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 on every trad climber’s rack. With its lightweight construction and innovative features, it ensures safety and ease of use on all your climbing adventures. 1. Lightweight Design: Sculpted lobes provide an optimized strength-to-weight ratio, making it easy to carry without compromising safety. 2. Visual Differentiation: Larger sizes feature distinct 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: Designed for easy handling, the wide trigger enhances usability, especially in challenging situations. 5. Trusted Brand: Manufactured by Black Diamond Equipment, synonymous with quality and reliability in climbing gear for over 35 years. 6. Versatile Use: Ideal for a variety of climbing scenarios, from first ascents to scenic trade routes and funky new-age projects. 7. Durable Construction: Built to withstand the rigors of climbing, ensuring long-lasting performance and safety. The C4 Camalot is primarily intended for traditional climbing, making it an essential piece of gear for climbers of all skill levels. It excels in various environments, from cragging to multi-pitch climbs, and is particularly effective in rocky terrains where reliable protection is crucial. Ideal for both seasoned climbers tackling complex routes and beginners learning the ropes, this cam performs best in spring and summer conditions but can be used year-round in appropriate climates. Whether you're embarking on a challenging ascent or enjoying a casual day out, the C4 Camalot provides the confidence and security you need.
Price: $89.95
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What other hosts are saying
14 experts recommend the Black Diamond C4 Camalot - 0.4.
Cora Hanson, AMGA Single Pitch Instructor
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
Ben Lim, AMGA Certified Rock Guide, Assistant Ski Guide, Apprentice Alpine Guide
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
Ryan Harris, Mountain Guide and Ski Patroller
part of my standard rack
Recommended in Traditional rock climbing
Spencer Huffman, Rock and Alpine Guide | Climbing Instructor and Coach
A favorite cam in the bigger sizes (1 and up). Can't beat 'em!
Recommended in Trad Climbing Gear
Dan Morley, Rock Climbing Guide
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
Owen Duda, Climber, Guide, Craftsman, Writer
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
Michael Murphy, Rock Climbing Instructor and Business Owner
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
Chris Johnson, Apprentice Climbing Guide, Professional Ski Patroller
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
Joe Kalis, Oncology Pharmacist / Aspiring Guide
The tried and true and refined trad classic. Ubiquitous, durable, dependable without being flashy.
Recommended in Rock Climbing
Brent Smith, AMGA Rock Guide and Apprentice Alpine Guide
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
