Brand: Black Diamond
Category: Climbing Protection
Recommended by Peter Thomas, Guide — Golden, CO
Highlights: durable, beginner friendly, cost effective
<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: $104.95 - $324.95
- 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.
Peter Thomas's 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, Guide
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 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
View Peter Thomas'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
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
Michael Murphy, Rock Climbing Instructor and Business Owner
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 in Guide Kit
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
