Freedom of the Hills

This book really caught my imagination. I haven't been climbing long and when I first read it I had only climbed in the gym and on pre-bolted sport routes. I devoured this book while I wasn't able to climb due to an injury (gotta be careful with that A2 pulley). It really opened my eyes to the greater world of mountaineering and convinced me that I could do more than climb sport routes. Since then I have been climbing with more experienced climbers trying to take the information I gained from this book and turn it into knowledge through experience.

This is an excellent book for all aspects of mountaineering. Some of the sections are a little basic but it is fantastic as a reference. I consult it all the time when I come back from a climb and wonder about how I could do something differently. It would be nice if there was more on rigging anchors, especially gear anchors. I love that there are even sections on gear selection (specifically runner lengths and other little things). It is incredible value also. A must-have.

REQUIRED READING! Consistently the best explanations and illustrations for beginning to advanced climbing technique. Easy to read, easy to understand, and worth reading cover to cover at least once. This book should be a permanent fixture and referred to regularly. I have the 7th ed.

I constantly see other books that teach a certain technique, but Freedom covers them all. And it covers them well. Well writen, easy to follow illistrations.

The Bible.

It covers all aspects of mountainering. You'll want more indepth info for activities you do alot of, but if you can only afford one book, this is the one.