Climbing cams This specific cam features a smooth, efficient camming action for quick and secure placements within cracks and fissures. Sep 9, 2013 · Black Diamond discontinued the Camalot C3. The Angel cam now comes in two sizes: Size 1 covers 26 mm to 100 mm, and Size 2 covers 46 mm to 145 mm. Here's what you need to know. If you're lucky enough to own a spangly set of top-of-the-range cams, then you can bet your bottom dollar that your mates are always keen to climb on your rack. Feb 25, 2015 · Cams are some of the most interesting, useful and well-engineered pieces of climbing gear made. A spring-loaded camming device (also SLCD, cam or friend) is a piece of rock climbing or mountaineering protection equipment. Just like your rope, harness and rubber - slings, runners and quickdraws age and wear out. If you purchased these cams early on - now is the time to resling! Getting into leading trad routes? Learn how to choose types of passive protection, such as chocks, nuts and hexes. The patent for CCH (Colorado Custom Hardware) Alien Cams (small flexible cams mostly used for big wall / aid climbing), was bought by Fixe-Faders. Climbing cams, also known as spring-loaded camming devices (SLCDs), are the backbone of modern trad and alpine climbing protection. We don't particularly like using them when climbing near our limits, but on easier routes, especially long multi-pitch, we like to carry one due to its increased versatility, and feel like we can often get by with one Link Cam where we might have needed two normal cams. They can be placed passively (like a nut) or actively (like a cam), depending on the orientation and features in the rock. Learn about the two main types of active climbing protecction (pro) including the ubiquitous cams and the less common spring-loaded wedges. While the original unit had two placements (one passive, one active), the Apr 16, 2010 · That said, usually a climbing cam with a flexible stem and narrow head will work in a Tricam placement. This article teaches you how to place stoppers and cams. Our climbing protection is the trusted industry standard and we're always improving performance. 75, 1, 2, 3) has wide, rock-friendly cam lobes, high-friction machined faces Learning how to place trad gear is an essential skill as you progress as a climber. For those wishing to use it trad climbing, this is the perfect cam for marginal/insecure placements and a joy to use and place. Rock climbing is a physically and mentally demanding sport requiring elite skills and gear. (Reviewed Products (2025)) Feb 12, 2024 · In the decades since spring-loaded camming devices were invented, they’ve radically transformed the notion of what climbs can be led safely. Cams Ultralight Master Cams are for general all around free climbing with small to medium crack sizes. 2025's Top 5 Best Rock Climbing Cams Top Rated and Reviewed. The climber fell after climbing 25 feet up the route, ripping out his first, third, and fourth cam. I Feb 21, 2025 · Introduction Cams are vital equipment for modern traditional climbing. 89" Ultralight TCUs are for narrow, tricky, hard to protect thin cracks. It consists of two, three, or four cams mounted on a common axle or two adjacent axles, so that pulling on the axle forces the cams to spread further apart. Smooth action, a great range, and a somewhat rigid stem make these cams easy to place on the go when you're gripped. Learn how to place climbing cams. Our top picks are Metolius and Runout Customs, but we list all the options, prices, shipping, and return times. These colors are ubiquitous throughout the design, with a colored sling, thumb loop, trigger bar, and anodized Discover top-quality climbing cams like Black Diamond Camalot C4 and Metolius Master Cams. Reliable and versatile, cams expand into rock features to provide secure, removable anchors that climbers trust their lives on. Feb 7, 2025 · Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. Enhance your rock climbing gear. The principles of Whether you're building your first rack with a full set of cams or adding to your quiver with micros or offsets, we have a full range from brands like Black Diamond, DMM, Wild Country, and Alien Cams to satisfy your needs. This is just the "Have you got the bag of ‘friends’ Ray??" A name that’s made history Friends represent the most revolutionary protection device ever created in the climbing community and history. