C.A.M.P. Recalls Nimbus Lock Carabiners Due to Risk of Serious Injury or Death from Fall

What was recalled

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has announced a significant safety recall involving the C.A.M.P. Nimbus Lock Carabiners. This action covers specific batches of these climbing accessories due to critical manufacturing defects that compromise their structural integrity. It is important to understand exactly which items are affected, as the recall does not encompass every carabiner sold by C.A.M.P., but rather targets precise production runs identified by specific batch numbers.

The primary products involved in this recall are the Nimbus Lock Carabiners themselves. These units were available in three distinct color combinations: Gun Metal/Green, Gun Metal/Fuchsia, and Gun Metal/Blue. The defect is isolated to the carabiners only; they may have been sold as individual units or as part of larger climbing gear sets. Specifically, affected carabiners were included in the following product bundles: the Nimbus Lock 3 Pack, the Locker Draw KS, the Energy CR3 Pack, and the Energy Nova Pack. If you purchased any of these packs, the carabiners inside them are subject to this recall.

To determine if your specific item is part of this recall, you must check the batch number printed on the side of the bottom of the carabiner. The affected batch numbers are 10 23, 12 23, 02 24, 09 24, 10 24, 12 24, 01 25, 02 25, and 06 25. The presence of any of these codes indicates that your carabiner is part of the recalled group. The recall was officially announced on August 28, 2025. While the exact number of units sold globally is not specified in the current record, the company has already received 21 reports of the closing mechanism breaking, highlighting the urgency of this issue.

These carabiners were likely sold at various outdoor retail stores, climbing shops, and online retailers leading up to the recall date. Because they are often sold as part of multi-item packs, it is possible that you have a recalled item even if you did not purchase the carabiner separately. It is crucial to inspect all your climbing gear carefully, paying close attention to the batch numbers on each individual piece of equipment.

Understanding what was recalled helps prevent unnecessary panic while ensuring that those with affected products take immediate action. The recall focuses solely on the Nimbus Lock Carabiners from the specified batches, meaning other C.A.M.P. products or different models of carabiners are not included in this specific safety alert. If your carabiner does not have one of the listed batch numbers, it is not part of this particular recall.

The hazard, explained

To understand why this recall is so serious, it helps to look closely at how a carabiner is supposed to work and what goes wrong when its safety mechanism fails. A carabiner is a metal loop with a spring-loaded gate that acts as the primary point of failure protection for climbers, hikers, and rescue teams. In normal operation, you pull the gate open to slide your rope or gear through, and then let go. The internal spring snaps the gate shut automatically, locking it in place so that weight cannot accidentally pull it open. This "automatic closing" feature is critical because it prevents accidental opening if the carabiner bumps against a rock edge or gets caught on other gear while you are hanging from it.

In the case of the recalled C.A.M.P. Nimbus Lock Carabiners, the specific physical failure lies within that automatic closing mechanism. According to reports from the manufacturer, this mechanism can break. When this internal component fails, the gate loses its ability to snap shut and stay locked. Instead of providing a secure, closed loop, the carabiner may remain partially open or fail to lock entirely. This is not a minor inconvenience; it fundamentally undermines the structural integrity of your connection to the anchor point. A carabiner that does not fully close cannot bear load safely, as the force of your body weight can lever the gate open further, potentially leading to complete disengagement.

The consequence of this mechanical failure is immediate and severe. If you are relying on a compromised carabiner for support while climbing, rappelling, or working at height, and the gate fails to close securely, there is a significant risk that the connection will slip out under tension. This can result in a fall from height. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has classified this hazard as posing a risk of serious injury or death because falls from elevation often lead to traumatic injuries, regardless of whether the victim was using other safety equipment. Even if you are wearing a harness, losing your primary attachment point can cause you to swing violently or hit obstacles below.

It is important to note that this failure is not always visible at a glance. A carabiner might look closed on the surface, but if the locking mechanism inside is broken, it may not be fully engaged. This is why the recall emphasizes immediate cessation of use. You cannot reliably test the safety of a potentially defective automatic locking mechanism by simply squeezing it or looking at it from a distance. The integrity of that spring-loaded gate is binary: it either works perfectly under load, or it fails catastrophically. Given that C.A.M.P. has already received 21 reports of this specific closing mechanism breaking, the likelihood of encountering a defective unit is real and present in the batches listed in this recall.

Who is most at risk

The primary group facing immediate danger from this recall consists of individuals who actively engage in high-angle climbing activities, particularly those using the C.A.M.P. Nimbus Lock Carabiners for lead climbing or top-roping. Because these carabiners are designed to be critical connection points between a climber and their anchor system, any failure in their locking mechanism can have catastrophic consequences. The risk is not limited to professional athletes; it extends to amateur climbers, weekend enthusiasts, and anyone who has purchased the affected units as part of a bundle like the Nimbus Lock 3 Pack, the Locker Draw KS, the Energy CR3 Pack, or the Energy Nova Pack. If you are someone who relies on gear to support your entire body weight while suspended in mid-air, you are directly in the line of fire.

