Black Diamond
Black Diamond has been synonymous with rock climbing for more than 30 years, and over 50 years when including its roots as Chouinard Equipment. The brand is embedded in climbing history and remains one of the most influential manufacturers of climbing hardware, helmets, and harnesses worldwide.
The Climbing Shop's Black Diamond Gear
Climbing Hardware - Camalots, Stoppers, Carabiners & Belay Devices
Black Diamond climbing hardware has long set the benchmark for reliability and performance. The ATC Guide is our best-selling belay device and remains a go-to choice for climbers across trad, sport, and alpine disciplines.
The C4 Camalot was, for decades, the defining spring-loaded camming device. Its design became the industry standard, only seeing true competition once its patent expired and other brands began producing similar models. Black Diamond Stoppers have also been a staple on climbers’ racks for generations, trusted for their simplicity and effectiveness.
Climbing Helmets
The Half Dome is a robust, no-nonsense climbing helmet and consistently one of the most affordable options in our range. It fits a wide variety of head shapes and is built to withstand long-term use and abuse.
At the other end of the spectrum, the Vapor is Black Diamond’s lightweight, top-of-the-range helmet, designed for climbers seeking minimal weight without sacrificing protection.
Climbing | Mountaineering Harnesses
From the entry-level Momentum to the big-wall-ready Big Gun, Black Diamond produces climbing harnesses suited to everything from gym sessions to alpine objectives. Fit, comfort, and durability remain central to their harness design philosophy.
Black Diamonds History
Early Years
Black Diamond was founded in 1957 by Yvon Chouinard, an American rock climber and environmentalist. Originally known as Chouinard Equipment, the company focused on producing reusable climbing hardware and quickly earned a reputation for durable, reliable gear, including pitons, carabiners, and protection used throughout the 1960s and 1970s.
Evolution and Transition
In the late 1980s, growing awareness of the environmental damage caused by pitons led Chouinard to cease their production. The company shifted toward removable protection such as nuts and chocks, helping redefine ethical climbing practices.
In 1989, the company became Black Diamond Equipment, expanding beyond climbing hardware into skiing and broader outdoor equipment.
Expansion and Innovation
Black Diamond continued to innovate with landmark products such as the Camalot, which transformed trad climbing protection. The brand also expanded into headlamps, trekking poles, ski equipment, and technical apparel, reinforcing its position as a leader in the outdoor industry.
Present Day
Today, Black Diamond remains committed to producing high-quality, performance-driven gear for climbers, mountaineers, skiers, and outdoor professionals. Environmental responsibility and ethical manufacturing continue to be core principles, reflecting the brand’s long-standing connection between climbing, innovation, and conservation.
