Climbing the Steepest Route on El Cap (Native Son, 5.9 A4)

Lance, Alex and I linked up in early April to climb Native Son in what became an epic adventure of constant laughs as we quested up overhanging granite. The position was outrageous and we took our time, embracing the vertical camping lifestyle.
Two clarifications... Regarding the rock trundle, I want to clarify that we yelled down beforehand and ensured no one was near the base prior to removing the loose rock. The video makes it appear like we did not. Second, the last shot of us hauling shows something breaking. The cable that attached our Microtraxion to the hauling master point somehow failed but luckily in a very ideal location... the last 3 feet of the the route.

[@themeatpopsicle]

Alex "Tether Everything" will be a Yosemite legend in 20 years, mark my words

[@shanepoli8121]

AKA The Rocket Snail is already a legend

[@spencershields9186]

I really admire that man's dedication to tethering.

[@jesperheuver5779]

I feel so connected to him.. Hold up, did you tether my soul to your harness, alex?!

[@spacescienceguy]

This is a really cool insight to the minutia of big wall climbing that I feel like documentaries don't give you.

[@brianhusted6793]

The amount of gear maintenance in the climb is mind blowing haha

[@mikeposner8563]

Exactly why it doesn't look worth it to me

[@BrianJT]

@@mikeposner8563 well there's no intrinsic value to doing it, except to prove to yourself that you can, and to be able to say you did it 🤷‍♀️

[@dabisnit]

That’s why I free solod El Capitan instead, I no good at tying knots

[@Tracomaster]

@@BrianJT or..... You know... Doing something because you enjoy doing it. Fucking wild concept I know

[@Clov33]

@@dabisnit Sure you did 💀

[@jus1085]

Its amazing how cool and calm you guys are, taking all precautions, but with humor and fun. It really seems like you boys are living a good one.

[@Icetea-2000]

I guess unless you’re a freak of nature climbing this alone for three days would be jarring

[@jsparger]

This is one of the best climbing films I have seen. I really felt like I was there. Awesome job.

[@jigglestumps]

'Climbing'... I mean, aid climbing is definitely climbing. But compared to the top level Trad or Sports climbing videos this just isn't that great. It's always good to see the views of Yosemite, it's a lovely place. Personally, I wouldn't want to Aid climb such a magnificent face. I loved the start though, tree climb start.

[@Nano71896]

@@jigglestumps agreed

[@puma-white]

@@jigglestumps I feel like this sort of climbing more appeals to those wanting to traverse mountains, not necessarily just the climbing aspect. Also, their dedication to aid usage is inspiring for those not too keen on exposing themselves to great risk via strain and general climbing dangers

[@buckbuchanan5849]

I’m s 57 year old that knows NOTHING of climbing but love your videos! Skill skill skill! Thanks for posting!

[@Blackdynasty123]

I thought sleeping in the middle of ocean in small boat on the bow of boat for a week was crazy this is a million times more insane

[@sidhayes6168]

They are all cheating you know. Using this "protection" is pathetic. The only real way is to use none of it. That will not happen because they are weak in mind and body.

[@mitchellbarnow1709]

I love watching these type of videos and I really appreciate the dedication, strength and the gear handling abilities that this type of trek takes to safely complete. Thanks for sharing your adventure, Tyler!

[@garywheaton7112]

I felt more exposure watching this video than I did climbing the Lost Arrow Tip. The climbing around the ten minute mark had me getting up and turning the lights on like I was watching a horror film.

[@ryansheridan5015]

Badass climb boys! People have no idea what an incredible part of Elcap you are showing them . Only a small percentage of the people who climb The Nose will ever manage to scale a line of this difficulty. Thanks for showing us The Golden Nipple and Finger of Fate. I dont know if I will ever have the mental strength to see it myself. So hardcore

[@matthewkelly99]

Yea, this is pretty darn amazing. There is very little hard aid content on yt. This is the clearest out there now. I would love to see more placement and process action whilst aiding through the hard stuff!! Got any of that, Tyler?!!

