Black Diamond Climbing Gear

Black Diamond is a brand that has been synonymous with rock climbing for more than 30 years (more than 50 if you add the years of Chouinard Equipment).

The Climbing Shop's Black Diamond Gear

Climbing Hardware - Camalots, Stoppers, Carabiners & Belay Devices

Our best selling belay device is the ATC Guide, it is the go to belay device for a lot of rock climbers.  The C4 Camalot for decades was the only spring loaded camming device to own and it's has only received competition in the last decade because the patent had ended and many other brands copied the C4's design.  Stoppers have been a staple on a lot of climbers racks years.

Climbing Helmets

 The Half Dome is a great basic helmet and always is one of the cheapest helmets in our range.  This helmet fits most heads and is robust and can handle some serious abuse.  The Vapor is an super lightweight and awesome looking helmet and is Black Diamonds to of the range helmet.

Climbing | Mountaineering Harnesses

From the Momentum to the Big Gun and everything in between, Black Diamond will have a harness that suits your needs.

Black Diamonds History

Early Years: Black Diamond Equipment was founded in 1957 by Yvon Chouinard, an American rock climber, environmentalist, and outdoor industry entrepreneur. Originally, the company was called Chouinard Equipment and was primarily focused on producing reusable climbing hardware.

The company gained a reputation for manufacturing durable and reliable climbing gear, such as pitons (metal spikes used in climbing), carabiners, and other equipment essential for climbers. Chouinard Equipment became a prominent supplier in the climbing community during the 1960s and 1970s.

Evolution and Transition: In the late 1980s, the company faced challenges due to the environmental impact of piton usage, as they caused damage to rock faces. Yvon Chouinard decided to cease the production of pitons and shifted focus towards creating removable and less damaging climbing protection, such as chocks and nuts.

In 1989, the company rebranded itself as Black Diamond Equipment, expanding its product range to include not only climbing gear but also skiing and outdoor equipment. The company aimed to offer a comprehensive range of products for outdoor enthusiasts and athletes.

Expansion and Innovations: Black Diamond Equipment continued to grow and innovate in the outdoor gear industry. They introduced innovative designs, such as the Camalot, a type of spring-loaded camming device used in climbing for secure placements. The Camalot became a widely popular piece of climbing gear.

The company also ventured into manufacturing headlamps, trekking poles, ski gear, and other outdoor accessories, further solidifying its position as a leading brand in the outdoor industry.

Present Day: Over the years, Black Diamond Equipment has continued to expand its product line, focusing on high-quality, durable, and innovative gear for climbers, skiers, mountaineers, and outdoor adventurers.

Black Diamond remains committed to environmental sustainability and responsible manufacturing practices. They continue to emphasize the importance of environmental conservation and ethical business practices within the outdoor industry.

As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, Black Diamond Equipment remained a prominent and respected brand in the outdoor gear market, known for its commitment to quality and innovation in producing gear for outdoor enthusiasts.