Best carabiner outdoor gear lab The Phase is a great inexpensive racking carabiner. It is a do-everything kind of carabiner that handles well, provides peace of mind due to excellent gate security, and even has a small hole, seen next to the gate spring, for attaching a keeper loop when pairing with other devices. If you May 20, 2024 · Aiders are a bit of a niche product, but Outdoor Gear Lab's roots are in reviewing climbing gear. Our climbing experts have been testing the best climbing nuts and stoppers for over 10 years and over 15 different sets. Oct 29, 2018 · There's no question that this carabiner is light (25 grams per), however you sacrifice a lot of usability for the weight savings. Dislikes Dec 5, 2016 · The Black Diamond Positron is a good medium-sized carabiner for sport, trad, or top rope routes. Nov 10, 2020 · The Sm'D is a full-sized yet compact offset-D shaped locker that we tested with a twist-locking gate. That being said, this forced us to keep our gear pile small. 95, the ENO SingleNest is one of the most affordable hammocks reviewed, and with the inclusion of a pair of extremely high quality ultralight carabiners, we feel this hammock provides outstanding value, though the Best Buy award went to the Grand Trunk Ultralight Starter, which only costs $20. This is a good belay carabiner for anywhere: gym, multi-pitch, sport climbing. Chain Link. Oct 29, 2018 · This carabiner handles reasonably well, though when we tried it with gloves on, our testers did find it more challenging to operate than a full-size model like the CAMP Photon Wire. Reviews, ratings, and price comparisons covering 10+ locking carabiners, non-locking carabiners, quickdraws, and other carabiners and quickdraws. Our testers did like this carabiner for racking their nuts and to use for top rope anchors, and a few of them on your harness won't make too much of a weight difference. Climbing-grade carabiners are ideal for a hammock suspension system. ) Looks like a 45 gram keylock model is not only not the lightest, but also nothing to shout about. The Petzl Spirit Straight Gate and Petzl Djinn Straight Gate are its main competitors, as both have a similar solid gate keylock design The Mad Rock Ultra Light Wire is best used for traditional and multi-pitch climbing. USA Nano 22 will let you rack up without weighing you down on long trad multi-pitch and alpine climbs. For belaying we liked the twist-lock gate version the best. The Signal has none. At GearLab, we've tested a wide variety of climbing gear over the past decade+ and have recommendations for every climber, from beginner to expert. Apr 12, 2010 · This carabiner stands out for how long it has been around. A great workhorse type carabiner for everything a locker is needed. Fast forward a decade and there are a lot of competitors to the Livewire but it is still on of the best carabiners clipping the rope to while sport climbing. The completely round stock, as compared to the I-beam stock prevalent in most lockers, allows the rope to slide smoothly with less friction, regardless of the Climbing Gear Reviews. The Aug 15, 2019 · Since it is shaped exactly like an HMS carabiner, and doesn't have wonky features such as dual gates, or gates with strange blocking hooks, or even internal spring bars — all designed to keep the locker oriented correctly — it is more versatile for multi-pitch anchors than other belay specific carabiners. In this update, we purchased 7 of the best sets and slid them into cracks of all sizes across the United States. Sara has spent countless nights sleeping out in the backcountry, including self-supported multi-day river trips and extended ski tours across the California Sierras. May 19, 2015 · This water bottle comes with a plastic carabiner with a metal gate for attaching to packs. We did the hard work, adventuring across the USA, tackling all the fun, kid-friendly crags. Nov 1, 2024 · The Firefly II is lightweight and has snappy gate action, but the carabiners are on the small side and the narrow 10 mm sling makes this more suited to traditional routes rather than sport climbing. RELATED: The Best Carabiners of 2025. This is a great belay device locking carabiner or all-around locker. Of course, we cover the other protection essentials too, choosing our favorite climbing ropes and outlining the best climbing harnesses. This device is rated for use with 8. 6cm of gate opening clearance, there are certainly some limits on what the ISO Standard can comfortably clip. Dec 19, 2023 · Features, including the size of gear loops, are less important since sport climbers only need to carry a handful of quickdraws, generally totaling less than 20 carabiners clipped to the harness at any time. Not only does it do its Best application. Wire gates are light but can be less stable than traditional gates. May 2, 2024 · Carabiners. If you are trying to have the lightest rack possible, then an extra dollar per carabiner is probably worth it. Oct 26, 2020 · The Wild Country Astro is an extremely popular carabiner with the weight shaving alpine crowd, and we can see why. Oct 26, 2020 · Note that, while we like it for a racking carabiner, it works best with cams that have a skinnier sling (10-14mm) vs. Because it is so small, we struggled to make it work well as a belay carabiner with a traditional tube style device, a use that is better suited to an HMS/pear shaped locker like the Mad Rock Ultra-Tech HMS. Oct 26, 2020 · Many other great carabiners share this design, which should be included on all easy