Hi,

I've been climbing sport for a few years (mostly single pitch, but some 5 and under multi-pitches), and trad for about a year. Aside from the basics I'm mostly self-taught, and because of that there are a whole bunch of gaps in my knowledge, from rope-management to route and trip preparations, to even some anchor building. Mountain Project has been really great for that, but I'd like to get a book that will be a little more concise and comprehensive on things all leaders should know before pushing themselves. I've heard of a few on here, but am wondering which would best cover what I'm looking for.

Thanks!

PS: I probably don't have the patience, or pack room, to pick up more than one.

I can't comment on the best, but below are the ones I own.

This is a good book by Craig Luebben. I has a little more depth and focus solely on climbing than F.o.t.H below.

This is like the bible of everything you can do in the mountains. If you only own one book, this is probably the one. It's easily twice as thick as the one above. Everything from rock climbing, ice climbing, backpacking, glacier travel...

This is a thin little book but a great how to on constructing anchors for traditional and sport climbing.

Climbing Anchors by John Long, Bob Gaines. I read this when I was starting to trad climb and felt it helped me out a lot. I tried reading Freedom of the Hills but it is so broad that I couldn't do it. If you are already climbing sport and want to learn how to place gear and do gear anchors this is definately the book you want to read. It's only 10 bucks on Amazon.

John Longs and Bob Gaines books are great. Wish they were a little more in depth on belay anchor rope management though.

I like Luebben's book a lot more than Long's.

Thanks for all the reccommendations!

Would you guys say The Freedom of the Hills is as comprehensive as the other books when it comes to rock?

I'm in the same boat, self taught climber (Trad, Sport), I have at least 6 different books, I'd say buy as many of the recommended books as you can and take the time to read and re-read the books.

It pays off to develop the patience to learn the info in the books and have a collection that you can go back to when you feel its time to learn a new trick. One book is not enough. I have all the books listed in this thread so far.

rope management and route finding stuff?

look at a big wall book. has great info on everything, plus some tricks that will help you become even more efficient.

i have the long/middendorf and the red mountaineer press one, both are really good. worth checking out for sure

For anchor building and pro placement, I've been through Leubben's book a number of times: www.amazon.com/Rock-Climbing-Anchors-Comprehensive-Mountaine>>>

Another book that I've gone through and has some very useful information is the Climbing Self Rescue book. Sure, things nomally go fine, but when s**t hits the fan you need to know what to do. It could save your life (or somebody elses, for that matter): www.amazon.com/Climbing-Self-Rescue-Improvising-Mountaineers>>>

Thanks again for the info. The reason why I'm going to be sticking to 1 book for now is that I will be travelling a bunch for the next month or more, and want to be able to learn some stuff on the way.

I'm definitely intersted in self-rescue too, but I guess I'll have to save that read for another time.

My vote is for John Long's "Rock climbing anchors"

Since anchor building is dependent on the quality of your gear placements, the book has a huge section devoted to that.

I agree with much of what's already been said.

1. Craig Luebban's Rock Climbing Anchors is the best one on my shelf and the best one that I've seen.

2. I don't care much for John Long's writing style. But he has a small pocket size book on anchors that is great for getting a second perspective.

3. Freedom Of The Hills is good for general knowledge and it covers lots and lots of topics. But it often lacks detail. I wouldn't rely on it for anchor building and rope management stuff. It's better for stuff like navigation or laying systems.

You're gonna die;)

If you get the Long book, make sure it is the 2nd edition and not the first!

www.amazon.com/Alpine-Climbing-Techniques-Mountaineers-Outdo>>>

excellent book with multi tips ... even if yr not doing alpine ...