Climbing Cams
Trust your placements with premium Climbing Cams
Climbing cams, also known as spring-loaded camming devices (SLCDs), are the backbone of modern trad and alpine climbing protection. 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. Reliable and versatile, cams expand into rock features to provide secure, removable anchors that climbers trust their lives on.
Also known as SLCDs, camming units, active pro, and friends (UK term).
Why Cams Matter
- Versatility: Place in parallel cracks, pods, and irregular rock features.
- Confidence: Expand under load for secure holds in sandstone, granite, and limestone.
- Trad Essential: Form the core of every trad rack.
- Durability: Built with aerospace-grade aluminum lobes and strong steel axles.
Understanding Cam Types
Single-Axle Cams: Lightweight, simple, and often more affordable.
Double-Axle Cams: Provide a wider expansion range, popularized by Black Diamond Camalot C4.
Ultralight Cams: Shave grams for alpine climbs — examples include Metolius Ultralight Master Cams and Wild Country Friends Ultralight.
Offset Cams: Designed for flared cracks, pin scars, and aid placements.
Cam Sizes & Crack Ranges
Cams come in numbered sizes that correspond to crack widths. Here’s a general guide:
- 0.1 – 0.3: Thin fingers, tiny cracks (aid/technical trad).
- 0.4 – 0.75: Fingers to tight hands (bread-and-butter trad sizes).
- 1 – 2: Hands to wide hands (most common on multipitch routes).
- 3 – 4: Fists to offwidth (specialized, less frequent).
- 5 – 6: Offwidth cracks & rare wide placements.
Doubling up on 0.5–2 sizes covers most classic crack climbs at places like Yosemite or Indian Creek.
Climbing Cams at a Glance
| Type | Best For | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Single-Axle | Lightweight trad racks | Simple design, affordable |
| Double-Axle | General trad & big walls | Wide expansion range, secure |
| Ultralight | Alpine, long approaches | Minimal weight, strong materials |
| Offset | Flared cracks, aid climbing | Asymmetric lobes, niche placements |
Placement Techniques Snapshot
For safe cam placements, ensure lobes are 50–70% retracted when placed. Avoid flared placements unless using offset cams. Extend placements with quickdraws or alpine slings to reduce rope drag and keep cams from “walking.” Always test placements with a gentle tug before climbing on them.
Cams vs. Nuts — Why You Need Both
Cams excel in parallel cracks and variable rock, offering speed and versatility. Nuts, on the other hand, are lighter, cheaper, and ideal for constrictions. Most climbers carry a full set of nuts and passive pro alongside cams to cover every scenario.
Top Cam Brands & Models
- Black Diamond Camalot C4: Industry standard double-axle design, wide range, durable.
- Metolius Master Cams: Narrow heads for shallow placements, ultralight design.
- Wild Country Friends: The original camming device, modernized with extendable slings.
- DMM Dragon Cams: Extendable dyneema slings, robust build, excellent holding power.
Each brand brings unique features — many climbers mix and match to build the perfect rack.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Over-camming (lobes nearly closed) or under-camming (lobes barely engaged).
- Not extending placements, causing cams to shift or walk.
- Ignoring trigger wear, frayed slings, or bent axles.
- Relying only on cams without carrying passive pro like nuts.
Climbing Cam Checklist
- ✔ Carry a range of sizes from fingers to offwidths.
- ✔ Inspect triggers, slings, and lobes regularly.
- ✔ Replace slings every 5–7 years, or sooner if worn.
- ✔ Double up on mid-sizes for popular cracks.
- ✔ Practice ground placements before leading on cams.
Pro Tip
For your first rack, prioritize cams in the 0.5–2 size range, as these cover the majority of cracks. Pair with Carabiners and Climbing Ropes for a complete trad kit.
Why Buy Cams from The Outdoor Warehouse?
- All cams meet or exceed UIAA/CE safety standards.
- Top brands like Black Diamond, Metolius, Wild Country, and DMM.
- The Outdoor Warehouse offers curated gear and fast shipping for climbers worldwide.
Buying Guide Snapshot
New to trad? Start with mid-size Camalots or Friends.
Alpine climber? Choose ultralights to cut weight.
Aid climber? Add offset cams for tricky scars and flares.
Shop climbing cams today at The Outdoor Warehouse — trusted, reliable, and built for every climb.