to clip carabiners. Apr 25, 2024 · It could be, but it might not be. It has a noticeably bent spine that serves to not only improve the ergonomics for how well it fits in your hand, but also increases the amount of gate clearance while keeping the width of the carabiner compact. What it does have is a suite of specialized, clever, and unique tools for outdoor, wilderness “survival” types of scenarios. The bent gate version is pretty easy to clip. A time-tested classic, the Nalgene Wide-Mouth is as good as plastic gets for most folks hydrating in the backcountry. Product Recall: February 2016 Positron straight gate 210153 / 210261 and bent gate 210154 were recalled by Black Diamond in February of 2016. If you need to add some new climbing protection to your rack, check out our comprehensive climbing nuts review and climbing cam review. Jun 14, 2014 · One of the lightest keylock carabiners on the market is the 38 gram Mad Rock Super Tech Keylock (not reviewed here) and DMM makes a 45 gram Alpha Clip and a 43 gram Shadow carabiner (neither reviewed here. 99 Nov 16, 2016 · Best Applications. Apr 19, 2018 · The CAMP USA Orbit Wire Express KS has two wiregate carabiners on a 16 mm wide sling. Oct 13, 2020 · Specially shaped carabiner bodies are also nice for hooking into bolts, but can be fiddly in stick-clips. Related: The Best Climbing Helmet of 2025 Apr 4, 2025 · The Petzl Aquila features some of the best gear loops on the market, with two huge gear loops on each side and one extra-large loop that spans the back of the harness. If climbing in a gym, gear loops aren't needed at all. Apr 15, 2025 · We tested 20 hammocks from Warbonnet, Dutchware, Kammok, ENO, Hennessy, Kootek, Wise Owl Outfitters, and more to find the best models. Apr 7, 2010 · Omega Pacific's Jake is a solid belay, rappel and top rope carabiner. Compared to many items we test and review on OutdoorGearLab, locking carabiners see relatively few updates on an annual basis. Oct 7, 2020 · The Petzl Djinn Axess has double cold-forged keylock carabiners, with a bent gate on the lower end. the wider 18 mm one found on the Black Diamond Camalots. Its aesthetics are simple and unobtrusive, and the inside material is light-colored for easier gear organization. This draw replaces the old Oz, which is no longer in production, but unfortunately does not have the hoods that protected the notches from getting hooked on bolt hangers or nut wires. There's no reason why you can't rack your cams on them, but once you've switched to a cam/carabiner color-coded system, it is hard to go back. Petzl designed its new Djinn carabiners with sport climbing in mind, and that is where it excels. Value. It is the highest scoring biner of its size and functionality for the price. Apr 24, 2025 · Since 2013, we've tested over 130 water bottles, evaluating them daily with various drinks (water, electrolyte mixes, tea, coffee) and conducting lab-style tests for insulation and leakage. There are also a few full-sized options that are heavier, so the weight isn't out of line with normal. Best Application. The middle row are the light/compact style, and the bottom row are the belay specific lockers. Dec 4, 2020 · Pear-shaped carabiners have a small runner’s end, a large gate-opening, and a very wide, gently rounded rope basket best suited for accommodating multiple items or bulkier gear. This design helps reduce rope drag significantly and aids this unique 'biner with accomplishing many purposes, such as reducing rope drag on wandering pitches, reducing friction and wear in top rope anchors, and for rigging hauling and rescue systems, both on rock and on glaciers. — Jan 9, 2019 · We tested four light and compact lockers for this review, and found that we enjoyed using the DMM Phantom Screwgate far more than any of the others. Among comparably priced affordable draws, they perform the best. When it was first released in 2003, it was the lightest, strongest full-size carabiner on the market, and its “clean nose” design was a big step in carabiner innovation. Oct 26, 2020 · The Camp Dyon is an excellent and versatile wire gate carabiner offering a balance between ultralight tiny biners and the jumbo trad dad biners from the 90s. Oru Beach LT Sport Review: Origami All devices were in brand new condition, and we used the same Petzl Attache carabiner every time. The knife blade is definitely on the small end. The oval design is tried and true and it's just kinda cool to have a few of these old school carabiners lying around. The C. The pack is not very abrasion-resistant, and it is almost free of external attachments. Aug 18, 2019 · It is now safe to clip either carabiner like you would a quickdraw. The deployed plier handles almost exactly fill a typical adult hand. The rear gear loops hold about six carabiners each, which is plenty for carrying some extra draws up those long, rope-stretching pitches or a personal anchor lanyard for cleaning routes with ring Mar 13, 2023 · Footwear is probably the most important purchase a climber makes, and also one of the most difficult. The Pure Screw is a well-made locker that works well at certain tasks, and performs less effectively at others. With only 1. He holds a BS in Nutrition, Health and Exercise from the University of Nebraska. Value This biner is a solid value. Mar 1, 2010 · Now the Trango SuperFly has more competition from the Black Diamond Oz Carabiner, CAMP Photon Wire Straight Gate and many others. 