| Technique | Pull hands / push feet, opposed |
| Best on | Flakes, aretes, corner cracks |
| Trait | Powerful but strenuous |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
A lieback, or layback, is a technique for climbing edges and cracks where you pull sideways on the hold with your hands while pushing your feet against the rock in opposition, leaning your body to one side. It is a powerful way to climb flakes, arete edges, and corner cracks, but can be strenuous and awkward to protect.
How it works
Pull sideways with the hands and push the feet the opposite way; the opposing tension holds you while you walk hands and feet upward.
Where to use it
On flakes, arete edges, and cracks in a dihedral.
Stay efficient
It’s pumpy and hard to protect — move quickly and keep arms straight.
Frequently asked questions
What is a lieback in climbing?
A lieback is climbing by pulling sideways on an edge or crack with your hands while your feet push against the rock face in the opposite direction. The opposing forces hold you on, and you 'walk' your hands and feet up while leaning out to the side.
When do you layback?
When you have an edge or crack to pull on and a surface to push your feet against — classically a flake, the edge of an arete, or a crack in a corner. Laybacking is often faster than jamming, though usually more strenuous and harder to protect.
Why is laybacking so tiring?
Because it loads your arms continuously to maintain the opposing tension, with few chances to rest, and the body position keeps your weight off your feet. Efficient liebacking means moving quickly and keeping your arms as straight as possible.
Sources
- Climbing technique — American Alpine Club