Best Climbing Belay & Rappel Equipment of 2025

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Climbing is an exhilarating activity that requires proper equipment to ensure safety. Belay and rappel equipment are crucial pieces of gear for climbers. Belay devices, such as the GriGri, are used to control the rope and prevent falls. Rappel devices, such as the ATC, allow climbers to descend safely down the rope. Climbing harnesses and helmets are also essential for safety. It's important to invest in high-quality, durable equipment to ensure a safe and enjoyable climbing experience.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Climbing Belay & Rappel Equipment
Petzl GRIGRI Belay Device
The Petzl GRIGRI Belay Device is a versatile climbing belay device that offers progressive descent control, cam-assisted blocking, comfort, and convenience. With a 3:1 mechanical advantage, the camming mechanism helps smoothly control the rope and reduce lowering efforts, making it suitable for sport, trad, and top-rope climbing, regardless of rope diameter. The cam-assisted blocking ensures a comfortable belay by automatically cinching down to arrest the rope when the climber falls or weights the rope. The engraved rope installation diagram serves as a friendly reminder for both novices and experts. The ergonomic handle allows easy unblocking of the rope and lowering someone. Lightweight and compact, weighing only 175 grams, it is a durable and reliable belay device. Compatible with 8.5 to 11 mm dynamic single ropes, the Petzl GRIGRI Belay Device is a trusted choice for climbers of all levels.
Belay Glasses for Rock Climbing
These belay glasses are a must-have for rock climbers. They are comfortable to wear and provide a clear view of the climber and surroundings while belaying. The glasses are made with high-quality materials and have a sturdy design. They come with a hard case, carabiner, neck strap, microfiber glasses cloth and spare screws. The prisms are perfectly aligned and angled at 60° for optimal belaying. Additionally, these glasses are compatible with eyeglasses and sunglasses.
BLACK DIAMOND ATC-XP Belay Device
The BLACK DIAMOND ATC-XP is a versatile belay device designed for rock climbing and rappelling. It accommodates a range of rope sizes, from 7.7 to 11 mm, making it suitable for various climbing situations. The durable cable maintains its shape, ensuring smooth operation without tangling. With machined windows, the device is lightweight, which is beneficial for climbers who want to minimize gear weight. Additionally, its high-friction mode provides exceptional stopping power, giving you peace of mind while belaying. This combination of features makes the ATC-XP a reliable choice for both novice and experienced climbers.
Black Diamond Big Air XP Package
The Black Diamond Big Air XP Package is a climbing belay and rappel equipment set that includes an ATC-XP belay/rappel device, a Mini Pearabiner screwgate carabiner, and a high friction mode that provides 3 times more hold and stopping power than the regular friction mode. Weighing just 133g (4.7 oz), this package is lightweight and easy to carry during your climbing adventures.
ProClimb Figure 8 Descender
The ProClimb Figure 8 is designed for climbers who prioritize safety and ease of use. Made from high-polished stainless steel, it boasts an impressive breaking strength of 50 kN, ensuring you can tackle tough climbs without worry. Its user-friendly design allows for smooth rope control during descents and belaying, making it simple to adjust your descent rate. This versatile tool is perfect for various climbing activities, from rock climbing to ice climbing. Built to withstand the test of time, it offers durability and lightweight handling, giving you confidence in your climbing adventures.
AOKWIT 50KN Rescue Figure 8 Descender
The AOKWIT 50KN Rescue Figure 8 Descender is a climbing device that uses friction to slow descent or brake. It has superior breaking resistance and offers superb control on rope. The big wall climbing terminal 8 with ears is an improvement over standard figure 8 devices with improved breaking and safety features. The bent-ear design also makes it easy to lock-off with both hands free. Suitable for various climbing activities and rescue situations.
