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In a sport where trust in your equipment can mean the difference between a successful ascent and a life-threatening fall, climbers choose their gear with painstaking care. That’s where Metolius Climbing, a U.S.-based gear manufacturer, has earned its place—not through marketing flash, but through decades of technical reliability and rigorous innovation.
Founded in the 1980s by a group of climbers near Smith Rock, Oregon, Metolius has become a staple in the gear closets of serious climbers across the U.S. and beyond. Known for its precise manufacturing and strong ethos around climber safety, the brand has built a reputation for durable, thoughtfully designed products that serve sport, trad, and bouldering climbers alike
Ultralight Master Cams
Among the most admired pieces in Metolius’ gear lineup are the Ultralight Master Cams—a redesign of their popular spring-loaded camming devices (SLCDs). These cams are used in traditional climbing to secure ropes to rock faces by inserting them into cracks and fissures.
What distinguishes the Ultralight series is its streamlined construction. Each unit uses CNC-machined lobes, color-coded anodized finishes, and a direct-stem single-axle system that reduces overall weight by up to 20% compared to earlier models. The ergonomic thumb loop and flexible stem help maintain placement security on awkward terrain while reducing “walking,” a common hazard where cams shift out of position.
Metolius also includes built-in range indicators and cam stops that aid in evaluating correct placement. These small but crucial features increase both user-friendliness and safety—especially for less experienced climbers operating in high-consequence settings.
Simulator 3D Training Board
Training is as critical to climbing as the equipment itself, and the Simulator 3D Training Board has long been a favorite for indoor training. Originally released in the late ’90s and regularly updated, this hangboard is notable for its ergonomic design and progressive hold layout.
Crafted with an arcing shape that reduces strain on the shoulders and elbows, the board features a range of grips—from deep jugs and slopers to narrow crimps—enabling users to build grip strength and finger endurance without unnecessary joint stress. Its popularity is driven by the balance between accessibility for new climbers and the intensity it offers elite athletes preparing for advanced routes or bouldering problems.
Industry Perspective: Reliability Born of Experience
“I’ve been climbing for over 25 years, and I don’t carry anything I don’t trust,” says Tom H., a mountain guide based in Colorado who regularly leads trad climbs in Eldorado Canyon and the Tetons. “The Ultralight Master Cams are some of the most dependable pieces on my rack.”
Tom points to Metolius’ history of in-house engineering and testing standards, which go beyond basic industry compliance. “They’ve always been ahead of the curve when it comes to build quality. You can feel the difference when you place a Metolius cam—there’s no rattle, no looseness, just that solid bite that tells you it’s holding.”
For him, weight savings without compromising durability is a game-changer. “When you’re 800 feet off the deck, ounces matter. But so does peace of mind. Metolius somehow nailed both.”
Regarding the Simulator 3D, Tom says it remains a mainstay in his training setup. “The texture holds up for years, and the grip selection means I can simulate almost any crux I’ll face on a granite pitch. For indoor training, it’s as close to outdoor prep as you can get.”
Safety and Sustainability in Focus
Metolius has long emphasized rigorous testing in both development and production. According to company statements, each cam undergoes individual proof testing to verify strength ratings, and components are manufactured at their Oregon facility to maintain strict quality control.
While Metolius hasn’t made sustainability a central marketing point, the durability of their gear indirectly supports environmentally conscious practices. Longer-lasting gear reduces landfill waste and manufacturing demand—key factors for climbers who value Leave No Trace ethics both on the wall and in their consumer choices.
Final Thoughts: Trust Forged in Rock
Metolius Climbing doesn’t chase trends—it sets standards. In a time when some gear brands are experimenting with flashy add-ons or unnecessary tech integration, Metolius has remained focused on the core elements climbers actually need: strength, precision, and long-term reliability.
For veteran climbers, that trust is earned, not advertised. And in the words of Tom H., “When the route gets serious, you want your gear to be the quiet constant—the thing you don’t have to worry about. That’s what Metolius delivers.”
