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The Climbing Bible
More and more people around the world are discovering how great climbing is, both indoors and outdoors. The Climbing Bible by internationally renowned climbers and coaches Martin Mobråten and Stian Christophersen is a comprehensive guide to help you train effectively to become a better climber. The authors have been climbing coaches for a number of years. Based on their own extensive experience and research, this book collates the best European training techniques into one book with information on how to specifically train for the technical, physical and mental performance factors in climbing – including endurance, power, motivation, fear of falling, and much more. It also deals with tactics, fingerboarding and finger strength, general training and injury prevention, injuries related to climbing, and training plans. It is illustrated with 400 technique and action photos, and features stories from top climbers as well as a foreword by climber and bestselling author Jo Nesbø . The Climbing Bible will help and motivate you to improve and develop as a climber and find even more joy in this fantastic sport.
352 pages, Paperback
First published November 5, 2018
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458 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
November 1, 2020
Possibly the best book yet on training for climbing, and that’s quite a crowded field. Books on climbing technique have been around for a long time. C.T Dent’s “Mountaineering” (1911), Guido Rey’s “Alpinisme Acrobatique” (1919) and Alan Blackshaw’s “Mountaineering” (1966) are examples of books that aimed to instruct and inform climbers of the time on technique and equipment, but climbing has moved on a long way in recent decades, and instructional books have trended towards more intensive and systematic approaches to becoming a better climber.
The authors, Martin Mobråten and Stian Christophersen, both climb and coach at very high standards of difficulty (8c+ and 8c for those who are in the know). Christophersen is also a physiotherapist and coaches the Norwegian climbing team. The book covers Technical, Physical and Mental training, with three additional chapters on Tactics, General training and injury prevention, and finally, training plans. It is richly comprehensive, and their experience in coaching shines through each section. Interviews with leading climbers - entitled A Climber’s Story - expand on particular themes and give fascinating insights – who would have thought that you could write a PhD on using deadhangs for finger strength training? (p.114). The illustrations are excellent throughout and there is an even balance between indoor and outdoor settings.
The authors emphasise the primacy of technique and remind us that climbing is, or should be, fun. The excellent foreword by Jo Nesbo, Norwegian thriller writer and recent climbing convert, underlines the fun and games strand, and connects this to systematic training as a way of enhancing your enjoyment and simply getting better at something you enjoy. Pretty wise words – training is not exclusively about obsessive preparation by obsessive athletes for the climbing World Cup and ticking the highest grades. Cherry-picking any one of the specialist topics in the book should help any climber get a bit better at what they do. My favourite injunction from the Physical Training chapter is “Climb with the body you’ve got”. If only the authors knew. Some topics are rarely covered in other training books – for example skincare for crimping, climbing during pregnancy, injury risk for young climbers, but it is the main focuses on movement technique, doing training exercises with precision and managing the mental side of climbing that make this book a treat.
As befits its title of The Climbing Bible, it ends with Ten Commandments, and none of them are “Don’ts”.
This is an excellent read, and a very good translation. There’s stuff in here for climbers at any level. Read, absorb, then just do it and have fun.
The authors, Martin Mobråten and Stian Christophersen, both climb and coach at very high standards of difficulty (8c+ and 8c for those who are in the know). Christophersen is also a physiotherapist and coaches the Norwegian climbing team. The book covers Technical, Physical and Mental training, with three additional chapters on Tactics, General training and injury prevention, and finally, training plans. It is richly comprehensive, and their experience in coaching shines through each section. Interviews with leading climbers - entitled A Climber’s Story - expand on particular themes and give fascinating insights – who would have thought that you could write a PhD on using deadhangs for finger strength training? (p.114). The illustrations are excellent throughout and there is an even balance between indoor and outdoor settings.
The authors emphasise the primacy of technique and remind us that climbing is, or should be, fun. The excellent foreword by Jo Nesbo, Norwegian thriller writer and recent climbing convert, underlines the fun and games strand, and connects this to systematic training as a way of enhancing your enjoyment and simply getting better at something you enjoy. Pretty wise words – training is not exclusively about obsessive preparation by obsessive athletes for the climbing World Cup and ticking the highest grades. Cherry-picking any one of the specialist topics in the book should help any climber get a bit better at what they do. My favourite injunction from the Physical Training chapter is “Climb with the body you’ve got”. If only the authors knew. Some topics are rarely covered in other training books – for example skincare for crimping, climbing during pregnancy, injury risk for young climbers, but it is the main focuses on movement technique, doing training exercises with precision and managing the mental side of climbing that make this book a treat.
As befits its title of The Climbing Bible, it ends with Ten Commandments, and none of them are “Don’ts”.
This is an excellent read, and a very good translation. There’s stuff in here for climbers at any level. Read, absorb, then just do it and have fun.
