This book is illustrated with more than 100 photos by professional climbing guide and instructor Bob Gaines. It helps you learn how to place and configure solid, secure anchors in a variety of real world climbing situations and see the pros and cons of many options. In it, natural anchors, passive chocks, mechanical chocks, fixed gear, knots, belay anchors, top rope anchors, and rappel anchors are all discussed in detail. And, for the first time, the crucial dynamics of equalization and fall forces are thoroughly investigated, including an analysis of rigging systems. Tests conducted specifically for this book detail the true performance parameters of the cordelette, sliding X, and equalette, as opposed to the traditional wisdom that guided choices in the past - and was often wrong. Based on the authors' combined years of experience, "Climbing Anchors" provides all the essential knowledge needed for climbers to create safe, simple, and efficient rock climbing anchoring systems.