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee Find climbing cams from leading brands like Black Diamond, DMM and Wild Country at Rock+Run. Compare the features, pros, cons, and prices of seven different cam models from top brands. Jan 30, 2018 · Free Climbing These are cams are excellent for free climbing, especially the hand and fists sizes. Friends are considered to be active protection as a result of their moving parts and the spring-loaded nature of these safety devices. These highly engineered, sort affordable, shiny spring-loaded gadgets let safe passage up cracks narrower than a centimeter wide enough to fit your body inside. Our experts extensively field-tested the best Climbing Cams of the year and rated the best based on transparent, objective criteria. Learn how to choose the best cams for your trad rack based on size, weight, price, and performance. Featuring light sculpted lobes and our innovative trigger keeper for compact racking with sizes #4-#8. Free shipping on many items | Browse your favorite brands | affordable prices. Thanks to the 4 lobes and trigger mechanism, friends are both easy to place for a secure Jan 3, 2025 · The Totem Climbing Cam in Red, size 1. 75° cam angle, designed, perfected, and developed by Wild The Totem Cam offers an extraordinary holding power and unique capabilities with the patented Direct Loading system. Also see some examples of gear-racking options. At The Outdoor Warehouse, we stock a wide range of cams designed to fit cracks of all sizes, from finger-width seams to wide offwidths. The strength, durability, and grip of these little climbing tools will be the difference between having a safe experience and a dangerous one. Jan 27, 2025 · Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. Metolius has created a very lightweight camming unit that will serve you well on lightweight backcountry adventures and big walls alike. Buy cams and nuts online today! Climb Wilds collection of Cams from Climbing Technology and Rock Empire. Both exceed MFG minimum breaking strength (MBS). In climbing, cams are reliable and versatile pieces of May 27, 2020 · The cam almost singlehandedly ushered in the modern free-climbing era by making parallel-sided splitters safer. The axle is attached to a stem with a trigger and trigger wires which retract the cam lobes when pulled for placement in a crack or pocket. What is a cam? In simple terms, a cam is any instrument that can transform linear motion into rotary motion. From creating the Friend, the first modern spring-loaded camming device, to the Revo, the first automatically locking belay device, we’re dedicated to crafting gear that lets climbers pursue the art of pure climbing in their A cornerstone of climbing since 1987, the Camalot C4 is the standard for trad climbing. Due to their moving parts, cams fall into a classification of climbing gear known as “active protection. With an extremely narrow head, this Black Diamond cam is one great small camming device at getting in tight Sep 8, 2024 · The webbing on your cam slings has a lifespan of about 10 years. The best climbing cam is going to be your best friend out there on your rock climbing adventure. Having a tiny cam you can rely on to protect otherwise unprotectable sections of rock can make the difference Without a doubt, cams have revolutionized climbing. They feature the same size and color scheme as the Camalots, and the same double axle design and camming range. In order to give you the best experience when out climbing, we've got cams in The invention of the spring loaded camming device (commonly called simply "cams") in the 1970's revolutionized the climbing world. Over almost fifty years, though technology has evolved, they’ve kept their essence intact. " Compare different brands of trad climbing cams by range, weight, and strength All of the rock climbing cams that are currently on-sale, updated multiples times per day, in search of the best sales and deals on the best gear. Jun 15, 2020 · The new RigidFlex stem design also aids in these cam's efficacy while free climbing. Created in the limestone capital of the universe (Spain Jan 30, 2018 · Free Climbing The ergonomic thumb loop on the Alien Revolutions is awesome for free climbing, making it significantly easier to grab the cam and engage the triggers when you're pumped out of your mind. Here are some DIY options, and a list of all known places you can get replacement cam slings. Nov 19, 2025 · Compare the features, pros, and cons of seven different climbing cams from Black Diamond, Wild Country, and Metolius. When the trigger is released, the springs expand the cams against the sides of the crack, and generate very high holding power in the case Wild Country Friends Rock Climbing Cams - Lightweight, Active Protection for Trad & Alpine Climbing #1 Top Rated 121 $39995 Trango Flex Cam | Flex Cams feature class leading range and are among the lightest 4-cams available. Quality equipment at a competative price. Sep 8, 2020 · Micro cams are among the most useful pieces of gear on a trad climber's rack. Sep 20, 2013 · CAMP Jet Cams have also been discontinued by the manufacturer. Range 0. Easily choose and compare the Best Rock Climbing Cams for you all in one place. The wide size range per unit means that it is easier to find the cam you need for the size placement you want it to fit into. Their unique design works in pockets and holes where others simply