Derek Franz

Sea to Summit Ultralight Air Mat: For a good night’s sleep in the summer backcountry

The Sea to Summit Ultralight Air Mat is a summer backcountry mattress that can pack down to the size of a large burrito and that… Read More »Sea to Summit Ultralight Air Mat: For a good night’s sleep in the summer backcountry

After 40 years of thwarted attempts, the North Ridge of Latok I (7145m) has been climbed by Slovenian climbers Ales Cesen and Luka Strazar, and… Read More »Latok I summited by a variation of the North Ridge

Out of 58 climbs on the list of “significant ascents” in 2017, the Piolets d’Or committee has announced three climbs and two special mentions to… Read More »Four climbs and one person to be recognized at 2018 Piolets d’Or in Ladek, Poland

The La Sportiva TX4 Mid boots are described by the company as an “access boot designed to excel in tricky, technical terrain.” Alpinist Digital Editor… Read More »La Sportiva TX4 Mid GTX boots: ‘Like walking on air’

Alexander Gukov, 42, is safe after spending nearly a full seven days at 6200 meters stuck on the North Ridge of Latok I (7145m) in… Read More »Alexander Gukov rescued from 6200m on Latok I by a helicopter longline operation

The American Alpine Club is hosting the UIAA (International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation) World Cup Ice Climbing competition at Colorado’s Denver Civic Center Park on… Read More »American Alpine Club to host the UIAA Ice Climbing World Cup competition in Denver

More El Capitan speed records have been set since May 5 when Brandon Adams and Roger Putnam climbed the Shield in 8 hours, 55 minutes;… Read More »Four other speed records made on El Capitan in May and June while Honnold and Caldwell were lapping the Nose

Chantel Astorga and Anne Gilbert Chase made what is likely the first female ascent, and only the ninth ascent overall, of the Slovak Direct (5.9… Read More »Astorga and Chase complete first female ascent of Denali’s Slovak Direct

Black Diamond describes the new Vision Harness as an ultralight alpine harness that is “the lightest fully functional harness we’ve ever made.” Alpinist Digital Editor… Read More »Black Diamond Vision Harness: light, comfortable and versatile

After the two fell to their deaths in a mysterious accident while climbing fast and light on El Capitan June 2, friends remember Tim Klein… Read More »After their fatal fall on El Capitan, Tim Klein and Jason Wells are remembered for their kindness and joy

After steadily improving their time on each speed ascent over the past several weeks, Tommy Caldwell and Alex Honnold have achieved their goal of climbing… Read More »Tommy Caldwell and Alex Honnold speed up the Nose in 1:58:07