Belay Device

ATC [Black Diamond]
The most popular belay device on the market today is likely Black Diamond's ATC. ATC stands for 'air traffic controller' and provides a simple, single-friction belay device that can be used for belaying and descending. ATC's sell for around 17 dollars. Cosmetic Seconds are commonly found and cost around 12 dollars.

The ATC is a 'bucket' style belay device. Dozens of competitive models are available. Many belay devices have a 'high friction' side and a 'low friction' side (the ATC-XP from Black Diamond is an example). Generally speaking the high friction side is beneficial if you are rappelling down extremely steep terrain or holding a climber who is 'hang dogging'. 'Hang dogging' is slang for a climber who is constantly waiting the rope while trying to work out moves on a climb.

Reverso [Petzl]
An auto-blocking belay device automatically jams when weighted without any action from the belayer (though the belayer should always keep a brake hand on the rope). The auto-blocking device requires additional knowledge on how to use it as well as how to release the device when weighted (i.e. if you need to lower an injured climber), therefore this device is better for advanced climbers.

The Petzl Reverso (left) has obtained a reputation as an ideal belay device for alpine and/or multipitch climbing. The Reverso has the benefit of acting as an auto-blocking belay device. Reversos cost 25 dollars.

The Reverso can be used as an emergency ascender, which is useful in situations such as rope jams, self-rescue etc. Petzl also offers a smaller version of the Reverso called the Reversino, which is designed for smaller diameter ropes.

Auto-Locking
Auto-locking belay devices are designed to catch a fall without any action from the belayer (but they must be backed up). When the climber's side of the rope is weighted, a cam pinches the rope in the auto-locking belay device. The belayer can deactivate the cam by pulling back on the handle (i.e. when lowering the belayer). Auto-locking belay devices must be backed up at all times by belaying as if you were using a non-auto-locking belay device (i.e. ATC).

The auto-locking feature can make it more difficult for the belayer to provide a dynamic belay (as opposed to belay devices that require a manual lock off).

GriGri [Petzl]
Petzl also offers the Petzl GriGri (right) The Petzl GriGri is an auto-locking belay device. A large handle permits the user to release the auto-locking feature when necessary. The Petzl GriGri is one of the best 'Hang-Dogging' belaying devices. The down side of the GriGri is that it is expensive, heavy and you cannot (easily) rappel with double ropes. Therefore the GriGri is ideal for sport climbing.* (*Belaying a lead climber with a GriGri takes advanced knowledge).

Grigris sell for 80 dollars. Trango has released a competitive belay device called the Cinch that is lighter and cheaper. I have not used a Cinch yet and therefore I cannot recommend it at this time.

Rope Soloing
Rope Soloing is a complex climbing technique which allows a climber to climb without a partner while still being protected by a rope. The Silent Partner is an example of Rope Soloing belay devices. These are designed exclusively for experts.

Figure Eight
Most climbers do not used Figure Eights any more due to the way it twists climbing ropes. Go to: Figure Eights for more details.

Munter Hitch
The Munter Hitch is a sliding friction hitch which is capable of safely holding loads in excess of 800 pounds before it starts to slip. With practice it can be used for belaying and rappelling. The Munter Hitch is an essential knot to know, especially in the event that you drop your belay device.

The Hitch Munter System (HMS) carabiner

The HMS carabiner which is now manufactured to be used specifically in conjunction with various friction breaking belay devices on the market today, was originally designed in Germany by a Mr. Munter (no kidding). Its intended purpose was to pass a knot through the carabiner without it getting stuck. In order to accomplish this task, Munter designed the carabiner large enough to go through the waist band and leg straps of a conventional climbing harness and still have room to pass a knot.

Today, the HMS carabiner is manufactured by all the major climbing companies and is designed to be used in conjunction with your belay device. All HMS carabiners by their very nature are locking. The screw gate is the most common type of HMS carabiner on the market today. However, there are auto-locking HMS versions as well as a double locking HMS carabiner. Many people use screw gates because they have less moving parts and are less likely to jam, especially in cold weather. However, when ice climbing, plastic gate HMS carabiners are often preferred. The HMS carabiner is also ideally suited for many rescue operations because of its unique shape and the fact that the carabiner is always attached to the climber's harness.

Carabiner Brake
The carabiner brake is an emergency rappelling method, in case you lost or dropped your belay device. It works similar to a rappel rack by using carabiners as brake bars. You need a minimum of three regular carabiners to set up the carabiner brake and a locking carabiner to connect the carabiner brake to your harness.