Mike Corbett and Mark Wellman Haul Bag

Object/Artifact

-

Yosemite Climbing Museum

Mark Wellman became the first paraplegic to climb El Capitan (1989) and Half Dome (1991). Mike Corbett led both climbs and Mark followed by climbing the rope with the yellow modified jumar below. The blue haul bag below it was used on the El Capitan. After the El Capitan climb, Mike and Mark were invited to the White House by George H. W. Bush. Shortly after their visit Bush signed the American Disabilities Act on July 26, 1990.

Mark Wellman became the first paraplegic to climb El Capitan (1989) and Half Dome (1991). Mike Corbett led both climbs and Mark followed by climbing the rope with the yellow modified jumar below. The blue haul bag below it was used on the El Capitan. After the El Capitan climb, Mike and Mark were invited to the White House by George H. W. Bush. Shortly after their visit Bush signed the American Disabilities Act on July 26, 1990.

Name/Title

Mike Corbett and Mark Wellman Haul Bag

Entry/Object ID

2026.1.140

Description

The Haul Bag used by Mark Wellman and Mike Corbett on the first paraplegic ascent of El Capitan in 1989.

Use

To store supplies on a multi-day climb.

Context

This haul bag was manufactured by YATES, and used on Mark Wellman and Mike Corbett's ascent of El Capitan in 1989. It was not used on any other routes. Wellman was the first paraplegic to climb El Capitan, with his climbing partner Mike Corbett. The haul bag was donated in 2024 by Pat Sullivan, who was a member of the NPS Search and Rescue team during that time.

Collection

Yosemite Climbing Museum Permanent Collection

Category

Bags and Packs, climbing accessories

Acquisition

Accession

2026.1

Notes

Acquired from Pat Sullivan in 2024

Made/Created

Manufacturer

Yates

Inscription/Signature/Marks

Type

Label

Transcription

YATES

Dimensions

Width

22 in

Length

43 in

Location

Location

Display Case

Exhibit Case 12

Date

February 17, 2026

Provenance

Provenance Detail

Pat Sullivan

Notes

Donated to the museum in 2024

General Notes

Note Type

Cataloging Note

Note

Caption in the museum is: "Mark Wellman became the first paraplegic to climb El Capitan (1989) and Half Dome (1991). Mike Corbett led both climbs and Mark followed by climbing the rope with the yellow modified jumar below. The blue haul bag below it was used on the El Capitan. After the El Capitan climb, Mike and Mark were invited to the White House by George H. W. Bush. Shortly after their visit Bush signed the American Disabilities Act on July 26, 1990."

Create Date

February 17, 2026

Update Date

February 24, 2026