4 ounces) and has a 22 mm wide gate opening. Titanium 4 days ago · At Outdoor Tech Lab, we are passionate about exploring the great outdoors with the latest and greatest in technology. For anyone who needs or wants the most secure type of locking carabiner, we recommend the Black Diamond Vaporlock Magnetron as the best auto-locker available. This is the smallest locker that BD makes, and only comes in the screwgate style, without the option to buy a twistlock instead. May 24, 2021 · The folks over at Expedition Portal and Outdoor Gear Lab have performed similar-ish tests in the past. If you plan to use your gear in cold conditions on a regular basis, you might want to consider a larger carabiner. Graham is an outdoor educator who works with college students. For this metric, we looked at the number and size of ventilation-specific features (e. May 17, 2025 · BEST FOR: LIGHTWEIGHT. To further compare, we walked up the same incline for the same amount of time in each pair to see how long it took to cool down, and we noted on each hike how effective the pants were at keeping us cool in the first place. When choosing the best pair of mountaineering boots to buy, you first need to consider what type of boot will best fit your goals. Having a couple of these large D-shaped carabiners for use at anchors and for belaying makes life a lot easier and less cluttered. Value This is a good value. Nov 16, 2016 · Gate Clearance. May 21, 2024 · Of all the devices we tested, the BD Index and Edelrid Hand Cruiser performed the best, smoothly ascending with only a lightweight locking carabiner at the end of the rope. Pretty much any legit climbing carabiner (make sure its a company that actually creates climbing gear) will be plenty enough. Black Diamond Hotwire Review. When we tested these radios in the field, the Rockys were the only ones to consistently receive calls from basecamp when the climbers were clustered together. Finally, the Element passed our leak test without a problem. Oct 26, 2020 · This carabiner weighs in at 34g per L size, which is slightly heavier than most of the full-sized carabiners we've tested, but not egregiously so. Our selection process leans on the hard-earned expertise of experienced big-wall climbers, who stay informed of the latest and greatest products whenever they hit the market. The sheath feels smooth and easy to grab while clipping carabiners, and it doesn't get any more abrasive over time as the sheath begins to fuzz. The Best Camping Mattresses of 2025. An updated version of an OG classic, but one that is heavier than similar sized competition and doesn May 6, 2025 · Here you will find our top picks: the gear our climber-testers would recommend to their best friends. Sep 1, 2023 · For other climbing gear recommendations, check out our reviews of locking carabiners, our favorite climbing cams, ropes, and belay devices. Aug 15, 2019 · While this carabiner is effective for the purpose it is designed for, we found it to be laborious to use, and honestly felt a bit exasperated having to open and close the gate so many times to fiddle the locker onto our belay loop, or to add the belay device, especially during long sport climbing sessions or at the gym. Because of the oval shape, when using a pulley it ensures that the force on the pulley lines up correctly with the anchor point. Jan 8, 2019 · When using a device that keeps the rope from interacting directly with the carabiner, like a Petzl Gri-Gri though, we found it easier to use a dedicated belay carabiner, such as the Petzl Freino. It weighs 39 grams (1. As one of the lightest biners in our review, it retains decent functionality, both clipping and unclipping, weighs in under an ounce, and despite its small size, still feels manageable in hand. The Signal has no file either. This year we opted to purchase and test four new lockers for comparison with the 14 models we've reviewed previously. The stand out feature being its easy-to-unclip keylock design. 7 out of 5 stars 1,788 1 offer from $5. The 11cm long sling is 25mm at its widest point. Jul 9, 2024 · Best of all, the clarity throughout testing was excellent, only experiencing scratchier transmissions in heavily obstructed scenarios towards the end of the radio's range. Ben Applebaum-Bauch is an avid thru-hiker and has traversed the Long, Pacific Crest, Oregon Coast, and Colorado trails, to name a few. You can buy two of these lockers for the same price as most of the others, and there is little in the way of trade-off in performance. com was founded in 2009 by the two brothers Torben and Nicolai. Oct 29, 2018 · The Neutrino is slightly smaller than a “full-sized” carabiner, and unless you've used this size carabiner a lot, it takes a little getting used to when clipping. 4cm, which is a lot of space for sliding hitches or multiple items on and off easily. Our team of climbing experts Independent carabiner/quickdraw reviews by real outdoors people. None of the boots in our review are bad, but they won't all work perfectly for all climbs. It is best for ski mountaineering, adventure racing, and early season backpacking, where you won't be climbing a lot of steeper snow and ice or pounding a lot of pickets. 13, and on sandstone, granite, volcanic tuff, basalt, and limestone. 