Cam climbing. These camalot C4's come in May 9, 2024 · Based on our research and testing, we think the Black Diamond Camalot C4 is the best Climbing Cams available in 2025. Finding the best climbing cam is a process, but below are a few of the highest rated cams available. Learn about the two main types of active climbing protecction (pro) including the ubiquitous cams and the less common spring-loaded wedges. Learn how to place climbing cams. Jul 24, 2025 · We’re here to help you choose the best climbing cams so you can jam your way up that next crack with confidence. The strength, durability, and grip of these little climbing tools will be the difference between having a safe experience and a dangerous one. 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. Apr 26, 2025 · Totem Cam, the state-of-the-art cam for climbing. Apr 4, 2025 · Our current review features the 10 best camming devices found on climbers' racks today. 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. A. Jul 16, 2025 · In rock climbing, a cam (short for camming device), is a piece of trad climbing gear that is used to protect the climber during a fall. A spring-loaded camming device (also SLCD, cam or friend) is a piece of rock climbing or mountaineering protection equipment. Cams are classed by climbers as active protection as they have moving parts. We used these cams on classic multi-pitch routes in Yosemite and Red Rocks, Squamish, the Bugaboos, and Eldorado Canyon, as well as at the most famous single-pitch trad crags, like Indian Creek. camming devices, also known as climbing friends, or more correctly Spring Loaded Camming Devices) are pieces of rock climbing equipment that fit into parallel-sided or even slightly flared cracks to provide protection. Top quality, great selection and expert advice you can trust. Trad climbing gear is a big investment, so it’s important to know what options are available before you buy. Featuring light sculpted lobes and our innovative trigger keeper for compact racking with sizes #4-#8. Cams Climbing cams (A. The world’s best-selling, most trusted cam. Range 0. Perhaps no single gear invention, except maybe sticky rubber, has so directly affected the type and difficulty of routes that climbers The best climbing cam is going to be your best friend out there on your rock climbing adventure. K. Sep 29, 2023 · Due to the ease and convenience of quickly selecting, placing, and removing cams, and with their superior performance in parallel cracks, cams are the staple of the modern day crack climbing rack. Cams are considered active protection because the cam lobes expand and contract when the thumb trigger is pulled. 32" Ultralight Power Cams are for mid range crack sizes or for splitter cracks in desert sandstone, granite or columnar basalt. " The invention of the spring loaded camming device (commonly called simply "cams") in the 1970's revolutionized the climbing world. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. Ultralight Master Cams are for general all around free climbing with small to medium crack sizes. For over 35 years the Camalot C4 has been standard on every trad climber’s rack. A cornerstone of climbing since 1987, the Camalot C4 is the standard for trad climbing. The ability to quickly and safely protect parallel-sided cracks opened up the world of traditional climbing to whole new realms. And speaking of racki Sep 5, 2016 · Black Diamond Camelot 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. Extraordinary holding power and unique capabilities with the patented Direct Loading system. Here are the results. . Shop for Cams at REI - Browse our extensive selection of trusted outdoor brands and high-quality recreation gear. 89" Ultralight TCUs are for narrow, tricky, hard to protect thin cracks. Cams use a spring system that presses the jaws into the sides of the rock crack to hold their position firm. Featuring light, sculpted lobes with an optimized strength- to- weight ratio and slings with a visual differentiation on larger sizes for easier identification when racking. 34" to 1. 34 Our experts extensively field-tested the best Climbing Cams of the year and rated the best based on transparent, objective criteria. This article explains the physics of how climbing cams work, and also how to place, remove and rack them. 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. They are lightweight, the cable loop and trigger are easy to grab, and their patented slings are large enough to manipulate with gloves. Feb 25, 2015 · Cams are some of the most interesting, useful and well-engineered pieces of climbing gear made. Due to their moving parts, cams fall into a classification of climbing gear known as “active protection. zvzfue rfehrf qtp ivhngyf juqv uxtm pzbh levf tidyls iigg