An Introduction to Black Diamond

When adventure calls, you need gear that answers. For over 30 years, Black Diamond has crafted performance-driven outdoor equipment to power climbers, skiers, hikers and explorers all over the world. Whether you're sending your project at the crag, earning first tracks through fresh powder or wandering off-trail in search of alpine vistas, Black Diamond has the gear and apparel to help you move confidently through the vertical world.

Brand History: Climbing Roots and Mountain-Tested Toughness

Black Diamond got its start in the late 1950s manufacturing hammer-forged steel pitons for climbers venturing up the big walls of Yosemite. Founder Yvon Chouinard quickly gained recognition for the unmatched strength and reliability of his climbing gear, along with a commitment to environmentally responsible equipment production.

While pitons put Black Diamond on the map, it was their ground-breaking camming devices, the versatile Friends and Camalots, that revolutionised climbing protection in the 1970s and '80s. Through collaborations with innovative climbers like John Long, Black Diamond bolstered their reputation for trailblazing and trusted climbing equipment.

Over the following decades, Black Diamond carried this problem-solving, performance-first approach beyond rock and ice climbing into categories like backcountry and alpine skiing, mountaineering, ski touring and trail running. No matter the pursuit, their in-house design engineers incorporate elite user feedback and the latest materials science to create gear that maximises utility, durability and safety.

Today, Black Diamond brings this legacy of relentless innovation to their wide range of outdoor equipment, apparel and accessories. Trust that your Black Diamond gear will perform season after season, adventure after adventure.

Unrivaled Climbing and Ski Gear

Black Diamond Climbing Equipment: Elite Power for Any Rock Scene

From bouldering mats to cams to carabiners, Black Diamond climbing gear gives you the precision and safety for challenging sends and big wall pursuits. Their harnesses offer all-day comfort, while their ropes and pro absorb fall forces for confident climbing. When it comes to crack climbing, look no further than the Camalots and Stoppers for flexible, sandstone-to-granite protection. Plus, their Stone Duffel hauls all your gear to and from the crag in a bomber, tarp-lined design.

For gym crushers, newbies and hardcore rock rats alike, Black Diamond climbing equipment empowers climbers across disciplines. Count on innovative designs, rugged materials like steel and Dyneema, and inspiration from BD athlete climbers Tommy Caldwell, Lisa Rands and more elites.

Black Diamond Ski Gear: touring, resort and backcountry equipment

Whether you like riding chair lifts, breaking trail through the backcountry or a bit of both, Black Diamond ski equipment brings performance and versatility to every descent. Their award-winning lineup of alpine touring bindings offers reliable performance for resort skiing and high-alpine tours alike. Expand your side- and backcountry quiver with hard-charging yet lightweight skis built for everything from daily groomer laps to making first tracks down aPowder and Skin line pair perfectly with Z-Poles for balanced whoosh and glide up the skin track. And don’t forget key safety equipment like beacons, probes and shovels when you venture beyond the ropes.

For resort skiers, they also craft a line of performance twin-tip, all-mountain, powder and big-mountain skis to carve, float, slash and stomp terrain park kickers. Plus, Freestyle poles feature padded grips and innovative anti-shock Tip Dampeners to absorb vibrations. Trust Black Diamond ski gear to take your riding to the next level!

Rugged Mountain Gear for Hikers, Trekkers and Trail Runners

When you wander off the beaten track, Black Diamond gear comes through with innovative packs, trekking poles, protective equipment and light yet sturdy shelters.

Hit the trail running with Black Diamond’s Distance packs: these 15L running vest packs deliver bounce-free comfort loaded with hydration bladders, trekking poles, layers and nutrition for ultra distances. The ultra-breathable shell with Active suspension eliminates sweaty stabilised loads, while adjustable vest straps ensure a dialed-in fit mile after mile. Pack everything you need and nothing you don't with the Distance vest packs.

For trekking and peak-bagging missions, Black Diamond backpacks boast trailworthy features in stripped-down builds. Spotting the iconic BD dot guarantees mountain-tested durability from extended trips in the Himalayas and beyond. Rugged Summit packs offer streamlined designs perfect for moving fast and light on alpine adventures, with desired accessories like side zip panel access and hydration compatibility.

When stormy conditions move in, waterproof BD StormLine jackets, pants and pack covers shield you from soaking precipitation. And their bombershelter tents stand up to extreme wind and weather at basecamp and on exposed alpine ridges. Whether you’re traveling deep into the backcountry or tackling Everest, trust Black Diamond’s mountain-tested DNA will perform in even the harshest environments.

Essential Apparel and Outerwear for Outdoor Pursuits

Black Diamond Apparel: Durable Designs for Active Adventures

The demands of climbing, skiing and hiking require apparel up for the task, and Black Diamond delivers. Their lineup offers everything from base layers to belay parkas to quality layers designed for high output in harsh conditions.

When you’re racking gear at the cliff bottom or bootpacking up early-morning powder, the Dawn Patrol Hybrid Softshell combines DWR weather protection with light insulation for all-day comfort. The exclusive Schoeller softshell withstands abrasion on rock and ice while resisting wetness, and the Polartec Alpha insulation adapts warmth for high output activities.

The Black Diamond Vision Down Parka offers unmatched warmth for waiting out storms at frigid belays and bivvies. Stuffed with premium 800-fill hydrophobic down and shielded by a Pertex Quantum GL shell, this parka blocks wind and precipitation while retaining loft and compressing small in your pack. Adjustments like the 2-way zipper, three-point adjustable hood and low-profile cuffs seal out cold temps for the long haul.

