Connor Herson was born in it. The son of undercover Valley legend Jim Herson, he was climbing big walls when most kids were playing tee ball. By 14 he climbed 14.c. By 15 he free climbed the Nose. And now? Well, now he’s single-handedly ushering in the future of our sport by becoming a true hybrid mutant — a person who can climb 5.15 moves above a bolt or an offset Z4 with equal ease.
So, what does Connor do with these next level abilities? Try to climb the hardest trad routes in the world. In one season.
Buckle up. This is Born from the Climbing Life: Of Legacy and Lineage. Our spring campaign following Connor’s epic 2025 climbing season.
Welcome to the future.
CONNOR HERSON IN NORWAY
Episode 1: Born From The Climbing Life
Watch Connor journey to Jøssingfjord, Norway, where two mega crack climbs split the famed Profile Wall. First up? Crown Royale, one of the hardest trad routes in the world.
Rack up and get psyched for Connor’s first foray into Norway.
CONNOR HERSON IN NORWAY PART 2
Episode 2: Born From The Climbing Life
After taking down Crown Royale on day three of his trip to Norway, Connor racked up for the next mega line: Recovery Drink (5.14c).
Established by Nico Favresse in 2013, this 35-meter pitch is overhanging and protected entirely with gear—the perfect recipe for Connor’s skillset.
CONNOR HERSON ON BON VOYAGE (9A/5.14D)
Episode 3: Born From The Climbing Life
After repeating Norway's two hardest crack climbs, Connor Herson had one more route in mind: France hardest trad route.
Annot, France. The mecca for French trad, and home to Bon Voyage (9a/5.14d)—a mythical route established by James Pearson. Featuring nails-hard bouldering above well-spaced protection, this route is for real. Which is exactly why Connor took a last-minute trip check it out.
DRIFTER'S ESCAPE (9A+/5.15A)
Episode 4: Born From The Climbing Life
Imagine climbing V11 moves above an offset Z4 Camalot. Not only that, but you’re five pitches off the deck, with several hundred feet of air beneath your feet. Above? More 5.13 crack climbing separating you from … another V11 boulder problem. Who could pull off such a futuristic ascent?
BD Athlete Connor Herson.
In the summer of 2025, after two seasons and roughly 20 attempts, Connor made the first ascent of Drifter’s Escape, proposed at 5.15a. Enjoy the final installment of Born from the Climbing Life, featuring Connor’s historic send of what is likely the hardest trad climb in the world.
Gear from the episodes
Born From The Climbing Life
Born From The Climbing Life
Built for every aspect of the climbing life, because being a climber doesn't end when you're back on the ground.