April 2, 2022
One of the best books I've read on climbing and bouldering. Everything is in there, from menta training, strength and endurance training, technique improvements, injury prevention and even an excerpt on climbing while pregnant. Definitely a 'bible' to follow and refer back to.
July 23, 2025
M'ha agradat molt molt aquest llibre, m'agrada que doni diferents tipus d'enfocament a l'escalada desde la part de força, resistència, i sobre tot mentalitat, arousal i com descansar. Esta super bé que parli molt de la tècnica en diferents tipus de paret i que tingui diferents apartats de entrevistes amb gent que t'explica experiències que li han marcat. Et va donant molts tips de que fer. Tampoc és un llibre que et donarà la rutina especifica per a tu i com fer-ho durant tota la setmana o com fer una reavilitacio en concret. Està molt be perquè et dóna molts exemples de coses com aquesta però has de ser tu qui les sàpiga aplicar a les teves vies, entrenaments o lesions.
December 4, 2020
This is fantastic! I’m pretty sure it would be impossible to read it and not become a better climber. I was really impressed by how comprehensive and accessible this manual is, thoroughly covering the physical side of training, and also with sections on technique, mental training, and tactics. There’s a massive amount of information covered, but it’s split into manageable sections and would be easy to quickly dip into if you just want a bit of structure or focus before starting a training session. It’s grounded in plenty of real life examples and interviews with top climbers, and it’s really helpful to see how people have tried the advice and found it to be helpful. It was brilliant and inspiring to see equal gender representation in the many photos, and great to see a quick discussion of climbing during pregnancy – I think this is the first time I’ve ever seen any mention of this in a training guide!
I found the mental training section really valuable. It covers several different sections – motivation, confidence, fear of falling and dealing with failure, and gives practical advice on how to deal with anything you’re struggling with. There is a huge amount of stuff to work through and implement in your own climbing.
The technique section is particularly accessible, and really well explained. There’s plenty of clear photos to show exactly what’s being explained, and the guide does a really good job of catering for both beginner climbers and also covering more advanced techniques. The photos are also good for helping to summon up some motivation on those days when you really don’t feel like training!
The physical training includes plenty of exercises that can be done at home with minimal equipment – surprisingly useful this year! I manage to injure myself fairly regularly climbing and haven’t really known where to start with conditioning and injury prevention exercises, but the section on this is really clear and has given me several things to start trying that I can do at home.
The only thing not covered is nutrition, although there are plenty of specific guides already available on that and it’s probably too big a topic to slot into this as well as everything else.
Overall, it’s an incredibly inspiring and practical guide, perfect for anyone who wants a comprehensive capture of all the different training elements that need to come together to climb harder.
I found the mental training section really valuable. It covers several different sections – motivation, confidence, fear of falling and dealing with failure, and gives practical advice on how to deal with anything you’re struggling with. There is a huge amount of stuff to work through and implement in your own climbing.
The technique section is particularly accessible, and really well explained. There’s plenty of clear photos to show exactly what’s being explained, and the guide does a really good job of catering for both beginner climbers and also covering more advanced techniques. The photos are also good for helping to summon up some motivation on those days when you really don’t feel like training!
The physical training includes plenty of exercises that can be done at home with minimal equipment – surprisingly useful this year! I manage to injure myself fairly regularly climbing and haven’t really known where to start with conditioning and injury prevention exercises, but the section on this is really clear and has given me several things to start trying that I can do at home.
The only thing not covered is nutrition, although there are plenty of specific guides already available on that and it’s probably too big a topic to slot into this as well as everything else.
Overall, it’s an incredibly inspiring and practical guide, perfect for anyone who wants a comprehensive capture of all the different training elements that need to come together to climb harder.
March 10, 2021
A strong deep dive in to climbing and addressing techniques - plus makes me want to go climb in Norway!
This book is a great addition to any climbers coffee table and will be well thumbed by all visiting climbers. It covers a broad range of topics addressing the basics of technique, to mental approaches all the way to training plans. From my training at home on my fingerboard I'm seeing benefits to paying more attention to the details following reading.
Alongside the more detailed technique addressing the book is dotted with a few great interviews with climbers such as Tom Randall and Eva López giving addition insights alongside Martin's and Stian's.
I've found it best read dropping in to chunks over coffee reading small sections at a time and then coming back later - rather than chapter 1 onwards, but it gives you a good insight in to a few great ideas and tips that I will certainly be trying post lockdown.
Alongside the text there is a great number of photographs to supplement the text you so you cn really see in detail the techniques in detail. Also some great shots from around the world of climbers out and about good for building up your general psyche.
As a book the only weakness in one way is its size in that I wouldn't probably take it to the wall with me to train, but in its size you could easily snap a photo of a particular page if you needed it.
