Black Diamond

From portaledge parties to ski dawn patrols Black Diamond (BD) has you covered with innovative and award-winning products and designs. With a deep and rich climbing history founded in Yosemite by the Legendary figure Yvon Chouinard, BD has expanded its product offering to include almost the entire range of mountaineering products you could desire, from the gold standard of camming devices to cutting-edge ice tools. Black Diamond offers consumers a full range of apparel, tools and accessories across all climbing disciplines. Their innovative approach has kept pushing the development of products including headlamps, packs, shoes, ropes, rock protection, avalanche safety gear, helmets and harnesses. They offer the most complete range of products by any manufacturer today and have maintained a safety standard that climbers have come to trust. 

Black Diamond Equipment has a history dating back to the late 1950s when renowned climber Yvon Chouinard commenced producing hand-forging pitons, which he famously sold from his car's trunk in Yosemite Valley. Recognized for their exceptional quality, Chouinard's pitons led to the inception of Chouinard Equipment in Ventura, California.

However, in the early months of 1989, facing product-liability lawsuits and ongoing financial challenges, Yvon Chouinard filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. A new era began on December 1, 1989, when a group of former company employees, spearheaded by Peter Metcalf (CEO), along with external investors, acquired the assets of Chouinard Equipment Ltd., giving birth to Black Diamond. The company grew in strength and reputation until it relocated its operations and 45 employees from Ventura, California, to the Salt Lake City, Utah area in September 1991 to take advantage of the climbing and skiing opportunities in the Wasatch Mountains.

The company expanded its global footprint in 1996 with the establishment of Black Diamond Equipment Europe in Reinach, Switzerland. In 2006, Black Diamond Equipment Asia was founded in Zhuhai, China, serving as both a secondary manufacturing facility and a global distribution center.  Today BD is recognized as one of the largest brands in the climbing and skiing industry and services the needs of skiers and climbers worldwide.

Black Diamond Equipment's reputation and credibility are built on several key factors. BD has a long-established heritage and commitment to innovation and safety. This can be seen in the development of cams throughout the years with many game-changing iterations being launched. Black Diamond places a strong emphasis on the quality and safety of its products. Climbing and outdoor gear must meet strict safety standards, and Black Diamond is known for producing high-quality, reliable equipment that users can trust in challenging and potentially life-threatening situations. BD also often designs and manufactures its products in-house. This level of control over the production process allows for greater quality assurance and innovation.

BD is committed to minimizing its environmental impact and promoting sustainability. This aligns with the values of many outdoor enthusiasts who are increasingly concerned about the environment. Black Diamond's efforts to reduce waste, conserve resources, and make environmentally responsible choices in product design and manufacturing demonstrate its environmental focus. BD also actively engages with and supports the outdoor community and supporting athletes. This includes advocating for access to climbing areas and outdoor spaces, as well as participating in and sponsoring events and initiatives that promote outdoor activities. Black Diamond has expanded its reach by establishing operations in various regions, such as Europe and Asia, making its products more widely available to outdoor enthusiasts around the world.