Brand: Black Diamond
Category: Climbing Protection
Recommended by Michael Murphy, Rock Climbing Instructor and Business Owner — Philadelphia, PA
Highlights: durable, beginner friendly
The C4 Camalot is a premier climbing cam that has earned its reputation as the go-to choice for trad climbers worldwide. With its lightweight design and innovative features, it ensures reliable protection on every ascent. 1. Lightweight construction with sculpted lobes for an optimized strength-to-weight ratio. 2. Visual differentiation on larger sizes for quick and easy identification when racking. 3. Innovative trigger keeper on sizes #4 to #8 for compact racking and instant release. 4. Wide trigger design for enhanced handling and ease of use during placements. 5. Durable materials that withstand the rigors of climbing while maintaining performance. 6. Versatile range of sizes to accommodate various crack widths and climbing scenarios. 7. Trusted by climbers for over 35 years, synonymous with quality and reliability. The C4 Camalot is designed for traditional climbing, making it ideal for both seasoned climbers and those new to the sport. It excels in a variety of environments, from rugged rock faces to scenic trade routes. Perfect for multi-pitch climbs or single-pitch adventures, this cam is essential for anyone looking to tackle challenging ascents in all seasons. Whether you're on a first ascent or a familiar route, the C4 Camalot provides the confidence and security you need to push your limits.
Price: $89.95
- Who it's for
- Trad climbers building a first rack or filling gaps, especially for sizes #1 and up. Hosts recommend a set of #0.3–#3 as a solid starting range, with doubles in sizes 1–3 for a full rack.
- What people are saying
- Universally praised as the industry standard — durable, dependable, easy to use, and good value. Multiple hosts note they prefer the Z4 for smaller sizes and switch to C4s at #1 and above.
- Worth noting
- Several hosts flag the Z4 as the preferred alternative in smaller sizes where it's available. No durability complaints appear across any of the nine notes.
Michael Murphy's review
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 by Michael Murphy, Rock Climbing Instructor and Business Owner
Frequently asked questions
Who is the C4 Camalot for?
Trad climbers building a first rack or filling gaps, especially for sizes #1 and up. Hosts recommend a set of #0.3–#3 as a solid starting range, with doubles in sizes 1–3 for a full rack.
What do experts say about the C4 Camalot?
Universally praised as the industry standard — durable, dependable, easy to use, and good value. Multiple hosts note they prefer the Z4 for smaller sizes and switch to C4s at #1 and above.
What should you know before buying the C4 Camalot?
Several hosts flag the Z4 as the preferred alternative in smaller sizes where it's available. No durability complaints appear across any of the nine notes.
What does Michael Murphy say about the C4 Camalot?
BD cams are the workhorse of my rack. If you're looking to buy cams for the first time, buy a rack of Camalots.
Why does Michael Murphy recommend Black Diamond?
Michael Murphy recommends the Black Diamond C4 Camalot for climbing protection. BD cams are the workhorse of my rack. If you're looking to buy cams for the first time, buy a rack of Camalots.
Is the C4 Camalot a good climbing protection?
Yes — Michael Murphy recommends the C4 Camalot by Black Diamond as their climbing protection pick. BD cams are the workhorse of my rack. If you're looking to buy cams for the first time, buy a rack of Camalots.
More from Michael Murphy's Guide Kit
View Michael Murphy's expert gear recommendations on Rendezvu
What other hosts are saying
13 experts recommend the Black Diamond C4 Camalot.
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
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