can't fit. What are rock climbing friends? Like other climbing devices such as belays, carabiners and quickdraws, harnesses, a climbing friend or cam is also an essential safety piece used for secure holds when climbing. For this test we got as many different cams as we could. Shop for Cams at REI - Browse our extensive selection of trusted outdoor brands and high-quality recreation gear. Sep 14, 2025 · Totem Cam, the state-of-the-art cam for climbing. Unbeatable hold and security for your next climb! Jan 3, 2025 · Ever felt that sickening crunch of rock giving way? A Metolius Climbing Cam can prevent that. Nov 9, 2020 · Free Climbing We love these cams for free climbing, and think they complement other small camming devices well. The ability to quickly and safely protect parallel-sided cracks opened up the world of traditional climbing to whole new realms. These ingenious pieces of climbing protection—cams, friends, nuts—offer reliable placement in cracks of all shapes and sizes, turning precarious situations into confident ascents. There are more out there that we haven't NOTE: All Angel Cams are proof tested in the factory. CharacteristicsSuperb holding power wi Dec 19, 2019 · Free Climbing The Dragonflies are awesome for free climbing. Conversely, a flexible stem is preferable for a placed cam, as it reduces walking and also the likelihood that the cam will become damaged if Sep 29, 2023 · Rock climbing cams, or Spring-Loaded Camming Devices, consist of four spring-loaded cam lobes which pivot on an axle. Apr 29, 2024 · Don’t hit the wall without these tester-approved climbing tools, including belay devices, stick clips, cams, screwlocks, and more. Exclusive design which features everything you require of a cam for all-around use with extended capabilities. Totem Cam store. Friend Rock Climbing Cams - Lightweight, Active Protection for Trad & Alpine Climbing Add to cart Shop rock climbing protection from Black Diamond. Perhaps no single gear invention, except maybe sticky rubber, has so directly affected the type and difficulty of routes that climbers Mar 13, 2018 · Since 1977, Wild Country has been at the forefront of product development in the climbing world, with a design philosophy that puts originality and practicality first. Extraordinary holding power and unique capabilities with the patented Direct Loading system. 5, 0. Another thing to keep in mind is that all carabiners, as well as some harness buckles and nuts are made of the same high-strength aluminum alloy as cam lobes, and are very susceptible to saltwater corrosion. This is how AC guarantees proper function and safety of such a complex cam. Cams & Expansion Devices Also known as Friends, "Cams" are complex active protection devices that use springs, cables and cam lobes to lodge in crevices in the rock, and which enable protection of parallel sided and even slightly flared cracks, rendering safe routes that were virtually protectionless prior to their invention. Jan 25, 2010 · Aliens use to be hands down my favorite cam for big walls and climbs where you have tight and shallow placements. Find the perfect protection for your climbing adventures. 32" Ultralight Power Cams are for mid range crack sizes or for splitter cracks in desert sandstone, granite or columnar basalt. Technology that is pushing the clean climbing limits. If you’re a trad climber, good cams can mean the difference between safe travels and a nasty fall, which is why it’s important to have a range of cams and friends on Jul 15, 2021 · With all the climbing cams on the market its difficult to know which ones to buy. The Dragons are bomber and well suited to parallel placements, with the stems being flexible enough for horizontal placements. See every brand, compare every detail, and find the best price. They use our innovative bi-color system to ease size selection and utilize doubled UltraTape slings so you can clip in at three different lengths. Then, in the last 5-10 years there have been a lot of new cams introduced that give the Alien stiff competition: Metolius Master Cam and Black Diamond Camalot X4. Compare their sizes on cam comparison charts. The way camming devices work is describable by basic engineering concepts. Manufacturers recommend replacing fabric elements of Apr 24, 2017 · Fix gunked up, gritty, and sticky cams with these quick and easy steps of how to clean a cam, whether it's from Black Diamond, Metolius, DMM, or Wild Country. CE and UIAA certified - Made in Bend, Oregon. Nov 21, 2023 · Picture source: wp In the intricate world of rock climbing, the action of the trigger on a climbing cam is akin to the conductor’s baton in an orchestra—precise, controlled, and essential to the symphony of a successful ascent. They find their way into more placements than almost any other small cam. Shop technical climbing equipment, shoes, and clothes here! Sep 30, 2015 · Camming devices, Friends, Cams, whatever you want to call them, they are amongst the most prized possessions of all trad climbers. