Featured Photographer - ​Adam McClatchie - Mile High Media House

Adam McClatchie is a climber and professional photographer based out of Colorado (USA). Check out his amazing climbing photography - like the nightime cover shot El Capitan (above) or Pamela Shanti Pack on "The Stone Cold Stunna" (V8) in Vedauwoo, Wyoming (below) - along with his interview and tons of other stellar climbing shots. Adam also just released an engaging short film of pro-climber Brittany Goris. Hooked on the Winds follows Brittany into the remote Wind River Range in Wyoming to climb Mt. Hooker. Although the film includes impressive climbing, it reaches beyond, highlighting Brittany’s inspirations, the history and people of the place, and her experience as a sole female climber in these environments. Check it out!

​Happy Holidays!

For several years Common Climber Magazine has been and remains a media for the everyday climber. Our editorial staff Stefani Dawn (USA), Dave Barnes (AUS), and friends (ALL OVER THE PLACE) are weekend warriors just like you!

We share big news items that have resonance with our readers but our mission remains - to share stories and vision of Common Climbers living their dream and to make you all the hero’s.

Common Climber is an all volunteer mag and there are expenses that need to be paid to keep it alive! Did you know you can support Common Climber while buying yourself and others climbing gifts?

Check out this holiday climbing gift list! When you buy these things through CC, you can do good without costing you extra! Others ways you can support CC is by spreading the word or buying beer at the crag!

If you'd ever like to share your photos or story, reach out to stefani@commonclimber.com and thank you for being part of the Common Climber community. We wish you a fun, joyous holiday season and we hope you enjoy our gift to you - this amazing edition!

- Stefani Dawn, Creator & Editor-in-Chief
​- Dave Barnes, Assistant Editor

Stories

Supreme Jumbo Love: The Story of Seb Bouin Establishing the Hardest Route in the United States
By Dave Barnes

​On November 1, 2022 Seb Bouin sent "Supreme Jumbo Love" (5.15c/38), the U.S.'s hardest line. Common Climber's Assistant Editor Dave Barnes and photographer Clarisse Bompard take us on the journey of the uncommon send. 

Brazil - The Adventures of Jorge
By Jorge Packer

​Jorge Packer is originally from Brazil and lives in Australia. Jorge and his wife Marion are taking some extended time off to climb (hell yeah!). The first stop is Brazil, to visit family and hit places he's never climbed. Jorge created some fun climbing videos of the trip, which we share with you in this story.

The OG Aussie Klimber
By Keith Bell
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The kute and kuddly Koala is the OG Aussie klimber... follow this incredible send and learn a little about the koala along the way. ​

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Meditations on the Rope
By Bruce Birchell

​Author Bruce Burchell did some of the early ascents of climbs in Oregon and Yosemite, California. Even when stationed overseas, Yosemite kept him returning. Bruce shares tales and tips in "Meditations on the Rope."

Feeding the Rat
​A Poem by Roger Chao (based upon Al Alvarez's mountaineering classic Feeding the Rat)

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Marketplace

Common Climber interviews of small climbing business owners

Climbing Addicts Chalk Has New Owners - 2023 Interview

​Shawn Axelrod started Climbing Addicts in 2015. It was one of the first companies to bring colored climbing chalk to the market to help address the "chalk graffiti" happening on the rocks at our crags. 
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In 2022, Josh and Alyssa Christensen became the new owners of Climbing Addicts, carrying on Shawn's vision for caring for our crags and reducing the visual impact of outdoor climbing. Now, Common Climber interviews Alyssa to find out about their story and vision for Climbing Addicts - and how Shawn is doing. ​

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Book Review

Royal Robbins - The American Climber 
Book By David Smart
​Review By Dave Barnes

Royal Robbins' name is iconic, like, who names their kid, Royal? If you were that kid, how do you live up to a name like that? David Smart has authored a comprehensive history of the iconic climber, author, businessman, husband, and father - illustrating how Royal did, indeed, "live up."

​Robbins entered climbing at a time of cultural and mechanical change, journeying from the street to the mountains. His Church was Yosemite, and his parish were climbers.