Ascending: For regular use, handled ascenders are best, but for occasional use and self-rescue from crevasses etc, micro ascenders are cheap and much lighter. The cheapest and lightest ascender on the market is a Prusik Loop. For climbing a free-hanging fixed rope, ascenders need to be used in pairs (though not matching pairs) and at a minimum, two screwgate karabiners and a long sling are also required. Anyone climbing multi-pitched routes anywhere should carry two Prusik loops, a long sling and some screwgates at all times (and know how to use them), as there is always a risk of falling into a position where you are dangling free of the rock, and your partner cannot haul you, nor is the rope long enough to lower you.
Autobloc: A Prusik Loop or a Shunt can be used as an autobloc when abseiling or hauling/lowering loads.
Self Belaying: Some ascenders can also be used to protect a solo climber who is climbing along side a fixed rope. Unfortunately there is no simple answer as to what is the best device for self-toproping. Please see our advice page on Self-Belaying for more information.
Please note that prices are for a single unit.
Essential safety kit for abseils and multipitch climbs.
30cm sewn extender made of 6mm aramid cord. Intended for use as a Prusik loop.
The Beal Jammy is a sewn Prusik Loop made from 5.5mm cord - three lengths.
Ultralight, tiny, no moving parts ascender that is ideal for alpine climbing as it weighs so little.
Compact micro ascender for climbing a fixed rope. NB Recalled!
An ascender without a handle.
A chest ascender - as per the Basic, but with twisted attachment points. For ropes from 8mm - 11mm.
Chest ascender with twisted attachment points. For ropes from 8mm - 13mm.
The best device for safeguarding abseils.
Very simple and safe way of ascending ropes but a tad heavy for the alps. Left and Right-Hand versions.
Easy to use whether jumaring big wall pitches in Yosemite or hauling your way out of a crevasse.
Revolutionary karabiner from DMM - designed to reduce rope drag.
Ultra-light pulley with an autobloc function - very similar to the Petzl Micro-Traxion, but lighter.
High efficiency, ultra-light progress capture pulley.
An ultra-light ultra-compact locking (or progress-capture) pulley that is exceptionally efficient.
Very efficient self-jamming pulley designed for hauling heavy loads with maximum efficiency.
Lightweight swing-cheeked pulley for occasional alpine use.
Fixed-sided pulley with self lubricating bearings for hauling systems and tyrolean traverses.
Lightweight pulley with moving side plates which can handle big loads
Highly efficient swing-sided Prusik pulley designed for pulley systems and hauling of heavy loads.
Highly efficient double swing-sided Prusik pulley designed for pulley systems and hauling of heavy loads.
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