Are one of the most important elements of any rock climbing gear setup. This is because the cam action is what provides the power you need to move a rock or move it for you. The best cams, therefore, will provide you with the most reliable and powerful setting, whether for upward or downward movement. As you might have guessed, this is where the trad climbing cam comes in. It is designed specifically for use on rock climbers and features a shape, size, and profile that is designed to maximize power, get into small places, and minimize effort.
Plus, it is made of quality material so you know it will provide you with the best performance possible. When you are buying a set of trad climbing cams, you want to make sure you get a set that is suitable for your style of climbing. That is why we have created this guide to the best trad climbing cams on the market.
| # | Preview | Product | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
 |
Rock Climbing Cam Trad Tank… |
9.05 |
Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
 |
Black Diamond Camalot C4 Cam… |
9.15 |
Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
 |
Black Diamond Equipment – Stopper… |
8.15 |
Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
 |
King Arthur |
9.20 |
Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
 |
Wild Country Unisex_Adult Friends are… |
9.45 |
Buy on Amazon |
| 6 |
 |
Metolius Ultralight Master Cam Yellow… |
9.35 |
Buy on Amazon |
| 7 |
 |
Wild Country Friend Cam Set… |
9.35 |
Buy on Amazon |
| 8 |
 |
Black Diamond Equipment – Camalot… |
9.70 |
Buy on Amazon |
| 9 |
 |
Wild Country Rock Set 6-10… |
8.60 |
Buy on Amazon |
| 10 |
 |
PETZL Grigri – Assurer |
9.10 |
Buy on Amazon |
10 Best trad climbing cams Reviews in 2022
How do trad cams compare to sport climbing cam lobes? Well, as you probably guessed by now, it all depends on your particular climbing style and preference. The best way to find out is to experiment with a few different types of cams.
But if you’re not sure, I’ve put together a quick guide to help you choose the right cam for your climbing style.
1. Rock Climbing Cam Trad Tank Top
Features :
- A vector illustration of a traditional / trad climbing cam. This is a locking device to protect climbers from falls. The lead climber places this is a crack and attaches a rope with a carabiner.
- This is a vital part of safety equipment for many rock climbs.
- Lightweight, Classic fit, Double-needle sleeve and bottom hem
Additional Info :
| Color | White |
Our Editor’s Choice for the best rock climbing tank top, the Rock n Rope Cam Trad Tank is made of organic cotton. This tank top is very soft and comfortable to wear. The tank is also made with a crew neck and short sleeves that offer a nice fit. The tank is made of 100% organic cotton and is a blend of cotton, polyester, and rayon. The material of the tank is very durable and can last for a long time.
The material of the tank is very durable and can last for a long time. The tank comes in many different colors and patterns. The back of the tank has a logo that includes a climbing route.
2. Black Diamond Camalot C4 Cam Sets with Free Climbing DVD ($29.95 Value) (.5 to 3 (5 Cams))
Features :
- Double-axle design offers widest range for each cam unit
- C-Loop continuous cable stem design is strong and durable
- Color-coded for easy identification and wide range of sizes
- FREE Action Packed Climbing DVD Included
Additional Info :
The Camalot c4 is a great all-round set, plus you receive a free DVD to help you learn new climbing techniques. The climbing rope is made of Dyneema, which is more durable than rope made of polypropylene. This rope is also more shock-absorbent, which means you can use this cams set on boulders and small pockets without worrying about damaging the rope. It comes with a carabiner, which is perfect for clipping the rope to your harness or harness to your rope.
The cams come in a range of sizes, from. 5 to 3. This cam range can be used to jam in all sizes of crack, from tiny to gigantic.
3. Black Diamond Equipment – Stopper – #5-11 Classic Set
Features :
- Durable aluminum heads and steel cables
- Transverse taper is versatile in flares, constrictions and parallel cracks
- Rounded edges for easy cleaning (smaller sizes are straight for better surface contact)
- Sizes 1 and 2 are for direct aid only
Additional Info :
| Item Dimensions | |
| Height | 4.724409444 |
| Width | 4.724409444 |
| Length | 14.173228332 |
| Weight | 0.61949895622 |
The classic stopper set by Black Diamond is a great choice for almost any climber. With it, you can climb almost any route from beginner to expert, which is why it’s considered the go-to set for professional climbers, as well. The set contains all of the essentials. There are 11 different sizes, which give you a wide range of pitch-specific protection.
If you’re looking for a set that can last you for years, this is it. The materials are first-rate, and the fact that the package includes a harness and carabiner is a nice touch. The one downside to this set is that it doesn’t come with a pick/shovel.
