The Best Black Diamond Climbing Gear For Summer 2023

The new iteration of Black Diamond’s Vapor helmet continues the tradition of offering exceptional impact protection while remaining at the forefront of ultralight design. Black Diamond starts with a polycarbonate crown and adds an ALUULA composites insert. This insert is constructed of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) that offers a 44% higher strength-to-weight ratio than the previously used Kevlar insert. The result is a 40% reduction in the weight of this component without compromising protection for the climber. The rest of the helmet is constructed with moulded Expanded Polypropylene (EPP), providing excellent impact absorption and significantly greater durability than traditionally used EPS. The Vapor’s unique lattice-like aesthetic not only offers a sleek look, but also ensures exceptional ventilation. A minimalist cord adjustment system easily accommodates a variety of head shapes, and the replaceable headlamp clips provide a secure headlamp attachment point for early morning starts or if you get benighted.

Want a lightweight helmet that offers exceptional durability at a reasonable price? You should check out the BD Vision. Black Diamond starts with a robust ABS shell on the top of the helmet that protects the climber and the impact-absorbing foam from bumps and smaller rocks. Below this, BD adds an EPS impact-absorbing puck and, finally, a resilient and protective EPP foam for the exposed non-ABS portion of the helmet. The result is a climbing helmet that weighs a mere 215 grams, offers exceptional impact protection (top and sides) and is surprisingly durable thanks to its generously-sized ABS shell.

The constant refinement of the Camalot C4 cams may explain why these are the best-selling camming units on the market today. The latest iteration still features the once-revolutionary twin-axle design that allows for increased expansion range as well as updated cam-lobe construction that shaves weight without sacrificing durability. The slings have also been updated to reduce weight and to help differentiate between the smaller and larger similarly coloured sizes. Speaking of larger sizes, the #4, #5, #6, #7, and #8 units have a unique trigger keeper that keeps these units contracted for easier racking. It’s a smart design that will be appreciated by anyone who ventures into wide-crack territory.

If you obsess about every gram or simply want the latest bleeding-edge engineering, you’ll love the Camalot Ultralight cams. With the Ultralight, BD has managed to achieve 25% weight savings over the traditional (and already relatively light) Camalot C4. So how did BD shave off this much weight? Well, there’s the usual machining trickery that removes some material (and weight) from the lobes, but the most significant weight savings come from using Dyneema for the stem. This component is traditionally made from a steel cable, so the switch to Dyneema yields considerable weight reductions. The Ultralight cams also use a Dyneema sling which shaves a few more grams when compared to the conventional nylon slings on the regular Camalots.

Yes, they’re a bit specialized, but once you’ve placed the Z4 Offset cams, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them. Suddenly, pin scars and irregular cracks can be easily protected. And thanks to the Z4 construction, these offset cams have a single stem that’s engineered to be sufficiently rigid when retracting the cams while allowing enough flex to exploit challenging placements and reduce walking. Throw in a narrow four-lobe design and sandblasted lobes for greater holding power, and it becomes clear that the Z4 Offset cams are a must-have addition to any trad rack.

Why should only cams get the offset treatment? The Black Diamond Offset Stoppers bring similar benefits to the classic Stopper nut design. Suddenly, pin scars and irregular cracks can be easily protected. And thanks to their reasonable pricing (less than most cams) and low weight, you can buy yourself a set and make them part of your regular trad or aid rack without agonizing about whether you’ll be able to pay this month’s rent.

BD’s Wiregate Nut Tool eliminates the need for a separate carabiner to rack this critical piece of trad kit. The tool features a rounded end for less discomfort when stabbing at stuck stoppers, and the addition of machined windows reduces unnecessary weight. BD also specs a large hooked nose that’s useful for pulling on the trigger bars of stuck or buried camming units. This is a nice update to a classic piece of climbing gear.

The new Neve Pro offers ultralight weight with an ultra-packable design making them the perfect choice for backcountry summer adventures where you may encounter sections of steep snow, couloirs or a short section of ice. Featuring a 10-point design and aluminum construction, the Neve Pro does an admirable job of juggling traction, low weight and durability. The highly flexible centre cable system offers easy tool-free adjustment for various boot sizes and shapes while allowing for exceptional compactness and packability. BD wisely specs steel wire bails on the front of the crampons for increased durability, while the rear is constructed with aluminum to help shave weight.

Consisting of two Litewire carabiners and a burly 12 mm Dynes dogbone, the new LiteWire quickdraw is a surprisingly versatile draw that does not sacrifice usability for low weight. Much of this balanced performance can be attributed to the Litewire biner’s easy-to-clip wire gate and ergonomic shape. The Litewire hot-forged construction allows BD to create a carabiner that delivers excellent strength without excessive weight, and the addition of the lightweight Dynex dogbone only further highlights this quickdraw’s versatility. It’s plenty rugged for daily trad cragging while being light enough for longer backcountry routes.