And their cutting-edge BD.dry waterproof yet breathable technology shields against outside moisture while venting excess body heat. Find it applied to stretch-woven soft shell pants and jackets, weatherproof hardshell jackets and waterproof breathable laminates. BD.dry provides durable storm protection across aerobic pursuits.

No matter if you’re sending your project in the rain, earning first tracks before dawn or hiking exposed ridges all day, Black Diamond apparel and outerwear equips you for the demands of mountain adventure.

Essential Accessories from Headwear to Packs

Round out your Black Diamond kit with performance accessories, including:

• Helmets for climbing, mountaineering and skiing/riding
• Bright, durable and USB-rechargeable headlamps for alpine starts and night rappelling
• Sun-blocking gloves with durable leather palms
• Crushable wool, synthetic and blended hats to complete your layering system
• Streamlined packs like crag haulers, ski carriers and fast-and-light summit packs
• Neoprene climbing gear carriers to quickly pack ropes, slings and quickdraws
• Trekking poles designed for traction, shock absorption and easy storage
• Gaiters, helmet covers and pack covers for weather protection
• Belay specs, gear bags and more!

Whether you need durable Dyneema duffels to haul trad, sport or ice gear, rechargeable headlamps for 4am summit pushes or versatile packs for peak ascents, Black Diamond’s accessory lineup delivers. Explore their range of essential add-ons to upgrade your current outdoor setup.

Dial In Your System with Black Diamond Trail Running Equipment

Mixing fast-and-light ethos with uncompromising attention to detail and design, Black Diamond builds gear for peak performance on the most demanding mountain terrain. When the vertical gets steep, your equipment better be up to snuff; that’s where Black Diamond trail running gear enters the picture.

Sprint up steep singletrack or go the ultra distance with their Distance trail running vest: tons of accessible storage lets you carry layers, poles, nutrition and hydration for big miles. Front and lower side stretch mesh pockets suit soft flasks and larger bottles, while the breathable Active suspension hugs close and comfy through jumps and descents. Load up the Distance vest and feel the miles melt away beneath your feet.

The Distance Carbon Z trekking poles also accompany you stride-for-stride. Their lightweight 100% carbon fiber construction soaks up trails impacts and offers a responsive feel for bombing technical downhills or powering up steep climbs. The extended EVA grip and soft wrist sling keeps hands comfy even pushing long distances. And the quick-adjust lever lock ensures proper pole length for running efficiency on varied terrain. With ultralight Distance Carbon Z trekking poles in hand, you’ll float up singletrack and stay sure-footed on sketchy terrain.

When afternoon thunderstorms blast in with little warning, the super-packable StormLine stretch rain shell and pant combo shields all the way to the trailhead. Essential rain protection and breathability for those make-or-break miles. Layer the StormLine jacket and rain pants over trail runners and shorts for lightweight and packable precipitation protection.

Trust Black Diamond trail running equipment like Distance Vests, StormLine shells and Distance Carbon Z poles to keep up on your next mountain run or ultra distance pursuit!

Kids Gear: Raise the Next Generation of Outdoor Adventurers

Pass on that Black Diamond ethos by outfitting your kids with junior versions of classic adult designs scaled down in size and features. Start them off right with kid-specific harnesses, carabiners, starter trad racks and climbing shoes ideal for tiny crusher hands and secure footing. Amp up backyard adventures with pint-sized headlamps and packs built for all-day comfort. Then level up to ski gear like the Revolt youth skis: confidence-inspiring models with stable flex patterns, forgiving behaviour and vibrant top-sheets to progress skills season after season.

No matter their age or ability level, Black Diamond makes dialled gear and apparel so kids get hooked on climbing, skiing and mountain life from their earliest days on. Raise the next generation of outdoor leaders and lifetime BD fans!

The Right Fit: Black Diamond Gear Sizing

With Black Diamond’s online fit guidance and size charts, determine the ideal jacket length, helmet circumferences and more specifics tailored to their gear. Their climbing harnesses come in a range of unisex waist sizes beyond the standard S/M/L, so you find an exact fit to safely hold falls at the crag or big wall belays. For outerwear like hard-shells and insulated pieces, cut roomy enough to layer puffies or fleece underneath. And consider sizing up in items like belay parkas for going over all your other cold-weather layers.

Ultimately, fit will vary based on styles and intended uses. Black Diamond gear runs true to size while allowing room to layer clothes and accessories depending on the conditions and pursuit. Trust their decades of expertise outfitting climbers and adventurers to guide you towards properly fitting gear.

Standing Behind Their Legendary Gear

Black Diamond brings their unmatched legacy in technical outdoor equipment into every product design. Testing across four seasons in mountain proving grounds like the North Shore and Rocky Mountains ensures real-world performance and longevity carry on. In the unlikely event you experience defects in materials or craftsmanship, Black Diamond offers a limited lifetime warranty against manufacturer defects across all products. Simply return the item to Snow and Rock with original proof of purchase; they will repair or replace products found defective.

Of course, normal wear and tear from extended use and misuse is not covered. Use gear as intended, conduct routine care and inspection, and your Black Diamond equipment will provide years of reliable performance adventure after adventure.

Elevate Your Outdoor Pursuits with Black Diamond

Whether you’re honing granite crimping power, earning first tracks down deep powder stashes, or trekking off-grid to distant mountain ranges, gear up with Black Diamond. Harness their trusted legacy of innovation on big wall climbs and Himalayan expeditions across every carabiner, cam, ski, jacket and tent design. Experience the Black Diamond difference across your entire quiver.