4. King Arthur
Additional Info :
| Release Date | 2010-06-09T11:55:52.000Z |
As you’re probably already aware, the king is the most powerful card in the tarot deck. It symbolizes leadership, courage, and strength. The king is also the character in the knight tarot card, so it’s easy to see how this card relates to the knight tarot. The king is holding a sword in his hand and his armor is shining brightly.
He’s beaming at the reader, ready to face whatever comes his way. The imagery used in this tarot card is powerful and bold. The king doesn’t just represent leadership – he’s leading a battle and looking like he’s in full control of the situation.
5. Wild Country Unisex_Adult Friends are The Safety Devices That Have Changed The Climbing Sport Most sustainably, red, 1
Features :
- Colour: red.
- Functionality:
- Packaging dimensions (L x W x H): 15.0 x 5.0 x 15.0 cm.
- Country of Origin:- UK
Additional Info :
| Color | red |
| Item Dimensions | |
| Height | 5.905511805 |
| Width | 1.968503935 |
| Length | 5.905511805 |
| Weight | 0.26 |
| Release Date | 2016-08-29T00:00:01Z |
Pair of shoes. The company was founded by an engineer and a kid who was obsessed with the internet and technology. Their goal is to ensure the quality of their products and their excellent performance. The design of these shoes is very similar to a climbing shoe, but the upper is made of synthetic material. The sole is also very grippy, which is perfect for climbing.
The price is also very reasonable. You get a pair of shoes that are really worth their money. You can wear them while bouldering, but they are also ideal for multipitch routes. In addition to the grip, they offer a good level of comfort.
6. Metolius Ultralight Master Cam Yellow #2
Features :
- Redesigned to be 40% lighter per set than conventional cams
- Color-coded trigger assembly, thumb piece and webbing
- 11mm Monster Sling webbing
- CNC machined cam lobes and stops for much greater precision than stamped or extruded cams
- Hand built, inspected and individually proof tested in Bend Oregon
Additional Info :
| Color | Yellow |
| Item Dimensions | |
| Height | 1 |
| Width | 2 |
| Length | 7 |
| Weight | 1.78 |
LAs the name suggests, this is a yellow color, which makes it perfect to clip right to your harness. The more frequently you clip into your harness, the more likely you are to set these up for a fall, which could result in serious injury. So, these cams exist to prevent that from happening. The cams are spring loaded, meaning you can clip them in without having to worry about them becoming stuck.
They’re also very small, meaning they don’t take up a lot of space in your harness, but they’re very powerful. This is a harness for experts, not beginners. The master cam yellow #2L is a great all-around option.
7. Wild Country Friend Cam Set 0.4, 0.5, 0.75 One Color, One Size
Features :
- Wild Country
Additional Info :
| Item Dimensions | |
| Height | 4 |
| Width | 11 |
| Length | 13 |
| Weight | 0.220462262 |
The first pair of skis we’re looking into is the Wild Country Friend Cam Set 0. 4, 0. 5, 0. 75. These skis are super easy to adjust to the width you want and, on top of that, they’re super lightweight.
You’ll also find them to be quite agile and easy to turn, even though they are cambered. One thing I loved about these skis is that they are very easy to mount. You’ll find the bindings to be very easy to attach to the ski and to detach from, too. Their aluminum frames and carbon fiber bases do a great job of keeping the skis stiff and strong, though.
8. Black Diamond Equipment – Camalot C4 Cam – #1
Features :
- New design is 10% lighter
- Innovative trigger keeper on sizes #4, #5, #6, #7, and #8 for compact racking
- Double-axle design offers the widest range for each cam unit
- C-Loop continuous cable stem design is strong and durable
Additional Info :
| Color | Gray |
| Item Dimensions | |
| Height | 3.94 |
| Width | 8.46 |
| Length | 11.81 |
| Weight | 0.0661386786 |
PickFor the most practical pick, we have the Black Diamond Camalot. This is an all-round quality climbing harness with a reasonable price. The protection system is a four-point design, which is a combination of cam buckles, lanyards, and belt loops. This system allows you to adjust the harness to your individual body shape and size, and also distribute the weight more evenly. The harness is made of nylon, which is durable and comfortable.
It’s also fairly lightweight and easy to wear. The only real downside to this harness is the lack of gear loops. You can’t attach a carabiner, which could help keep you extra safe in case of a fall.
