CAMP

Overview

CAMP is an Italian manufacturer of climbing, mountaineering, and ski mountaineering equipment, founded in 1889. The company produces a wide range of hard goods including carabiners, ice axes, crampons, pitons, nuts, and tricams, with a focus on lightweight designs rooted in its alpine heritage. It maintains a niche position in the outdoor gear market, emphasizing functionality and in-house manufacturing in Premana, Italy.

History

Founded in 1889 by Nicola Codega, a blacksmith, in Premana, Italy, as a wrought-iron goods producer. Entered climbing equipment in 1920 with ice axes for the Italian army, later expanding to crampons, pitons, and nuts. Collaborated with mountaineer Riccardo Cassin and Greg Lowe to develop non-metallic gear; still family-owned by Codega descendants.

Product Lines

Manufacturing

Products are manufactured in-house at the company's facilities in Premana, Italy, preserving a 130-year heritage of metalworking. The family-owned operation handles design, prototyping, and production for most hard goods.

Notable Products

• Tricams - Pioneering spring-loaded camming nuts invented with Greg Lowe for crack protection.
• XLC 460 - Lightweight ice axe used in alpine climbing.
• USA Lightning Carbiner - Popular hot-forged carabiner for sport and trad climbing.
• Corsa Helmet - Ultralight ski mountaineering helmet.
• Nanix Crampons - Compact, lightweight crampons for ski touring.

Reputation

CAMP is respected among climbers and mountaineers for durable, lightweight gear with strong Italian alpine heritage and reliable performance in technical terrain. Professionals value its in-house manufacturing and innovation in hard goods like tricams and ice tools. Some note limited availability outside Europe and a smaller apparel line compared to larger competitors.