Best Climbing Belay & Rappel Equipment of 2025

Luke Dobson Avatar
Luke Dobson
Last Updated: 7 Feb 2025

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For those who enjoy climbing, having reliable belay and rappel equipment is crucial for safety and peace of mind. This equipment includes harnesses, ropes, carabiners, belay devices, and other essential tools. The right equipment can help stabilise climbers, prevent falls, and offer a secure way to descend from heights. With so many options available on the market, it's important to do your research and seek advise from experts in order to find the best climbing belay and rappel equipment for your needs.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Petzl Grigri Unisex Belay Device in Red Cover #TOP 1
Petzl Grigri Unisex Belay Device in Red
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Black Diamond Big Air XP Climbing Package Cover #TOP 2
Black Diamond Big Air XP Climbing Package
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ANCLLO 25KN V-grooved Climbing Belay Device Cover #TOP 3
ANCLLO 25KN V-grooved Climbing Belay Device
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Climbing Belay & Rappel Equipment

#TOP 1

Petzl Grigri Unisex Belay Device in Red

PET_10076-PET_10076::RED:
Red/Orange
Single
Petzl Grigri Unisex Belay Device in Red Cover
Petzl Grigri, Unisex, PET_10076-PET_10076::RED:, red, standard size

The Petzl Grigri Belay Device is designed to enhance your belaying experience, whether at the gym or out on the crag. Its cam-assisted blocking feature ensures that when a climber falls or puts weight on the rope, it tightens securely, providing peace of mind. The device is compatible with dynamic single ropes ranging from 8.5 to 11 mm, with optimal performance on 8.9 to 10.5 mm ropes. Additionally, the progressive control of rope feed allows for a smooth descent, making it easier for you to manage the rope during climbs.

What We Like
Easy cam-assisted blocking
Compatible with various rope sizes
Smooth rope feed control
Comfortable grip for easy handling
Ideal for top rope or lead belaying
#TOP 2

Black Diamond Big Air XP Climbing Package

BD6200830000ALL1
blue
Black Diamond Big Air XP Climbing Package Cover
Black Diamond Big Air XP Package – No Color

The Black Diamond Big Air XP is an essential climbing package featuring the ATC-XP belay and rappel device. It includes a locking carabiner for added safety and convenience. The redesigned ATC-XP is now 30% lighter, making it easier for you to carry during climbs. Its high-friction mode provides three times greater hold and stopping power compared to regular modes, ensuring more secure descents and safer belaying experiences.

What We Like
Lightweight design for easy transport
High-friction mode for enhanced safety
Includes a locking carabiner
Large rope-bearing surface
Keylock nose prevents snagging
#TOP 3

ANCLLO 25KN V-grooved Climbing Belay Device

ANCLLO 25KN V-grooved Climbing Belay Device Cover
ANCLLO Professional 25KN Rappel ATC Belay Device Aluminum V-grooved Rock Climbing Belay Device Rappelling Descender Safety Equipment

The ANCLLO Rappel Device is designed with high-strength aluminium and features a V-grooved belay system that reduces rope abrasion during descents. Its double-row rope hole design allows for the use of both single and double ropes, preventing entanglement while you descend. Compact and user-friendly, this device is perfect for those looking to lighten their climbing gear. Additionally, the toothed channel increases friction when braking, providing you with better control and safety during your climbs.

What We Like
Reduces rope abrasion
Prevents rope entanglement
Compact and lightweight
Increases braking control
#TOP 4

BG Climbing Belay Glasses for Comfort

123456
Black
BG Climbing Belay Glasses for Comfort Cover
BG Climbing Belay Glasses for Rock Climbing | Comfortable and Sturdy | Black

The BG Climbing Belay Glasses are designed for comfort and convenience during rock climbing. Their lightweight plastic frame makes them almost unnoticeable, allowing you to focus fully on your climb. You can easily combine them with sunglasses or prescription glasses, ensuring clarity in any situation. The high-quality prisms provide a clear image, enhancing your vision of the climber. Additionally, the thin frame allows you to see both the climber and your surroundings, improving safety and awareness as you belay.

What We Like
Lightweight and comfortable design
Compatible with sunglasses or eyeglasses
Clear image with high-quality prisms
Dual fields of vision
#TOP 5

PETZL NEOX Assurer for Climbing

D016AA00
# Grey
Único
PETZL NEOX Assurer for Climbing Cover
PETZL NEOX Assurer Unisex Adult, Grey, Único

The PETZL NEOX Assurer is designed for climbers seeking reliability and comfort. It accommodates ropes measuring 8.5 to 11mm, ensuring versatility for different climbing situations. The focus on sustainability is commendable, with plastic elements crafted from recycled polyamide, making it a responsible choice for eco-conscious users. Its ergonomic handle provides a comfortable grip, allowing you to release the rope with ease. Additionally, the 3:1 mechanical advantage enables smooth and controlled descents, enhancing the experience for both belayer and climber.

