Ray Jardine is an American rock climber, inventor, and outdoor adventurer.
He is widely recognized for his innovative contributions to the sport of rock climbing and his pioneering work on lightweight backpacking techniques.
In this article, we will let you know about his personal and professional life along with his net worth, salary and more details.
About Ray Jardine
Ray Jardine was born on December 1, 1944, in Colorado Springs, Colorado of the United States. Little is known about his family and early life.
However, he belonged to a plumber family and looked after their business in his early years. Ray studied at the General William J. Palmer High School and Northrop University on a degree in Aerospace Engineering.
He developed a passion for climbing and the outdoors from a young age, which led him to pursue a career in these areas.
Career
Ray Jardine began his climbing career in 1963. His most significant contribution to rock climbing is the invention of the spring-loaded camming device, known as “Friends,” which has become an indispensable piece of protection equipment for climbers worldwide.
In addition, Ray is recognized for his expertise in lightweight alpine-style ascents and traditional climbing.
His minimalist approach to gear and self-sufficiency has inspired many climbers to adopt a “fast and light” mentality, enabling them to tackle ambitious routes more efficiently.
Apart from his achievements on the rock, Ray Jardine is an accomplished author who has shared his knowledge and experiences through several instructional books.
His works, such as “The Ray Way” series, focus on topics ranging from climbing techniques and gear design to outdoor ethics and self-reliance.
His books have become essential reads for climbers and outdoor enthusiasts, further cementing his legacy as an influential figure in the sport.
Ray Jardine’ s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Ray Jardine’s net worth is estimated to be $1 million. He has accumulated this wealth through various income sources including his climbing career and others. We will discuss these in the following segment.
Salary
It is estimated that Ray’s yearly salary ranges between $50,000 and $150,000. However, his earnings may vary depending on the success of his ventures and the deals he secures with sponsors and brands. Here is a list of his possible income sources.
Book Sales:
A significant portion of Ray’s income comes from the sales of his books on climbing and backpacking. His publications have become popular among outdoor enthusiasts, generating a steady stream of royalties.
Gear Inventions:
Ray’s revolutionary gear inventions, such as the “Friend” camming device, have contributed to his overall income. Licensing agreements and royalties from the sales of his inventions have been a significant source of revenue.
Endorsements:
Ray has partnered with various outdoor and climbing brands, endorsing their products and promoting them through his books and public appearances. The deals he secures with these brands contribute to his overall income.
Public Appearances:
Ray is often invited to participate in events, workshops, and speaking engagements. As an influential figure in the climbing and outdoor community, his insights and experiences are highly sought after. He receives fees for his appearances, which contribute to his annual income.
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Ray Jardine |
| Birthday | December 1, 1944 |
| Birth Place | Colorado Springs, Colorado, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Age | 78 years |
| Height | N/A |
| Weight | N/A |
| Parent’s Name | N/A |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Jenny Jardine |
| High School | General William J. Palmer High School |
| University | Northrop University |
| Net Worth | $1 million |
| Social Media Links | Website |
Spouse
Ray Jardine is married to Jenny Jardine, who is also an accomplished outdoor adventurer. They have co-authored books and embarked on numerous long-distance hiking and adventure trips.
FAQs
Who is Ray Jardine, and what is he known for?
Ray Jardine is an American adventurer, inventor, and outdoor enthusiast born in 1944 in Colorado Springs. He’s best known for three major contributions to outdoor sports:
- In rock climbing, he invented the spring-loaded camming device (SLCD) called “Friends,” which revolutionized traditional climbing in the late 1970s.
- He established some of the toughest rock climbs of his era, including the world’s first 5.13-grade climb called “The Phoenix” in 1977.
- In backpacking, he pioneered ultralight techniques and gear, developing what became known as “The Ray Way” of lightweight hiking.
What’s Ray Jardine’s background in rock climbing?
