Hiking, backpacking, camping, and even just storage is always made easier with a carabiner.
These handy little tools make it easy to hook up ropes for rock climbing, securing tents for windy weather, or working as a keychain to keep your keys close.
The best locking carabiners are ideal for hardcore hikers and campers since they keep everything securely in place until the gate is unlocked.
Below you will find reviews of each product and a list of pros and cons for each product to help you while you are making your final decision!
Top 5 Best Locking Carabiners – Editor’s Pick
In this section, you will find the top five best locking carabiners out there all in one handy comparison chart including a link to getting them and a set of features for each product.
Product Name |
Gate Opening |
Number Included |
Get It AT |
|---|---|---|---|
| GM Climbing Locking Carabiner | 19mm | Two | |
| Sturme Aluminum Locking Carabiner | ½ inch | Nine | |
| Big Wall Traverse Aluminum Carabiners | 1 inch | Three | |
| Black Diamond Screwgate Carabiner | ¾ inch | Single | |
| Mad Rock Super Tech Locking Carabiner | 19mm | Single |
9. Paliston Locking Carabiner
Ideal for: Hiking, camping, and fishing
Sturdy for things like travel gear and other outdoor things, these are some of the best locking carabiners are great for household use or even hiking and fishing.
The versatile tool is also colorful, which means you have plenty of options to meet your needs.
The carabiners come in a pack of 10, so there is plenty to go around.
They are made from quality aluminum that is sturdy and durable.
Heights:
- Locks keep the gate closed easily
- Colorful options
- Great price point
- Threaded lock included
Plains:
- Not ideal for climbing
- The lock doesn’t screw and doesn’t stay tight
8. D-FantiX Mini Titanium Carabiner
Ideal for: Hiking and backpacking
One of the smallest but best locking carabiners, this option is great for hiking and backpacking.
You can use the ultralight, corrosion-resistant carabiner that never rusts.
It is also worn resistant with a special workmanship design.
The titanium material is durable while still being lightweight.
It also works great to help keep your keys together.
Heights:
- Small design for small items
- Lightweight construction
- Durable material
- Dependable for keeping small items together
Plains:
- Not ideal for climbing
- Gate has no spring hinge
7. Gold Lion Gear Aluminum Carabiner
Ideal for: Hiking, backpacking, and camping
Made from lightweight aluminum, this spring-loaded carabiner is easy to latch and easy to lock to help you keep your items secure and safe.
The carabiner is convenient, quick, and easy.
The locked gate ensures that your things stay secure without having to worry about the gate coming open.
These are great for key rings or keeping things locked in your backpack.
Heights:
- Contains a twisting lock over the gate
- Colorful options
- Lightweight material
- Spring loaded gate
Plains:
- Not ideal for climbing
- The lock has no stops
Suggested: You can also check out our list of camping tents so that you are prepared for your next adventure!
6. Ayamaya Aluminum Locking Rock Climbing Carabiner
Ideal for: Climbing
The pear shape in this carabiner helps to belay single ropes while climbing.
You can easily open up this carabiner with one hand while still closing it as well.
The keylock nose helps to prevent snagging when rappelling, and it is Munter Hitch compatible.
This carabiner is ideal for fire rescue, downhill, and aerial work in addition to climbing.
Heights:
- Great price point
- Comes in a pack of three
- High-quality material
- Easy to use
Plains:
- Not a twist lock
- Cannot choose the color
5. GM Climbing Locking Carabiner
Ideal for: Climbing
Compact, strong, and extra light, there isn’t much that this carabiner can’t do.
It has a snag-free construction, which is ideal for rappelling while climbing.
Also, the carabiner is rounded for a rope friendly design.
The interesting shape of the carabiner is great for transferring the weight to the spine, so the carabiner will last longer.
This carabiner comes in a pack of two.
Heights:
- Lightweight construction
- Ideal for climbing
- High-quality material
- Do not slip or snag
Plains:
- Tends to lock up
- Lock sometimes has too much slack in it
4. Sturme Aluminum Locking Carabiner
Ideal for: Hiking, fishing, and camping
Great for all those hiking and camping trips, this locking carabiner is multifunctional for many different purposes no matter what you enjoy doing.
The material is lightweight, making this carabiner the best locking carabiner for any outdoor activity.
This carabiner also comes with a one year warranty.
Also, you should know its design is new and improved when compared to previous models.
Heights:
- Strong construction
- Includes a screw lock for the gate
- Easy to lock and unlock
- Comes in a pack of nine
Plains:
- The lock is a little loose and isn’t spring loaded
3. Big Wall Traverse Aluminum Carabiners
Ideal for: Hiking, climbing, and anchoring
This lightweight carabiner is the best locking carabiner for climbing safety, and also it is UIAA certified.
The carabiner is made of durable aluminum, and it is compact.
With such a versatile carabiner, you can use it to anchor things, hang up a hammock, or even use it for climbing.
This carabiner also comes in a pack of three, so you get the most for your money, these are even great for non-climbers.
Heights:
- Durable construction
- Heavy-duty material
- Smooth design with no binding
- Comes in three-pack
Plains:
- Doesn’t come with the UIAA stamp
- The outside gets easily scratched
2. Black Diamond Screwgate Carabiner
Ideal for: Climbing
This classic silver carabiner has a handy keylock nose to prevent snagging.
Its locking feature on the gate helps to reduce an open gate failure, which is known to happen with carabiners.
This particular carabiner is made to hold its shape to improve functionality.
Also, the deep basket on the carabiner reduces the fumbling clips.
This one has a three-fourths of an inch gate opening size.
Heights:
- High-quality materials
- Lightweight construction
- Strong design
- Smooth screw on the locking gate
Plains:
- Not ideal for water usage
- Rusts easily
1. Mad Rock Super Tech Locking Carabiner
Ideal for: Climbing and hiking
Made from hot forged metal, this locking carabiner is ideal for hiking or backpacking.
It only weighs about 43g, and it has a major axis strength of 24kN.
This is one of the best locking carabiners out there, and since it contains a keylock nose, your stuff will remain secure while being connected to this carabiner.
The gate clearance is a total of 19mm, wide enough to fit in several ropes or other objects.
Heights:
- Lightweight construction
- Strong carabiner
- Durable and stable
- Great for rock climbers
Plains:
- Lock only goes about halfway up
- Not ideal for continuous rappelling
Conclusion
Locking carabiners are ideal for any outdoor activity and their handy little locks go over the gate opening to keep the carabiner secure until you release the lock.
These are ideal for keeping ropes tied together, keeping tents secure in bad weather.
They will even keep your keys or water bottle from falling off your backpack!
Which carabiner do you use for your outdoor activities?
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