5 pounds) – or less. All around really good carabiner that excels at sport climbing. It provides the extra security of locking up all of the way and taking the pressure off your brake hand when compared to other tubular devices, though the manufacturer states that you should always keep your hand on the rope just in case. This is a carabiner that will work well on the rack of any climber, hiker, skier, or canyoneer. The SuperFly still stands out as one of my favorites, but it is no longer the runaway winner. Trango Phase Carabiner Review. Aug 20, 2020 · It also has unique features like a burly double-layer zipper that secures the wide D-shaped opening, and metal carabiner-style strap attachments that enable easy adjustments. As a Jul 30, 2024 · Ian has guided over 1,000 clients, many of whom he has assisted in selecting gear for climbing, backpacking, and ski trips. They come in two different length options - 11cm dogbones, or 17cm long versions. Best Applications Aug 15, 2019 · With its super secure triple-action auto-locking gate, stainless steel insert covering the most wear-prone areas of the basket, and an easy to manipulate internal spring bar that prevents the locker from rotating out of ideal position, the Edelrid HMS Bulletproof Triple FG is our Top Pick for Durability. Edelrid Slash. $8 at REI (before member cash back!) Our Verdict. The belay carabiner needs to fit in the grove of the belay device (see photo below). We've also put best men's climbing harnesses and women's climbing harnesses to the test, as well as the top-rated men's climbing shoes and women's climbing shoes, to discover the best products on the market. We start off with the best climbing shoes, arguably the most important Jan 8, 2019 · Overall Utility. Due to the fact that the Belay Master 2 is specifically designed for use with belay devices, we assessed it primarily for this function only. In early 2020, Black Diamond scrapped the majority of their previous carabiner line, and the HotForge is now the standard, basic locker that replaces the old Positron. Sep 29, 2021 · We’ve assembled some of the best carabiners that you can use for your treestand hunting adventures or for climbing a rock face. This is one of the more expensive carabiners out there… but it last's forever. Below, we recommend the top two items in each category. It comes with a smooth key-lock gate and the standard Petzl red stripe that lets you know when the gate is locked or unlocked on the screw-gate model. We found it was one of the easier ones to operate with gloves, which makes it ideal for winter use. 7 to 10. Many outdoor repair jobs, for instance, benefit greatly from scissors. Check out the Victori SwissTool Spirit X or the Gerber Gear Armbar Drive if you prefer a little more solid construction. Outdoor Gear Lab rating 4/5 Unlike Black Diamond, which seems to have a different draw for every day of the week, Petzl has stuck to manufacturing two for many years now: the Spirit Express and the lightweight Ange Finesse (not reviewed here). Though it could almost fool you with its extremely small and thin design, the Nano 22 is a full-strength climbing carabiner, and it is great for racking cams and other trad gear. It tapers at the top to sit securely in the upper Jul 20, 2010 · The Petzl OK oval locking carabiner was designed specifically to be used with pulleys, but it is also a very good all purpose carabiner for anchor setups. Sep 8, 2023 · Our two complaints come from taking this alpine-focused design into the rock realm. Only the Mad Rock and Metolius Element are less expensive for a similar carabiner. This is the classic carabiner design and Black Diamond has been making them for as long as anyone. It happens to be the skinniest single rope as well. These biners also excel for racking pitons where the large opening allows for several pins to hang on a single biner. May 5, 2025 · Whether you're seeking a fresh pair of climbing shoes, a top-rated climbing harness, or an extra set of climbing cams, our team of seasoned climbers can help you find the right gear. 5 to 5. The Apr 7, 2010 · Hands-On Review Likes. But the difference was small so you may not notice it. The Petzl William is a big sturdy carabiner that holds a bunch of ropes, slings and knots when used in an anchor. In our tests it scored well for how smoothly the climbing rope slides through it which means less rope drag when sport climbing. May 23, 2010 · Best Application. The Am'D is a good all-around locking carabiner that gives its users peace of mind thanks to an auto-locking twist lock closure system. To undo and extend the sling, completely unclip one carabiner from the loops, then reclip it to one single loop of sling and pull the carabiners apart. All of the devices in our review were able to easily slide with three big lockers – a total weight of 246 grams (approximately 0. Keep in mind that additional cord and Feb 21, 2020 · Instead, the rotation of the device against your carabiner is what creates the pinch. Oct 29, 2018 · The DMM Alpha Light is a compact wiregate carabiner. 