[@CloroxBleach-hi6jd]

I think this type of climbing is fucking stupid. You're using ladders and shit to get up the rock. I don't even consider this climbing. Should only have the ropes there to catch you incase you fall, not assist you every second.

[@crashoverwrite5196]

@@CloroxBleach-hi6jd did you see the route? climbing without should be maybe to difficult to do

[@crashoverwrite5196]

the whole video looks mostly nothing but blank wall. this is awesome to watch.my brain cant imagine to do such a 3 day trip. those people are impressing

[@CloroxBleach-hi6jd]

@@crashoverwrite5196 that's fine and dandy, you obviously need the shit to get up the wall but to me it's still not climbing. Scaling shit like this is just all ropes pulleys and ladders. True climbing is using all muscle power to hold onto the rock

[@mattdimona412]

working 40 hours a week in a cubicle is A6

[@bkl8804]

Heck ya. I'd say it might also be a 5.13+ RX.

[@rockies5295]

@@bkl8804 With a glaciated 20 mile approach

[@James-nc2zx]

No it's not

[@robertwhite3752]

And the best thing about climbing as safe as one can is that you get to go home to the ones that love you. Good job boys!!

[@rotorguru9702]

Can confirm this is something I will never do in my life.

[@danifem]

The climbing maybe, but the sleeping 🤣

[@dreadfullyeti6686]

@@danifem you mean the freaking logistics gosh it looks crazy

[@dabneyoffermein595]

u should at least try it, with the right teacher and months of prep, you can do it.

[@radscorpion8]

@@dabneyoffermein595 the whole sleeping on a thin layer of canvas while my life is dependent on a few carabiners is something I don't think I'd ever do. Especially with a fear of heights. Meanwhile these guys are fist bumping and going bro-ho-ho-ho-ho while peeing standing up, its just so funny. I don't know if it is expertise or carelessness

[@AusAlb]

Why not I think you should give it a go

[@ellis.m.m]

Just got back from Yosemite yesterday. My 7 year old daughter was mesmerized by the climbers! INSANE!

[@jrigs30]

So many props and so much respect for you all! That aid climbing stuff blows my mind. The video was great and music was all classic. Ill stick to my sport routes and mostly bouldering days of climbing. Stay safe out there!

[@kyemoreno]

When the pharcyde came on, that got me so hype haha.

[@alcupone6462]

This video is a blessing! The copperheads in the A4 looked super scary, good job

[@blainewinters8492]

Dude I got do excited when I saw the notification that you posted 3 vids!! So stoked on all of them. Looks like you've had a pretty rad year so far!

[@Sicnus]

LMAO sames!

[@nickcovington6454]

Not gonna lie the swivel on the daisy is genius.

[@briansimpkins985]

U really need to do a gear video of all that, that was soooooo much stuff be great to learn why or what purpose the gear is for granted I know some of it

[@feelinghealingfrequences7179]

it is all in books like "hooked up" and other big wall aid books your library can get them for u

[@briansimpkins985]

@@feelinghealingfrequences7179 thanks really wasnt what i was looking for though ..i can read but thought it would be a good idea for them to do a gear video just so people can learn that way too by seeing it while its being described on how to use and why its used

[@Halfdead211]

My pops made 2 routes up Yosemite in the 70s.Great video for me to be able to see how it looks from first person view..I got some cool old pics and it’s amazing what a different time it was..Got pics of them hanging in hammocks smoking weed up there..I remember pops told me how much it tripped him out when he was up there and seen a frog come out of a crack and go climbing straight up like nothing..great video man and RIP to my Pops

[@jmaraboli1394]

You guys seem awesome to watch. Just everyone is in good moods and seem super happy! gotta love being out in nature. :)

[@Landolini]

Yo dude, that's so epic! One of the funniest climbing vids ever. The first pitch is already such a cool start to that route!

