This is no regular instruction manual—it’s much more useful than that. This is a massive collection of all those little tips that make a real difference when at the crag, in the mountains, or when you’re planning your next big trip. Tips are organized by eight primary categories:

• Basics (tips 1–240) – From how best to rope up and the importance of climbing partnerships, to racking your gear correctly and how to sleep in a harness.
• Safety (tips 241–327) – The name of the game in climbing is staying alive and coming home in one piece. This section covers loose rock, rescue, dealing with heat and what to do if you get caught out.
• Big Wall (tips 328–434) – Knowledge on tackling large multi-pitch climbs, with advanced topics such as pegging, jumaring, hauling and speed climbing. These tips will be an aid both to those new to multi-pitch climbing, as well as more experienced climbers.
• Ice (tips 435–481) – Tips on all aspects of ice climbing, including movement, protection, looking after your gear, mental strength and—of course—not falling off.
• Mixed (tips 482–503) – With a focus on alpine winter skills, these essential tips focus on leading, gear and footwork on mixed ground, and how to use your tools on snowed-up rock.
• Mountain (tips 504–802) – This section has almost 300 tips on living and staying alive in the mountains.
• Training (tips 803–876) – A range of tips on how to overcome fear, improve strength and endurance, as well as diet and nutrition advice.
• Stuff (tips 877–1001) – A mix of esoterica, such as how to rap off a fifi hook, what books to read, how to make your own kit, how to get sponsored, how to take great photos and videos, and how to go to the toilet in tricky spots.