Best Locking Carabiners

Updated March 2023

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Bottom line

Pros

Cons

Best of the Best

Hunter Safety System

High-Strength Carabiners

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Durable & Rugged

Bottom Line

Lightweight yet strong, this 2-pack of locking carabiners offers ultimate strength for the heaviest loads.

Pros

This locking carabiner is designed with a ball-and-point closure, making it strong and sturdy. Strong enough to be used for hammocks, backpacking or sailing; this carabiner keeps heavy-weighted gear safe and secure.

Cons

Other users noticed this carabiner was larger than expected and is less ideal as a compact option.

Best Bang for the Buck

Get 5 locking carabiners for the price of 1 with this multipack that serves all your locking carabiner needs.

Pros

This D-shaped carabiner is built with a spring-loaded gate and aluminum framing, making it ideal for fishing, hiking, camping, backpacking, and cycling. A twisting screw allows this carabiner to be locked into place securely, keeping gear safe and sound.

Cons

Being that these are smaller, lightweight carabiners, they are less ideal for supporting hammocks or other weight-bearing activities.

Equipped with a dual-lock, S-shaped design, this carabiner provides double the locking potential.

Pros

With its unique design, this dual locking carabiner keeps keys and other gear securely in place. Stainless steel framing makes it strong and durable, and gates are equipped with plastic slide-locks that can be locked independently, allowing you more control when using.

Cons

Some users noticed this carabiner was smaller than expected.

Nite Ize

Size #3 SlideLock Carabiner

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Best for Everyday Use

Bottom Line

This sturdy and durable carabiner keeps attached items safe and secure with its locking capabilities and is built to last.

Pros

SlideLock technology on a stainless steel gate makes this carabiner strong and secure for daily use, and high-quality aluminum makes up the rest. Built with a sleek design that’s ideal for fitting into pockets or purses, this locking carabiner keeps keys and other valuables secure.

Cons

While sturdy and secure, this carabiner does have a lower weight limit and is not ideal for climbing.

Petzl

Sm'D Locking Carabiner

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Simple Yet Solid

Bottom Line

A light, twist-locking carabiner with a red indicator that lets you know when the unit is unlocked.

Pros

The Sm'D is large and is built to work on high climbs and low ones alike. This carabiner withstands intense climbs and stays strong over time. The keylock nose prevents snagging. Buyers laud its twist-lock mechanic and strength.

Cons

The screwing mechanism sometimes loosens up.

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.

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