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CAMP Tricam Review

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CAMP Tricam Review (CAMP Tricam)
CAMP Tricam
Credit: camp-usa.com
Price:  $25 List
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Manufacturer:   CAMP
By Chris McNamara ⋅ Founder and Editor-in-Chief  ⋅  Apr 16, 2010
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OVERALL
SCORE
  • Flared cracks - 15% 5.0
  • Horizontal Cracks - 10% 7.0
  • Tight placements - 15% 7.0
  • Walking - 15% 4.0
  • Durability - 15% 10.0
  • Aid Climbing - 5% 6.0
  • Free Climbing - 10% 6.0
  • compactness_lightweight - 15% 8.0

Our Verdict

The CAMP Tricam offers protection in shallow pocketed placements. Occasionally that happens in granite but usually it occurs in limestone or other pocketed rock.
REASONS TO BUY
Simple
Fun to place
Inexpensive
Great in pockets
REASONS TO AVOID
Limited applications
Walk easily unless placed in tight spots
In which case they are tricky to clean
Tricams used to be more popular but they still have a strong, if not cult-like, following. I don't consider them mandatory for any Yosemite or sandstone routes, but climbers in more pocketed areas often swear by them. That said, usually a climbing cam with a flexible stem and narrow head will work in a Tricam placement. (Check out our Best Climbing Cams Review for a complete breakdown of the cams we tested).

Our Analysis and Test Results

Likes


Most of all, Tricams are just plain fun to place due to three things:
  • it can be hard to find a good placement
  • sometimes they work when it seems nothing else will
  • there is something cool about their simplicity (like a hex)
In pocketed areas they can sometimes be the most bomber piece. They are durable and relatively cheap compared to a cam.

Dislikes


You really have to be careful about Tricams walking. Sling them well and then still be careful about them moving about. In addition, they can be tricky to clean, especially when they are placed in a bomber and tight placement. Considering their relatively infrequent use in Yosemite, I am always surprised how many fixed ones I see on big walls. That could be because many people use a hammer with them! That's a big No No.

Best Application


Tricams are ideal in pocketed areas or areas with horizontals. Gunks climbers swear by them.

Value


When compared to a cam, they are a pretty good deal. However, when thought of as a specialty piece that will not be used much compared to a cam, they are a bit of an extra.

Other Version


CAMP Dyneema Tricam
camp tricam - camp dyneema tricam
CAMP Dyneema Tricam
Credit: camp-usa.com
  • Cost - $90 for a set of 4
  • The dyneema slings are the major difference
  • Anodized to color coordinate with the slings

— Chris McNamara
 
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