Outdoor Gear Lab

For anchor building, rescue systems, slackline set-ups and other high stress technical applications, this contender is a low cost, long-lasting option that provides strength and security, but at a cost of functionality in many other climbing usages.go to full review

The Wild Country Ascent Lite Belay is a lightweight, durable locking carabiner designed specially for use with belay devices. We would choose this locker for belaying during single and multi-pitch climbs in order to keep our devices from cross loading.go to full review

The Black Diamond Positron Screwgate locking carabiner is an all-around performer for all types of climbers. Whether you are looking for a locker that will help you set up a simple top rope anchor off of bolts, or are going big wall climbing and want to eliminate some of the bulk from your harness, the Positron deserves a spot on your gear loop.go to full review

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. Having a couple of these large D-shaped carabiners for use at anchors and for belaying makes life a lot easier and less cluttered. The Am'D performs well across a variety of applications and could be considered as a jack-of-all-trades.go to full review

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. 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. Not only does it do its intended purpose, but is also lightweight and affordable in comparison to the competition.go to full review

This is a locking carabiner specifically designed for use with belay devices to keep them from cross loading against the belay loop, thus reducing their strength. In gym climbing and sport climbing applications, this carabiner could be a useful addition to your kit and could help improve your margin of safety. For climbers looking for a carabiner to use in a broader variety of situations, continue reading our Best Locking Carabiner Review to find something to suit you.go to full review

Climbers and backcountry adventurers who need the security of a locking carabiner but do not need the full function of a larger locker will find the Pure Screw to fit their needs and perform tasks at a fraction of its competitor's weight. go to full review

If you are looking to start your basic climbing rack, the Rocklock Screwgate is a great choice to pair with your belay/rappel device, and your personal anchor system. With a simple and functional design at an economical price, it wins our Best Buy Award and is recommended for most climbing situations. go to full review

The Petzl Attache has been one of the most popular locking carabiners on the market for a long while, and it will continue to be so, thanks to its light weight, versatility and performance in most all tasks it was used in. It is a perfect choice for users looking to retain all the functionality that they expect from a full-sized locker, but at a fraction of the weight for those endeavors where shaving every ounce is critical, as well as for the everyday climber who wants a quality locking..." go to full review

I nicknamed this "the suitcase pad" because we mostly carry it like a suitcase as an extra/secondary pad. I use our main pad to carry all our shoes and extra gear in. It folds up quick and easy with only one closure strap and it fits into fairly small places with its compact rectangular design, making it very nice as an extra/secondary pad.

When the Velcro flaps are secured and the hinges sealed, the pad is very rigid, which makes it lie perfectly flat on flat ground. When..." go to full review