9. Wild Country Rock Set 6-10 One Color, One Size
Features :
- Wild Country
Additional Info :
| Item Dimensions | |
| Height | 2 |
| Width | 5 |
| Length | 13 |
| Weight | 0.220462262 |
This product is actually a tennis ball machine, meaning you can use it to make tennis balls, but it also works really well for making other sports balls, like soccer balls or basketballs. What makes it stand out from the crowd? Its adjustable air-release valve makes it possible to make tennis balls of almost any size, from the tiniest marble to the biggest football, without the valve creating excessive noise or having a negative impact on the durability of the end product. The only real downside to this machine is its price.
It’s a bit expensive, especially if you’re only looking to make one or two different types of ball.
10. PETZL Grigri – Assurer
Features :
- rope release and drop blocking are done using standard safety techniques; always keep your hand on the brake side of the rope.
- Convenience and safety, thanks to the assisted brake: during a fall, the insurer holds the locking end of the rope, the cam rotates and tightens the rope, increasing the braking until the rope stops running.
- Compatible with 8.5-11mm dynamic single strings, optimized for 8.9-10.5mm
- It has diagrams engraved on the equipment itself (inside and outside), which guide on the correct installation of the rope.
Additional Info :
| Color | r.blue |
| Item Dimensions | |
| Height | 2 |
| Width | 5 |
| Length | 8 |
| Weight | 0.3858089585 |
The Assurer has a similar design to the Petzl Grigri, and is the best selling version of all. This harness is incredibly easy to clip onto a climbing harness and then clip onto a climbing rope. The comfortable, ergonomic design ensures it’s easy to use, even when wearing bulky clothing. The release mechanism is activated by squeezing a ball in the center of the harness.
It’s quite simple to activate and release – just be careful not to release the harness while wearing it. This harness also comes with a carabiner that you can use to clip it onto a harness or climbing rope.
Best trad climbing cams You Are Looking For
An ATC (automatic tensioning device) is a piece of gear that automatically closes off your crack as you climb. This may sound a bit scary, but they come in all shapes and sizes, and are designed to do different things. In this guide, we’ll go through what to look for when choosing an ATC, and what each piece of gear is designed to do. What are ATCs used for?
A trad climbing cam. In the past, trad climbers used fixed gear (cams, nuts, bolts) to protect climbs. Now, this gear is often too big to be placed in small cracks, but you can still use it to ascend rock by placing it in cracks and slots. ATCs are a great way to add protection while still being able to place gear in small cracks. They’re also useful for protecting ledges, or even belay stances, as you climb. Some ATCs will open up as you climb, and others will snap shut as you pull on them. The latter are great for protecting ledges and belay stances, since you won’t need to climb with them. What does an ATC do?
An ATC. An ATC will open out as you climb.
The gear will usually open out to a maximum size when you’re in the middle of your climb. So, if you’re on a single pitch of 5. 9 climbing, it might open up to a maximum size of 5 inches. This allows you to place gear in small cracks or onto small ledges. The gear will also lock closed when you start to descend the climb, keeping you safe as you continue your descent. What types of ATCs are there?
There are different types of ATCs, with different features and purposes. Slap an ATC. Slap an ATCs are the most basic type of ATC. They’re simple pieces of gear that open out as you climb. They’re often used to protect the bottom of a ledge, or a belay stance. Slap-on ATCs will usually open out to about 5 inches in size.
People Also Ask (FAQs)
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are made for rock climbing and NOT alpine.
The best alpine cams are the ones that are specific to rock climbing, which means they do not have a thumb hole and are small, stiff, and light. These features make these cams ideal for alpine use.In general, the best alpine cams weigh 2 to 4 ounces.
What size cam should I use for my harness?
The weight of the cam you need depends on the size of your harness. Most harnesses have a chart to determine the correct cam size.
The chart below shows the correct cam size for each harness size.
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The size of the cam you should use in the harness depends on?
Your height and weight. For a tall and heavy person, it is best to use a large cam for better leverage and ease of operation. For a petite person, a smaller cam works better In addition, you must also consider the type of cam you are using.
If the cam is a fixed cam, it is easy to position it in the desired place. But if you are using a swivel cam, you must first decide where on the body to place it.
Conclusion
It’s no secret that trad climbing cams are designed to be smaller, more compact, and more user-friendly than their sport climbing cousins. The latter are also better suited for aiding in aid climbing. So, as you can see, trad climbing cams are made for a specific purpose, and almost every aspect of their design is optimized to help you on your climbs.
For example, the exposed screw design helps you easily adjust your cam’s angle, while the smaller head size and narrower profile make the cams more compact and easier to use.