Brand: Totem Cams
Category: Climbing Protection
Recommended by Joe Kalis, Oncology Pharmacist / Aspiring Guide — Colorado Springs, CO
Highlights: small sizes, tricky placements
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 a must-have for technical climbs. 1. Innovative direct-loading system that distributes force evenly across all lobes for maximum holding power. 2. Flexible stem allows for optimal placement in tight or awkward cracks where traditional cams may fail. 3. Narrow head width enables access to flared or irregular placements, enhancing versatility on varied rock types. 4. Independent lobes provide enhanced grip and stability, ensuring secure placements even in less-than-ideal conditions. 5. Lightweight construction minimizes rack weight, making it easier to carry on long climbs. 6. Available in multiple sizes to accommodate a wide range of crack widths and climbing scenarios. The Totem Cam is ideal for traditional climbing, particularly in technical and mixed terrain where gear placements can be tricky. It excels in environments with flared cracks, thin seams, and marginal features, making it perfect for experienced climbers tackling challenging routes. Whether you're scaling granite faces or navigating complex rock formations, this cam provides the confidence needed to push your limits, regardless of the season or climbing conditions.
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.
Joe Kalis's review
For when the gear is small. Or small and tenuous. Or small, tenuous, and you appreciate the finest in engineering.
Recommended by Joe Kalis, Oncology Pharmacist / Aspiring 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 Joe Kalis say about the Totem Cam?
For when the gear is small. Or small and tenuous. Or small, tenuous, and you appreciate the finest in engineering.
Why does Joe Kalis recommend Totem Cams?
Joe Kalis recommends the Totem Cams Totem Cam for climbing protection. For when the gear is small. Or small and tenuous. Or small, tenuous, and you appreciate the finest in engineering.
Is the Totem Cam a good climbing protection?
Yes — Joe Kalis recommends the Totem Cam by Totem Cams as their climbing protection pick. For when the gear is small. Or small and tenuous. Or small, tenuous, and you appreciate the finest in engineering.
More from Joe Kalis's Rock Climbing
View Joe Kalis'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
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
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