While the recall notice currently reports no injuries, the potential for serious injury or death is inherent to the nature of the hazard. The automatic closing mechanism is engineered to snap shut without manual intervention, a feature valued for its convenience and speed. However, if this mechanism breaks, the gate may fail to close or lock properly. In climbing, a carabiner that does not fully lock can accidentally open under load—a phenomenon known as "gate flutter" or accidental opening—leading to a sudden disconnect from the safety system. For anyone hanging from a rope, even a brief moment of unclipped security can result in a fall from significant height. Therefore, the risk is most acute for those using these carabiners in vertical environments where a fall distance is substantial and there is little margin for error.

It is also important to consider who might be inadvertently affected by this recall. Many of the recalled items were sold as part of multi-piece packs or bundled kits. This means that a consumer might have purchased a set intended for general use, perhaps including partners or family members who share gear. If you bought these bundles without closely inspecting each individual carabiner's batch number, you may have unknowingly distributed unsafe equipment to others. The risk here is compounded by the fact that less experienced climbers often rely on gear reliability more heavily than seasoned professionals who might notice subtle wear and tear earlier. A novice climber trusting a faulty automatic lock assumes it will function flawlessly every time, making them particularly vulnerable to the silent failure of the mechanism.

Additionally, while carabiners are durable tools, their safety is deeply tied to how they are handled. Individuals who frequently use gear in harsh conditions—such as icy environments, sandy beaches, or high-altitude peaks—may be at higher risk because debris or extreme temperatures can exacerbate mechanical failures. If you are a climber who pushes your equipment to its limits, the reliability of that automatic lock is not just a convenience; it is your lifeline. Ignoring the batch numbers listed in this recall (10 23, 12 23, 02 24, 09 24, 10 24, 12 24, 01 25, 02 25, and 06 25) could mean trusting a compromised component with your life. The vulnerability lies not just in the person using the gear, but in the assumption that all equipment is safe until proven otherwise—a dangerous mindset when dealing with fall protection.

How to tell if you have the recalled item

Before taking any action, it is critical to confirm whether your specific piece of climbing gear falls within this recall. Because C.A.M.P. sells many different types of carabiners and climbing accessories, relying solely on the product name or color can lead to confusion. The recall is very specific about which units are affected, so you need to look for three distinct pieces of information: the model name, the batch number, and the specific colorway.

First, verify that you own a Nimbus Lock Carabiner. This recall does not apply to every C.A.M.P. product. It specifically targets carabiners sold individually or included as components in certain multi-packs. If your gear was part of the Nimbus Lock 3 Pack, the Locker Draw KS, the Energy CR3 Pack, or the Energy Nova Pack, you must still inspect the individual carabiners inside for the details below. Note that only the carabiners themselves are included in this recall, not the other items in those packs.

The most definitive way to identify your item is by checking the batch number. This number is stamped or engraved directly on the side of the bottom of the carabiner body. You must locate this code and compare it against the following list of affected batches:

• 10 23
• 12 23
• 02 24
• 09 24
• 10 24
• 12 24
• 01 25
• 02 25
• 06 25

If your carabiner bears any of these nine batch numbers, it is part of the recall. If the number does not match one of these, or if you cannot find a batch number at all, your specific unit may not be affected, though contacting C.A.M.P. for confirmation is always wise if you are uncertain.

Additionally, please note that this recall covers carabiners in three specific color combinations: Gun Metal/Green, Gun Metal/Fuchsia, and Gun Metal/Blue. While color alone is not enough to confirm a recall, the presence of these colors combined with an affected batch number confirms that your equipment is part of this safety notice. If you have a Nimbus Lock carabiner in a different color scheme or with a non-listed batch number, it is likely outside the scope of this specific recall.

What to do — step by step

Your refund, repair, or replacement options

If you have identified that your C.A.M.P. Nimbus Lock Carabiner is part of this recall, the good news is that the manufacturer has established a clear and comprehensive remedy to address the safety concern. It is important to understand that C.A.M.P. is not simply asking you to destroy the product; they are offering a full inspection service with the potential for either a free replacement or the return of your original unit, depending on its condition. This approach gives you flexibility and ensures you are not left without essential climbing gear if your specific carabiner can be safely restored.

The process begins with contacting C.A.M.P. to initiate the recall claim. You can reach their dedicated support team by calling their toll-free number at 877-421-2267, available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday. Alternatively, you may email warranties@camp-usa.com or visit their website at www.camp-usa.com/nimbus-lock-safety-recall-information. During this initial contact, you will be asked to fill out the official recall form located at www.camp-usa.com/nimbus-lock-safety-recall-registration-form. This step is crucial as it officially registers your unit for inspection and triggers the next phase of the remedy.

Once your registration is submitted, C.A.M.P. will provide you with a prepaid return shipping label. This means you do not have to pay any out-of-pocket expenses to send the carabiner back to them. You simply need to print this label, attach it to your package, and ship the recalled item using the provided instructions. It is vital that you stop using the carabiner immediately while waiting for these instructions, as the risk of failure remains until the unit is officially inspected or replaced.

