The Testpiece Podcast
The Testpiece Podcast
Testpiece
#184 Connor Herson — The World’s Hardest (And Best?) Trad Climb, Proposing A New Grade, and Headlining The Mellow Tour
1 hour 12 minutes Posted Feb 23, 2026 at 1:00 pm.
Intro
Connor's Growth Over The Past 3 Years
Drifter's Escape — The World's Hardest Trad Climb
Support From Patreon
Proposing a New Grade
How to Go From Good to Great
0:00
1:12:33
Download MP3
Show notes

Connor Herson is back after an insane 3 years. Last week he proposed the world’s first 5.15 trad climb, “Drifter’s Escape,” a beautiful single pitch in Squamish that revolves around one of the best moves you could ask for on gear.

He also talks about balancing climbing professionally with completing his masters degree, lessons he’s learned from climbing with boulderers, and his philosophy of improving by climbing as much volume as he can without sacrificing difficulty.

Patreon Bonus Content (join Patreon for extended cut): 

  • A look into Connor’s approach to training
  • What makes him so strong on jams and locks?
  • Connor’s bouldering aspirations
  • Connor and the TB2


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