Let’s Dive into C.A.M.P. Photon Wiregate Carabiner
The C.A.M.P. Photon Wiregate Carabiner is not just another piece of metal; it’s a gateway to the vertical world, promising lightness and strength in a deceptively small package. C.A.M.P. aims to deliver a full-size carabiner experience while keeping weight to an absolute minimum. Boasting a large gate opening and wiregate design, the Photon Wiregate Carabiner aims to be the ultimate all-arounder for climbers from weekend warriors to seasoned alpinists.
After years of lugging around heavier, bulkier carabiners on long trad routes and ice climbs, I was on a quest for something lighter without sacrificing usability. I was tired of feeling weighed down by unnecessary ounces. The promise of a full-size carabiner experience in such a lightweight package drew me to the C.A.M.P. Photon Wiregate Carabiner.
Upon unboxing (or, more accurately, unwrapping, since carabiners don’t come in fancy boxes), I was immediately struck by the Photon Wiregate Carabiner‘s size and lightness. The smooth, anodized finish felt good in my hand, and the wiregate snapped open and closed with a satisfying click. The build quality seemed solid, giving me confidence it could withstand the rigors of climbing.
Compared to my older Black Diamond Neutrino wiregates and Petzl Ange Finesse carabiners, the C.A.M.P. Photon Wiregate Carabiner felt noticeably larger and sturdier than the Ange, while being comparable in weight to the Neutrino. I chose the Photon Wiregate Carabiner because of the reported ease of clipping and the large gate opening, which I hoped would make it easier to use with gloves. The combination of size, weight, and gate opening made it a prime candidate.
My first impression was excitement mixed with a healthy dose of skepticism. Could something so light truly be as strong and durable as claimed? Only time and testing would tell.
Real-World Testing: Putting C.A.M.P. Photon Wiregate Carabiner to the Test
First Use Experience
My first real-world test for the C.A.M.P. Photon Wiregate Carabiner came during a weekend of trad climbing at the New River Gorge in West Virginia. I used them primarily for racking gear on my harness and clipping protection on the sharp end. The conditions were typical for the Gorge: humid, with occasional rain showers and plenty of grit.
The Photon Wiregate Carabiner performed admirably in these conditions. The large gate opening made clipping ropes and webbing much easier, even with slightly damp hands. I immediately noticed the smoothness of the wiregate action, which allowed for quick and efficient clipping and unclipping.
Initially, I noticed that the wiregate, while smooth, felt a little stiffer than some of my other wiregates. However, after a few routes, I adapted and appreciated the more positive feel. No real issues arose during the first use, besides getting used to the spring tension of the gate.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, including multiple trad climbing trips, ice climbing outings, and general mountaineering adventures, the C.A.M.P. Photon Wiregate Carabiner has held up remarkably well. While the anodized finish shows some minor scratches and scuffs from rubbing against rock, the carabiner’s structural integrity remains intact. The gate still snaps closed securely, and there’s no sign of deformation or weakening.
The Photon Wiregate Carabiner has proven to be incredibly durable. I’ve subjected them to considerable abuse, including accidental drops, scraping against granite, and exposure to ice and snow. The aluminum alloy construction seems to resist wear and tear effectively.
Maintenance has been minimal. After particularly dirty climbs, I simply rinse the carabiners with water and allow them to air dry. A drop of lubricant on the gate hinge occasionally keeps things moving smoothly. They are very easy to maintain.
Compared to my previous experience with heavier, more traditional carabiners, the C.A.M.P. Photon Wiregate Carabiner offers a significant improvement in terms of weight and ease of use. The weight savings make a noticeable difference on long climbs, reducing fatigue and improving overall efficiency. I can confidently say they outperform my older, heavier options.
Breaking Down the Features of C.A.M.P. Photon Wiregate Carabiner
Specifications
The C.A.M.P. Photon Wiregate Carabiner boasts impressive specifications considering its low weight. It is constructed from 7075 Aluminum, a high-strength alloy known for its durability. It weighs in at a mere 1.1 oz (31g), making it one of the lightest full-size carabiners on the market.
