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Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills
REACH A NEW LEVEL OF FREEDOM...
Since publication of the first edition in 1961, Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills has endured as the classic mountaineering text. Novice climbers use it as a primer; veterans use it to review their skills. Translated into five languages, it has instructed and inspired more than half a million climbers from all over the world. The fully updated seventh edition maintains the same high standard for complete, authoritative instruction in an easy-to-use format.
New to this edition:
* 415 completely new illustrations
* Chapters on waterfall ice climbing and mixed climbing, physical conditioning, access issues, techniques for minimum impact on the land, and more
* A new glossary of climbing terms
ADVANCE YOUR GAME--UPGRADE TO VERSION 7.0
582 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 1960
970 people are currently reading
4364 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 182 reviews
May 15, 2010
If you are not a climber and/or are not interested in ever being a climber, then, for the love of God, do NOT buy this book. You will be bored to tears! But if you love the outdoors and backpacking into the high country or would like to improve your skills climbing rocks/ice/glaciers/whatever, then this book is fantastic. Written by a team of professional climbers and continuously revised, this book covers every aspect of climbing, from setting up camp, choosing the right gear, advanced climbing techniques, even protecting the environment ("leave no trace"). It's essentially a textbook for learning how to climb... the only thing missing is the mountains themselves (you have to provide those). Highly recommended for anyone interested in mountain climbing.
September 15, 2016
The one and only bible of mountaineering. Reading this monster requires a huge investment of time, energy, and patience. It is not only long, but too fucking verbose and the intonation is boring.
Having said that, I am extremely happy that I went though it. I now have the theoretical basics to do about anything on the mountains on this planet. In practice, however, it's a different story. The book will open your eyes and make you aware of the many skills you need to not die out there. It takes several months to read about, but a lifetime to practice them.
If you read something like this, it will motivate you to go further and work to become a mountaineer. Because it would be a pity to spend all this effort and acquire all this knowledge for nothing.
Having said that, I am extremely happy that I went though it. I now have the theoretical basics to do about anything on the mountains on this planet. In practice, however, it's a different story. The book will open your eyes and make you aware of the many skills you need to not die out there. It takes several months to read about, but a lifetime to practice them.
If you read something like this, it will motivate you to go further and work to become a mountaineer. Because it would be a pity to spend all this effort and acquire all this knowledge for nothing.
April 7, 2018
I learned so much from this book that I hesitate in taking off a star. (I do admit to skipping the sections on belaying, et cetera, since I've no intention of advanced climbing). The only issue I had with reading the book relates to the textbookish language that made for some tedious reading. I'm not sure how one could make it more exciting, but there you have it.
The material on hiking and/or backpacking in harsh conditions was excellent, especially the chapter on traveling through snow and in avalanche territory (watch National Geographic's The White Death).
The material on hiking and/or backpacking in harsh conditions was excellent, especially the chapter on traveling through snow and in avalanche territory (watch National Geographic's The White Death).
February 16, 2025
Holy crap, I’ve done it!!! I finally finished this book.
Not a very fun read, but useful. Then again, all reading is fun!!
Not a very fun read, but useful. Then again, all reading is fun!!
December 15, 2017
When they say that this book is the bible of mountaineering, they sure aren't kidding. This book is filled above the brim with all kinds of information concerning numerous aspects of the sport. The detail is awesome, the illustrations are superb, and the whole thing is seriously well put together. I think the best things about this book is the breadth of the topics it covers.
When I bought the book, I thought I was going to learn about mountaineering in great detail, and perhaps a little about camping and rock climbing. In reality, this book tells you about pretty much everything. It teaches navigation, ice climbing, how to dress, wilderness medicine, and avalanche safety, to name a few. Granted that no one book can tell you all there is to know about every aspect of climbing, this one provides a solid base-knowledge and the foundations for taking the next steps. I am a pretty experienced hiker, and I was still surprised by all the new info that I got from reading this book. The book is over 700 pages long, and the writers make excellent use of every one of them. Reading this book will give you great advice on what gear to buy, how to stay safe out there, and, as cliche as it may sound, could realistically save your life.
My advice is to read this book like a textbook. Mark up the pages, add notes, write down your own ideas, and read it multiple times. And of course, go with experienced people before you tackle dangerous climbs.
