For intermediate climbers who already have experience with roped climbing, this guide explains how to lead a climb with gear. It is not intended for beginners. She first describes how traditional leading fits with roped rock climbing as a whole and the challenges involved, hardware and tools, transitioning from the gym to outdoors, and skill building in low-risk environments. Chapters that follow discuss advanced trad lead skills, such as multipitch techniques and self-rescue; knot and rope craft; and ratings, climbing etiquette, and impact and access issues. Advice from traditional leaders, b&w photos, and illustrations are incorporated. A working knowledge of basic climbing equipment and simple systems like belaying, top-roping, and leading is assumed. Techniques described mainly refer to roped free climbing on rock. Pesterfield, a freelance writer, is also a rock climbing and outdoor recreation instructor. Annotation ©2007 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)