Best Climbing Ascenders of 2026
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Climbing ascenders are essential tools for rock climbers and mountaineers as they provide a secure and efficient way to ascend ropes. These devices feature a cam that grips the rope as the user ascends, allowing them to move up the rope with ease. Climbing ascenders are available in different sizes and designs to accommodate various rope diameters and user preferences. They can be used in conjunction with other climbing equipment such as harnesses, ropes, and carabiners to ensure safety while climbing. Climbing ascenders are highly recommended for anyone who enjoys climbing and wants to improve their performance and safety.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 7 Climbing Ascenders
NewDoar Adjustable Foot Ascender Strap
The NewDoar Foot Ascender is a lightweight and compact climbing device designed for ease of use and efficiency. Weighing only 0.55lb, it features a fully adjustable stainless steel buckle, allowing you to easily customise the length of the foot loop from 31.5 to 59 inches. This ensures a secure fit for various users. The robust polyester material is capable of withstanding a break test of 22KN, providing you with confidence in its durability. Moreover, it connects effortlessly to hand or chest ascenders, making your climbing experience more labour-efficient.
Petzl B16BAA CROLL Chest Ascender for Rope Ascents
The Petzl CROLL Ascender is designed to be used with a BASIC or ASCENSION handled ascender, making your rope ascents easier and more efficient. Its toothed cam features a self-cleaning slot, which ensures reliable performance even in tough conditions like frozen or muddy ropes, so you can trust it to grip securely. The stainless steel cam resists corrosion, giving you a long-lasting tool that withstands harsh environments. Additionally, the stainless steel wear plate enhances durability, meaning the ascender will maintain its strength after repeated use. The catch is simply opened by pinching, allowing for quick and easy manipulation when needed.
POHOVE Climbing Hand Ascender with Fall Protection
The POHOVE Rope Ascender is crafted from hot forged aluminium-magnesium alloy, ensuring a high strength-to-weight ratio, making it easy for you to carry during your outdoor adventures. With a maximum bearing capacity of 100kg, it is suitable for various climbing activities, including tree climbing and single rope climbs. The movable side plate design allows you to quickly load and unload the ascender at any point on the rope, enhancing your climbing efficiency. Additionally, the block piece design helps secure the rope, preventing any unintended slips while you focus on your ascent.
Petzl TIBLOC Ultra-light Emergency Ascender
The Petzl TIBLOC is an ultra-light emergency ascender designed for climbers who value efficiency and reliability. Its signature brand details ensure you are using a trusted product. Made from durable materials, it provides the strength needed for various climbing situations, giving you peace of mind while ascending. The model number B01B identifies it, ensuring you are selecting the right gear. With this ascender, you can tackle your climbs with confidence, knowing you have a quality tool at your disposal.
NewDoar Foot Ascender Rock Climbing Device Orange
The NewDoar Foot Ascender is a reliable climbing device designed with your safety in mind, meeting CE and EN safety standards for secure use. Made from aluminium magnesium alloy, it is both strong and lightweight, making it easy to carry on your climbs. Its wide belt and innovative straps help reduce effort and speed up your ascent, especially when paired with other ascender equipment. The sharp cam teeth grip the rope firmly, keeping you secure, while the self-cleaning feature ensures it works well even on dirty or icy ropes, giving you confidence in various conditions.
NewDoar Rope Grab Ascender for Climbing
The NewDoar Ascender is crafted from lightweight 7075 Aluminium Alloy, making it both durable and resistant to corrosion. With its EU certification, you can trust that this product ensures your safety during climbing activities. The removable design allows you to adjust the rope easily, enhancing your climbing efficiency and reducing fatigue. It is perfectly suited for a variety of outdoor activities, including rock climbing, rescue operations, and tree work, making it a versatile addition to your climbing gear.
NewDoar Lightweight Rope Ascender for 8-13mm Rope
The NewDoar Rope Ascender is crafted from durable 7075 Aluminium Alloy, making it both lightweight and resistant to corrosion, so you can easily take it on all your outdoor adventures. Weighing just 60g and compact in size, it’s highly portable and won’t weigh you down during climbs. The solid stainless steel cam is designed with a stepped gear shape that securely grips the rope without causing damage, providing safety and reliability. It works best with 8-13mm ropes, especially 11mm and 12mm, offering a strong grip and a maximum strength of 25KN for your peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are ascenders for?
An ascender is a device (usually mechanical) used for directly ascending a rope, or for facilitating protection with a fixed rope when climbing on very steep mountain terrain. Ascenders can also be used as a braking component within a rope hauling system, often used in rescue situations.
2. Do I need 2 ascenders?
As a single ascender is not trustworthy, it is recommended to use two ascenders, both attached to the harness. The user is on his feet, using one or more ascenders for self-belay and as an aid to progression. The user has his hands free to slide the ascenders along the safety rope, while always keeping it taut.
During our climbing ascender research, we found 119 climbing ascender products and shortlisted 7 quality products. We collected and analyzed 13,304 customer reviews through our big data system to write the climbing ascenders list. We found that most customers choose climbing ascenders with an average price of £30.04.
The climbing ascenders are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of climbing ascenders, including NewDoar, PETZL, POHOVE.
Luke is a runner, a climber, hiker, hunter, and a lot more. Luke Dobson is Celtic-born and has lived most of his life in Scotland. However, his sporting endeavours have taken him to several countries around Europe. He serves as a tour guide for countless companies and owns a couple of gyms and recreational centres in Scotland. Luke Dobson is proficient in 7 different languages. He maintains many sport article columns where he shares his wealth of experience in the sport industry.