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee micro cam is the smallest version of a cam, and thus has the highest risk of failure when placed. Tested and proven by decades of climbers, the Wild Country Friend 6-cam set (#0. For easy alpine climbing where you'll be using less protection per pitch, we'd go with the Black Diamond Ultralights. The core of every model remains the same—its 13. What do you do then? Ideally, send it to the manufacturer for replacement, but that's not always possible. Apr 22, 2025 · Best Climbing Cams Buyer’s Guide So, you’ve decided to take the plunge into the world of climbing cams—those little pieces of gear that can either make you feel bulletproof or leave you questioning your life choices 200 feet off the deck. 34" to 1. Jan 30, 2018 · Totem Cams are our favorite cams for aid climbing because of their ability to engage only two lobes at a time, allowing for an endless array of strange, body-weight-only placements, multiple clip-in points, and super narrow heads, even in the larger hand sizes. Find the best climbing cams from Black Diamond, DMM, Fixe, Metolius, Omega Pacific, Totem, Trango, Wild Country. 50, is a reliable and versatile piece of climbing protection. Totem MT manufactures high performance climbing gear. Mar 1, 2023 · This article lists five of the best climbing cams that will provide the climber with the best experience during the climb. Feb 13, 2025 · Discover the top 5 climbing cams perfect for crack climbing adventures. Ever since Jardine invented the first fully functional unit (with the proper camming angle) to the climbing community with his introduction of Friends, climbing achievement standards have advanced considerably through the use of superior technology. This Cam Size Comparison Chart helps you compare models against one another in terms of sizing and range of use. Top quality, great selection and expert advice you can trust. The following discussion assumes a little familiarity with rock-climbing equipment and basic engineering concepts. Jun 2, 2010 · Ultralight Powercams are Metolius' response to climbers' constant and ubiquitous call for lighter climbing gear. Our current review features the 10 best camming devices found on climbers' racks today. The Totem Cam offers an extraordinary holding power and unique capabilities with the patented Direct Loading system. Climbers often carry a large number of cams on traditional climbs. The cams feature a u-stum design that allows for ease of handling while simultaneously providing a high clip-in point for clean aid climbing. The trigger, a seemingly unassuming component of the cam, is the interface through which climbers exert their will on the cam lobes, retracting them to facilitate Supercams have asymmetric cam lobes giving them almost twice the range of conventional cams used for crack climbing. Ultralight TCUs are the lightest cams in the world! CE and UIAA certified - Made in Bend, Oregon. When the trigger is released, the springs expand the cams against the sides of the crack, and generate very high holding power in the case Buy the Totem Cams Totem Cam online or shop all Climb from Backcountry. From beginner trad climbing to expert crack climbing adventures, a Metolius cam is your steadfast companion, ensuring From aerospace physics to real rock: the definitive cam guide with lab-tested data and pro placement rules. Rock climbing friends, or cams as they are also called, are some of the most popular climbing devices that we sell here at Wild Country. This article explains the physics of how climbing cams work, and also how to place, remove and rack them. Sep 29, 2023 · Rock climbing cams, or Spring-Loaded Camming Devices, consist of four spring-loaded cam lobes which pivot on an axle. Feb 3, 2025 · Whether you’re shooting for billboards or Instagram, we've tested the best lightweight adventure cameras to make the most of your moment. But that’s not to say cam design has stagnated: The invention of TCUs and other micro-cams, double-axle units, and offset cams has May 8, 2015 · For those wishing to go big-walling/aid climbing look no further, this is the cam for you. Aug 3, 2022 · Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. Jul 24, 2025 · Learn how to choose the best climbing cams for trad climbing, a versatile and challenging form of rock climbing. The double-axle design allows larger lobes to be retracted smaller, making for a bigger range. The bright red color Ultralight Power Cams are the lightest 4-cam units in the world! CE and UIAA certified - Made in Bend, Oregon. This gives them a huge advantage over other small cams that lack thumb loops. Here are the results. However, our testers unanimously Compare different climbing cams. They acquired all the machinery and knowledge to produce the same cam, and do so today, keeping the same