Arc'teryx Presents: Ground Up
Arc'teryx Presents: Ground Up follows Amity Warme and Brent Barghahn as they commit to a bold, ground-up free-climbing push on El Capitan, taking on the Pineapple Express variation of El Niño. Over eight demanding days on one of the world’s most iconic walls, they battle shifting weather, fragile rock, and the unglamorous reality of big-wall life—while Amity works through a serious finger injury. What makes this film hit is its focus on style, partnership, and headspace: the slow-burn tension of earning every pitch, the problem-solving that multiplies when you can’t just “try again tomorrow,” and the emotional swings from doubt to momentum to the final push. If you love big-wall climbing for its grit and commitment, this is a front-row seat to what it takes when the crux isn’t just the grade—it’s keeping it together all the way to the top.
Arc'teryx · 35:47
In an era where many climbers rely on fixed ropes and sport-climbing tactics to free El Capitan, this Arc’teryx film follows climbers Amity Warme and Brent Barghahn as they embrace the raw spirit of adventure. Opting for a bold ground-up ascent, the duo tackles the Pineapple Express variation of El Niño (5.13b/c)—one of the hardest routes on El Cap—over eight grueling days. Facing variable weather, fragile rock, and a serious finger injury for Amity, their climb exemplifies the essence of big wall free climbing. Pineapple Express is more than a route—it’s a proving ground. The documentary captures not just the physical challenge of multi-pitch climbing, but the mental toughness and performance mindset it demands. Through Amity Warme’s climbing journey—highlighted with powerful moments akin to an Amity Warme interview—and Brent Barghahn’s steady partnership, the film honors the purity of a traditional ground-up ascent. This is a compelling look at women rock climbing at the highest level, and a celebration of the grit it takes to climb El Niño on El Capitan, one of the most iconic walls in the world. Featuring: Amity Warme and Brent Barghahn Director: Chris Alstrin 🛒 Shop Arc'teryx: https://arcteryx.com/ 0:00 Introduction 1:30 Taking on El Niño 3:18 About Amity Warme 7:00 The Reality of Big Wall Life 10:10 The First Major Crux: La Nina 14:15 Weather Battles 19:45 Despair To Elation 21:00 Ascending The Black Cave “5.13b” 25:17 Hardest Is Over, Job Still Not Done 27:54 Lucy Is A Labrador 5.13A “Pitch 22” 31:42 The Final Push: One Last Shot 34:48 Success on El Niño #arcteryx #arcteryxpresents #elcapitan #amitywarme