Jardine started climbing in 1963 in the Tetons and became active in Yosemite around 1970. During the 1970s, he pushed traditional climbing standards in Yosemite to new levels. He made numerous first ascents and first free ascents, including:
- The world’s first 5.12 grade climb: “The Crimson Cringe” in 1976
- The first 5.13 grade climb: “The Phoenix” in 1977
- 50 first ascents or first free ascents in Yosemite Valley
- The first free climb of a Grade VI route in Yosemite
He was also known for pioneering the technique of “working on a route” to figure out extremely difficult moves for first ascents.
What’s the story behind Ray Jardine’s invention of “Friends”?
While climbing in Yosemite, Jardine was frustrated with existing protection devices like pitons and hexcentrics that could work loose in cracks. Through trial and error, he developed a spring-loaded camming device that could fit cracks of varying widths while still withstanding the force of a falling climber. He called these devices “Friends.” This invention was controversial at first, with some climbers embracing it as a major advance in safety, while others considered it “cheating.” Eventually, Friends became widely adopted and changed the sport of climbing.
What other outdoor activities has Ray Jardine been involved in?
Jardine is a true renaissance man of outdoor sports. Besides rock climbing, he has:
- Sailed around the world with his wife Jenny in a 41-foot ketch
- Become a certified PADI scuba diver
- Logged about 400 hours as a hang glider pilot
- Flown sailplanes and small powered aircraft
- Completed multiple thru-hikes of long-distance trails
- Rowed across the Atlantic Ocean
- Built and paddled kayaks in Arctic waters
- Cycled thousands of miles across the United States
How did Ray Jardine get into lightweight backpacking?
After retiring from climbing in the early 1980s, Jardine turned his innovative mind to long-distance hiking. He and his wife Jenny completed multiple thru-hikes of the Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail, and Appalachian Trail. Through these experiences, he developed a system of lightweight gear and techniques that allowed them to carry much less weight than traditional backpackers. In 1991, he published his first book on these methods, “The PCT Hiker’s Handbook,” which introduced many hikers to ultralight backpacking concepts.
What is “The Ray Way” of backpacking?
“The Ray Way” refers to Jardine’s philosophy and techniques for lightweight wilderness travel. Key aspects include:
- Using homemade, lightweight gear
- Carrying less overall weight (often under 10 pounds base weight)
- Starting early and hiking longer days at a slower pace
- Emphasizing skills and experience over heavy, “bombproof” gear
- Focusing on comfort and enjoyment rather than just speed
Jardine stresses that his approach is about traveling safely and comfortably with minimal impact, not about racing through the wilderness.
What books has Ray Jardine written?
Jardine has written several influential books on lightweight backpacking:
- “The PCT Hiker’s Handbook” (1991)
- “Beyond Backpacking” (1999)
- “Trail Life” (2009)
These books detail his evolving philosophy and techniques for lightweight hiking and have had a significant impact on the backpacking community.
What’s Ray Jardine’s educational and professional background?
Jardine graduated from Northrop University in California with a degree in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering. He initially worked in the aerospace industry as a specialist in computer-simulated space-flight mechanics. This background in engineering and problem-solving has informed his approach to outdoor gear design and innovation throughout his career.
What are some of Ray Jardine’s most impressive outdoor achievements?
Some of Jardine’s notable accomplishments include:
- Completing the “Triple Crown” of hiking (PCT, CDT, AT) multiple times
- Sailing around the world in 3 years
- Rowing 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean in 53 days
- Paddling from Washington state to the Beaufort Sea in homemade kayaks
- Cycling over 6,000 miles across the United States on a tandem bike with his wife
- Climbing most of Colorado’s fourteeners, many in winter
What’s Ray Jardine doing now?
As of the most recent information available, Ray and his wife Jenny live in Arizona. They teach outdoor classes and continue to embark on their own adventures. Jardine remains active in designing and refining outdoor gear, often creating custom equipment for their expeditions. He continues to promote his philosophy of lightweight, skill-based wilderness travel through his website and books.