The Photon Wiregate Carabiner is classified as a “Standard” size carabiner with a wire gate. The open gate strength is rated at 9 kN, providing a decent amount of strength when the gate is open. These specifications matter because they directly impact the carabiner’s performance and suitability for different climbing applications.
Performance & Functionality
The C.A.M.P. Photon Wiregate Carabiner excels at its primary job: securely connecting ropes and gear. The large gate opening makes clipping and unclipping easy, even with gloves. Its light weight reduces overall gear weight, which is crucial for long climbs and mountaineering.
The Photon Wiregate Carabiner‘s strength lies in its lightweight design and smooth gate action. The only real weakness is the open gate strength, which is lower than some heavier carabiners. It meets my expectations for a lightweight, all-around carabiner and generally exceeds them.
Design & Ergonomics
The Photon Wiregate Carabiner features a clean, functional design. Its shape is optimized for ease of handling and clipping. The anodized aluminum provides a comfortable grip, even when wet.
The wiregate design is inherently user-friendly, requiring minimal effort to open and close. The large gate opening further enhances usability. There is almost no learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The C.A.M.P. Photon Wiregate Carabiner is constructed from durable materials and built to withstand the rigors of climbing. With proper care and maintenance, it should last for many years. Regular cleaning and occasional lubrication are all that’s needed to keep it in top condition.
Maintenance is simple; rinse the carabiner with water, allow it to dry, and occasionally lubricate the gate hinge. The Photon Wiregate Carabiner is also straightforward to inspect for any signs of wear or damage.
Accessories and Customization Options
The C.A.M.P. Photon Wiregate Carabiner is a standalone product and does not come with any specific accessories. However, its standard size and design make it compatible with a wide range of climbing gear and accessories from other brands. This includes rope protectors, quickdraws, and gear slings.
There are no specific “customization” options for the Photon Wiregate Carabiner itself, but its compatibility with other climbing gear allows climbers to create customized racking systems and quickdraw setups.
Pros and Cons of C.A.M.P. Photon Wiregate Carabiner
Pros
- Extremely Lightweight: Reduces overall gear weight, improving efficiency and reducing fatigue.
- Large Gate Opening: Makes clipping and unclipping ropes and gear easy, even with gloves.
- Smooth Gate Action: Provides quick and efficient clipping and unclipping.
- Durable Construction: Made from high-strength 7075 Aluminum for long-lasting performance.
- Versatile: Suitable for a wide range of climbing applications, from trad climbing to mountaineering.
Cons
- Open Gate Strength: 9 kN is lower than some heavier carabiners, limiting its use in situations where high open gate strength is critical.
- Wiregate Stiffness: The wiregate can feel slightly stiffer than some other wiregates, which might take some getting used to.
Who Should Buy C.A.M.P. Photon Wiregate Carabiner?
The C.A.M.P. Photon Wiregate Carabiner is perfect for climbers, alpinists, and mountaineers who prioritize weight savings without sacrificing usability. It is ideal for trad climbers racking a lot of gear, ice climbers looking to reduce weight on their harness, and anyone venturing into the backcountry where every ounce counts.
Beginners might find the stiffer wiregate slightly more challenging to use initially, but the benefits of its lightweight design and large gate opening will quickly outweigh any initial learning curve. Those requiring the highest possible open gate strength should consider a heavier, more robust carabiner.
A must-have modification is a set of brightly colored rubber carabiner positioners (biner savers) to help keep the carabiner oriented correctly on the rope.
Conclusion on C.A.M.P. Photon Wiregate Carabiner
The C.A.M.P. Photon Wiregate Carabiner delivers on its promise of providing a lightweight, full-size carabiner experience. Its combination of light weight, large gate opening, and smooth gate action makes it a valuable addition to any climber’s gear rack. The price of $7.16 is incredibly justified for the performance and weight savings it offers.
I would wholeheartedly recommend the C.A.M.P. Photon Wiregate Carabiner to anyone looking to lighten their load without sacrificing functionality. Whether you’re a seasoned alpinist or a weekend warrior, this carabiner will help you climb faster, more efficiently, and with greater enjoyment.
Ditch the heavy metal and embrace the lightness of the C.A.M.P. Photon Wiregate Carabiner. Your arms (and your climbing partners) will thank you.