Vertical Life #52 is here for Spring ’25, with a stoke-filled cover shot of Mathieu Luethi blazing up Gravity (6c/22) in Krabi. This issue celebrates climbing’s past, present, and future — from legends behind the lens to the next generation of Aussie climbers.
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We kick off with Innovations by Simon Carter, where one of climbing’s most iconic photographers reflects on how his craft has evolved over decades in the field. Carter shares the tools, techniques, and creative leaps that have shaped his career, revealing how new ideas continue to redefine what climbing photography can capture.
Mike Weeks leading (and Chris Jones belaying), pitch seven (26) Overture to the Sun (26), at Bungonia Gorge, NSW, Australia.
From there, we head to Southeast Asia with Climbing in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Known for its lush jungles and hidden limestone walls, Chiang Mai has quietly become a destination for climbers chasing both adventure and cultural richness. This feature takes us into the heart of the region’s growing climbing community, uncovering what makes it such a rewarding place to rope up.
Left: Vincent Chen inside the State of Crisis Cave, Chiang Mai, Thailand. Right: Keith (Noddy) Lockwood inside the Arapiles Climbing Museum.
Back in Australia, A Look into the Arapiles Climbing Museum showcases the artefacts, routes, and stories that have shaped Australian Climbing History. In Getting to Know: Ayla & Amelie Beaudoin, we meet two young gun sisters, carrying forward that spirit into the future. Growing up among the sandstone of the Blue Mountains, Ayla and Amelie are forging their own paths.
Amelia, Jacques & Ayla Beaudoin
We also follow the extraordinary journey of Alessandra (Allie) Pepper. On her mission to climb all 14 of the world’s highest peaks without oxygen, her ascent of Pakistan’s Nanga Parbat left her both triumphant and questioning her greater purpose.
Closer to home, Dr Felix Ritson explores the link between climbing and mental health — the benefits, the risks, and how to find balance. A guide to climbing in the You Yangs, Victoria and Mikey Musch takes us into the Grampians/Gariwerd, where 42 trips in a single year became part of his battle with a long-term project. For something truly eye-catching, Jarred Palanca reveals how he captured his breathtaking highline shot at Mount Buffalo.
Grampians National Park image by Jack Van Zetten
On top of these features, the issue is packed with reviews, interviews, and stunning photography to keep the stoke high. We also put the Sea to Summit Sleep System and The North Face Summit Series Breithorn Hoodie to the test — plus loads more.
Sea To Summit Sleep System
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