Brand: Totem Cams
Category: Climbing Protection
Recommended by Danny Innamorati, Climbing Guide — Seattle, WA
The Totem Cam is an essential climbing tool designed for those who tackle challenging terrain, offering exceptional holding power and versatility in unpredictable placements. Its innovative design ensures reliability and confidence, making it a favorite among seasoned climbers. 1. Innovative direct-loading system that distributes force evenly across all lobes for superior holding strength. 2. Flexible stem allows for optimal placement in tight or awkward spaces where traditional cams may fail. 3. Narrow head width enables access to flared or irregular cracks, enhancing versatility in various climbing scenarios. 4. Independent lobes provide enhanced grip and stability, ensuring secure placements even in less-than-ideal rock conditions. 5. Constructed with high-quality materials for durability and long-lasting performance in rugged environments. 6. Lightweight design minimizes rack weight without compromising on safety or functionality. 7. Available in multiple sizes to accommodate a range of crack widths and climbing styles. The Totem Cam is primarily designed for traditional climbing, particularly in technical and challenging environments. It excels in flared cracks, thin seams, and marginal placements, making it ideal for advanced climbers seeking reliable protection on difficult routes. Best used in various rock types and conditions, this cam is perfect for those tackling multi-pitch climbs or exploring new crags. Whether you're climbing in the spring or fall, the Totem Cam is a must-have for any serious climber's gear collection.
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.
Danny Innamorati's review
Awesome cam, very highly recommended!
Recommended by Danny Innamorati, Climbing Guide
Frequently asked questions
Who is the Totem Cam 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?
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?
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 Danny Innamorati say about the Totem Cam?
Awesome cam, very highly recommended!
Why does Danny Innamorati recommend Totem Cams?
Danny Innamorati recommends the Totem Cams Totem Cam for climbing protection. Awesome cam, very highly recommended!
Is the Totem Cam a good climbing protection?
Yes — Danny Innamorati recommends the Totem Cam by Totem Cams as their climbing protection pick. Awesome cam, very highly recommended!
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View Danny Innamorati's expert gear recommendations on Rendezvu
What other hosts are saying
8 experts recommend the Totem Cams Totem Cam.
Cora Hanson, AMGA Single Pitch Instructor
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 in Top Rope Anchors
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
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
