Black Diamond Camalot Ultralight Cams

The weight reduction of the Black Diamond Ultralight Camalots is noticeable and appreciated on alpine climbs, especially when a long approach is involved. This is especially true for the larger sizes where the weight savings become even more substantial. Whether the weight savings is worth the extra cost per cam is a decision you may need to make for yourself: if you need a couple pieces for alpine climbing (particularly the #4, which doesn’t have a competing ultralight cam on the market) and money is no object, the Camalot Ultralights bring all the things climbers have embraced about the C4s into a leaner, lighter package.

For most sizes, the Metolius Ultralight Mastercams provide a more durable, much cheaper lightweight alternative. For cragging and most climbing without a long approach, the standard C4s offer the same features and familiar sizes at a much lower price point. So with all that said, I plan on keeping my rack of C4’s for the majority of my climbing, but will continue to take the Ultralights out for those longer missions a long way from the road.