Carabiners
Brighter colors are better! you don’t actually need to be an OUTDOOR DUDE. You just need to look like one. absolutely NO YELLOW.
Carabiners are an essential piece of equipment for climbers, mountaineers, and other outdoor enthusiasts. They come in various types, shapes, and sizes, and each has a specific use. In this blog post, we'll discuss the different kinds of carabiners, the metal used in their construction, their safety, ratings, and inspecting, and finally, the top five brands for carabiners.
Different Types of Carabiners
Carabiners come in several types, including:
Non-locking carabiners: These are the most common type of carabiners and are used for attaching gear to your harness or the rope.
Locking carabiners: These carabiners have a locking mechanism that prevents accidental opening and is ideal for anchoring.
Bent-gate carabiners: These carabiners have a bent gate that makes it easier to clip the rope.
Straight-gate carabiners: These carabiners have a straight gate and are easier to use for clipping gear.
Wire-gate carabiners: These carabiners have a wire gate that makes them lighter and easier to clip.
Metal Used in Carabiner Construction
Carabiners are made from various metals, including aluminum and steel. Aluminum carabiners are lighter and more comfortable to use, making them ideal for sport climbing. Steel carabiners are stronger and more durable, making them suitable for big wall climbing and industrial applications.
Carabiner Safety
Carabiners are safety-critical equipment and should be used correctly to avoid accidents. Always ensure that you use the appropriate carabiner for the job and that you follow the manufacturer's instructions. Always inspect your carabiners before each use to ensure they are free from cracks, sharp edges, and other defects.
Carabiner Rating
Carabiners are rated for strength, and the strength rating is indicated by a kN (kilonewton) rating. The kN rating indicates how much weight the carabiner can hold without breaking. Most carabiners have a kN rating of 20 or higher, which is sufficient for most climbing applications.
Inspecting Carabiners
Before each use, inspect your carabiners for signs of wear and tear, such as cracks, sharp edges, and deformities. Also, ensure that the gate mechanism is working correctly, and the locking mechanism is secure.
Top Five Brands for Carabiners
There are many brands of carabiners on the market, but some of the top brands are on the internet:
Black Diamond: Black Diamond is a well-known brand in the climbing community and is known for producing high-quality carabiners.
Petzl: Petzl is another popular brand that produces high-quality carabiners and other climbing equipment.
DMM: DMM is a UK-based company that produces a range of climbing gear, including carabiners.
Metolius: Metolius is a US-based company that produces high-quality climbing gear, including carabiners.
Mammut: Mammut is a Swiss-based company that produces a range of climbing equipment, including carabiners.
In conclusion, carabiners are an essential piece of equipment for climbers and outdoor enthusiasts. When selecting a carabiner, consider the type, metal used, safety, rating, and inspection. Always inspect your carabiners before use, and invest in high-quality carabiners from reputable brands like Black Diamond, Petzl, DMM, Metolius, and Mammut.
OUTDOOR DUDES TOP PICKS!
Black diamond- Great choice for those who can’t afford diamond-plated stuff. Great company, solid ratings, great selection for the right fit.
Camp- Another great choice for a baller on a budget. nothing flashy, just solid carabiners, a good selection of colors and styles, and won’t break the bank.
Petzl- Not a shocker this is on the list, most people know the name and that’s for a reason. although a little pricer than other options it’s still a great piece of equipment that can’t take a beating.