5 ounces making this ideal for those prioritizing packability above all else. We built on our knowledge of slings from a lifetime of climbing and extensive testing by taking them up a number of classic climbs in popular trad climbing destinations in the West such as Red Dec 14, 2023 · The Best Climbing Harness for Kids. We'll also discuss weight and longevity. Conclusion The CAMP Nano 22 is one of the lightest full-strength carabiners on the market and our Top Pick for Ultralight choice. Nov 1, 2024 · Climbing quickdraws are pieces of gear that serve to attach the climbing rope (and the climber tied into that rope) to the wall. May 23, 2024 · Built-in stuff sack and carabiners: Built-in stuff sack, continuous loops, ridgeline: Stuff sack, aluminum wiregate carabiners: Built-in stuff sack, suspension straps, storage sack, 2 carabiners: Accessories (Compatible, Not Included) Rainflies, bug net, carabiners, fish hooks, under quilts, top quilts, suspension systems Dec 5, 2024 · All of these are designed to be used clipped directly to the belay loop of a harness with a locking carabiner when belaying the lead climber, or when belaying a top-roping climber. Jan 8, 2019 · Auto-locking carabiners ensure that the gate is always locked, and for that reason are simply more secure than lockers that need a human to lock them closed. Carabiners. The screw-lock gate is also effective, but we feel it is better suited for an anchor or backup Jan 9, 2019 · The longtime standard as the best locker for all purposes: A lightweight, simple, twist-locking offset-D that performs better than the rest: Our Best Bang for the Buck winner due to its great price, but also its impressively lightweight: The lightest and easiest to use small locker: Rating Categories: Edelrid Pure Slider: Petzl Attache: Petzl Climbing Gear Reviews. Jan 8, 2019 · The longtime standard as the best locker for all purposes: A lightweight, simple, twist-locking offset-D that performs better than the rest: Our Best Bang for the Buck winner due to its great price, but also its impressively lightweight: The lightest and easiest to use small locker: Rating Categories: Petzl Freino: Petzl Attache: Petzl Sm'D Nov 1, 2024 · The bottom carabiner needs to remain in one orientation so that the rope loads on the bottom scoop and doesn't accidentally cross-load the biner across the spine or the gate. It's a little lighter than some full-size carabiners but also a little harder to handle. The results were surprising, demonstrating how much resistance some devices actually add. Broad front gear loops (and three other accessory loops) fit a full rack of alpine gear, and two lateral ice-clipper slots kept our screws organized on WI 5 ice leads. Dec 5, 2024 · We did notice that the belay carabiner matters: when using a thick, round-stock locking carabiner, the Mega Jul held falls completely and without slipping, whereas if we used skinny, lightweight I-beam locking carabiners, some slipping was noticeable, around one centimeter of rope slip per second, even if the lead climber was fully hanging on Nov 18, 2023 · The Petzl Spatha is the knife we recommend for climbers. If you are buying this for a quickdraw, get the Petzl Spirit Express which comes with one straight gate Spirit, one bent gate Spirit, and a wide sling to join the two biners. The Pure carabiner is the best carabiner to lever the device. We typically carry three or four of these size lockers per person on a multi-pitch climb, using them for attaching to anchor bolts, at the end of a personal anchor device, and as the second locker for an ATC guide or Reverso style auto-locking Aug 15, 2019 · The longtime standard as the best locker for all purposes: A lightweight, simple, twist-locking offset-D that performs better than the rest: Our Best Bang for the Buck winner due to its great price, but also its impressively lightweight: The lightest and easiest to use small locker: Rating Categories: Mad Rock Gemini: Petzl Attache: Petzl Sm'D DIVEIN. To learn more about the products we tested, be sure to check out our full review. The standard D shape has a lot to do with this; offset or asymmetrical D shaped locking carabiners like the Petzl Am'D allow wider gate opening. It scored the best for navigation and scored well across every other metric. The Giga Jul works much like the other tube-style auto-block devices, and while it is very effective at locking off the seconders rope, there is a fair amount of friction when pulling slack through the Oct 26, 2020 · If you were to rack all of your cams and slings with these carabiners, that would be about 40 carabiners in total, which could net you a weight savings of almost 10 ounces compared to the second heaviest carabiners, or a far more significant 24 ounces compared to a standard carabiner like the Black Diamond Hotwire. There are benefits to both. 5 ounces), there is really no reason not to carry this knife. Jan 8, 2019 · The Black Diamond Positron Screwgate is one of four carabiners in our test that we classify as “lightweight/compact lockers. Oct 31, 2024 · The Best Nuts and Stoppers. Nov 16, 2016 · Function. It's heavy for multi-pitch missions. Oct 26, 2020 · The DMM Revolver is a specialty carabiner that has a small pulley wheel built into the basket. The sling is 12cm long and 16mm wide. CAMP likens using lightweight gear Apr 4, 2025 · Our in-depth reviews cover other types of climbing protection like nuts and stoppers as well as carabiners and quickdraws. Most models we tested are built with a short cord at either end where the material is gathered, though some lighter models eschew the extra cord, instead threading a carabiner straight through the fabric. Our testers use these draws daily on a variety of different climbs around the world. GearLab provides the world's best reviews of outdoors gear based on in-depth side-by-side comparison and written by outdoor professionals. A. The I-beam means that the stock is not totally round, and instead places more aluminum material on the inside of the carabiner for a wider and more rounded interface with the rope, while cutting out the superfluous material on the exterior edges. Apr 7, 2010 · It scored just slightly worse than other carabiners in its class. Many of these reviews are focused on gear for folks that have been