Climbing accessories: carabiners and safety
The Climbing Accessories page brings together the small gear for climbers: screwgate carabiners, auto-locking carabiners, and accessories Edelrid, Kong, Climbing Technology, and Black Diamond, sewn slings Climbing Technology Extender, swivel Black Diamond, chalk Wild Country, Snap chalk bags, and Edelrid, brush for holds, helmets Wild Country Movement and Grivel Mutant.
The gear that connects the climber to the rock.
A belay system where every link matters
In climbing, the climber is connected to the anchor point by a belay system: rope, carabiners, slings, and belay device. Each connector is personal protective equipment certified to the European standard EN 12275, which is engraved on its body indicating its strength in kilonewtons: in the major axis, with the gate closed, the value usually exceeds twenty, while the minor axis and with the gate open holds much less. A carabiner only works correctly in its major axis, never sideways on an edge. We check before each outing that the gate closes by itself and securely, and we remove from the system any item that has fallen from a height onto a hard ground.
The rest of the equipment
Climbing also includes:
All climbing gear can be found on the climbing page.
Carabiner HMS, simple or accessory: each has its role
The locking carabiner cannot open accidentally: screw-lock, like the Edelrid HMS Bulletproof, or automatic, like the Kong, it is used for belaying and anchors. Its HMS pear shape allows the half-hitch knot to slide. The Bulletproof has a steel insert where the rope makes contact, which withstands wear much better than aluminium and avoids sharp edges. The simple carabiner, like the Climbing Technology Morfo, equips quickdraws. The slings Climbing Technology Extender, sewn in nylon or in an ultralight version, extends an anchor to reduce drag, and the swivel Black Diamond, which rotates on itself, prevents a bag being hoisted from twisting the rope.
Helmet, chalk, and brush: protecting your head and hands
The helmet, certified to standard EN 12492, protects against falling rocks on cliffs and impacts against the wall in case of a fall: the Wild Country Movement emphasises lightweight design, while the Grivel Mutant comes from the Italian manufacturer founded in 1818 in Courmayeur. Chalk, a magnesium carbonate introduced into climbing in the 1950s by American climber John Gill, dries the sweat on fingers; the Wild Country Pure Chunky, in large grains, is kept in a chalk bag Snap or Edelrid Herkules attached to the harness. The brush Wild Country removes excess chalk from holds, and the neoprene and Kevlar gloves Kong protect hands during rope handling.
Good deals
Great deals can also be found in good deals, promotions, clearance, sales, and Black Friday. The new arrivals showcase the latest collections, and items shipped within 24h are prepared and sent out in 24 hours. The highlights of the year follow a steady rhythm: Black Friday at the end of autumn, the end-of-year holidays, the winter sales, the French Days in spring, then the summer sales and back-to-school season.
Frequently asked questions
Screw-lock or automatic locking carabiner: which one should I choose?
The screw closes by hand: simple and reliable, as long as you remember to tighten it each time. The automatic locking closes itself, making it safer for belaying and at the end of the day, when vigilance decreases, but is a bit slower to handle.
When should you replace a carabiner or sling?
A cracked carabiner, one worn down by the rope or with a gate that closes poorly should be discarded. A sling should be replaced as soon as it is frayed, discolored, or has endured a significant shock, and at the latest, by the end of the lifespan indicated by the manufacturer.
Powder or liquid chalk: what should I choose?
The powder, in a chalk bag, can be easily taken while climbing. The liquid, applied before climbing, dries to a thin and durable layer, appreciated in gyms where it reduces dust. Many climbers combine the two.
Do you need a helmet for indoor climbing?
Indoors, a helmet is not necessary: there are no falling rocks and the walls are designed for falls without obstacles. Outdoors, it becomes essential, both for the climber and for the belayer positioned below the route.
What climbing accessory should I give to a climber?
A chalk bag, a hold brush, or a block of chalk will please everyone at any level, with no size questions. For carabiners and belaying gear, it's best to let the climber choose for themselves based on their practice and habits.
