Some pieces of climbing gear earn their reputation by doing things a little differently. The Totem Cam is one of them. Designed in Spain, this innovative camming device combines a narrow head, flexible stem, and patented Direct Loading system to offer placement options that conventional cams simply don't provide.
The standout feature is the Direct Loading system. Unlike a traditional cam, the Totem can be loaded directly through its individual lobes in specific configurations, allowing it to be used on just two lobes when placed exactly as described in the manufacturer's instructions. This gives experienced climbers additional options in certain shallow, irregular, or otherwise challenging placements. It's a remarkable design feature, but one that requires a thorough understanding of the manufacturer's placement and loading guidelines.
The Totem's four independently moving lobes also help it adapt to less-than-perfect rock features. Its narrow head makes smaller placements easier to negotiate, while a flexible double stem and strong springs help keep the cam positioned where you place it and reduce unwanted walking. The result is a cam that's particularly useful when the rock doesn't offer the textbook parallel-sided crack.
With a generous 1.64:1 expansion ratio, color-coded sizes, and a design that's easy to handle even with gloves, the Totem is an excellent addition to a traditional climbing rack. Whether you're building a complete rack or adding a few specialized pieces for tricky placements, this is protection worth getting to know.
Features
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Patented Direct Loading system: Allows the cam to be loaded directly through its lobes in specific configurations, including approved two-lobe placements
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Four independently moving lobes: Help the cam conform to irregular rock features
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Narrow head design: Particularly useful for smaller and tighter placements
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Flexible double stem: Helps reduce walking and accommodates varied placement angles
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Strong springs: Help keep the cam in position after placement
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1.64:1 expansion ratio: Provides a useful range of placement sizes
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Easy handling: Designed for smooth operation, including when wearing gloves
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Color-coded sizing: Makes identifying the right cam on your rack straightforward
Technical Specifications
| Size |
Color |
Placement Range |
Strength |
Weight |
| 0.50 |
Black |
11.7–18.9 mm |
6 kN |
69 g |
| 0.65 |
Blue |
13.8–22.5 mm |
8 kN |
75 g |
| 0.80 |
Yellow |
17–27.7 mm |
9 kN |
83 g |
| 1.00 |
Purple |
20.9–34.2 mm |
10 kN |
95 g |
| 1.25 |
Green |
25.7–42.3 mm |
13 kN |
109 g |
| 1.50 |
Red |
31.6–52.2 mm |
13 kN |
132 g |
| 1.80 |
Orange |
39.7–64.2 mm |
13 kN |
144 g |
Important Safety Information
The Totem Cam is specialized life-safety equipment. Its Direct Loading and two-lobe capabilities are not permission to use the cam in arbitrary configurations. Two-lobe loading is appropriate only in the specific orientations and placements described in the manufacturer's instructions. Always inspect placements carefully, understand the limitations of the equipment, and read the complete instructions before use. The Totem Cam has no passive protection capability.
