A sling, also called a runner, is an item of climbing gear consisting of a sewn loop of webbing.
You can wrap climbing slings around rock surfaces, tie them to other pieces of climbing equipment, or even tie them to a tensioned line using a Prusik knot.
Slings can be used as anchors, to extend the anchors so the rope drag is reduced, or to equalize anchors.
Choosing the best climbing slings for your next climbing endeavor might be harder than the climb itself, don’t you think?
Often, surfing through the tens of climbing sling products and filtering hundreds of reviews require more energy than reaching the peak of K2.
Luckily, we have gone through the entire process already.
This article includes the best and most popular slings for climbing on the market.
Regardless of how strong you are and how much you want to cry yourself up across the mountains, you’re going to slip and slide from time to time.
Climbing slings are the equipment you will need to protect and prevent tragic injuries or even death.
Generally, you want the best climbing sling to have certain features, like being flexible, reliable, easy to recognize, and durable.
List of the 10 Best Climbing Slings
Climbing slings are part of the necessary equipment you need to carry if you are going for a traditional rock climbing route, for example.
This is a list of the ten best climbing slings having the best reviews and highest ratings on Amazon. Some of the slings we have personally tried and used.
- Mammut Contact Sling
- Black Diamond Dynex Sewn Runners
- PETZL PUR’ANNEAU
- EDELRID Aramid Cord Sling
- Sterling Dyneema Sewn Runners
- GM CLIMBING 16mm Nylon Sling Runner 22kN
- Metolius Open Loop Sling
- DMM Dyneema Sling
- Sterling Rope Tubular Nylon Sling
- Metolius Equalizer Sling and Chord with Pocket
1. Mammut Contact Dyneema Sling
- Width: 8 mm
- Length: 30 cm
- Breaking force: 22 kN
- Ideal Template for: Ice and Mixed Climbing, Road Climbing, Expeditions
- Other possible uses: Classic mountaineering, Climbing large walls
Last update on 2024-11-15 // Source: Amazon Affiliates
Mammut Contact Dyneema Sling is incredibly lightweight, and you’ll never actually notice the sling regardless of how weak you might be. There are many different lengths because you may want to take on bigger and bigger challenges as a climber.
You can use five colors to personalize the setup you have, including three blue, red, and yellow shades. Its breaking strength is at 22 kN, which is pretty strong for beginners who want to take on small challenges.
Mammut Contact Sling has excellent reviews from customers who have had success with the sling during their personal adventures.
One user on Amazon writes, “Freakishly thin but ideal for the usual sling use, but also for threading those tiny keyholes in rock.”
Pros of Mammut Contact Dyneema Sling:
- It comes in 5 different colors
- It covers a lot of the uses consumers expect
- It arrives in 6 different lengths for climbers who want a variety
- Uses contact stitching to prevent snagging and a more reliable experience
Cons of Mammut Contact Dyneema Sling:
- Too thin for users to use in the long term
2. Black Diamond Dynex Sewn Runners
- Light, low-profile sewn runners for anchors, traditional protection and extended placements
Last update on 2024-11-15 // Source: Amazon Affiliates
This sling is an excellent option for those who are very new to climbing. It doesn’t have a ton of details or features that confuse someone who has never climbed before. It gives them enough reliability to use it for their first couple of climbs while also being reliable.
The color is excellent for separating it from other kinds of slings you’re going to use. There are four different sizes for the type of rock climbing experience you want to have, at 30, 60, 120, and 240cm, respectively.
This Black Diamond Sewn Runners comes in red; if you have any other climbers with you, try to use a method that will distinguish this sling from the others.
Many of the reviewers on Amazon praise the product for keeping them say and doing its core function.
One reviewer writes, “I have not fallen to my death. This works great.”
Pros of Black Diamond Dynex Sewn Runners:
- A reliable piece of equipment that you can take on many trips
- It has been proven to protect the safety of real climbers who want to go
- Low-profile and lightweight, very hard to notice
- Less snagging when compared to other slings
Cons of Black Diamond Dynex Sewn Runners:
- It doesn’t have the color variety that other products have
3. Petzl PUR’ANNEAU
- PERFECT CONSTRUCTION: Lightweight and exceptionally durable, thanks to high-modulus polyethylene construction.