No one I know has ever gone mountaineering, There are only two things that are helping me reach my goal of being able to climb mountains year round: my own motivation and Freedom of the Hills. I'm a first generation climber just trying to figure things out, and I'm beyond grateful for others who have gone to the time and effort to put something like this together. Skip the frustration of turning to disreputable sources. Videos and forums on the internet won't get you anywhere. Invest in this book if you're serious about getting on top of the world's high places. I'm stoked to see where it can take me. Hopefully, reading this book will be my first step a lifetime of adventure. Also, if anyone needs a mountaineering partner in Utah or Salt Lake County, hit me up haha
When I bought the book, I thought I was going to learn about mountaineering in great detail, and perhaps a little about camping and rock climbing. In reality, this book tells you about pretty much everything. It teaches navigation, ice climbing, how to dress, wilderness medicine, and avalanche safety, to name a few. Granted that no one book can tell you all there is to know about every aspect of climbing, this one provides a solid base-knowledge and the foundations for taking the next steps. I am a pretty experienced hiker, and I was still surprised by all the new info that I got from reading this book. The book is over 700 pages long, and the writers make excellent use of every one of them. Reading this book will give you great advice on what gear to buy, how to stay safe out there, and, as cliche as it may sound, could realistically save your life.
My advice is to read this book like a textbook. Mark up the pages, add notes, write down your own ideas, and read it multiple times. And of course, go with experienced people before you tackle dangerous climbs.
No one I know has ever gone mountaineering, There are only two things that are helping me reach my goal of being able to climb mountains year round: my own motivation and Freedom of the Hills. I'm a first generation climber just trying to figure things out, and I'm beyond grateful for others who have gone to the time and effort to put something like this together. Skip the frustration of turning to disreputable sources. Videos and forums on the internet won't get you anywhere. Invest in this book if you're serious about getting on top of the world's high places. I'm stoked to see where it can take me. Hopefully, reading this book will be my first step a lifetime of adventure. Also, if anyone needs a mountaineering partner in Utah or Salt Lake County, hit me up haha
January 15, 2014
This reference book is to mountaineering (or just camping and hiking) as Joy of Cooking is to the cooking world. A must have for any outdoorsman (or woman).
April 3, 2025
perhaps the most in depth introduction to climbing systems. Highly recommend for anyone trying to advance their climbing knowledge
February 19, 2015
Freedom of the hills is packed with knowledge and skills that are helpful in order to survive in the mountains. As a mountaineer I am always pushing to increase my skills and knowledge in order to climb more difficult mountains. I initially started out with an older edition of this book and purchased the new one as soon as I saw it. The book covers anything from basic knowledge of gear to more advanced skills and techniques. I found that this book is very thorough and is very fair in what it teaches. After reading "Freedom of the Hills" I successfully climbed Mt Aconcagua, Mt Hood, Grand Teton, Gannett Peak, and an attempt up Mt Rainier's Tahoma Cleaver. This book gained the title of 'The Mountaineers Bible' for a reason. The most helpful portion of the book for me was glacier travel and anchors. Knowing how to safely rope up as a team and travel on a mountain is a art that takes a lot of practice and reading. Without the knowledge that I gained in this book I would certainly not be here to write today. This book also makes a perfect gift for anyone who is into hiking/mountaineering or wants to get into it.
April 18, 2017
The latest edition of the classic guide to mountaineering describes fundamental climbing skills; discusses rock, snow, and ice climbing techniques; recommends clothing and equipment; gives advice on safety and first aid; and includes a new section on waterfall ice and mixed climbing. Simultaneous.
April 4, 2013
What can you say about a book that is six decades in the making, evolving and written by a whole group of experts from various parts of the sport?
It is simply the best text book for mountaineers. It includes quite a bit of alpine climbing and very good basic rock climbing advice. Lots of excellent illustrations. I see the changes in the last 3 or so editions, but they are only modest improvements. I happen to have editions dating back to the original "Mountaineers Handbook" (Superior 1948). This is an excellent gift for any mountaineer that doesn't have the latest copy.
It is simply the best text book for mountaineers. It includes quite a bit of alpine climbing and very good basic rock climbing advice. Lots of excellent illustrations. I see the changes in the last 3 or so editions, but they are only modest improvements. I happen to have editions dating back to the original "Mountaineers Handbook" (Superior 1948). This is an excellent gift for any mountaineer that doesn't have the latest copy.
October 25, 2015
Saying that this is the "Bible of Mountaineering" is an understatement.
A more accurate comparison would be to say that this is the Bible plus everything that has ever been written on religion since that time, neatly summarized into less than 600 pages.
Anyone willing to put in the time will benefit from reading this book.
If only textbooks were this insightful when I was in school -- 5 stars.
A more accurate comparison would be to say that this is the Bible plus everything that has ever been written on religion since that time, neatly summarized into less than 600 pages.
Anyone willing to put in the time will benefit from reading this book.
If only textbooks were this insightful when I was in school -- 5 stars.
Want to read
May 12, 202220200529後就一直停在pg362，有緣再打開吧
February 13, 2022
A lot of great information. It is a very complete guide with a lot of technical and in-depth information that might keep you alive in certain environments, specially if you are getting into mountaineering.
