Brand: Black Diamond
Category: Climbing Protection
Recommended by Clara Maynard, AMGA Apprentice Rock/Alpine Guide & Wilderness Medicine Instructor — Pacific Northwest, USA
The Camalot™ Ultralight by Black Diamond is the ultimate protection device for climbers seeking to minimize weight without sacrificing performance. With innovative design features that enhance usability and reliability, this cam is essential for fast-paced ascents and technical climbs. 1. 15% lighter than traditional Camalot models, optimizing your gear load for speed and efficiency. 2. Sculpted lobes reduce weight while maintaining strength, ensuring dependable performance in critical situations. 3. Dyneema cord replaces traditional cable, offering the same robust strength with a significant weight reduction. 4. Double-axle design maximizes placement range, allowing for versatile and secure anchoring in various rock formations. 5. Color-coded for quick identification, enabling climbers to select the right size at a glance during high-pressure moments. 6. Engineered for durability, ensuring long-lasting use in demanding climbing environments. 7. Compact design fits seamlessly into your gear rack, making it an essential addition for any serious climber. The Camalot™ Ultralight is designed for climbers engaged in fast-and-light missions, technical ascents, and multi-pitch routes where every ounce counts. It excels in rocky terrains and varied environments, making it ideal for both seasoned professionals and ambitious amateurs. Whether you're tackling alpine climbs in summer or winter, this cam provides the reliability and performance needed for quick placements and secure protection. Perfect for those who prioritize efficiency and weight savings in their climbing gear.
Price: $119.95
- Who it's for
- Climbers who prioritize weight savings on long approaches, big wall days, or trips involving travel, and have the budget for a premium cam. Hosts consistently recommend the standard C4s as the better starting point for those on a tighter budget.
- What people are saying
- Hosts favor these in sizes #1–3 (and up to #4) for the noticeable weight reduction, calling it worth the extra cost. The trade-offs are clear and agreed upon: higher price and shorter usable lifespan than the standard C4s.
- Worth noting
- One host flags that sizes #0.75 and smaller have a stem large enough to make placement cumbersome, so the ultralight versions are less practical in those smaller sizes. Notes cover sizes .4–4, with a .4–2 range cited as sufficient for most mixed and alpine routes.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the Camalot™ Ultralight for?
Climbers who prioritize weight savings on long approaches, big wall days, or trips involving travel, and have the budget for a premium cam. Hosts consistently recommend the standard C4s as the better starting point for those on a tighter budget.
What do experts say about the Camalot™ Ultralight?
Hosts favor these in sizes #1–3 (and up to #4) for the noticeable weight reduction, calling it worth the extra cost. The trade-offs are clear and agreed upon: higher price and shorter usable lifespan than the standard C4s.
What should you know before buying the Camalot™ Ultralight?
One host flags that sizes #0.75 and smaller have a stem large enough to make placement cumbersome, so the ultralight versions are less practical in those smaller sizes. Notes cover sizes .4–4, with a .4–2 range cited as sufficient for most mixed and alpine routes.
More from Clara Maynard's Mixed Climbing
View Clara Maynard's expert gear recommendations on Rendezvu
What other hosts are saying
7 experts recommend the Black Diamond Camalot™ Ultralight.
Carol Viau, AMGA Certified Ski Guide/SPI, PSIA L3 Ski Instructor, Via Ferrata Guide
Ultralight cams come in sizes 1-4. If you have the budget, I recommend springing for it. If your budget is limited, go with the regular cams in the next link I share.
Recommended in Climbing Gear
Ben Lim, AMGA Certified Rock Guide, Assistant Ski Guide, Apprentice Alpine Guide
If you can, treat yourself to the ultralight version of the beloved C4. Stay away from the smaller sizes, #0.75 and smaller. The stem is large enough that they become cumbersome to place.
Recommended in Rock Climbing Essentials
A standard rack goes from 0.4 to #3 (0.4, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 2, 3). Most people also buy a number 4. You can save a little money, add a little weight, and add a longer shelf life by purchasing the Camalot C4's instead of the ultralights but I prefer the ultralights. It's worth it in my opinion. You can feel the difference. I appreciate that lighter weight on trips that involve flying, long approaches, and long days on the wall.
Recommended in Trad Gear
The BD ultralight cams have become my favorite in the larger sizes, and are what I use in #1-3 most often. The increased price and shorter useful life make them less attractive as a starter set, where I would recommend the standard C4s instead.
Recommended in Trad Climbing
Brad Burns, PCGI Single Pitch Instructor, La Sportiva Athlete
A small rack of ultralight cams from .4-2 covers the protection for most mixed routes. Great cams that are durable and super light.
Recommended in Ice Climbing
Philip Burnett, Weber State University Rental Manager
~4 depending on the alpine objective. I like the .4-1 for most alpine adventures unless I know it'll be wider.
Recommended in Winter Alpine Climbing