After C.A.M.P. receives your returned carabiner, they will conduct a thorough inspection of the automatic closing mechanism. If the carabiner passes this rigorous safety inspection, it will be cleaned, certified, and shipped back to you at no cost. This option allows you to keep your original gear if it is deemed structurally sound despite the batch issue. However, if the unit fails inspection due to defects in the closing mechanism, C.A.M.P. will replace it with a new one free of charge. In either scenario, the remedy ensures that you end up with safe, reliable equipment without financial burden.

If you have questions about the status of your return or need further clarification on the inspection criteria, you can also visit www.camp-usa.com and click on "Safety Recalls" at the bottom of the page for additional resources. Remember, this remedy is specific to the recalled batch numbers listed in the recall notice. If your carabiner does not match those batches, it is likely not part of this specific safety action, but you should still verify with C.A.M.P. if you are unsure.

What can happen if you ignore it

When a safety recall involves climbing equipment, the stakes are fundamentally different from a recalled toaster or a defective toy. The Nimbus Lock Carabiners in question are not merely inconvenient; they are critical life-safety devices. By ignoring this recall and continuing to use these carabiners, you are placing your physical well-being entirely in the hands of a mechanical failure that has already been documented 21 times by the manufacturer. While C.A.M.P. has not yet reported any actual injuries or deaths related to this specific defect, the absence of reported incidents does not mean the risk is low. In the context of climbing, falling gear is not a minor inconvenience—it is a catastrophic event waiting to happen.

The core danger lies in the automatic closing mechanism. This component is designed to snap shut securely without manual intervention, providing a layer of security against human error. However, when this mechanism breaks, the gate may fail to close or lock properly. A carabiner with an improperly closed gate can open under load, particularly if it is subjected to lateral force or if the gate is bumped against rock or other gear. If this happens while you are hanging from the rope, the carabiner will effectively become a straight piece of metal with no holding capacity. You will fall.

The consequences of ignoring the recall extend beyond the immediate physical trauma of a fall. Even if you are attached to a belay system that catches your fall, using compromised gear introduces unpredictable variables. A broken automatic mechanism might leave the gate partially open or unstable, causing it to unclip unexpectedly during the dynamic shock load of a fall. This can lead to severe spinal injuries, fractures, head trauma, or worse. Furthermore, if you are leading a climb and the carabiner fails at an anchor point, you risk not only falling but also failing to protect yourself from hitting obstacles below. The psychological toll of realizing you continued to use known defective gear can also be significant, undermining your confidence and safety in future climbing endeavors.

It is important to understand that this defect is not a matter of wear and tear over many years; it is a specific manufacturing issue affecting particular batch numbers. The fact that 21 reports have already been logged indicates that the failure mode is active and recurring. Ignoring the recall assumes that your unit will be one of the lucky ones that never fails, but in safety engineering, we do not gamble with gear rated for human life. The cost of ignoring this warning is potentially your health or your life, while the effort to comply—printing a label and shipping the item back—is minimal by comparison. Do not test the limits of a known mechanical failure.

Staying safe: broader tips

When you are dealing with critical safety gear like climbing carabiners, your peace of mind shouldn't end once the recall is resolved. It is important to remember that equipment failures, while rare, can happen for various reasons beyond manufacturing defects, including wear and tear, improper storage, or simple human error. Building a habit of regular inspection and proper maintenance is the most effective way to ensure your long-term safety in the outdoors.

First, make it a routine part of your pre-climb checklist to visually inspect every piece of your hardware before use. Look for any signs of stress, such as deep scratches, cracks, or significant deformation on the body and gate of your carabiners. Pay close attention to the locking mechanism; ensure that it engages smoothly and fully without sticking or wobbling. If a gate feels gritty, stiff, or doesn't snap shut with confidence, do not use it. Even minor issues can compromise the integrity of the lock under heavy load. Clean your gear regularly with mild soap and water to remove dirt and grit that can interfere with moving parts, but avoid harsh chemicals that might degrade metals or coatings.

Storage is another often-overlooked aspect of equipment longevity. Never leave your carabiners loosely thrown into a backpack where they can bang against rocks or other hard objects. This "rock gardening" can cause micro-fractures and stress points that are not immediately visible but weaken the metal over time. Instead, store your hardware in a dedicated gear bag or use individual mesh sacks to keep them separate from rough surfaces and other sharp-edged equipment. Keep your gear in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight for extended periods, as UV exposure can degrade synthetic components like ropes and slings that often accompany your carabiners.

Finally, stay informed about the broader landscape of outdoor safety by regularly checking for recalls on all your gear, not just the items you suspect might be faulty. Visit the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website or subscribe to alert services from reputable manufacturers. Understanding how to read batch numbers and model identifiers will help you quickly determine if any of your existing equipment is part of a safety notice. By treating your climbing gear with respect and maintaining a proactive approach to its care, you significantly reduce risks and ensure that your adventures remain focused on the climb, not the condition of your hardware.