June 27, 2012
Hands down the best book on Mountaineering I have read. The only other titles that rival it are the Mountaineers Outdoor Expert guides for the specific activity you are training for. Make sure you pick up a current edition. The first edition, published in 1961 is worth browsing for entertainment but maybe not for lifesaving tips on the mountain. I read the 7th edition.
Currently reading
January 30, 2013I am seriously reading this book for my WTC course with the Sierra Club. Just started reading about navigation & how to use a compass. Besides supporting the Sierra Club I suggest supporting the Mountaineer's Books. My sister works there & they publish great hiking, mountaineering, & camping guides.
August 12, 2016
The essential mountaineering handbook. A concise (600+ pages!) text book for the basic knowledge necessary for backpacking and climbing mountains off the grid. Reading it once is not enough. Practicing the concepts in the field will be the only way to digest the material. You will use it as a reference guide again and again, countless times.
October 12, 2012
Great reference for hiking, backpacking, mountaineering, rock climbing, and winter camping.
April 5, 2023
"Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills" is a comprehensive guide to mountaineering that has become a classic in the climbing community.
From the basics of climbing safety to advanced alpine techniques, "Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills" covers every aspect of the sport. The book is written in a clear and concise style, making it accessible to climbers of all levels, from beginners to experts.
One of the strengths of "Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills" is its focus on safety. The book emphasizes the importance of proper planning, preparation, and equipment, and provides detailed instructions on how to avoid accidents and deal with emergencies.
Another strength of the book is its comprehensive coverage of different aspects of mountaineering, including rock climbing, ice climbing, and high-altitude mountaineering. The book provides detailed information on everything from rope management to route finding, making it an essential reference for any climber.
One of the unique features of "Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills" is its inclusion of historical and cultural perspectives on the sport. The book covers the history of mountaineering, from its early beginnings to modern times, and includes profiles of some of the greatest climbers of all time.
"Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills" is an essential guide for anyone interested in mountaineering. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced climber, this book provides a wealth of information and insight that will help you become a safer and more competent mountaineer.
From the basics of climbing safety to advanced alpine techniques, "Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills" covers every aspect of the sport. The book is written in a clear and concise style, making it accessible to climbers of all levels, from beginners to experts.
One of the strengths of "Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills" is its focus on safety. The book emphasizes the importance of proper planning, preparation, and equipment, and provides detailed instructions on how to avoid accidents and deal with emergencies.
Another strength of the book is its comprehensive coverage of different aspects of mountaineering, including rock climbing, ice climbing, and high-altitude mountaineering. The book provides detailed information on everything from rope management to route finding, making it an essential reference for any climber.
One of the unique features of "Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills" is its inclusion of historical and cultural perspectives on the sport. The book covers the history of mountaineering, from its early beginnings to modern times, and includes profiles of some of the greatest climbers of all time.
"Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills" is an essential guide for anyone interested in mountaineering. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced climber, this book provides a wealth of information and insight that will help you become a safer and more competent mountaineer.
June 17, 2017
Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills is nothing else but a must for any mountaineer. It is rightly considered the Bible of mountaineering and contains all the information that you would ever want to know about mountain climbing.
The book is especially easy to read considering the subjects covered. The many pictures are definitely a help and while outdoors experience is really the only way to learn mountaineering, the book is really well written. I especially like the sections on planning trips and expedition leadership, something that is often overlooked. The chapters on weather systems and geology is also fascinating to read and puts some perspective to the feat of mountaineering. The authors write with a clear and concise language with pictures added for extra comprehension.
For any aspiring mountaineer, this is a must to read. I am sure that no matter how many mountains I will climb, I can still return to this book and learn something new.
The book is especially easy to read considering the subjects covered. The many pictures are definitely a help and while outdoors experience is really the only way to learn mountaineering, the book is really well written. I especially like the sections on planning trips and expedition leadership, something that is often overlooked. The chapters on weather systems and geology is also fascinating to read and puts some perspective to the feat of mountaineering. The authors write with a clear and concise language with pictures added for extra comprehension.
For any aspiring mountaineer, this is a must to read. I am sure that no matter how many mountains I will climb, I can still return to this book and learn something new.
May 25, 2023
A wonderful, in depth exploration of the vertical world. It is so hard, as a climber, to build that 'base knowledge' needed to begin train outside. Of course, no book can be a substitute for a mentor or guide. However, the authors had tremendous foresight, and interwove gear knowledge, technique, ethics, and high-level decision making - allowing this book to prepare you on all fronts. This holistic writing makes it 10x any piece explained individually - to say nothing of the wonderful clear diagrams and drawings.
I did not read cover-to-cover, selecting only the chapters which were best suited to my current climbing - and the book does a wonderful job of meeting that need. Hopefully one day, with a little more 'real world' learning, I can return to educate myself about ice-climbing, alpine, and beyond - but not today.
