Chris is the Editor-in-Chief and co-founder of OutdoorGearLab. Climbing Magazine once computed that three percent of Chris's life on earth has been spent on the face of El Capitan—an accomplishment that has left friends and family pondering Chris’ sanity. He’s climbed El Capitan over 70 times and holds nine big wall speed climbing records. In 1998 Chris did the first Girdle Traverse of El Capitan, an epic 75-pitch route that begs the question, “Why?” Outside Magazine has called Chris one of “the world’s finest aid climbers.” He’s the winner of the 1999 Bates Award from the American Alpine Club and founder of the American Safe Climbing Association, a nonprofit group that has replaced over 14,000 dangerous anchor bolts. Chris is also the founder and lead author of the rock climbing guidebooks publisher, SuperTopo. He is a graduate of UC Berkeley. You can follow him on Facebook and ChrisMcNamara.com.
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Best Backpacking Gear of 2022
If you are gearing up for Backpacking, we've got you covered with our comprehensive list of the best gear of the year.
Best Hiking Gear of 2022
Our experts list our favorite hiking gear picks so you can have the best experience on the trail.
Best Climbing Gear of 2022
Looking for the best climbing gear we've ever tested? Come check out our hand-selected list of the top gear of 2022.
Best Handheld GPS of 2022
Looking to improve your backcountry navigation? We bought and tested 7 of the best GPS units on the market to help you find the right one for your next dream trip.
Best Climbing Gloves of 2022
Want to keep your hands safe while climbing? Whether you're rappelling, belaying, jamming cracks, or aid climbing, gloves are a critical tool that can leave your hands unscathed.
Best Haul Bags for Big Wall Climbing of 2022
We compare some of the best haul bag options to help find the right one for any size and style wall climb.
Best Big Wall Climbing Harness of 2022
We compare the best big wall harnesses on the market to find you the best option for your next Grade V or Grade VI wall.
Best Climbing Nuts and Stoppers of 2022
We researched the best climbing nuts and chose the top options to test side by side for months on end. We tested both versatile and specific use options to bring you...
Best Bouldering Crash Pad of 2022
Looking for a new pad? This review examines the best 12 models on the market to help you find the right model for your needs and environment. Our expert testers carried, climbed, and...
Best Electric Mountain Bikes of 2022
We put five of the best electric mountain bikes to the test, riding them side-by-side to find the best in our detailed comparative review.
Editors' Choice
Specialized Turbo Levo Comp
More range + more power = more smiles, and this bike delivers on all fronts, securing its place as a third consecutive Editor's Choice award winner.
Best Buy
Commencal Meta Power TR Ride
A budget-friendly upper-mid travel eMTB with a versatile but hard-charging performance. This long and slack bike rips on descents, powers up climbs, and boasts an impressive range with the...
Top Pick
Specialized Turbo Levo SL Comp
The new Turbo Levo SL is an exciting and innovative new e-bike. With a smaller motor and battery, it weighs less than a full-powered model and delivers a little less than half of the power...
Best Avalanche Beacon of 2022
An avalanche beacon is an essential part of a backcountry ski kit. But which one is best for you? We purchased 14 of the top beacons available and put them to the test across several...
Best Buy
Gas One GS-3000
This little stunner is a cross between a light camp stove and emergency burner. It's versatile, highly affordable, and ideal for short bursts of cooking and one-pot meals.
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