What We Like
Compatible with various rope sizes
Sustainable recycled materials
Comfortable ergonomic grip
Easy rope release
Controlled descent mechanism
#TOP 6

ANCLLO 35KN Figure 8 Descender Device

ANCLLO 35KN Figure 8 Descender Device Cover
ANCLLO 35KN Figure 8 Descender Rescue Figure 8 Rappelling Gear Belay Device Aviation Aluminum Rigging Plate for Climbing Belaying and Rappelling-Black

The ANCLLO Figure 8 Descender is designed to enhance your climbing experience by using friction to control your descent. Its extra thick design, featuring ears and a belay slot, ensures your safety while you navigate challenging terrains. With a breaking strength of 7716 lbf (35KN), it offers smooth rope action, allowing you to maintain superb control while belaying or rappelling. This device is an excellent choice for various activities, including rock climbing and rescue operations, providing you with reliable performance and peace of mind.

What We Like
High breaking strength for safety
Improved control during descent
Versatile for various activities
Extra thick for added safety
#TOP 7

ANCLLO 35KN Figure 8 Descender Device

ANCLLO 35KN Figure 8 Descender Device Cover
ANCLLO 35KN Figure 8 Descender Rescue Figure 8 Rappelling Gear Belay Device Aviation Aluminum Rigging Plate for Climbing Belaying and Rappelling-Red

The ANCLLO Descender Device is designed to enhance your climbing experience with its effective friction mechanism, allowing you to control your descent speed safely. Its robust breaking strength of 7716 lbf ensures that you can rely on it for smooth rope action while belaying. The device features ears and a belay slot, providing added safety and stability. It is an excellent choice for various activities, from rock climbing to rescue operations, giving you the confidence to tackle challenging terrains.

What We Like
High breaking strength for safety
Improved control during descent
Versatile for multiple climbing activities
Extra stability with ears and slot
#TOP 8

BG Climbing Comfortable Belay Glasses for Rock Climbing

123456
Blue
BG Climbing Comfortable Belay Glasses for Rock Climbing Cover
Belay Glasses

The BG Climbing Belay Glasses are designed to enhance your belaying experience. With their comfortable fit, you can maintain perfect vision of your climbing partner and surroundings, making belaying safer and more enjoyable. These glasses are constructed from high-quality materials, ensuring durability and reliability during your climbing sessions. The prisms are expertly aligned at a 60° angle, providing optimal viewing. Additionally, they are compatible with both eyeglasses and sunglasses, allowing you to use them seamlessly with your existing eyewear.

What We Like
Comfortable for extended use
Durable high-quality materials
Perfect prism alignment
Includes practical accessories
Compatible with prescription glasses
#TOP 9

PETZL VERSO Lightweight Belay Device

D019AA00
Grey
standard size
PETZL VERSO Lightweight Belay Device Cover
PETZL - Belay VERSO - Unisex, Gray, One Size

The PETZL VERSO is a compact and lightweight belay and rappel device designed for use with one or two rope strands. It accommodates a range of rope types, including dynamic single ropes and twin ropes, making it versatile for various climbing scenarios. You will appreciate the V-shaped friction grooves that allow for controlled braking, enhancing your safety when catching falls. Additionally, the device is easy to use for rappelling, providing you with a reliable option for your climbing adventures.

What We Like
Compact and lightweight design
Compatible with various rope types
Controlled braking for safety
Easy to use for rappelling
#TOP 10

EDELRID Ballast Resistor Ohm II Climbing Gear

ER73829
Oasis
standard size
EDELRID Ballast Resistor Ohm II Climbing Gear Cover
EDELRID Ballast Resistor Ohm II (Weight Balance When Climbing)

The EDELRID Ballast Resistor Ohm II is an essential piece of climbing belay and rappel equipment. Its innovative design helps to maintain weight balance when climbing, allowing you to feel more secure and stable during your ascents. This feature is particularly useful for those challenging climbs where precise weight distribution can make all the difference. Additionally, the product is crafted by EDELRID, a brand known for its quality and reliability, ensuring you have a trustworthy companion on your climbing adventures.

What We Like
Weight balance support
Quality construction
Reliable brand
Enhances climbing stability
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can you rappel with a belay device?

So, can you rappel with a belay device? Yes. Just about every device you will use for belaying— gri-gri's, ATC's, etc— will allow you to rappel. The technique used to rappel will be very similar to the technique used to belay.

2. What is the difference between belay and rappel?

As nouns the difference between belay and rappel is that belay is (climbing) the securing of a rope to a rock or other projection while rappel is rappelling.

3. What equipment do you need to rappel?

To start in rappelling you will need the following gear – climbing helmet, rappelling harness, rope, device, gloves, hiking pants, climbing shoes, rings, carabiners, and anchors. There is no denying the fact that rappelling is an adrenaline-pumping sport.

4. What are belay devices called?

Assisted-braking belay devices (also sometimes called self-braking, self-locking, auto-blocking or auto-locking devices) are designed to lock down on the rope when a sudden force is applied to it to help the belayer catch and hold a fall.

Editor's Notes

During our climbing belay & rappel equipment research, we found 306 climbing belay & rappel equipment products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 29,445 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 £16.77.

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, Black Diamond, ANCLLO, BG Climbing, EDELRID.

Written by
Luke Dobson Avatar

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.