BABSI FLASHES FREE RIDER

A film documenting the first flash ascent of El Capitan by BD Athletes Babsi Zangerl and Jacopo Larcher.

BLACK DIAMOND PRESENTS: MULKEY AND GLATTHARD SWING THE HYDRA IN MONTANA

BD Athletes Aaron Mulkey and Yannick Glatthard take the new Hydra into the backcountry of Montana in search of steep ice and... BD Athletes Aaron Mulkey and Yannick Glatthard take the new Hydra into the backcountry of Montana in search of steep ice and mixed climbing.

DEEP IN ALASKA

Follow Dorian Densmore and Mya Akins for a month-long, exploratory mission in the Chugach Mountains.

A WEEKEND IN THE VALLEY WITH ALEX HONNOLD AND CONNOR HERSON

Two BD legends walk into the Valley. What happens next? Watch and see.

QC LAB: ELECTROMAGNETIC INTERFERENCE AND AVALANCHE TRANSCEIVERS

With ski season kicking off, the QA Lab crew dives deep into the world of electromagnetic interference and how it can affect... With ski season kicking off, the QA Lab crew dives deep into the world of electromagnetic interference and how it can affect backcountry safety.

QC LAB: ALUMINUM VS. STEEL ICE SCREWS

Light is right, but steel is real. So, when it comes to ice screws, what’s the deal? In this QC Lab, Will... Light is right, but steel is real. So, when it comes to ice screws, what’s the deal? In this QC Lab, Will Gadd and Matt Berry thread their way to the source of truth when it comes to aluminum vs. steel ice screws.

THE MENTOR

She was many things—a Stonemaster, an outdoor industry visionary, a physicist. A rock dropped into a pond that created ripples, affecting many... She was many things—a Stonemaster, an outdoor industry visionary, a physicist. A rock dropped into a pond that created ripples, affecting many lives and generations of climbers. This is the story of our unsung hero, our co-founder.

GEAR MYTHS: METHODS FOR CLIPPING A CHALK BAG

GEAR MYTHS: BOLTS ARE ALWAYS BOMBER, RIGHT?

Go ahead, take the whip. You’ve got a trucker bolt just below. But wait … you sure about that? In this Gear... Go ahead, take the whip. You’ve got a trucker bolt just below. But wait … you sure about that? In this Gear Myths, Kolin “KP” Powick shares a recent close call, which resulted in an exploration of safety protocol when it comes to sport climbing.

QC LAB: THE ART AND SCIENCE OF USING SNOW ANCHORS

The QC Lab team is joined by IFMGA Mountain Guide Mark Smiley to discuss the subtle art of building, testing, and using... The QC Lab team is joined by IFMGA Mountain Guide Mark Smiley to discuss the subtle art of building, testing, and using snow anchors.  

HOW TO BUILD YOUR FIRST TRAD RACK

Follow these expert pointers on how to properly build out your very first trad rack.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT TREKKING POLES

A look into the technology and construction of an essential tool for hiking and trail running.

HOW TO CHOOSE A CLIMBING HARNESS

Find out from the experts at Black Diamond, the tips to find the best rock climbing harness for you.

GEAR MYTHS: THE HELMET QUESTION—WHEN SHOULD YOU WEAR A HELMET AND WHY?

In this Gear Myths, we’re opening the lid (pun intended) on the topic of helmets—more specifically, how climbers decide when to wear... In this Gear Myths, we’re opening the lid (pun intended) on the topic of helmets—more specifically, how climbers decide when to wear helmets and a few predictions on the future of the brain bucket.

HANG RIGHT: SHOULDER MAINTENANCE FOR CLIMBERS

Physical Therapist Esther Smith joined BD Bootcamp for a few days to work with BD Athletes Babsi Zangerl, Daila Ojeda and Colette... Physical Therapist Esther Smith joined BD Bootcamp for a few days to work with BD Athletes Babsi Zangerl, Daila Ojeda and Colette McInerney to address any injuries they had before training. This article will highlight Babsi’s treatment protocol as her shoulder injury was limiting her ability to climb and train. Esther shares what optimal shoulder posture looks like when climbing, hanging and training.

