Brand: Totem Cams
Category: Climbing Protection
Recommended by Cora Hanson, AMGA Single Pitch Instructor — St. Paul, MN
Highlights: small sizes
The Totem Cam is an essential tool for climbers seeking unparalleled reliability in challenging rock formations. Its innovative design ensures secure placements in a variety of crack types, giving you the confidence to tackle even the most technical climbs. 1. Innovative direct-loading system that distributes force evenly across all lobes for maximum holding power. 2. Flexible stem design allows for optimal placement in tight or awkward spaces where traditional cams may fail. 3. Narrow head width enables effective use in thin seams and irregular cracks, enhancing versatility. 4. Independent lobes provide superior grip and stability, ensuring secure placements even in flared or unstable rock. 5. Lightweight construction minimizes added weight to your climbing gear, making it ideal for long ascents. 6. Durable materials designed to withstand the rigors of outdoor climbing, ensuring longevity and reliability. 7. Color-coded sizing for easy identification and quick selection during climbs. The Totem Cam is designed for rock climbers engaged in traditional climbing, particularly in technical environments where gear placement is critical. It excels in flared cracks, thin seams, and irregular rock formations, making it a go-to choice for both novice and experienced climbers. Ideal for multi-pitch climbs and challenging routes, this cam performs best in varied conditions, from summer crags to winter ascents, providing peace of mind when the terrain gets tricky.
Price: $116.95
- Who it's for
- Climbers who need reliable small-cam placements, particularly in flared cracks, pin scars, or tenuous gear. Especially useful for aid climbing or anyone rounding out the smallest sizes on their rack.
- What people are saying
- Hosts consistently praise the Black and Blue sizes as standout performers in the small-cam range, with the Black frequently called the best option at its size. Notes are one-sidedly positive with no criticism recorded.
- Worth noting
- The Black is comparable to a BD Z4 #0.2 and the Blue to a #0.3, but both offer a wider camming range than those equivalents. Hosts flag the smaller sizes (up to Purple) as where these cams shine; enthusiasm for larger sizes is not reflected in the notes.
Cora Hanson's review
Totem cams always seem to fit exactly where you need them to! I carry one Black (#0.5) and one Blue (#0.65) to round out the smallest cams on my rack. For reference, the Black Totem is similar to a #0.2 in Black Diamond Z4s and the Blue Totem is similar to a #0.3, but they have a larger camming range which means they fit in more placements.
Recommended by Cora Hanson, AMGA Single Pitch Instructor
Frequently asked questions
Who is the Totem Cam (Black #0.5/Blue #0.65) for?
Climbers who need reliable small-cam placements, particularly in flared cracks, pin scars, or tenuous gear. Especially useful for aid climbing or anyone rounding out the smallest sizes on their rack.
What do experts say about the Totem Cam (Black #0.5/Blue #0.65)?
Hosts consistently praise the Black and Blue sizes as standout performers in the small-cam range, with the Black frequently called the best option at its size. Notes are one-sidedly positive with no criticism recorded.
What should you know before buying the Totem Cam (Black #0.5/Blue #0.65)?
The Black is comparable to a BD Z4 #0.2 and the Blue to a #0.3, but both offer a wider camming range than those equivalents. Hosts flag the smaller sizes (up to Purple) as where these cams shine; enthusiasm for larger sizes is not reflected in the notes.
What does Cora Hanson say about the Totem Cam (Black #0.5/Blue #0.65)?
Totem cams always seem to fit exactly where you need them to! I carry one Black (#0.5) and one Blue (#0.65) to round out the smallest cams on my rack. For reference, the Black Totem is similar to a #0.2 in Black Diamond Z4s and the Blue Totem is similar to a #0.3, but they have a larger camming range which means they fit in more placements.
Why does Cora Hanson recommend Totem Cams?
Cora Hanson recommends the Totem Cams Totem Cam (Black #0.5/Blue #0.65) for climbing protection. Totem cams always seem to fit exactly where you need them to! I carry one Black (#0.5) and one Blue (#0.65) to round out the smallest cams on my rack. For reference, the Black Totem is similar to a #0.2 in Black Diamond Z4s and the Blue Totem is similar to a #0.3, but they have a larger camming range which means they fit in more placements.
Is the Totem Cam (Black #0.5/Blue #0.65) a good climbing protection?
Yes — Cora Hanson recommends the Totem Cam (Black #0.5/Blue #0.65) by Totem Cams as their climbing protection pick. Totem cams always seem to fit exactly where you need them to! I carry one Black (#0.5) and one Blue (#0.65) to round out the smallest cams on my rack. For reference, the Black Totem is similar to a #0.2 in Black Diamond Z4s and the Blue Totem is similar to a #0.3, but they have a larger camming range which means they fit in more placements.
More from Cora Hanson's Trad/Multi-Pitch Climbing
View Cora Hanson's expert gear recommendations on Rendezvu
What other hosts are saying
8 experts recommend the Totem Cams Totem Cam (Black #0.5/Blue #0.65).
Clara Maynard, AMGA Apprentice Rock/Alpine Guide & Wilderness Medicine Instructor
Black totem is best “0.2 size” cam out there. Totems are great in smaller sizes (up to purple)
Recommended in Mixed Climbing
Awesome cam, very highly recommended!
Recommended in Desert Rock
John Willard, Founder & Lead Guide @ Willard Mountain Guides
I got a single rack of the black totem to the green (.2-.75 for BD sizing) and I love these things. They are a staple in my collection of cams. I don't like the #1 or #2 as the stems are too flimsy for my liking.
Recommended in Rock Climbing
Owen Duda, Climber, Guide, Craftsman, Writer
Ahhh the Totems. They rock. Without getting too much into the specifications OR controversy surrounding them, they are awesome. Although I do not own many (nor do I plan to), the Black totem is the classic sought after piece and it is for good reason. The blue is sweet as well.
Recommended in Trad Climbing
Jay Black, AMGA SPI-Splitboarder
We call this “Gods Piece” two Black totems on your harness will give you more confidence placing tiny pro. Would whip.
Recommended in Climbing gear
Joe Kalis, Oncology Pharmacist / Aspiring Guide
For when the gear is small. Or small and tenuous. Or small, tenuous, and you appreciate the finest in engineering.
Recommended in Rock Climbing
These cams are simply amazing for fitting into tricky placements such as flared cracks and pin scars. Especially useful for aid climbing.
Recommended in Rock Climbing Mentorship Program
