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For climbers, choosing the right carabiner is essential for the very simple reason that it is often the thing preventing them from falling. Even if you’re not hiking or climbing though, the best carabiners are handy pretty much any time you’re working with some kind of rope, whether that’s latching to a rope anchor when kayaking or attaching a leash to your dog collar. A good carabiner can also be used for small jobs like as a keychain or to carry a water bottle.
For bigger jobs, like suspending a hammock, for example, we like aluminum locking carabiners. Aluminum, the most common material used for climbing carabiners, is lightweight, stiff, and incredibly durable, making it safe for pretty much all uses. The locking function, which securely fastens the carabiner closed (either automatically or with a screw), is an especially important safety feature for any activity that leaves you suspended in air, but is useful anytime you want to be sure the carabiner stays secure (that is, always).
What Are the Best Aluminum Locking Carabiners?
There are a few basic things to keep in mind when choosing the best carabiner for you. We’ve listed three of the most important.
Strength and Size: Carabiners come in many strengths, which are rated in three directions: the major axis (lengthwise), minor axis (sideways), and when it is open. For climbing purposes, all carabiners must pass UIAA (Union Internationale des Associations d’Alpinisme) and CE safety standards, which means these will be plenty strong for anything you need them for. In general, the heftier the ‘biner, the stronger it will be.
Shape:Carabiners come in a D shape, asymmetrical D shape, pear shape, and oval, the most common being the D, or square shape. We like this style because the angle allows weight to be evenly distributed across the carabiner, which makes it stronger. Different shapes may be better suited for specific climbing styles, but for multi-purpose use, we prefer the trusty D.
Lock Style: Carabiners can be locked using a screw method or automatically. Both methods keep the tool securely locked, though automatic locking has the advantage when it comes to peace of mind, since you never need to remember to fully make it lock. In either case, we look for locks that can be secured single-handedly, keeping your other hand free for whatever else you’re hanging on to.
