Brand: Totem Cams
Category: Climbing Protection
Recommended by Owen Duda, Climber, Guide, Craftsman, Writer — New Hampshire
The Totem Cam is a high-performance climbing tool designed for technical terrain, offering exceptional holding power and versatility. Its innovative design ensures reliable placements in challenging cracks, making it an essential piece of gear for serious climbers. 1. Innovative direct-loading system that distributes force evenly across all lobes for superior holding strength. 2. Flexible stem design allows for optimal placement in tight or awkward spaces where traditional cams may fail. 3. Narrow head width enables easy insertion into flared or irregular cracks, enhancing versatility on various 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 without compromising on durability or performance. 6. Available in multiple sizes to accommodate a range of crack widths and climbing scenarios. 7. Engineered for both beginner and experienced climbers, making it suitable for a wide skill range. The Totem Cam is primarily designed for traditional climbing, excelling in protecting routes with thin seams and offset cracks. It performs best in rocky environments where placements can be tricky, such as multi-pitch climbs or challenging boulder problems. Ideal for climbers of all skill levels, this cam is particularly beneficial in situations where gear placements are critical for safety. Its reliable performance makes it a must-have for any climbing season, especially during technical 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.
Owen Duda's review
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 by Owen Duda, Climber, Guide, Craftsman, Writer
Frequently asked questions
Who is the Totem Cam-Individuals 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-Individuals?
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-Individuals?
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 Owen Duda say about the Totem Cam-Individuals?
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.
Why does Owen Duda recommend Totem Cams?
Owen Duda recommends the Totem Cams Totem Cam-Individuals for climbing protection. 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.
Is the Totem Cam-Individuals a good climbing protection?
Yes — Owen Duda recommends the Totem Cam-Individuals by Totem Cams as their climbing protection pick. 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.
More from Owen Duda's Trad Climbing
View Owen Duda's expert gear recommendations on Rendezvu
What other hosts are saying
8 experts recommend the Totem Cams Totem Cam-Individuals.
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
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
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