RETROMODERN PART 4: THE BIG SMILE

Follow BD athlete Sam Elias and filmmaker Mike Call in this exploration of climbing legacy and land stewardship while rebolting classic routes... Follow BD athlete Sam Elias and filmmaker Mike Call in this exploration of climbing legacy and land stewardship while rebolting classic routes with the next generation.

QC LAB: CHOOSING THE RIGHT CARABINER

Our QC Lab posts aim to answer some of climbing's most common gear-related questions. This round we talk about carabiners.

WHAT TO WEAR CLIMBING

In this article, we’re sharing our tips on what to wear while bouldering, sport climbing, or multi-pitch & alpine rock climbing.

BLACK DIAMOND PRESENTS: DOUBLOONS

Featuring young crushers and BD Ambassadors Tanner Bauer and Chris Deuto, this film captures the magic of two friends on a summer... Featuring young crushers and BD Ambassadors Tanner Bauer and Chris Deuto, this film captures the magic of two friends on a summer mission to climb the iconic golden arete of Doubloons (5.14b) in the Colorado alpine.

TICINO GRAVITY

An homage to Ticino bouldering.

ALWAYS ALIVE: THE STORY BEHIND HILLARY GERARDI’S FKT OF MONT BLANC

A documentary film currently debuting in film festivals around the world.

CONNOR HERSON: SENDING BLACKBEARD’S TEARS (5.14C TRAD)

Watch Connor claim the coveted second ascent of this California testpiece.

QC LAB: DAISY CHAIN DANGERS

We see it all the time. People at the cliff with one or two daisy chains girth hitched to their belay loop... We see it all the time. People at the cliff with one or two daisy chains girth hitched to their belay loop or tie-in points, and using them as a personal anchor system when at an anchor. Wrong.

QC LAB: DAISY CHAIN DANGERS

We see it all the time. People at the cliff with one or two daisy chains girth hitched to their belay loop... We see it all the time. People at the cliff with one or two daisy chains girth hitched to their belay loop or tie-in points, and using them as a personal anchor system when at an anchor. Wrong.

QC LAB: WORN BELAY LOOPS AND RETIRING A HARNESS

The following QC Lab was originally posted years back after Todd Skinner died in Yosemite when his belay loop broke.

QC LAB: THE BEAUTY AND LIMITATIONS OF BIG CAMS

The bigger the better, right? Well, not so fast. In this QC Lab, Quality Engineer Hunter Gvozdich goes deep into the world... The bigger the better, right? Well, not so fast. In this QC Lab, Quality Engineer Hunter Gvozdich goes deep into the world of testing to explore the strengths and weaknesses of our new monster cams—the #7 and #8 Camalots.

REMEMBERING KYLE DEMPSTER

It is with much sadness that we say goodbye to Kyle Dempster, one of our climbing ambassadors and a dear friend to... It is with much sadness that we say goodbye to Kyle Dempster, one of our climbing ambassadors and a dear friend to many of us in the BD family.

GEAR MYTHS: ESSENTIAL CLIMBING KNOTS, FIGURE 8 VS DOUBLE BOWLINE

Gear Myths: Essential Climbing Knots, Figure 8 vs Double Bowline

QC LAB: CONNECTING TWO SLINGS TOGETHER

Our QC Lab posts aim to answer some of climbing's most common gear-related questions. This time we talk about connecting slings.

QC LAB: OLD VS. NEW GEAR TESTING

Remember that weathered tree tat you were eyeing? Or how ‘bout that 20-year-old rope you found sitting in a basement completely unused?... Remember that weathered tree tat you were eyeing? Or how ‘bout that 20-year-old rope you found sitting in a basement completely unused? Rest assured. KP and the QC Lab crew head to the testing room to answer your age-old question … how strong is it?

QC LAB: SHARPIE FOR MARKING THE MIDDLE OF A ROPE?

