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Profiles
Tommy Caldwell

Unknown

Tommy Caldwell

Climber
American·b. 1978
Known for:
First free ascent of The Dawn Wall (VI 5.14d) on El Capitan with Kevin Jorgeson in 2015, widely considered the hardest big wall free climb in history.
Sponsored by: La Sportiva, Edelrid, Patagonia, Clif Bar, Climb On, Egrips

Tommy Caldwell completed the first free ascent of The Dawn Wall on El Capitan in January 2015 after a 19-day effort with Kevin Jorgeson, establishing the hardest big wall free climb at 5.14d. He has free-climbed more El Capitan routes than any other climber, including Lurking Fear, Muir Wall, Salathe, and Magic Mushroom. He and Alex Honnold completed the first ascent of the Fitz Traverse (VI 5.11d C1) in Patagonia. He co-designed the La Sportiva TC Pro, and survived a kidnapping in Kyrgyzstan in 2000. His memoir The Push was published in 2017.

Tommy Caldwell's Gear List(4)

Tommy Caldwell Eco Dry CT 9.3mm

Edelrid

Product description

Dry-treated single rope developed with Tommy Caldwell using Edelrid's PFC- and PFAS-free Eco Dry treatment meeting the UIAA water repellency standard with under 2% water absorption. 48-bobbin sheath construction (39% sheath proportion) produces an abrasion-resistant surface. Weighs 57g/m, rated for 6 UIAA falls. Available in ColorTec dual-color midpoint marking.

Connection note

Signature rope for big wall and demanding routes
Source: Website ↗
Tommy Caldwell Eco Dry DT 9.6mm

Edelrid

Product description

Uses Edelrid's Duo Tec bicolor sheath braiding creating a visible midpoint pattern change instead of a dyed marker. PFC- and PFAS-free Eco Dry treatment keeps water absorption below 2%. Weighs 62g/m, rated for 8 UIAA falls with 9.1 kN impact force. Heavier sheath than the 9.3mm CT for working routes or big wall use.

Connection note

Signature rope; high sheath proportion for working routes
Source: Website ↗

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Related profiles

Alex Honnold

Alex Honnold

Climber
Adam Ondra

Adam Ondra

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Last updated March 18, 2026

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

Signature shoe, co-designed with La Sportiva; used on Dawn Wall
Source: Link ↗
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 ↗
Emily Harrington

Emily Harrington

Climber
Stefano Ghisolfi

Stefano Ghisolfi

Climber