How to Belay With a Grigri for Top Rope Climbing (Photos and Video)
Learn how to belay with a Grigri for top rope climbing: loading the rope, taking in slack, keeping your brake hand on, and lowering your climber safely.
Belay Devices
Tips, tricks and reviews for belay devices
How To Belay: Using Assisted Locking Belay Devices
How to belay with an assisted braking belay device: load, feed, take in, and lower safely on Grigri, Revo, and semi-assisted devices, plus a safety caveat.
The Evolution of Climbing Belay Devices
The evolution of climbing belay devices, with photos: from the 1970 Sticht Plate to figure 8s, tubular ATCs, the Petzl Grigri, and modern auto-locking gear.
6 Of The Best Belay Devices For Beginner Climbers
Looking for the best belay devices for beginners? Here are 6 auto-locking, semi-assisted, and ATC picks I actually climb with, plus how each one works.
How To Clean Your Grigri
How to clean your grigri without wrecking it: the exact Petzl-approved steps for salt, mud, and oily dirt, plus what never to use and when to retire it.
How To Clean and Disinfect All of Your Climbing Gear
Learn how to clean and disinfect all of your climbing gear, from rope and harness to shoes, carabiners and chalk bag, using manufacturer-safe steps.
Should You Upgrade To An Assisted-Braking Belay Device?
Wondering if an assisted-braking belay device is worth it? Here are 5 reasons to upgrade, 5 to stick with an ATC, the device types, cost, and how to use one.