climbing for a while, so we used our own judgment to find harnesses Apr 24, 2025 · We took 5 of the best handheld GPS units and navigated through whiteouts, desert washes, fog-covered forests, and high mountain passes from Alaska to the Four Corners. The Strike carabiner is best for belaying. We climbed with them on single and multi-pitch sport and traditional routes, from 5. Related: Best Climbing Gear of 2025 Jan 8, 2019 · Relatively affordable for an HMS/pear-shaped locker, while also offering unparalleled versatility, the Attache far outscored the rest of the competition, and is our Editors' Choice as the best overall locking carabiner. Looking for climbing gear? Whether your goal is the gym, the crag, the mountains, or a big wall, we've got your covered. We could rack it full of gear and quickdraws and still had room for our descent shoes, anchoring gear, and belay setups. In that Aug 16, 2020 · To research the best climbing harnesses for beginners, we read reviews from Alpinist, Outdoor Gear Lab, Gear Institute, Weigh My Rack, Epic TV, Adventure Junkies, Splitter Choss, and Rock and Ice (see Sources). It is one of the most popular carabiners because of its price and durability. We look at the best options on the market including full body and sit options. 5mm ropes, and Mammut recommends using their Smart HMS carabiner with this device (it has a safety gate to prevent cross-loading and unscrewing). We buy every item at the store, just like you, then we test it… for months. Apr 7, 2010 · Best Application. While I didn’t chat up “mouth pleasing textures”, they make some pretty impressive points to consider. Mar 24, 2025 · It is the best multi-tool we've tested for that purpose. For that reason, we look at our selection and update the review about once a year. The Helium includes several features from an adjustable hood and hem to a chest pocket that doubles as a stuff sack, making it a relatively versatile Feb 21, 2020 · The last few years have seen the release of several new or updated “passive” assisted locking devices, including the ATC Pilot from Black Diamond. It excels at belaying and rappeling, especially for multi-pitch climbs, because it is light. Of the 15 top water bottles included in our current lineup, the Hydro Flask water bottle is the best for most people due to its excellent closure, ergonomic EZYA Heavy Duty Carabiner Clips, 860lbs - 3" Iron Carabiners for Keys, Gym, Camping, Hiking Accessories - D-Ring Keychain Hooks for Hammocks, Backpacks, Outdoor Gear 4. We’re a free review guide – run by passionate Divers, Sports, and Outdoor fanatics. The carabiners on this product are noticeably smaller than a full-size carabiner, and even our testers with small hands found that this made unclipping and overall handling a challenge. Oct 26, 2020 · One of the best attributes about these carabiners is their relatively low cost, which is an effect of having a notched nose rather than a recessed one, like most models that are more expensive do. Aside from that, it's a more average general multi-tool. He is also an avid climber, backcountry skier, surfer, and fitness enthusiast. The rattly construction held up well enough in our tests but didn't instill much confidence initially. ” Differentiated by their smaller size and weight from their larger full-sized counterparts, the compact locker is also made in an offset-D shape. Oct 26, 2020 · The Wild Country Helium 3 is an updated version of a long-popular design and features hot-forged I-beam construction. On top are the HMS/pear style. It is a lightweight, double-walled water bottle that comes in a wide array of colors and designs and sells for an attractive list price, roughly half the cost of premium water bottles, yet performed nearly as well as the top-scoring bottles. Nov 22, 2019 · Ergonomics. Its best use is as a compact belay locker while trad climbing, and we loved it for use with a Petzl Reverso, either while lead belaying or while belaying off the anchor in auto-lock mode. The Dyon is both lightweight and offers fantastic ease of clipping for those high-stress clips when fiddling around could land you in a world of pain. Let our team of climbing experts help you find the best climbing shoes, top climbing harnesses, and climbing ropes for your needs and budget. Aug 7, 2024 · Each gear loop holds about eight full-size carabiners, meaning you can bring 16 quickdraws up a climb using just the front gear loops on each side. Whether you want a knife for regular repairs at rappel stations or need one as a part of your rescue kit, at a mere 48 grams (1. Aluminum is best for “lighter duty” applications such as early-season backpacking trips. The notch is buried in the nose of the carabiner, which helps prevent snags, but the smaller gate opening and carabiner geometry still make it a little more challenging to unclip than the Black Diamond Oz Oct 29, 2018 · For the third time, this model has won our Editors' Choice award. Oct 29, 2018 · However, both of those carabiners are slightly heavier than this one. The Black Diamond Oz weighs 28 grams, and is much more functional. It is strong, lightweight, versatile, and offers large gate clearance for easy clipping. I think the standard is a capacity of something like 22 kN when closed and along the length the biner (major axis?), which means unless you are planning to accelerate very quickly while the biner is attached to a massive load, it'll be enough. It is ultralight, sturdy, versatile, and easily racks up on any harness. The shape of the