Black Diamond outdoor equipment

Black Diamond Equipment is a renowned manufacturer of equipment for climbing, skiing, and mountain sports. The brand's history began in the late 1950s when climber Yvon Chouinard started hand-forging pitons and selling them from the trunk of his car, eventually forming Chouinard Equipment Ltd. After the original company filed for bankruptcy in 1989, a group of former employees and investors led by Peter Metcalf purchased the assets and moved the operation to Salt Lake City, Utah, re-branding as Black Diamond Equipment.

Over the years, the brand has grown into a global leader in technical outdoor gear. In 2010, the company was acquired by Clarus Corporation (formerly known as Gregory Mountain Products). Today, Black Diamond operates as a subsidiary of Clarus Corporation, maintaining its research, design, and some high-end manufacturing operations in the United States while utilizing specialized facilities in China and other countries for global distribution. The brand remains a staple in the mountaineering community, focusing on innovation and safety in alpine environments.