Brand: Totem Cams
Category: Climbing Protection
Recommended by Jay Black, AMGA SPI-Splitboarder — Boulder, CO
Highlights: small sizes
The Totem Cam is a premium climbing tool designed for serious climbers who require exceptional reliability and performance in challenging terrains. Its innovative design ensures superior holding power, making it an essential addition to any trad climber's gear. 1. Innovative direct-loading system that distributes force evenly across all lobes for maximum holding strength. 2. Flexible stem design allows for optimal placement in tight or irregular cracks where traditional cams may fail. 3. Narrow head width enables access to challenging placements in thin seams and offset cracks. 4. Independent lobes provide enhanced grip and stability, ensuring secure placements even in less-than-ideal rock conditions. 5. Lightweight construction minimizes rack weight without compromising strength or durability. 6. Available in multiple sizes to accommodate various crack widths and climbing scenarios. The Totem Cam is primarily intended for traditional climbing, excelling in technical environments where reliable gear placements are crucial. It performs best in flared, irregular, or thin cracks, making it ideal for advanced climbers tackling difficult routes. Whether you're climbing in the spring or fall, this cam is perfect for those who demand confidence in their gear during challenging ascents.
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.
Jay Black's review
We call this “Gods Piece” two Black totems on your harness will give you more confidence placing tiny pro. Would whip.
Recommended by Jay Black, AMGA SPI-Splitboarder
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 Jay Black say about the Totem Cam?
We call this “Gods Piece” two Black totems on your harness will give you more confidence placing tiny pro. Would whip.
Why does Jay Black recommend Totem Cams?
Jay Black recommends the Totem Cams Totem Cam for climbing protection. We call this “Gods Piece” two Black totems on your harness will give you more confidence placing tiny pro. Would whip.
Is the Totem Cam a good climbing protection?
Yes — Jay Black recommends the Totem Cam by Totem Cams as their climbing protection pick. We call this “Gods Piece” two Black totems on your harness will give you more confidence placing tiny pro. Would whip.
More from Jay Black's Climbing gear
View Jay Black'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
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
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
