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

Your child is ready for a carrier backpack when:

• They can sit upright without assistance
• They weigh at least 16 pounds (6 months old or so)
• Have full head and neck control
• Your pediatrician confirms they can ride in a carrier
• Your child plus the gear in the pack weighs 48 pounds or less

You can use a child carrier for:

• Hiking on light terrain

• Backpacking
• Traveling
• Around town
• Do not use a child carrier for high-speed activities

Child carrier tips

• Never leave children unattended in child carriers
• Do not use child carriers as a chair or place on elevated surfaces
• Check your child's neck and comfort periodically
• To avoid choking, don't let your child eat while riding in the carrier
• Clip a toy to the carrier for entertainment on the trail