Steel Carabiners

Locking vs. Non-locking 

Locking carabiners: Gates lock to prevent accidental openings during falls; essential for belaying or critical protection placements

• Screw-lock: Requires manual twisting to close
• Auto-locking (twist lock): Automatically locks when the gate closes

Non-locking carabiners: Lighter, quicker to clip or unclip but can accidentally open; ideal for racking gear or for quickdraws

Carabiner shape

• D shape: Strongest shape, excellent for most kinds of climbing
• Asymmetric D: Lighter than D shape with a larger gate for easy clipping; use for belaying, rappelling, general climbing  
• Pear shape: Designed for belaying, rappelling and anchor points; heavier and more expensive
• Oval shape: Smaller gate opening, affordable but not as strong or light as others; ideal for aid climbing or racking trad gear

Gate Types 

• Straight-gate: Durable, easy to use; common for clipping gear to harnesses
• Bent-gate: Makes rope clipping easier; generally used for quickdraws  
• Wire-gate: Lightweight, less likely to freeze or vibrate open during a fall
• Locking: Most secure; essential for anchors or belaying

Frame type 

• Internal frame: Sturdy lightweight aluminum frame provides structure for added support
• Frameless: Soft or sling-style options typically for smaller kids; prioritize simplicity and close contact.  

Get a good fit  

A good carrier should fit the adult like a backpack, with adjustable shoulder straps, hipbelt and torso length  

Look for comfort and safety features for your child
 

Key features include a supportive seat, adjustable harness, ventilation, sun or rain protection, and stable kick-out legs (on framed models) for safe loading and resting. 

Match features to how and where you’ll use the carrier
 

Consider terrain, trip length and climate when choosing features like storage capacity, hydration compatibility, weather covers and lightweight materials.