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Profiles
Alex Honnold

Unknown

Alex Honnold

Climber
American·b. 1985
Known for:
First person to free solo El Capitan via Freerider (5.13a), subject of the Academy Award-winning documentary Free Solo (2018).
Sponsored by: Black Diamond, La Sportiva, The North Face, Goal Zero, Maxim Ropes, Stride, Ando

Alex Honnold changed climbing history on June 3, 2017, by free soloing the 3,000-foot Freerider route on El Capitan in Yosemite, completing a 5.13a big wall with no ropes in 3 hours 56 minutes. He previously free soloed Moonlight Buttress (5.12d) and the Regular Northwest Face of Half Dome. In January 2026, he free soloed Taipei 101, the tallest buildering free solo in history. He founded the Honnold Foundation, which has funded solar energy projects worldwide, and co-authored the memoir Alone on the Wall (2015).

Alex Honnold's Gear List(7)

Solution

La Sportiva

Product description

Aggressively downturned, slip-lasted sport climbing shoe on the PD 75 last with 3.5mm Vibram XS Grip2 rubber. Hook-and-loop Fast Lacing System and Lock Harness in leather and Lorica upper. P3 platform with 1.1mm LaspoFlex toe midsole maintains the downturn. A heavily used shoe on hard sport routes and competition bouldering since its introduction.

Connection note

Used for bouldering and sport climbing
Source: Link ↗
Solution Harness (Honnold Edition)

Black Diamond

Product description

Men's Black Diamond Solution in Alex Honnold signature colorway with a portion of sales going to the Honnold Foundation. Fusion Comfort Technology waist and fixed leg loops, four pressure-molded gear loops, 330g (size M). For sport climbing and gym use.

Connection note

Signature edition sport harness
Source: Website ↗

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Last updated March 18, 2026

Freerider Chalk Bag

Black Diamond

Product description

Cylinder-format chalk bag with fleece-lined interior, flexible wire rim, cinch cord-lock closure, and webbing brush holder. Quick-release belt buckle. Weighs 83g. Alex Honnold signature model styled after the bag used on El Capitan's Freerider route, with sales supporting the Honnold Foundation.

Connection note

Replica of chalk bag used on El Cap free solo
Source: Website ↗
HotForge Quickdraws

Black Diamond

Product description

Quickdraw using hot-forged aluminum Hotwire carabiners on both ends, straight gate on the bolt end and bent gate on the rope end. 24 kN closed gate strength on both carabiners, 8 kN open gate. The 12cm version weighs 103g; the Hybrid version swaps the rope-end for a wiregate at 99g.

Connection note

Preferred quickdraw system
Source: Website ↗
Solution Comp

La Sportiva

Product description

Softer, more sensitive version of the Solution on the same PD 75 (men's) and WPD 75 (women's) downturned last. 0.9mm LaspoFlex midsole (vs 1.1mm in the standard) allows faster break-in and increased sensitivity. 3.5mm Vibram XS Grip2 sole with additional toe rubber for toe hooks and jamming. Same Fast Lacing System closure.

Connection note

Used for sport climbing and gym sessions
Source: Link ↗
TC Pro

La Sportiva

Product description

Stiff, flat lace-up crack climbing shoe named for Tommy Caldwell, built on the low-asymmetry PD 55 last. 4mm Vibram XS Edge sole and full-length P3-reinforced 1.1mm LaspoFlex midsole provide maximum support for jamming. ECO leather upper with metal-free tanning, padded tongue, and Sentex lining for all-day crack comfort. Weighs 247g.

Connection note

Worn for El Cap free solo and big wall; signature shoe (co-designed with Tommy Caldwell)
Source: Link ↗
TX Approach Shoes

La Sportiva

Product description

Mountain running and approach shoe with dual-compound Vibram Mega-Grip and IdroGrip sole with Impact V-brake lugs. Ultra-weave Jacquard fabric upper with TPU reinforcements and PU-Tech-lite heel and toe caps. Dual-density compressed EVA midsole with TPU torsion shank. Men's weighs 350g.

Connection note

TX range for approaches
Source: Link ↗
Stefano Ghisolfi

Stefano Ghisolfi

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