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Mammut Carabiners: Your essential buying guide
Choose based on the job. Non-locking carabiners are commonly used where fast clipping matters, such as quickdraws and racking gear. Locking carabiners are used where extra security is needed, such as belay setups, anchors and personal attachment points. Always follow the instructions for your climbing system and equipment.
A screwgate carabiner has a threaded sleeve that you manually open and close. Twist-lock and other auto-locking designs use a spring-loaded mechanism that closes automatically when released. Screwgates are simple and widely used, while auto-lockers can be useful when you want the gate to lock without a separate screwing action.
Wiregate carabiners are often lightweight and can be easy to clip, making them popular for trad racks and sport climbing quickdraws. Solid gate carabiners can feel more substantial in the hand and are common on locking models. The better choice depends on where the carabiner will be used and what you prefer to handle.
D-shaped carabiners help keep loads aligned along the strongest axis and are common for general climbing use. HMS or pear-shaped carabiners offer more internal space and are often chosen for belaying or knots such as clove hitches. Oval carabiners can be useful with pulleys or aid-style setups where even loading is helpful.
No. For climbing, use carabiners designed and certified for climbing applications, and check the markings, instructions and compatibility with your other gear. Accessory carabiners, keyring clips and non-rated clips are not suitable for life-support use.
Carabiners are small pieces of climbing hardware, but the right choice makes a big difference to how smoothly your system works. Compare gate style, shape, size, weight and intended use before adding one to your rack.
Locking carabiners are designed with a sleeve or mechanism that helps prevent the gate opening unintentionally. They are commonly used for belaying, anchor points, attaching a personal tether and other situations where a secure closure is important.
Non-locking carabiners are typically chosen for quick clipping and gear handling. They are often used on quickdraws, with slings and for racking protection, but they are not a direct substitute for a locking carabiner where one is required.
Wiregate carabiners are a popular lightweight option and can be easy to clip one-handed. They are useful when you want to reduce rack weight or carry several carabiners for routes with lots of placements.
Straight gate and bent gate designs are usually solid gate styles. Straight gates are versatile, while bent gates can make rope clipping feel smoother on quickdraws. For locking models, compare screwgate, twist-lock and other auto-locking mechanisms based on how you like to handle your kit.
D-shaped carabiners are a practical all-round choice because their shape encourages loading along the spine. They are common for general climbing tasks and for pairing with other hardware.
HMS or pear-shaped carabiners provide a wider top basket, which can help when belaying, using larger knots or managing multiple strands. Oval carabiners offer a symmetrical shape that can suit pulleys, aid climbing and tidy gear organisation.
Smaller carabiners save space and weight, but can be harder to handle with gloves or when clipping multiple items. Larger carabiners can be easier to manipulate and may offer more room for knots, belay devices or anchor components.
If you are building a lightweight rack, compare gram weight and gate opening. If you prioritise everyday usability, look at how much internal space the carabiner provides and whether the gate action suits your hands.
A carabiner should work cleanly with the gear it is paired with, such as belay devices, slings, ropes and protection. Check that the shape and gate clearance suit your intended setup, and avoid forcing hardware into awkward positions.
If you are refreshing more than one part of your rack, it can help to compare carabiners alongside nearby climbing essentials such as quickdraws, slings, ropes and belay devices so your kit works together as a system.
Inspect carabiners regularly for cracks, sharp edges, heavy wear, corrosion or gate problems. The gate should open and close cleanly, and any locking sleeve should move as intended.
Retire a carabiner if it has been damaged, heavily worn or involved in a serious fall, or if you are unsure about its condition. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidance and use equipment only for its intended purpose.