But I feel its best suited to live on your coffee table for evening reading or a quick browse over a coffee or a pint.
This book is a great addition to any climbers coffee table and will be well thumbed by all visiting climbers. It covers a broad range of topics addressing the basics of technique, to mental approaches all the way to training plans. From my training at home on my fingerboard I'm seeing benefits to paying more attention to the details following reading.
Alongside the more detailed technique addressing the book is dotted with a few great interviews with climbers such as Tom Randall and Eva López giving addition insights alongside Martin's and Stian's.
I've found it best read dropping in to chunks over coffee reading small sections at a time and then coming back later - rather than chapter 1 onwards, but it gives you a good insight in to a few great ideas and tips that I will certainly be trying post lockdown.
Alongside the text there is a great number of photographs to supplement the text you so you cn really see in detail the techniques in detail. Also some great shots from around the world of climbers out and about good for building up your general psyche.
As a book the only weakness in one way is its size in that I wouldn't probably take it to the wall with me to train, but in its size you could easily snap a photo of a particular page if you needed it.
But I feel its best suited to live on your coffee table for evening reading or a quick browse over a coffee or a pint.
October 5, 2020
This is a very substantial book on the technical, physical and mental tactics to become a better climber.
The book is broken down into 6 main chapters: Technique, Physical training, Mental training, Tactics, General Training and Injury Prevention, and Training plans. Each chapter comprehensively breaks down the subject matter into manageable bite size chunks, no more than one or two pages long, and is lavishly complemented with many full page photographs to keep the psyche up and many smaller pictures to display the techniques discussed in the text.
The new climber will find an almost overwhelming amount of information with regards to training and tactics, whilst the seasoned climber will find plenty of tips and tricks to keep them at the top of their game. There are also personal reflections from many top climbers throughout, which add insight into the minds of those pushing their limits regularly, and many opportunities to find inspiration.
The original book was written in Norwegian and published and 2018, and this English version was published in 2020, and the translation is excellent.
Overall an excellent book that should find it's way onto every dedicated climbers bookshelf.
The book is broken down into 6 main chapters: Technique, Physical training, Mental training, Tactics, General Training and Injury Prevention, and Training plans. Each chapter comprehensively breaks down the subject matter into manageable bite size chunks, no more than one or two pages long, and is lavishly complemented with many full page photographs to keep the psyche up and many smaller pictures to display the techniques discussed in the text.
The new climber will find an almost overwhelming amount of information with regards to training and tactics, whilst the seasoned climber will find plenty of tips and tricks to keep them at the top of their game. There are also personal reflections from many top climbers throughout, which add insight into the minds of those pushing their limits regularly, and many opportunities to find inspiration.
The original book was written in Norwegian and published and 2018, and this English version was published in 2020, and the translation is excellent.
Overall an excellent book that should find it's way onto every dedicated climbers bookshelf.
October 29, 2023
Pretty disappointed. I was under the impression that this book would be a good pickup as a new climber, but it unfortunately wasn’t. I expected there to be a lot more attention paid to technique in the book, especially since climbing is such a technique-heavy sport. But the chapter explaining technique covers the subject minimally. Then, later chapters focus on mentality, stress level, and the like. That stuff is useful for new climbers, but I’d argue that that material is much more important for people who have been climbing for a long time. Whereas climbing technique is extremely important for new climbers. I was really looking forward to learning all the ins and outs of climbing technique, but it’s not in here.
Also, so much of the book is covered with pictures of people doing outdoor climbs. That’s fine, but it’s not relevant to teaching the material. The Climbing Bible almost feels like a coffee table book because of that. This book probably could have been 100-150 pages if they only kept the relevant pictures.
I appreciate the section on dealing with injuries.
Also, so much of the book is covered with pictures of people doing outdoor climbs. That’s fine, but it’s not relevant to teaching the material. The Climbing Bible almost feels like a coffee table book because of that. This book probably could have been 100-150 pages if they only kept the relevant pictures.
I appreciate the section on dealing with injuries.
December 16, 2023
Scarce (in terms that each topic in the book really deserves its own book) but Complete and quite nicely illustrated. Definitely a must read for newer, less experienced climbers, as well as for coaches and trainers. It covers everything - technics and tactics, movement patterns, mental training, physical training, endurance training, injury prevention, training plans, outdoors and competitions. So even experienced climbers can learn something new, or at least organise and structure current knowledge.
It also has a compilation of 'Climber Stories' that are both insightful and inspiring.
What I really loved about this book is the message, that reaching a certain anchor or grade is not what climbing is about. But that climbing is about having fun. About the passionate and versatile community. Climbing is about adventure and free spirit. The book teaches you to seek joy in every little aspect of a such a beautiful sport, being it long approach, boulder problem deconstruction or unlocking a new move.
