No More disgusting Camping Knots or Gear Tie Down Failures
Hey Sierra Rec crew! I just got back from the OMA show in Denver, and let me tell you, I’m still buzzing from the experience. One of the highlights? I had the absolute privilege of meeting the mastermind behind Nite Ize—yep, the owner and designer himself—and got an up-close look at their latest gear. Spoiler alert: it’s awesome. Among the shiny new toys they unveiled, the CamJam series of rope tighteners totally stole the show for me. So, naturally, I couldn’t wait to share it with you all!
Nite Ize just dropped these bad boys on January 21st, and they’re hitting stores now in early February. Picture this: knot-free, user-friendly rope tighteners that make securing loads, setting up camp, or rigging tarps a breeze. We’re talking next-level simplicity with their new pull-to-tighten cam mechanism—pull to lock it down, flip a lever to release. Done. No more wrestling with complicated knots or cursing at tangled cordeage (we’ve all been there, right?). Their founder, Rick Case, nailed it when he said this is their most intuitive rope-tightening tech yet. I got to test these out at the show, and I’m sold.
Let’s break it down, because there’s a CamJam for every adventure:
First up, the CamJam SlideLock Rope Tightener. This thing is a game-changer for anyone who’s ever struggled to tension a rope just right. You thread your cord or rope through, give it a tug, and boom—it’s locked in tight. The small version handles cords from 2-5mm and can take up to 280 pounds of load, while the big one fits ropes 3-9mm and holds a whopping 500 pounds. It’s got a slick carabiner-style SlideLock to clip onto anchor points, and that quick-release lever? Smooth as butter. They even toss in 10 feet of paracord or rope if you grab the combo pack. Prices range from $12.99 to $17.99—totally worth it for how versatile this is. Tarps, tents, cargo—you name it, this tightener’s got your back.
Next, the CamJam Ring Rope Tightener + Webbing Sling. This one’s for those tricky spots where a hook just won’t cut it. The webbing sling lets you girth-hitch around trees, poles, or whatever’s handy, and the pull-to-tighten cam does the rest. The small one (2-5mm cord, 250-pound limit) comes with a 12-inch sling, while the large (3-9mm rope, 400-pound limit) rocks an 18-inch sling. It’s rugged, it’s smart, and at $13.99 to $19.99, it’s a no-brainer for anyone who loves a solid, adaptable setup.
And then there’s the CamJam SlideLock Adjustable Bungee. Say goodbye to one-size-fits-none bungees. This beauty adjusts from 7 to 24 inches—pull to shorten and tighten, lift the lever to loosen. With two locking carabiners, it’s perfect for bundling gear, securing stuff on the trail, or keeping your kayak strapped down tight. At $14.99, it’s the bungee I didn’t know I needed until I saw it in action.
I’ve been a Nite Ize fan for a while (who isn’t?), but playing with the CamJam lineup at OMA took it to another level. These tighteners are built tough—cast aluminum cams, durable slings, and that signature Nite Ize ingenuity. Whether you’re a weekend camper, a hardcore overlander, or just someone who likes gear that works as hard as you do, this series is about to become your new go-to.
So, Sierra Rec fam, keep an eye out at your favorite retailers this week—the CamJam series is officially here. Trust me, you’re gonna want to snag one (or three) and put ‘em to the test. We will be testing each of these this spring as we load up for our camping trip sand do a little spring yard work. Watch for a field test review later this spring.
Let me know what you think once you do—I’m betting you’ll be as stoked as I am!
Happy adventuring,
