The object
Ray Jardine invented the spring-loaded camming device later commercialized as the Friend, a reusable protection device for rock climbing. Jardine’s 2024 interview archive identifies the commercialized device and its widespread use, while a magazine-article archive records climbers calling Friends a major advance after nylon ropes.
01
What Ray did
invented the spring-loaded camming device commercialized as the Friend climbing protection
02
Why it matters
Contemporary climbers quoted in the archive called Friends the greatest advance in climbing since nylon ropes.
03
Living-status check
Jardine’s site republishes a WIRED 2024 interview describing his climbing and hardware work.