The Stonemasters - The Original Rock Climbing Pioneers
In the sun-drenched days of Yosemite's Golden Age, pioneering climbers like Royal Robbins and Warren Harding engaged in a 14-year duel of audacity and skill, shaping the course of rock climbing. Venturing far from modern climbing boutiques, these rebels sought their gear in surplus stores, adapting and crafting their attire for the unforgiving heights they aspired to conquer. Harding, known for his unconventional methods, climbed El Capitan, Yosemite's iconic granite monolith, after 18 months of tireless attempts. It was the birth of a counterculture where climbers, embracing a newfound athleticism, sought to set new standards and challenge the norms. The Stone Masters, led by Jim Bridwell and the Camp 4 climbers, carried this legacy into the 1970s, propelling free climbing to popularity. Their relentless pursuit of innovation and a disdain for convention laid the foundation for the Stone Monkeys of later years, like Dean Potter, whose fearless endeavors in free soloing, BASE jumping, and highlining embodied the evolution of rock climbing. In the heart of this movement, the climbers found not just gear but a spirit of resourcefulness, resilience, and a boundless commitment to pushing the boundaries of what's considered possible.
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