Let’s Dive into C.A.M.P. Photon Carabiner
The C.A.M.P. Photon Carabiner is marketed as the world’s lightest keylocking carabiner, a bold claim that immediately piqued my interest. C.A.M.P. has a reputation for innovative climbing gear, and the Photon seemed like a perfect addition to my alpine kit, promising to shave crucial ounces without sacrificing safety or functionality.
I was searching for a lighter alternative to my standard carabiners for multi-pitch climbs. Every gram counts when you’re hauling gear up a long route. The promise of a full-size carabiner at such a low weight was too good to ignore.
The C.A.M.P. Photon Carabiner arrives in simple packaging, a testament to its no-frills approach. My first impression was disbelief; it felt almost weightless in my hand. The build quality appeared solid, the anodized finish smooth, and the keylock gate closure seemed well-engineered.
Compared to my Black Diamond Neutrino carabiners and Petzl Ange L carabiners, the Photon was noticeably lighter. I chose it primarily for its weight savings and keylock design, which I find superior to wire gates for preventing snagging. My initial excitement was high, tempered only by a slight concern about long-term durability given the minimal weight.
Real-World Testing: Putting C.A.M.P. Photon Carabiner to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the C.A.M.P. Photon Carabiner on a multi-pitch sport climb in the Shawangunk Mountains of New York. The conditions were dry, with temperatures in the mid-60s. I used it as both a rope-end carabiner for clipping bolts and on my personal gear rack.
The Photon performed admirably. Its large gate opening made clipping easy, even in slightly awkward positions. The keylock closure worked flawlessly, preventing any frustrating snags on bolt hangers. There were no immediate issues, and the weight savings were noticeable over the course of the climb.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the C.A.M.P. Photon Carabiner has held up surprisingly well. The anodized finish shows some minor scratches from contact with rock, but the gate still operates smoothly and the keylock mechanism remains reliable. I have used it in a variety of environments, including wet and dusty conditions, without any significant degradation in performance.
There are no signs of structural weakness or deformation despite regular use. Cleaning the carabiner is simple; a quick rinse with water and a scrub with a soft brush are usually sufficient. Compared to heavier carabiners I’ve used in the past, the Photon has exceeded my expectations in terms of durability and performance for its weight class.
Breaking Down the Features of C.A.M.P. Photon Carabiner
Specifications
The C.A.M.P. Photon Carabiner boasts impressive specifications for its weight:
- Material: 7075 Aluminum: This alloy provides a high strength-to-weight ratio.
- Weight: 1.3 oz (37g): This is what makes it the world’s lightest keylocking carabiner.
- Carabiner Type: Non-Locking Biner: Designed for quick draws and racking.
- Gate Type: Bent Gate: Optimized for clipping the rope.
- Open Strength: 9 kN: The open gate strength is less than standard, but still acceptable for most climbing applications.
- Carabiner Size: Compact: A balance between weight savings and ease of use.
These specifications are critical because they demonstrate C.A.M.P.’s commitment to minimizing weight without compromising essential safety factors. The 7075 aluminum ensures adequate strength for climbing, while the bent gate and keylock design improve functionality.
Performance & Functionality
The C.A.M.P. Photon Carabiner performs its intended function extremely well. Clipping the rope is smooth and efficient thanks to the bent gate. The keylock nose prevents snagging on bolt hangers and gear loops, a common frustration with non-keylock carabiners.
The Photon’s strengths are its weight and ease of use. One potential weakness is its lower open gate strength compared to some other carabiners. The Photon meets my expectations for a lightweight carabiner designed for sport climbing and alpine use.
Design & Ergonomics
The C.A.M.P. Photon Carabiner’s design is minimalist and functional. The light weight and smooth finish make it comfortable to handle. There is a slight learning curve in terms of trusting such a lightweight carabiner with your life.
The build quality seems high, although the minimal material raises concerns about long-term abuse. The carabiner is user-friendly, with an intuitive gate mechanism.
Durability & Maintenance
The C.A.M.P. Photon Carabiner’s durability seems acceptable given its weight. Regular inspection for wear and tear is essential. Cleaning is straightforward, requiring only water and a brush.
I anticipate the carabiner will last for several years with proper care and maintenance, though it may not withstand the same level of abuse as a heavier, more robust carabiner.
Accessories and Customization Options
The C.A.M.P. Photon Carabiner is primarily designed to be used as part of a quickdraw or gear rack and doesn’t lend itself to significant customization. It’s compatible with standard quickdraw slings and alpine draws. There are no specific accessories designed exclusively for the Photon.
Pros and Cons of C.A.M.P. Photon Carabiner
Pros
- Incredibly Lightweight: Significantly reduces weight on your rack, especially useful on long climbs.
- Keylock Design: Eliminates snagging on bolt hangers and gear loops.
- Large Gate Opening: Makes clipping easy and efficient.
- Durable Anodized Finish: Resists corrosion and wear.
- Smooth Gate Action: Provides reliable and consistent performance.
Cons
- Lower Open Gate Strength: Requires careful consideration of loading scenarios.
- Minimal Material: May not be as durable as heavier carabiners in extreme conditions.
Who Should Buy C.A.M.P. Photon Carabiner?
The C.A.M.P. Photon Carabiner is perfect for: Sport climbers, alpine climbers, and anyone seeking to minimize weight on their gear rack. It’s also a good choice for mountaineers and long-distance hikers who want lightweight gear for crevasse rescue systems.
Who should skip this product? Climbers who prioritize ultimate durability over weight savings, or those who frequently encounter very harsh conditions. A must-have modification would be to use them in pairs on quickdraws to compensate for the lower open gate strength in certain scenarios.
Conclusion on C.A.M.P. Photon Carabiner
The C.A.M.P. Photon Carabiner is a remarkable piece of climbing gear, achieving an impressive balance between weight savings and functionality. Its keylock design and large gate opening make it a joy to use, while its light weight can significantly reduce fatigue on long climbs. The price is justified considering the innovation and performance it delivers.
I would definitely recommend it to any climber looking to lighten their load without sacrificing essential features. The C.A.M.P. Photon Carabiner has earned a permanent place on my gear rack, and I encourage you to experience the difference it can make on your next climb. So, go ahead and grab a few, and experience the freedom of climbing lighter!