CAMP Kinetic Ferrata Set Review (2026)

What it is

The Kinetic Ferrata Set is CAMP's complete lanyard kit for via ferrata routes, the cabled and rung-protected climbing paths common across the Alps and other mountain regions in Europe. It pairs a Y-shaped lanyard made from 20mm webbing with a built-in kinetic energy absorber and a pair of Nomad carabiners, giving a climber everything needed to clip into the fixed cable and move along the route while staying attached at all times. The Y formation lets a climber unclip one arm at a time to pass anchor points on the cable without ever being fully detached, which is the core safety principle behind any via ferrata set.

Energy absorption and safety rating

The kinetic absorber is a stitched section of webbing built into the lanyard that tears progressively during a fall, which bleeds off energy before it reaches the climber's body and the fixed anchors on the route. CAMP rates the set to protect against a factor 5 fall, which is the standard reference used for via ferrata falls since the short fixed distances between anchors on cabled routes can generate forces far beyond what a normal climbing fall produces. The set is certified to the EN 958 standard specifically written for via ferrata equipment, which is the relevant certification to check for rather than general climbing harness or sling standards.

Carabiners and hardware

The two Nomad carabiners that ship with the set are slide-locking gates designed to be operated one-handed, opening with a pulling and pressing motion on the gate rather than needing a separate twist-lock or screw-gate action. That one-handed operation matters on exposed via ferrata terrain where a climber may be holding onto a rung or cable with the other hand and needs to clip and unclip quickly without fumbling. Karstop Evo retainers keep the carabiners oriented correctly on the webbing so they stay ready to clip rather than twisting into an awkward position, and a webbing twist ring at the harness connection point keeps the whole unit sitting upright even when clipped through a vertical tie-in point.

What's included and what isn't

As a complete set, the Kinetic includes the lanyard, absorber, and both carabiners in one package, which is convenient for someone assembling via ferrata gear for the first time rather than sourcing a lanyard and carabiners separately. It does not include a harness or a helmet, both of which are required on any via ferrata route and need to be bought separately if not already owned. This is also CAMP's entry-level Kinetic design rather than the pricier Gyro Rewind versions in the same family, which add a rotating swivel at the harness connection and elasticated webbing to reduce bulk and prevent the lanyard from tangling during the climb.

Who should buy it

This set suits hikers and climbers planning their first via ferrata trip, particularly in the Alps where cabled routes are common, and who want a straightforward, well-certified kit without paying for the extra swivel and elastic webbing features of CAMP's premium Gyro Rewind line. It is a reasonable starting point for someone who is not yet sure how often they will use via ferrata gear and does not want to invest in the top-tier version right away. Frequent via ferrata climbers, or anyone who finds a non-elasticated lanyard tangles or drags during long routes, may prefer to step up to a Gyro Rewind set for the swivel and more compact stowage.

Frequently asked questions