Sport climbing can be hard on draws, and most of us have a few that are either gouged out by hangers or worn down by the rope. So rather than risk a dirt nap, consider updating your current quickdraw rack with the BD’s Hotforge Quickdraw Pack. Consisting of a straight and bent gate Hotforge carabiner and a beefy polyester dogbone, this draw offers excellent performance during desperate clips. The biners feature hot-forged construction, which allows BD to move material where it is most needed resulting in lower weight and superb durability. The relatively simple-looking dogbone has an integrated rubber Straitjacket insert that prevents the bent gate biner from shifting during clips. Get some of these draws and put your mind at ease when you’re racing to the anchors.

Looking for a versatile belay biner that avoids the bulk and weight of more traditional pear-shaped carabiners? Then perhaps you should look at the Vaporlock. Featuring a keylock nose to prevent snagging and a time-tested screwgate closure, the Vaporlock is ideal for belaying with an ATC or a Munter Hitch (learn how to tie it if you don’t already know). The overall shape has been optimized to deliver increased friction and control, and the smaller size makes it a viable alternative for general locking biner applications.

Looking for a versatile rope for cragging and longer trad routes? Then check out the 9.4 Dry Climbing Rope from BD. The 9.4 mm diameter hits a nice sweet spot between having enough beef for working difficult routes while still being light enough for challenging redpoints and longer multi-pitch adventures. The 1X1 sheath construction provides additional abrasion resistance and helps the rope glide effortlessly through belay devices. The addition of a dry-treated core and sheath ensures the rope can also be used for winter and ice climbing.

Constructed from durable goat leather and featuring reinforced leather palms with Kevlar stitching, the Stone gloves protect your hands during extended belay sessions, aid climbing or jugging fixed lines. Save your hands for the actual climbing and get yourself a pair.

While the old-timers will fondly remember bulky tape gloves and the skill it took to tape up properly, the rest of us might want to simply purchase a pair of BD Crack gloves and get on with the climbing. Constructed with a thin yet durable synthetic suede and using a sophisticated 3-dimensional pattern, the Crack Gloves offer a hand-hugging fit without restricting the dexterity required when placing gear or grabbing small holds. The back of the gloves and thumbs feature a 0.6 mm thick (or should I say thin?) rubber film that seamlessly blends into the synthetic suede. This savvy construction minimizes the chance of the rubber edges catching on rock crystals. These are an excellent performance-oriented alternative to tape gloves or some of the other bulkier crack gloves on the market today.

The Long Haul is BD’s new big wall aid climbing harness, and thanks to its modern materials and sophisticated construction, it’s surprisingly light and nimble for the level of support it provides. BD merges these seemingly conflicting qualities by employing the same lightweight yet durably materials found on their popular Technician harness and then super-sizing the dimensions (wider with more padding) to achieve the comfort required on multi-day climbs. While comfort and support are critical in a big wall harness, BD has not forgotten the other feature that climbers need for such routes; the Long Haul features five gear loops, two non-snagging Infinity belay loops, a rated haul loop, quick-drop adjustable leg loops and two ice clipper slots.

If you’re pushing your limits on sport routes or plastic comps, stack the odds in your favour with the Airnet harness. Constructed with BD’s patented airNET Technology, the harness delivers exceptional support and breathability without the additional weight or bulk that could stop you from clipping the chains. The harness features a non-snagging Infinity belay loop, and the tie-in points are swathed in Black Dynex for additional wear resistance. Throw in four gear loops (moulded in the front and webbing in the back for less weight), and you have the perfect harness for sending your next project.

Most climbers spend their time clipping bolts, plugging gear, and occasionally venturing onto some longer multi-pitch climbs. If this sounds like you, then check out the Solution harness. This versatile harness delivers the comfort and support you need on longer climbs while still being sufficiently light and agile for desperate sport-climbing redpoints. The Solution features BD’s Fusion Comfort Technology which consists of three rows of webbing in the waist and leg loops to better distribute the pressure when you’re hanging. Four moulded gear loops provide plenty of racking space, and the silky-smooth buckle allows for easy donning and doffing.

BD’s small Bouldering Brush ticks all the right boxes. It’s got chalk-eliminating boars’ hair bristles, a tapered head to reach inside small pockets and cracks, and a vibrant coloured handle. Speaking of the handle, this brush features a slimmer shape ensuring it will fit on most chalk bags and bouldering buckets. It sounds like a minor detail, but with the massive handles on many of today’s brushes, it’s nice to know that this unit won’t require an oversized brush-holder to carry it.

Whether you’re bouldering, clipping bolts or plugging gear, you’re going to need chalk. And BD’s Black Gold Chalk is about as good as it gets. Consisting of 90% classic White Gold chalk and 10% Pure Gold (a concentrated version of the drying agent Upsalite), Black Gold delivers twice the absorption level compared to regular chalk. So, if you want to stop greasing off your project this season, grab a bag (or two) of the Black Gold.

For decades, liquid chalk has been a staple of the comp circuit or when climbers wanted their hands to remain dry during hard redpoints. Many liquid chalk formulas have emerged over the years, but none seem as effective as BD’s Liquid Black Gold Chalk. Just like the Black Gold powder chalk, this liquid version consists of 10% Upsalite, a powerful drying agent that delivers twice the moisture absorption of conventional chalk. Apply a coating as a base layer for your regular chalk and revel in the improved grip and the reduced need to re-dip.

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