The Best Climbing Cams
Searching for the best climbing cams? We've bought and tested 24 models over the past 10 years, and our current review features 10 of the best camming devices found on climber's racks today. Our expert reviewers have climbed traditional routes the world over, big and small, and feature a combined 40 years of climbing experience. We used these cams on classic multi-pitch routes in Yosemite and Red Rocks, Squamish, the Bugaboos, and Eldorado Canyon, as well as at the most famous single pitch trad crags, like Indian Creek. Along the way, they took whippers, lent the cams to friends, and assessed each one based on an exhaustive eight different performance metrics. The result is the most comprehensive comparative review, with excellent recommendations for all sizes and levels of climbing experience.
GearLab has its roots in rock climbing, as the website started as an off-shoot of SuperTopo. So it's only expected that we have built an expert team of climbers to field test the best climbing gear on the market. Our in-depth reviews cover other types of protection like nuts and stoppers and carabiners and top quickdraws to clip into them. Of course, we cover the other protection essentials too, choosing our favorite climbing ropes and outlining the best climbing harnesses. And don't forget our best climbing helmet review!
Editor's Note: This review was updated on August 9, 2024, to shed more light on our testing process.