basket on this carabiner is fairly flat so that it isn't too hard to slide the rope from the lowest point out and over the nose once your other fingers have opened the gate. Yosemite Valley and the High Sierra has long been the home of OutdoorGearLab, where we began testing slings and other climbing gear almost a decade ago. This is not the locking carabiner to be taken in the pack on a long overnight climbing trip into the mountains, on ski mountaineering trips or on most multi-pitch climbs. The Outdoor Research Revolution II and Prevail Heated touchscreen compatibility worked about half of the time. The S version of this carabiner is slightly lighter (28 grams), but also smaller. The Mad Rock Super Tech Keylock Screw retails for the lowest price of any carabiner in our review, thus offering great value. Jan 28, 2022 · Assisting in ascending steeper snow is another one of the foundational jobs of a mountain axe and thus a category we weighted very heavily. It pinches easily, but doesn't feel too soft or squishy, and it's easy to tie Apr 19, 2018 · The Black Diamond Oz is an ultra-lightweight quickdraw that is best-suited for traditional and multi-pitch climbing. While it is not recommended to trust your water source to a plastic carabiner when rock climbing or mountaineering, we found it sufficient to clip securely to our bags and backpacks. Mar 31, 2020 · The Black Diamond MiniWire is one of the five new quickdraw offerings that BD revealed at the beginning of 2020, and is the smallest and lightest of their lineup. If you are Jun 14, 2014 · The Petzl Spirit straight gate is a cold forged solid gate carabiner with a keylock design. To put it in perspective, if you had 18 Oz carabiners they'd weigh about the same as 20 Minis, so the difference is negligible. Aug 13, 2024 · The Best Camping Tents of 2025. We measured the open gate clearance at 2. Many people tested the newest iteration of this locker for us Apr 10, 2010 · Best Application. Editor's Note: We updated this review on August 20, 2024, to update photos and testing perspectives for Nov 16, 2016 · Best Applications. They are comprised of two carabiners attached by a length of semi-rigid sewn webbing, referred to as a “dogbone. On rivers or Nov 21, 2013 · Update: Edelrid made this belay device with their own carabiners in mind. , mesh, fabric density). Wider carabiners, like the DMM Belay Master, will struggle to fit its bulk into Mar 11, 2025 · The terms “Nalgene” and “water bottle” are often used synonymously, reflecting this bottle's continued popularity over more than a couple of decades now. The Garmin GPSMAP 67 is the best model we tested. Welcome, Guest Sign Up Log In Venting and Breathability. Nov 21, 2024 · For a traditional-only harness, we thought the Arc'teryx AR-385a had the best features, including wide gear loops, an easy-to-use haul loop, and a waist belt built for hanging belays. We climbed with these carabiners for three months, and compared them to each other in six different performance categories: unclipping and clipping, handling, how many ropes fit, rope pull smoothness, and portability. The Black Diamond Oval Wire is great when you really need a smooth rope pull, like when top roping. Length: 10 and 18 cm Weight: 100 g (10 cm). It comes in both straight and bent gate versions. Strapping gear to the outside securely means being crafty with slings and carabiners. May 19, 2023 · Check out our picks in our best climbing harness review. Outdoor Gear Lab concluded that the Snow Peak Titanium Spork was the best overall backpacking spork (obviously). Photo: Ian Nicholson and Graham Zimmerman use their axes in mid-dagger position while traversing a steep slope while attempting to climb a new route in the Kichatna Range, AK. Apr 15, 2020 · At the beginning of 2020, Black Diamond completely redid their entire lineup of carabiners, and the new LiteForge Screwgate now fills the niche for compact offset-D. These would make an excellent choice for newer climbers buying their first rack of draws who don't want to spend double what they have to, and while they are ideal for sport climbing, will also perform admirably on long multi-pitch routes or in Jan 28, 2025 · High-modulus polyethylene fibers reinforce both the leg and gear loops, providing enough rigidity to make this lightweight harness functional on the wall. The MCTi gloves worked fairly well, but only if we pushed our fingers all the way to the end of the glove to eliminate 5 days ago · As an outdoor professional with a IFMGA guide certification, Ryan spends 200+ days of the year hiking, either for work or for play, which has cemented the importance of having good quality and reliable gear. Unclipping. This carabiner currently comes in only two colors, silver for the straight gate and red for the bent. Adjustability isn't important either. From big wall gear like ascenders and haul bags to everyday necessities like rock climbing ropes and top-rated carabiners, we have you covered. This is a common way of carrying a quadruple or longer length sling on a harness so it doesn't dangle in the way. The Mad Rock Ultra Tech HMS stands up as a multiuse locking carabiner in a range of applications. Apr 9, 2014 · At $59. Some refer to it as the “HMS” carabiner as it is also ideal for use with a Munter hitch. For a budget-friendly option, we like the CAMP USA Photon Lock, which delivers a lightweight, user-friendly full-sized locker at a lower price. Oct 26, 2020 · The Alpha Trad is DMM's top of the line full-sized carabiner designed