Brand

Black Diamond

Every Black Diamond product we've reviewed. Specs read honestly, tradeoffs named, and a clear verdict for each.

6 reviews published.

REVIEW

Black Diamond Mojo Zip Chalk Bag Review: Classic Cylinder With Zippered Stash

The Black Diamond Mojo Zip is a straightforward cylinder-style chalk bag built for climbers who want a zippered pocket for keys or a phone without sacrificing the classic pliable-rim design. At approximately $29 MSRP, it sits in the mid-range for chalk bags, offering TPU abrasion-resistant reinforcement on the lower, a fleece-lined interior, and a brush holder—features that address the core needs of gym and sport climbers who carry small essentials on route. The tradeoff: the zippered pocket adds a few grams and a bit of bulk compared to minimalist bags, and the Medium/Large sizing may feel oversized for climbers with smaller hands or those who prefer a snug, compact profile.

SpringSummerFall

7.8/10

REVIEW

BLACK DIAMOND Momentum Harness Package Review: Complete Starter Kit for Gym and Crag

The BLACK DIAMOND Momentum Harness Package bundles a beginner-friendly climbing harness with an ATC-XP belay device, RockLock screwgate carabiner, Mojo chalk bag, and White Gold chalk—a complete starter kit for climbers building their first rack. The Momentum harness uses Dual Core Construction (a foam-webbing sandwich) for balanced comfort at a mid-range price, trading the minimalism of alpine harnesses for all-day wearability at the gym or sport crag. Recreational climbers prioritizing comfort and convenience over weight will find this package eliminates decision fatigue; weight-conscious alpinists and trad leaders needing more gear loops should look elsewhere.

SpringSummerFall

7.8/10

REVIEW

Black Diamond Half Dome Climbing Helmet Review

The Black Diamond Half Dome is a budget-friendly, all-around climbing helmet that prioritizes proven impact protection and ventilation over weight savings. At approximately $70 MSRP, it's an accessible entry point for gym climbers transitioning outdoors, multi-pitch trad climbers who value durability, and guides outfitting clients. The tradeoff: you carry roughly 350–370 g (manufacturer spec varies by size, verify before purchase) compared to ultralight foam models in the 200–250 g range, but you gain a robust ABS shell, generous ventilation, and a suspension system that's easy to dial in for all-day comfort.

SpringSummerFall

8.0/10

REVIEW

Black Diamond Storm 500-R Rechargeable Headlamp Review

The Black Diamond Storm 500-R delivers 500 lumens from a rechargeable 2400 mAh lithium-ion battery in a waterproof housing that balances power with multi-day runtime. This is for backpackers, alpinists, and trail runners who need reliable high-output illumination without carrying spare batteries, accepting the tradeoff of slightly more weight (approximately 110 g with battery, manufacturer spec) compared to ultralight AAA models in exchange for USB convenience and consistent brightness across the discharge curve.

SpringSummerFallWinter

7.5/10

REVIEW

Black Diamond Apollo Lantern Review: Rechargeable LED Camp Light with USB Power Bank

The Black Diamond Apollo Lantern is a rechargeable LED camp lantern that doubles as a USB power bank, delivering 225 lumens from a quad-power LED array. Best suited for car campers, basecamp setups, and climbers who need reliable ambient light plus emergency device charging, it trades the ultralight minimalism of headlamp-only setups for the convenience of hands-free area lighting and a 3.5-hour phone charge capacity. At approximately 280 g (manufacturer spec, verify before purchase), it sits in the middle ground between ultralight backpacking lanterns and heavy-duty propane models.

SpringSummerFallWinter

8.2/10

REVIEW

Black Diamond Mercury Mitts Review: Warm, Waterproof Mountaineering Mittens with Removable Liner

The Black Diamond Mercury Mitts are designed for alpine climbers and backcountry skiers who need serious warmth and dexterity options in sub-zero conditions. Built around a waterproof insert bonded to a removable 340 g PrimaLoft Gold liner and a 4-way stretch Pertex Shield shell, these mittens prioritize heat retention and weather protection over packability. The removable liner system lets you dry components separately or shed bulk for camp tasks, a feature that matters on multi-day winter objectives where moisture management is critical.

Winter