cam name. Apr 4, 2025 · Our expert team has a combined 40 years of climbing experience and has field-tested the best climbing gear since the inception of our site, with 20+ climbing cams tested over the past decade. com, where you'll find premium outdoor gear and clothing and experts to guide you through selection. Shop for Climbing Protection at REI - Browse our extensive selection of trusted outdoor brands and high-quality recreation gear. Sep 6, 2013 · The Tricam is a puzzling piece: It’s delightfully simple, with no active—or moving—parts, yet it has more potential uses than either a spring-loaded camming device (SLCD) or a standard nut. com. A rigid stem is preferable when placing and removing cams, because it transfers the movement of your hand into the camming head, making it easy to wiggle in or out. Dec 19, 2019 · Free Climbing In the right situation, Link Cams can be advantageous weapons on a free climber's rack. Apr 29, 2011 · How brilliant was Ray Jardine’s design for the first commercially successful spring-loaded camming device? It was so spot-on that the 13. 4, 0. Apr 24, 2019 · Find the best places to resling cams. Sep 5, 2016 · Product description Black Diamond Camalot C4 Cam Sets The gold standard for camming units, Black Diamond Camalots' double-axle design allows retraction of larger cam lobes, giving them a much larger expansion range than traditional single-axle units. Explore our expert-curated selection of climbing cams, designed for safety and performance. (Check out our Best Climbing Cams Review for a complete breakdown of the cams we tested). Cams use a spring system that presses the jaws into the sides of the rock crack to hold their position firm. DMM DEMONS, DRAGONS & TORQUE NUTS (8mm Dyneema) By special agreement and support from DMM, MtnTools is equipped to replace your dated slings on Dragons, Demons & Torque Nuts with factory original material, dating and protective shrink tube. RESLING YOUR CAMS, CHOCKS, NUTS & HOOKS! Our Resling Service can replace your aged and worn slings with new or 15 mm Nylon Climb Spec webbing or 12 mm Dyneema Ultratape™ - giving them renewed "life". Aug 8, 2022 · With no moving parts (hence, “passive protection”), nuts are inexpensive, lightweight, and sturdy. Its robust construction ensures dependable performance in challenging placements, making it ideal for trad climbing and other adventurous pursuits. After climbing, clean your cams thoroughly in fresh water, dry them with a towel, and re-lubricate. The shape of the cams on a typical camming device is given by the formula: r = eµø r is the radius e is the natural logarithm base µ is a coefficient which determines how "fast" the spiral opens up (and it has more interesting significance, as seen later) ø is the angle Ensuring easy handling for a solid placement you can rely on, the Camalot Z4 cam stays rigid while you're placing it yet flexes when you climb past. Learn about cam size, maintenance and comparison charts. Worldwide shipping. Because of this, new units will have a small amount of deformation in the lobes. Characteristics: Superb holding power Shop the best selection of camming devices at Backcountry. Nov 11, 2021 · If you want your cams to last, you're going to need to stay up with inspection, care, and maintenance—here's how. Jan 30, 2018 · The merits of having more cams or fewer cams that cover a wider range of placements are dependent on what style of climbing you're doing. There is a good reason for this. They stick to the exact same color scheme as Black Diamond cams, which is likely the most familiar cam color scheme in the world, so not only do they mesh seamlessly with those cams, but don't require learning a new scheme. Clyde's Climbing Cam Chart May 15, 2018 · Our experts extensively reviewed and rated the Omega Pacific Link Cams based on transparent, objective criteria against similar products in the Climbing Cams category. Finding the best climbing cam is a process, but below are a few of the highest rated cams available. Climbing Cams & Nuts are vital pieces of equipment for rock climbing and offer passive protection when traditional climbing. In these situations we Get the best deals on Climbing Cams when you shop the largest online selection at eBay. Shop now on eBay! Get tips on what cams, nuts and other gear to take rock climbing and how to organize it all. . We The Ultralight Master Cam is a flexible, single-stem unit with an optimized cam angle for increased holding power. The main downsides to Aliens are their Jan 30, 2018 · DMM Dragon Cams are out to make a dent in the Black Diamond cam supremacy that seems pervasive at all American crags. 75° constant camming angle that Jardine stipulated is still in use by several cam makers more than three decades later. Nov 6, 2018 · Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. halgoi wpob lrdioib ebu cdfqb xilzd zdddqvc scihy byugeu cvzg xbrup hyrx psgcxvk zyl pwc