SOB Rescue Figure 8 Descender
The SOB Figure 8 Descender is designed to enhance your climbing and rappelling experiences. Its excellent braking effect allows you to control your descent speed safely, reducing the risk of accidents. The innovative bent ear upgrade lets you secure the device in place during high-altitude operations, providing added convenience. Additionally, this descender accommodates both single and double ropes, making it versatile for different rescue scenarios. With its strong aluminum-magnesium alloy construction, it ensures durability and resistance to wear, ensuring you can rely on it time and again.
Petzl Zigzag Plus Descender for Arborists
The Petzl Zigzag Plus Descender for Arborists is an intuitive, efficient, versatile, and durable device that allows for smooth and precise rope feed, easy slack take-up, and stable positioning of the mechanical Prusik. It works on either doubled ropes or a single rope and is compatible with 11.5 to 13 mm diameter ropes. The separated and curved side plates improve wear resistance, while the steel construction ensures durability.
SOB 40KN Rescue Figure 8 Descender
The SOB 40KN Rescue Figure 8 Descender, also known as the SOB Rescue Figure 8, is a versatile climbing and rappelling equipment made of high-strength aluminum magnesium alloy. Its lightweight design makes it easy to carry, perfect for mountain climbing, rock climbing, ice climbing, and rescue operations. The descent protector utilizes friction between the rope and the device to slow down the descent or apply brakes, ensuring your safety even in emergency situations. With its extra thick build, including ears and a belay slot, you can trust this device to keep you secure. Its durability, lightweight nature, and resistance to pressure make it suitable for various high-altitude operations. Experience smooth rope action while descending or belaying, making your climbing adventures more convenient and safe.
Black Diamond ATC Pilot Belay Device
The Black Diamond ATC Pilot belay device is designed to enhance your climbing experience. It accommodates ropes ranging from 8.7 to 10.5 mm, ensuring compatibility with various rope sizes. You’ll appreciate the added security it offers during single pitch belays, giving you peace of mind as you climb. The device also allows for smooth rope payout, making it easier for you to manage your partner's descent. Additionally, it features controlled lowering, which is crucial for safely bringing your climber down after a successful ascent.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can you rappel with a belay device?
Yes, you can rappel with a belay device. Most belay devices are designed to work for both belaying and rappelling. They grip the rope and allow for a slow and controlled descent. There are different types of belay devices available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
2. Is belaying the same as rappelling?
No, belaying and rappelling are not the same. Belaying involves the belayer remaining stationary while the rope moves. Rappelling, on the other hand, involves the rope remaining stationary while the rappeller lowers themselves down the rope. In belaying, the belayer controls the rope for the climber, while in rappelling, the individual controls their own descent.
3. How many carabiners do I need for rappelling?
You should have at least three locking carabiners for rappelling, ideally four or more. These carabiners are used to secure the rope and create a safe rappelling setup. Additionally, a locking carabiner or a rappel ring is needed to run the rope through.
4. Can I rappel with a GRIGRI?
No, it is not possible to rappel with a GRIGRI on the two strands coming out of the anchor. When using a GRIGRI for rappelling, you need to rappel on a single strand blocked at the rappel ring using a knot attached to a locking carabiner. Only rappel on the strand opposite the knot block, while the other strand is used for retrieving the rope.
5. How many types of belay devices are there?
There are three main types of belay devices: active assisted braking, passive assisted braking, and traditional tube devices. Each type has its own characteristics and advantages. Our climbing experts have extensively tested and used all three types of belay devices.
During our climbing belay & rappel equipment research, we found 24 climbing belay & rappel equipment products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 42,087 customer reviews through our big data system to write the climbing belay & rappel equipment list. We found that most customers choose climbing belay & rappel equipment with an average price of $25.70.
The climbing belay & rappel equipment are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of climbing belay & rappel equipment, including PETZL, BG Climbing, BLACK DIAMOND, ProClimb, AOKWIT.

Michael Daley is a founder of a climbing club. As a climbing expert, he's well-versed in all topics related to travel, including climbing accessories. He loves everything related to climbing and often shares his experience online.