Here's the question we get asked probably more than any other: "Can I use a Sharpie to mark the middle of my... Here's the question we get asked probably more than any other: "Can I use a Sharpie to mark the middle of my rope? "Our answer: "I don't know."

QC LAB: STRENGTH TESTING OF THE GEAR YOU'VE ALWAYS WONDERED ABOUT

Ever wondered exactly how strong a cam placed in “umbrella” mode actually is? Or what about the strength of your knotted slings?... Ever wondered exactly how strong a cam placed in “umbrella” mode actually is? Or what about the strength of your knotted slings? Don’t despair!

QC LAB: PERSONAL ANCHOR SYSTEMS EXPLAINED

In this QC Lab, BD’s Climbing Category Director Kolin Powick (aka KP) digs into the world of Personal Anchor Systems. How should... In this QC Lab, BD’s Climbing Category Director Kolin Powick (aka KP) digs into the world of Personal Anchor Systems. How should they be used? And what happens if they’re MIS-USED??? Well, buckle up and take a ride with KP and the QC crew as they journey into the complex world of the PAS.

GEAR MYTHS: OPPOSING QUICKDRAW CARABINERS

In this Gear Myths, we talk about your quickdraw orientation preference. More specifically, opposing the gates or having them face the same... In this Gear Myths, we talk about your quickdraw orientation preference. More specifically, opposing the gates or having them face the same direction? And more importantly, does it matter?

HOW TO ICE CLIMB WITH BD ATHLETE WILL GADD

ANTTE LAUHAMAA: SKIING KEBNEKAISE

Follow BD Athlete Antte Lauhamaa on an exploratory winter mission in the remote Scandinavian Mountains of Sweden.

BLACK DIAMOND PRESENTS: ANCESTRAL FOOTPRINTS

This film contributes to the rising tide of voices elevating the importance of safeguarding the Grand Canyon region against uranium extraction in... This film contributes to the rising tide of voices elevating the importance of safeguarding the Grand Canyon region against uranium extraction in its watershed.

BLACK DIAMOND PRESENTS: ONSIGHT

Featuring blind athlete and BD Product Developer Seneida Biendarra on her emotional journey to gold at the 2023 Paraclimbing World Cup in... Featuring blind athlete and BD Product Developer Seneida Biendarra on her emotional journey to gold at the 2023 Paraclimbing World Cup in Salt Lake City.

SESSIONS

Believe in possible.

BLACK DIAMOND PRESENTS: DORIAN DENSMORE AND MIKE BARNEY IN THE CENTRAL ANDES

Watch these BD shredders send it in South America.

RAW SENDS: BABSI ON THE FOURTH ASCENT OF MELTDOWN (5.14C)

Watch the uncut of BD athlete Babsi Zangerl sending the iconic Yosemite trad testpiece.

HARD SENDS WITH SEB BOUIN: ACL (9B/5.15B)

In the first of the Hard Sends series, BD athlete Seb Bouin takes us to Pic Saint Loup near his home in... In the first of the Hard Sends series, BD athlete Seb Bouin takes us to Pic Saint Loup near his home in France, where he attempts the first ascent of ACL (5.15b)—a route he bolted in memory of his grandfather.

ICE TRAINING: HOW TO BUILD A PLICE

Black Diamond Ambassador Will Gadd offers advice for building a Plice, a.k.a plywood ice.

INTRODUCING THE #21 CAMALOT C4

TAME THE MONSTER.

HANG RIGHT: ELBOW PAIN IN CLIMBERS

It's hard to find a climber who hasn't experienced elbow pain at some point. You’ve likely lowered from many a route rubbing... It's hard to find a climber who hasn't experienced elbow pain at some point. You’ve likely lowered from many a route rubbing your elbow to ease a nagging ache in your arm. Such was the case with BD Ambassador Brittany Griffith … that is, until she met Esther Smith. In the second installment of their Hang Right series, Physical Therapists Esther Smith and Katey Blumenthal explain the cause of elbow pain and tell us what we can do about it.

FORGED ON MT. HUNTER

The origins of Black Diamond.