How do Tricams compare to Cams: Tricam Conversion Table

For climbers building a trad rack, tricams occupy a unique and often misunderstood space. Tricams can be used passively and actively. Their simple design—an asymmetrical aluminum head attached to webbing—allows them to function in two distinct modes. A third mode for the Camp Evo Tricam. One of the question climbers have is: How do tricams compare to cams in size? That’s where the Tricam conversion table becomes invaluable.

 

 

What makes tricams different?

Unlike cams, tricams have no moving parts. In passive mode, they behave like a nut, slotted into constrictions. In active mode, the pointed fulcrum bites into the rock as the load rotates the piece, creating camming force. This makes tricams especially effective in pockets, awkward or narrow cracks, pods, placed either horizontal or vertical, icy cracks, and sometimes where nothing else goes.

They are also lighter and often less expensive than cams, making them attractive when weight matters.

 

Tricam Conversion Table

Most climbers organise their racks around cam sizes. So, when considering tricams, it helps to understand which cam sizes they overlap with. A tricam conversion table shows the approximate crack width range each tricam covers and compares it to equivalent cam sizes.

 

 

However, tricams often cover slightly narrower minimum widths than equivalent cams. This is important because in flaring cracks or pods, a tricam might fit where a cam either overcams or simply doesn’t seat well.

 

Final thoughts

I hope the tricam conversion table gives you a better understanding of the cam size equivelant.  I find this especially important when going winter climbing, where I may leave my cams at home, because I know the cracks will have ice in them.  And we all know ice and cams don’t go well together.

 

If you are unsure what a Tricam is, or how to use it, why not join us on our Tricam workshop, see link below:

Tricam workshop