An easy recommend to anyone looking to transition from the gym to the outside, and a reference I am glad to keep on my shelf for whenever the wild calls.
I did not read cover-to-cover, selecting only the chapters which were best suited to my current climbing - and the book does a wonderful job of meeting that need. Hopefully one day, with a little more 'real world' learning, I can return to educate myself about ice-climbing, alpine, and beyond - but not today.
An easy recommend to anyone looking to transition from the gym to the outside, and a reference I am glad to keep on my shelf for whenever the wild calls.
December 19, 2023
It contains most of the information you need for mountaineering. On the other hand, it seems it was written to be read cover-to-cover when I think it would be a lot more useful as a reference. Often the text could be shorter and more direct, and the information could be classified in a more systematic and visual way. Instead when you are looking for a specific piece of information - "what is the best practice for roping up on a glacier for a party of 3" - you end up getting lost in paragraphs and paragraphs about the value of stopper knots, when ideally there would be a table with precise instructions for a party of 2, 3, 4+. Alternatively, the book could be color-coded - "basic how-to for beginners", "advanced techniques", and "discussion/opinion".
Still that is a very minor gripe. It's commendable that this book exists at all. Few disciplines have such a clear and consensual manual.
Still that is a very minor gripe. It's commendable that this book exists at all. Few disciplines have such a clear and consensual manual.
November 29, 2023
First, a caveat. I have the fourth edition of this book, which was published in 1982. It has sat on my bookshelves since then. So my review refers to that edition, and later editions may have improved. This is a workmanlike book on mountaineering skills. It tries to cover the gamut of those skills, and in that it does a reasonable job. However, it is not one of those books that inspired me to go out into the mountains and hone my craft. There are much better books for inspiration, for example Rebufatt's "100 Finest Routes", Chouinard's "Climbing Ice" or any of the many excellent climbing biographies out there. Also, mountaineering is such a wide church, with so many disciplines and skills that I'm not sure that one book can adequately cover it all. But this is worthy of a place on any mountaineer's bookshelf.
January 11, 2018
In the grand tradition of The Compleat Walker, this is a wide-ranging field guide to challenges and techniques for mountain travel. The book assumes that you're going climbing (and not just hiking), but if that's not you, you can skip the middle chapters on technical climbing. The chapters on equipment, shelter, navigation, snow travel, leadership, safety, and first aid were all practical and applicable, and the chapters on geology, snow, and weather were excellent introductions to the mountain environment.
Recommended for anyone who spends significant time outdoors in the mountains.
Recommended for anyone who spends significant time outdoors in the mountains.
January 3, 2020
I have studied the freedom of the hills before, I used this edition to train our group for Mt. Shasta climb. Lost of more details about the climb on my blog - http://www.vitraag.com, what really struck with me on this read is how to convey trail etiquettes. I print pages from this book and our group took turns reading it, substantially changed our group dynamics. This is a go to for any thing mountaineering.
September 28, 2020
Wow. Finished this book, now I have to admit that it is boring for those who have no interest in climbing, but this is literally THE HANDBOOK of Mountaineering. It literally has everything you need to know and covers everything. From belaying, first aid, clothes, ice axes, crampons etc. It has everything you need to know. 3 star rating though for excitement, but 5 out of 5 for the information and everything.
October 18, 2021
Considered the Bible of Mountaineering. Everything you need to know to be a mountain climber, including rock and ice climbing. I found the opening chapters helpful for everyday hiking - how to be prepared, the items you should always carry, when to carry additional items, how to deal with certain hazards and more. I borrowed from the library since I’m only interested in day hiking and only wanted to read those related sections.
June 3, 2020
The level of detail in this book is unbelievable. From insulating layers to pitching a tent to avalanche rescue, there is nothing that this book doesn't cover about mountaineering. If you're just getting into mountaineering, it would be easier to go on a guided trip and learn the ropes from a guide than try to remember everything in the book.
June 19, 2020
The classic text book for mountain-lovers that has been revised and up-dated a number of times (this is the 9th edition). I have the hard copy, but decided to buy the kindle edition for convenience. I use this book as a reference when writing risk assessments for particular activities (www.rinjanidawnadventures.com) and for learning different techniques.
February 21, 2022
This was the book that got me into mountaineering for real, after always wanting to do that activity. Completely great book, and probably saved me from grave injury or worse. I also bought the seventh edition, but never really read it, as the old climber I have become no longer has the boldness I once wished to have.
June 3, 2022
Over the past year have fallen in love with Rock Climbing and this book truly brings an amazingly written technical manual on different styles explaining different pieces of equipment that help me to really understand a lot about climbing. Really this book is for people who are climbers and really want to understand much more about a lot of different styles of climbing and gear.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 182 reviews