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    Rendezvu
    On a mission to get more people to enjoy the outdoors© 2026
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    Brand: Black Diamond

    Category: Climbing Protection

    Recommended by Peter Thomas, Guide — Golden, CO

    Highlights: beginner friendly, cost effective, durable

    <h2>The world’s best-selling, most trusted cam. </h2><p>For over 35 years the Camalot C4 has been standard on every trad climber’s rack. Featuring light, sculpted lobes with an optimized strength- to- weight ratio and slings with a visual differentiation on larger sizes for easier identification when racking. And speaking of racking, our innovative trigger keeper on sizes #4, #5, #6, #7, and #8 keeps the big guys contracted for compact racking and immediate release when you’re ready to place. Plus, the cam features a wide trigger for easy handling. Synonymous with Black Diamond Equipment, the Camalot C4 is ready for first ascents, scenic trade routes, and funky new-age projects.</p>

    Price: $89.95

    Expert Review

    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 by Peter Thomas

    Frequently asked questions

    What does Peter Thomas say about the C4 Camalot?

    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.

    Why does Peter Thomas recommend Black Diamond?

    Peter Thomas recommends the Black Diamond C4 Camalot for climbing protection. 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.

    Is the C4 Camalot a good climbing protection?

    Yes — Peter Thomas recommends the C4 Camalot by Black Diamond as their climbing protection pick. 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.

    More from Peter Thomas's Trad Climbing

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    C4 Camalot by Black Diamond — recommended by Peter Thomas
    Climbing Systems

    C4 Camalot

    Peter Thomas
    Peter ThomasRecommended in “Trad Climbing”
    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.
    Purchasing through this link directly supports Peter
    Climbing Systems

    C4 Camalot

    Peter Thomas
    Peter ThomasRecommended in “Trad Climbing”
    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.
    Purchasing through this link directly supports Peter
    C4 Camalot by Black Diamond — recommended by Peter Thomas

    This product is 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.

    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.
    Black Diamond Camalot™ Ultralight
  1. Black Diamond Camalot™ Z4
  2. Black Diamond Offset Stopper Set #7-11
  3. Black Diamond Stopper Set #4-13
  4. Black Diamond 10mm Dynex Runners
  5. Black Diamond Miniwire Alpine Quickdraw
  6. View Peter Thomas's expert gear recommendations on Rendezvu