[@AlaskaB83]

This definitely reminds me that one of the big challenges on a big wall is managing the ropes and gear. I think I never got good at it, and that held me back.

[@kwahwah]

My hands are pouring sweat just watching this. Not sure how you guys do this!

[@JordanGreenPNW]

Dude love this raw no music video style! Looks like you guys had a blast up there, writing this from my cubicle lol mad jealous.

[@szldkfj]

That's the problem. Shouldn't be fooling around at 2000 feet

[@dannydevito6407]

@@szldkfj having fun ≠ fooling around

[@DeFausti]

Tether guy is my spirit animal

[@James-nc2zx]

Gay

[@SpazmanianDevi1]

Always nice to see something to keep the stoke high! Keep sending bro!

[@randyelmomento1]

I was sweating watching this video laying down on my bed. Props to you guys 👏🏾👏🏾

[@tuomasholo]

I’m afraid of heights so I’ll just enjoy the video from the safety of my couch.

[@brandonpenny7079]

Dude your channel is awesome. I'm from Texas so I haven't had an opportunity to do any big wall routes. You inspire me to tackle big walls in the near future! Keep it up man, you definitely deserve more subs.

[@Chrisidiart]

Definitely the most epic Big Wall video for recent times! Rad Venture!!

[@brandonadams3195]

Solid work dudes! Looks like you had a great time!

[@avonnabors]

Always Great to see more El cap content

[@matthewrdgo]

Watching this in my cubicle. sad face.

[@JohnRuhl]

Nice work and kudos for including "The Best Ever Death Metal Band Out of Denton"!

[@cameronmueller]

I dont climb, but I am fascinated by this journey as I know what it takes to do big adventures. Thanks for sharing Tyler.

[@unzipme5891]

lance crushin it

[@Sicnus]

I'm 52yo, yet when I saw the post I screamed like a little girl "IT'S A NEW TYLER VIDEO!"

[@LBOB.97]

I like the way you said "ohh dude the camitrail is coming" hahaha you know the conspiracy thow 😂

[@garygrinkevich6971]

palms are sweating i think this is as close to that climb as i ever want to be 0_o.

[@Riddryy]

sweaty af

[@ipaales7552]

Absolutely insane and I mean that in a good way ....built differently

[@zachtrout6643]

Watching this makes my palms sweaty

[@MattCantu76]

I can't finish the video, my heart's starting to pound. Lol, that's one fear I don't want to have to conquer.

[@BootsORiley]

Lance is super chill, i feel like i would love being friends with him. my kind of people for sure.

[@markknight1161]

"Working a 9-5 in a cubical is A6," realest shit I ever heard 🙏

[@guillemferrarons-xq2pv]

Sick video! Amazing to see that Lagrimas de Sangre made it so far as well! Great tune!

[@tehalexy]

"vertical camping lifestyle"

[@juhaisotupa4255]

Fantastic film! Thank you!

[@oysteinlons]

Haha, probably the funniest climibng video i have watched

[@nicksweeney8168]

This almost got me psyched on big walling! Great work on the climb and video

[@psul42]

That see through huge rock flake or whatever you call it was pretty amazing. I guess that's coming down before way too long.

[@ebee6874]

8:11 I didn't know these people existed.

[@Shawn-tr5bv]

this is a bucket list thing for sure. That and ice fishing camping

[@pradeepchandra6157]

11:42 zen level wisdom

[@Vikasrajput-kg6et]

7:23 i cannot believe when i saw my city name JAIPUR on that rapper .Love from JAIPUR ❤

[@coryupton669]

wow. that micro trax breaking at the end was scary.

