Unless you were living in a cave through 2017 and 2018, you’re probably aware of the term free solo. Alex Honnold’s incredible climb of the Freerider route on El Capitan without protective aids or ropes on 3rd June 2017 brought mainstream attention to the pursuit. The subsequent 2018 documentary film Free Solo gripped the world, bringing yet more attention to Honnold’s incredible feat and the world of free soloing – as well as winning an Oscar.
So, just what is this incredibly bold approach to rock climbing? Here, our mountaineering expert looks into free soloing, including its history, dangers and what it is that sets it apart from free climbing.
