Documenting the evolving tools of our vertical world
These recently donated axes are great early production models from approximately 1974. They had recessed 5mm threaded set screws holding the tube picks in place and rolled steel pins securing the head to the fiberglass...
Edelrid produced the first Bivo cams in 1984. This is a later production model which has the improved trigger design. Stéphane Pennequins Nuts Museum has more on these unique cams.
The Joker was first produced around 1985. These cams had two moving cam lobes and a third fixed cam surface in opposition. The stem was a flexible spring design which would allow the stem to bend in...
The art of making your own equipment is largely forgotten today. There was once a time when quality climbing gear either wasn’t readily available or didn’t come in the sizes or shapes climbers needed...
This is a very interesting piece of military climbing history. The 38th R.C.T. (Regimental Combat Team) published a simple program to introduce and outline a demonstration of their basic mountain skills training. The text...
A collection of miscellaneous Eiger equipment from the Vertical Archaeology archives. The pitons are standard European soft iron types with the “Eiger” logo stamped on one side of the anvil.
LONGware Bolt Hangers! Vertical Archaeology has received many inquiries regarding LONGware hanger production and dating. Shown here are three unique designs manufactured by Dick Long in the 1950s and 60s. It’s difficult to date a lot of these...
In 1965 Recreational Equipment Incorporated had two Seattle locations and was still very much a specialty climbing retailer. Now, there are over one hundred locations across the United States from Manhattan to Seattle. While...
