For nearly fifty years, the Friend has been a cornerstone of trad climbing protection. Now Wild Country introduces a new generation of Friends, refined through years of development and athletes’ field testing, said the company. Already recognized with the UK Outdoor Industry Award 2026 in the Climbing category, the redesign retains the heritage cam principles while introducing Flow cord, a seamless, extendable sling, a new size 0.3 to expand the range, and more. The new Friends combine the original design principles with modern materials and refined engineering aimed at durability, handling, and versatility.
According to the company, the new Friends were tested for years across labs, granite, limestone, and gritstone cracks, from Yosemite splitters to UK offwidths, with product experts and athletes including  Wide Boyz, Mary Eden, James Pearson, Bronwyn Hodgins, Jacob Cook, and mountain guides.
Key design elements remain unchanged including the signature 13.75° camming angle, unanodized lobes with machined grooves for friction, and hollow double-axle construction.
Together they ensure reliable holding power, reduced walking and optimal weight savings.
What evolved is the defining feature of Wild Country Friends: the combination of a thumb loop and extendable sling, delivering control on another level. Replacing the traditional sewn sling, Flow Cord uses a seamless core-mantle construction that removes rigid bartack stiffness and allows smooth extension from any point. An UHMWPE core provides mechanical strength, while the nylon/UHMWPE outer sheath resists abrasion, cuts, and UV exposure. A built-in wear indicator signals when it’s time for sling replacement.
The extendable sling reaches up to 20 cm, reducing the need for extra draws, minimizing rope drag and helping limit cam walking.
The biggest change in the new Friends is the introduction of Flow cord. A new seamless core-mantle sling eliminates stiff bartacks and enables smooth extension; no more gear fights.
Meanhwile, the 13.75° camming angle and friction-machined lobes deliver unbeatable holding power. Combined with the thumb loop and extendable sling, the Friends provide placements across varied terrain.
The cord uses a UHMWPE core for strength and a nylon/UHMWPE sheath for abrasion, cut, and UV resistance. Integrated wear-indicator fibers provide a visual signal for re-slinging. Fewer replacements, strong performance, 10-year certified lifespan.
Size 4 introduces a central spring for symmetrical cam closure, easy to operate, even one-handed with practice.
New Friends also eature expanded contact surfaces on the trigger and thumb loop grip areas. A pin-hole design reduces lobe buckling and prevents dirt buildup, ensuring smoother, more consistent action over time.
And as a side benefit, all Friends are now also lighter than ever.
The new generation of Friends already has been awarded the UK Outdoor Industry Award 2026 in the Climbing category.