for all-around use; that is, for any climbing purpose at all. A file can help with outdoor gear maintenance also. Today, it still stands out amongst the competition as a high performing and well-designed carabiner. Editor's Note: Our belay device review was updated on May 5, 2025, to share some tester experiences using these devices. g. Value This is one of the cheaper carabiners and only 50 cents more expensive than a standard oval. They rarely perform better than a more modern design. That's not a bad thing, though, if you're looking for an inexpensive draw that's best suited for traditional rock climbing. Jul 20, 2014 · Skip to main content. Apr 11, 2010 · At first glance, the wiregate looks weak and fragile but after reading the specs and seeing them in action, it is no surprise that wiregates have become the default carabiner design. To keep that bottom carabiner in one position, most slings have rubber keepers, either sewn into the sling or placed outside it. However, it didn't score near the top of our overall ratings, and other, full-sized carabiners that scored much higher overall have a very similar price. M. The Best Backpacking Stoves of 2025. What We Offer: Apr 15, 2025 · Notably, the Outdoor Research Couloir Sensor's touchscreen compatibility did not function well during our tests. But they are mainly better as decoration. . As a result, we've been testing the best aiders for well over a decade. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or just starting your journey, our site is your go-to resource for everything related to outdoor gear, hiking, camping, backpacking, and communication technology. This draw has some of the largest carabiners with the widest gate opening, which is helpful if you have large hands, or need something that you can efficiently use with gloves on when ice climbing. It features a sturdy carabiner and leash for easy attachment, and its 2W power ensures clear communication despite obstructions. May 6, 2025 · We bought the nine best carabiners and tested them side by side on alpine peaks, sport crags, and stellar multi-pitch climbs. Dec 11, 2019 · However, it won't stand up to abuse like titanium or steel. May 7, 2025 · Our top pick overall is the Petzl Attache. P. Our adventuring family has researched over 20 of the best kids' climbing harnesses before selecting 9 to test side-by-side. Mar 11, 2025 · The Iron Flask Insulated bottle is the winner of our Best Buy award for water bottles. Reviews. Best Applications Jun 14, 2014 · Best Applications. May 1, 2025 · The Rocky Talkie Mountain Radio excels in various outdoor activities, proving user-friendly during climbs, hikes, and ski tours across multiple ranges. Apr 15, 2020 · The Black Diamond HotForge Screwgate is a full-sized offset-D that has a keylocking nose and works well for most applications. The Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags of 2025. We especially like this harness for trad and multi-pitch climbing since we can fit a full double-rack with tons of cams, nuts, and slings on the front two gear loops. Many devices are also designed to be clipped directly to the anchor when belaying a following climber from above. For that we would go with something like the Petzl Attache. The Gerber Crucial is as small as we would dare call a “full size” multi-tool. Apr 4, 2025 · The Beal Opera offers the best handling out of any rope on the market. Aug 15, 2019 · All of the lockers tested for our Best Locking Carabiner Review, with a Petzl Gri-Gri two for size reference. Dec 5, 2024 · This style of locking carabiner reduces the friction between the rope and the carabiner when pulling slack through while belaying the leader. The tension on the wiregate is also a little on the stiff side, particularly when compared to something that is a little softer like the Camp Photon Wire . Mar 5, 2025 · The Outdoor Research Helium is among the lightest jackets we've tested here at Gear Lab, with a measured weight of 6. Oct 29, 2018 · In this article, we will go over the types of metal and forging methods used, the different gates you can choose from, and what all those strength ratings actually mean. Nov 1, 2024 · The Petzl Spirit Express has two cold-forged Spirit keylock carabiners, the upper one with a straight gate and the lower with a bent gate to facilitate clipping. The Jake held multiple knots/slings better than other locking biners we reviewed except the Black Diamond Rocklock and DMM Boa, which held more. Apr 15, 2020 · The Photon Lock is CAMP's lightest locking carabiner, and we found it to be one of the lightest overall in this comparative review, regardless of size, which is remarkable considering this locker is a fair bit larger, and therefore easier to use, than its smaller competitors. If you want the absolute lightest weight biner, go with CAMP Nano 22 Carabiner or absolute smallest biner the Metolius FS Aug 20, 2024 · It only makes sense that we'd have in-depth reviews for the best climbing gear on the market. Apr 11, 2025 · Most recently, Sara James joined this review team, bringing her experience as an expert paddler, multi-day adventure lover, and long-term gear tester for Gear Lab. We liked it particularly as a belay locker that worked well both on the up and the down, and as a carabiner to use at multi pitch anchors since it has such a wide and capable basket. Given all these choices, we have used the best draws on the market extensively and assessed their best application. novwgb nxcbl jxjn zenj uhrr dfzt ypyyy tjnpe qwvi yiob