[@saint5203]

40 hours a week in a cubicle is a slow death to your soul. Find some thing else to do if you can. This video is awesome guys. I’ve done a lot of cool stuff in my life but this blows my mind

[@exploringgodscountry]

Seems about right, you film those India food mountain meals then cut to pooping. Sounds about like my expiernece with those too!😂

[@vinm300]

An incredible climb. To go where angels fear to tread.

[@quirkworks4076]

I once dropped a hook from the fourth pitch of an aid route in New Hampshire and a buddy on the ground heard the pinging and found it in the talus.

[@thisisengland3503]

Mobb deep on the mountain side interesting choice of music temperatures rising

[@bobcreature2127]

I caught the Lettuce in the background around 15 minutes, very nice!

[@mloic1]

Bravo à vous!! Super vidéo, superbe musique 😂

[@jimhernandez7712]

I love being around my family more. But what a great view.

[@BryceU]

Awesome adventure, thanks for sharing

[@Di13F]

you guys make it look so fun, even for a person like me that is freaking scared of heights 😃

[@bonefishboards]

I've watched this like 3 or 4 times now. Love it.

[@MarioLorentz23Art]

love your videos. I have never climbed so this is a real eye-opener for me. Thanks for sharing.

[@VacationChris]

I am nervous watching this the whole time so far LOL!!!! You all are SUPER BRAVE and Absolutely FANTASTIC at your craft!!! You have a Sub from me!!!

[@Baasicstuff]

great filming dam outstanding

[@rushthezeppelin]

"My tether has a tether"

[@ianinthewest]

There's something wrong with aid climbers. It's like they enjoy long periods of relaxing on the wall, soaking up the view, lounging in the ledge casually belaying with a GriGri. And then long periods of absolute terror. And then long periods of rope management.

[@moonasha]

seems like a fancy kind of camping trip to me, i can see the appeal

[@ianinthewest]

@@moonasha Sorry, my comment was meant to come across as snarky. I’ve climbed big wall routes in Yosemite doing some clean aid. It was remotely like a vertical backpacking trip, but a lot more work.

[@noxmtg7017]

You have a really soothing voice!

[@Cobra0911]

Thanks for sharing! Its so good!

[@tymesho]

totally incred vid. The music made it as well! of course I subbed! (don't forget a few motown songs, lol!) would have LOVED some night time comradery shots!

[@jivers]

lol yelling rock like someone under the canopy can see what’s coming

[@kickitwithnick3577]

you guys CHARGE. its impressive

[@epriwahyu7488]

The safety gear is paramount

[@Charlestonkayakandfishing]

The screamer with lockers is rad

[@grandmasterflash213]

Awesome

[@tombstone4986]

Palms n feet literally sweating while watching this...

[@FlecheDeFer]

Awesome spot, awesome camera, awesome climbing!

[@theonereborn9299]

You call him absurd, I call him genius lol

[@shannenleigh1677]

Terrifying. My heart was racing the whole time.

[@paulmichaud1246]

They have a truck load of gear !

[@superdeluxesmell]

I don’t know why, but I find aid climbing scarier than free climbing. 🤔 terrific video.

[@TheQsanity]

What a ride. Watched the whole video. That rope break at the end. What an ender!

[@munkymunk9053]

Nice climb, dunno about the choice of Indian food up a wall but to each their own lol!

[@kreterakete]

01:21 the legendary sky hook

[@artisticanna5275]

Such a fun video to watch

[@camjcasey]

The amount of psyche all of you have is insane. The golden finger of fate is disturbing to say the least lol.

[@franticphilgaming]

Hell yeah new stuff!

[@andrewbmaher9443]

TETHER EVERYTHING

[@markrussell.]

Well, I'm glad I didn't go because the music would've been a waste all you would've heard is my screams of terror on top of it.

[@davepassaro8366]

move on up is a great climbing song

[@truthexplorer5600]

Damn my palms are sweaty! that was sweet as hell!

[@genewest8426]

Mind blowing!!! You guys are gangsta!!!

[@zainy11]

holy shit some of those placements