It also has a compilation of 'Climber Stories' that are both insightful and inspiring.
What I really loved about this book is the message, that reaching a certain anchor or grade is not what climbing is about. But that climbing is about having fun. About the passionate and versatile community. Climbing is about adventure and free spirit. The book teaches you to seek joy in every little aspect of a such a beautiful sport, being it long approach, boulder problem deconstruction or unlocking a new move.
December 19, 2020
This is a really wonderful book. Written by two Norwegian climbing coaches and translated very clearly into English. It covers all the key areas of rock climbing technique, training, and mental aspects. Lots of excellent photos, examples, and clarifications which seem to hit the essentials without any superfluous content.
I haven't really been climbing during Covid, but I am fretting away and keen to improve my climbing when things start to return to normal. I will be using this book to drive my training, and I'm sure I'll be dipping in and out of it for years to come.
I haven't really been climbing during Covid, but I am fretting away and keen to improve my climbing when things start to return to normal. I will be using this book to drive my training, and I'm sure I'll be dipping in and out of it for years to come.
February 3, 2022
As a climber with 25+ years experience, it's all too easy to become complacent and forget about training and technique. Yet I still do! But it is such an integral part of being a climber, in some form we all need training and to do so without input is far more challenging. This comprehensive book covers so much in accessible detail, and best of all with loads of great photos to help visualisation.
I reckon this guide will be equally useful for newcomers or seasoned climbers.
I reckon this guide will be equally useful for newcomers or seasoned climbers.
October 14, 2020
This is possibly the most comprehensive and insightful book you will read on suffering and the motivation behind it. It explores the characters and their lives in raw details, it leaves you with an appreciation for their contribution to winter mountaineering.
This is best summed up in the chapter on Nanga Parbat!
This is best summed up in the chapter on Nanga Parbat!
May 7, 2024
Should reread this soon. Although the first time around, it read to me like too much of a beginner's almanac than a source of deeper knowledge about the sport I've been practicing for almost 10 years now. But I won it at a climbing festival and it makes for a nice coffee table item.
October 8, 2025
This is an extremely thorough guide to everything connected to climbing: types of climbing, types of holds, warmup exercises, training routines, injury prevention, the relevant anatomy, EVERYTHING.
I don't think you're meant to read it cover to cover, but rather keep returning to it depending on which aspect of your climbing you are working on.
My only complaint is that I got a bit lost when discussing some anatomy topics using the medical names for the muscles and tendons.
I don't think you're meant to read it cover to cover, but rather keep returning to it depending on which aspect of your climbing you are working on.
My only complaint is that I got a bit lost when discussing some anatomy topics using the medical names for the muscles and tendons.
June 25, 2021
Lovely book that explains both the basics as the more advanced aspects of climbing training (both mentally and physically). A great book for every climber afficionado!
December 18, 2021
Literally the Bible for climbing!
Technique, training programs, types of routes and it looks perfect to place in the living-room and start conversations.
Happy climbing!
Technique, training programs, types of routes and it looks perfect to place in the living-room and start conversations.
Happy climbing!
August 10, 2022
One of the most comprehensive all around non-fic guides I’ve ever read. Super detailed yet easy to understand for beginner/intermediate climbers and superb photos. 6 stars.
April 6, 2023
My favorite training book so far. So much information across the mental, physical, technical and tactical. Will be revisiting at the beginning of every training cycle and trip.
November 20, 2023
Very comprehensive climbing book
April 14, 2024
Some of the best tips and training techniques around
July 23, 2024
A comprehensive look at how to train for climbing, including building good technique and creating your own training plan.
December 19, 2023
This is a highly comprehensive book that covers climbing techniques, training, injury prevention, and tactics. Personally, I would have preferred the author to delve deeper into the technique chapters, while being more concise in the training and tactic chapters. However, this is probably because I am new to climbing and have not yet begun my training.
I was impressed by one interesting perspective from the authors, which may have potential applications to other areas of life:
I was impressed by one interesting perspective from the authors, which may have potential applications to other areas of life:
"Our brains are lazy and overprotective by nature and basically don’t want us to get tired on a route. The feeling of being exhausted therefore arises significantly earlier than our capacity suggests and an important part of endurance training is to get to know this feeling. The thought patterns, ‘Now I’m pumped, this will never go’, and, ‘Now I’m pumped, so I’ll give it beans’, will in all likelihood produce two different results, even though the physical conditions are the same. Being used to climbing with pumped forearms, knowing that you are able to still clip the quickdraws, daring to do a few more moves, knowing that you are able to stop and shake out some of the pump, that you are capable of doing hard moves even when pumped – these are all important mental attributes that constitute endurance performance."
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