krantz wrote:I ain't seen nothing but a chipmunk that can run straight up ninety degrees, 10 feet in a couple seconds, and that's like 40 body lengths, not counting the tail. Imagine your buddy doing Half Dome in 35 seconds.

Chuckwallas are pretty good at jamming offwidth cracks.

ringtail cat!

This guy:

I'd like to nominate the wolverine (gulo gulo) for the alpinism award.

Check out some of the terrain the study animals in Glacier National Park covered - like 5,500 feet of steep snow to fourth class to the summit of the park's highest peak. In 90 minutes. In the dead of winter!

patagonia.com/us/patagonia.…

I've really enjoyed Mr. Chadwick's book - highly recommend!

That is a fantastic shot Owen!

Caterpillars, watched one climb a wall letting go with the front half of it's legs just to show off

Monomaniac wrote:The monkeys on Tonsai could climb laps around any human..and make goats look clumsy.

Baboons.
youtube.com/watch?v=42Px9N7…

Geir's dog Too Fast apparently has some serious climbing skills.

I would have to second the mountain goat. Considering their mass compared to a lizard or chipmunk, and the feet they have to climb with it is mind blowing where they can turn up.