Gear Review

Black Diamond Mini Pearabiner

Black Diamond Mini Pearabiner Locking Carabiner

If you're going to be a climber, you've got to carry at least one locking carabiner. I've checked all the books; it's the law.

Without a rope, however, you may be wondering what good a carabiner is. Not to worry: just clip it onto the back of your pack for an instant, stylish accessory that lets everyone know you're a member of mountaineering's 'in' crowd.

If you do have a rope and a least a bit of nylon webbing (to improvise a harness), you can use a locking carabiner as an emergency rappel device. You may otherwise find carabiners invaluable for clipping various things to various places—packs, trees, etc.—as the need arises.

Locking carabiners are unfortunately considerably heavier than ordinary 'beaners. Black Diamond's Mini Pearabiner, however, is among the lightest of the bunch, and is shaped to allow plenty of room for a Munter Hitch in case of an unexpected rappel.

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