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Camping & Outdoors Climbing

Best Ascenders

Updated September 2021
BEST OF THE BEST
PETZL Ascension Handled Ascender
BEST OF THE BEST
PETZL
Ascension Handled Ascender
Trusted Brand
Popular ascender for big and small climbs for clear or inclement weather.
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Pros and Cons

PROS
  • Easy large lever release.
  • Ergonomic design for comfort.
  • Additional carabiner loop at the top decreases the chance of accidents.
  • Cam teeth for increased grip Security in wet conditions.
CONS
  • May be too bulky to carry around as a back-up ascender.
BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK
New Doar Hand Ascender
BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK
New Doar
Hand Ascender
Best for Small Jobs
Simple hand ascender for smaller climbs and especially for handyman tasks around the house, boat, or tree stand.
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Pros and Cons

PROS
  • Lightweight for easy transport.
  • Fits easily in a pocket, glove compartment, or toolkit.
  • Rubber handle for comfort and protection.
  • Long lasting and weather resistant.
  • Useful for sustained tasks.
CONS
  • Catch spikes may cause damage to the user’s rope, if activity is sustained for long periods.
Wild Country Ropeman 1 Ascender
Wild Country
Ropeman 1 Ascender
Simple Yet Solid
Lightweight ascender useful for making long climbs or belaying to and from a hunting tree stand.
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Pros and Cons

PROS
  • Stainless steel axel and cable leash for increased strength.
  • Alloy side plates for durability.
  • Light and multifunctional.
  • Can be kept easily in a back pocket when hunting.
  • Easy release action for ease of use.
CONS
  • New users may take some time adjusting to descending settings.
Black Diamond Index Ascender
Black Diamond
Index Ascender
Easiest to Use
Index finger trigger is easy to use and low effort, especially for small hands.
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Pros and Cons

PROS
  • Index finger trigger for smoother transfers and increased control on low pitches.
  • Index finger trigger mimics action of trigger pull for easier releases.
  • Can keep 1 hand free while releasing.
  • Available for both right handed and left handed climbers.
CONS
  • Index finger trigger release may be unfamiliar to experienced climbers who are making the transition from established models.
Grivel Up and Down Ascender
Grivel
Up and Down Ascender
Most Versatile
Sturdy yet comfortable ascender that doubles as a descender for trips up and back down.
Check Price at Backcountry View at Backcountry

Pros and Cons

PROS
  • 2-in-1 ascender/descender design for less equipment.
  • Built-in belay plate for versatility on complicated climbs.
  • Ideal for switching between ascents and descents.
  • Form fitting rubber grip for additional comfort.
CONS
  • Teeth will wear out your rope, so back up supplies are recommended.
Why trust BestReviews?
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
How We Tested

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

Click here for testing insights
First Reviewed
September 23, 2021
62
Models
considered
10
Hours
researched
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Our Top Picks
PETZL
Best of the Best
PETZL
Ascension Handled Ascender
Bottom Line
Popular ascender for big and small climbs for clear or inclement weather.
Shop Now
New Doar
Best Bang for the Buck
New Doar
Hand Ascender
Bottom Line
Simple hand ascender for smaller climbs and especially for handyman tasks around the house, boat, or tree stand.
Shop Now
Wild Country
Top Pick
Wild Country
Ropeman 1 Ascender
Bottom Line
Lightweight ascender useful for making long climbs or belaying to and from a hunting tree stand.
Shop Now
Black Diamond
Top Pick
Black Diamond
Index Ascender
Bottom Line
Index finger trigger is easy to use and low effort, especially for small hands.
Shop Now
Grivel
Top Pick
Grivel
Up and Down Ascender
Bottom Line
Sturdy yet comfortable ascender that doubles as a descender for trips up and back down.
Shop Now
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