Brand: Black Diamond
Category: Climbing Protection
Recommended by Jason Antin, IFMGA/AMGA Mountain Guide | Avalanche Educator | Mountain Performance Coach — Golden, CO
The C4 Camalot by Black Diamond is the world’s best-selling and most trusted climbing cam, designed for optimal performance and reliability. With its lightweight construction and innovative features, it ensures climbers can tackle any route with confidence and ease. 1. Lightweight Design: Sculpted lobes provide an optimized strength-to-weight ratio, making it easy to carry without compromising durability. 2. Visual Differentiation: Larger sizes feature distinctive slings for quick and easy identification while racking. 3. Innovative Trigger Keeper: Sizes #4, #5, #6, #7, and #8 include a trigger keeper that keeps the cam contracted for compact racking and allows for immediate release when needed. 4. Wide Trigger: The cam features a wide trigger for easy handling, ensuring smooth operation even in challenging conditions. 5. Proven Reliability: Backed by over 35 years of trusted performance on climbing racks worldwide, synonymous with Black Diamond Equipment. 6. Versatile Application: Suitable for a variety of climbing scenarios, from first ascents to scenic trade routes and complex new-age projects. The C4 Camalot is ideal for traditional climbing, providing essential protection on multi-pitch routes and challenging ascents. It performs best in varied environments, from cragging to alpine climbs, making it suitable for climbers of all skill levels. This cam excels in scenarios requiring quick placements and reliability, particularly in technical or mixed conditions. Whether tackling summer routes or winter ascents, the C4 Camalot is a reliable companion for any climbing adventure.
Price: $89.95
14 experts recommend the Black Diamond C4 Camalot - #2.
A staple on any trad climber's rack, I carry singles in the Black Diamond C4s including #1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. They have a slightly smaller camming range than the Wild Country Friends, which offers great variety on your rack so you can always find that perfect placement.
Recommended in Top Rope Anchors
These are the standard against which every other piece of traditional climbing protection is measured against. I often even think about stopper sizes in relation to the sizes of C4 cams.
Recommended in Rock Climbing Essentials
part of my standard rack
Recommended in Traditional rock climbing
A favorite cam in the bigger sizes (1 and up). Can't beat 'em!
Recommended in Trad Climbing Gear
C4's are the standard by which all other cams are measured and, in my opinion, the best value for your money. While I do prefer the Z4's for the sizes they're available, I also own C4's in all the sizes and they perform great. My recommendation for building a full rack of cams to tackle nearly any climb: get one of each of sizes 0, 0.1, 0.2, and 4; get two of each in sizes 0.3 to 3.
Recommended in Trad Climbing Gear
The long time standard in cams! BD C4s are hard to beat, long lasting, easy to use, and at a reasonable price point. I use C4s in sizes #1 and up, and generally carry two each sizes 1-3, supplementing with larger sizes as needed. For smaller cams I prefer the Z4, and will often use Ultralights when concerned about weight.
Recommended in Trad Climbing
The C4 Cams are the classic BD cams that have remained true to their capabilities. This link will allow you to purchase individual cam sizes to fill the void in your rack.
Recommended in Trad Climbing
BD cams are the workhorse of my rack. If you're looking to buy cams for the first time, buy a rack of Camalots.
Recommended in Guide Kit
The gold standard in cams. For a beginner rack, a single set of #0.3-#3 is a great range for Colorado.
Recommended in Trad Climbing Gear
The tried and true and refined trad classic. Ubiquitous, durable, dependable without being flashy.
Recommended in Rock Climbing
These are the bread and butter cams that should be on every trad climbers rack. Sizes 1 (red) through 4 (grey) are the perfect balance of weight and functionality.
Recommended in Trad Climbing
Industry-standard cams. I use the classic C4 cams for size #1 and bigger
Recommended in Rock Climbing
Tried and true cams. I prefer Z4s for the smaller sizes and have C4s from 1 through 6.
Recommended in Rock Climbing Mentorship Program
