July 2026 — 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. 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.
“Did you bring the bag of Friends, Ray?” Friends are where the story of Wild Country and modern camming devices began. With the new Friends, the brand builds on that heritage, combining the original design principles with modern materials and refined engineering aimed at durability, handling, and versatility.
Flow Cord: Sharpening the Uniqueness
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 like Wide Boyz, Mary Eden, James Pearson, Bronwyn Hodgins, Jacob Cook, and mountain guides. Key design elements remain unchanged:
– signature 13.75° camming angle
– unanodized lobes with machined grooves for friction
– 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.
New Friends, Main Highlights
- Sling fights resolved
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.
- Superior grip, seamless handling
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.
- Stronger lasts longer
The cord uses a UHMWPE core for strength and a nylon/UHMWPE sheath for abrasion, cut and UV resistance. Integrated wear-indicator fibres provide a visual signal for re-slinging. Fewer replacements, strong performance, 10-year certified lifespan.
- Spring-loaded lobes locking system (#4)
Size 4 introduces a central spring for symmetrical cam closure, easy to operate, even one handed with practice.
- Improved grip areas
New Friends feature 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.
Compatibility with Pro Key Lite
Alongside the new Friends, Wild Country introduces the Pro Key Lite, a lightweight tool designed to help retrieve stuck protection. Key features include:
– reduced 2.5 mm steel thickness for lower weight
– integrated nut sizes for emergency wrench use
– removable leash
– rear arms designed for easier Friend extraction
Industry Recognition and the First Award
The new generation of Friends has been awarded the UK Outdoor Industry Award 2026 in the Climbing category.
The UK Outdoor Industry Awards are among the most recognized awards in the outdoor sector, judged by a panel of industry experts and retailers. They highlight products that stand out for innovation, performance, and market relevance. Making this a meaningful recognition within the industry right from the start.
ABOUT WILD COUNTRY
The Heritage Climbing Brand
Founded in the UK in 1977, raised on adventures all around the world. Wild Country was born out of a passion for climbing and a desire to create innovative gear. Our story began with the invention of the Friend, the most iconic piece of climbing protection ever made. Since then, we have continued to make Friends—both as a product and within the global climbing community.
Wild Country – Making Friends Since 1977.
CBJ press releases are written by the sponsor and do not represent the views of the Climbing Business Journal editorial team.