- LENGTHS: Available in 60 cm, 120 cm, and 180 cm.
- COLORS: Available in three colors, yellow, red, and violet.
- WEIGHTS: Comes in three weights, 18 grams, 32 grams, and 48 grams.
- MATERIAL: Made entirely from high-modulus polyethylene sling, nylon stitching.
Last update on 2024-11-15 // Source: Amazon Affiliates
The Petzl sling is the one that comes in white and no other colors. The product comes in three different sizes 60cm, kids 120, and 180cm.
Generally, most normal climbers don’t have to worry about the size, but if you’re someone who’s a bit more experienced, this probably leaves you wanting more options.
Petzl Pur’Anneau sling is made out of strong polyethylene material and uses nylon stitching. The three weights of the sling come in at 18, 32, and 38 grams, respectively. The breaking strength is listed at 22 kN.
This product doesn’t have the variety when it comes to length, but it will never tear apart on you as long as you don’t push past the breaking strength. Petzl is a brand that’s up and coming in the climbing community.
Pros of Petzl PUR’ANNEAU:
- It comes in a bunch of different colors for you to coordinate your slings
- Made out of a Polyethylene material to reinforce the sling
- It comes in three different lengths that you can use for climbing
- Has protected people from injuries or fatality
Cons of Petzl PUR’ANNEAU:
- Not as many colors as other kinds of slings
4. EDELRID Aramid Cord Sling
- Lightweight 6 mm strap sling made from high-strength HPME material
- Areas of application: sports climbing, multi-pitched climbing, ice climbing, canyoning, tree care, adventure parks
Last update on 2024-11-15 // Source: Amazon Affiliates
This sling is pretty stiff. Generally, you want your sling to be flexible, but there are reasons why you would like it to be that way. The sling comes in 3 different floors and has four different sizes that range from 30cm all the way to 120cm.
People who are new to climbing will be completely fine, but people who have been climbing for a long time want more variety in terms of the different lengths.
EDELRID Aramid Cord Sling comes at a weight of 22 grams which is very light for just about any kind of climb that you want to go on.
The load capacity is listed at 22 kN, which is very standard. If you’ve been using that number for your time climbing, you shouldn’t notice any differences in how you can push the sling to its limits.
One customer states, “I love these slings. I have the 30 cm and the 90 cm. Both of them are excellent.”
Pros of EDELRID Aramid Cord Sling:
- It comes in 3 different colors
- Has sizes that range from 30cm all the way to 120cm
- Lightweight while also maintaining a breaking strength of 22 kN
- One of the more durable options you can pick from
Cons of EDELRID Aramid Cord Sling:
- Very limited length when compared to other slings
5. Sterling Dyneema Sewn Runners
- MBS Rating (lb): 5,170
- MBS Rating (kN): 23.0
Last update on 2024-11-15 // Source: Amazon Affiliates
This slinger is one of the best options when you’re on rough terrain and don’t know how reliable your footing will be. It was made to wick away moisture which will deal with any light rain or sweat.
Sterling Dyneema Sewn Runners sling is incredibly strong. However, there are no details of what it is made out of on the product page. They are lightweight and have resistance to other sharp surfaces that you may have to deal with.
The sizing that these slings come in is different from other kinds of slings. They come in 10-inch, 20-inch, 30-inch, and 48-inch sizes, respectively. Typically, the sling will start to lose strength at 22 kN, but Sterling decided to raise that to 23 kN.
One user from Amazon really likes the performance of this product, “Used this for my last trip to Mexico as an anchor tie-in. Crazy strong, and super easy to work with/knot.”
Pros of Sterling Dyneema Sewn Runners:
- Slightly stronger than almost any other sling
- It comes in two different colors
- Comes in 4 different sizes
- One of the strongest and most resistant slings to date
Cons of Sterling Dyneema Sewn Runners:
- Not many colors, and the sizing options are listed in inches
6. GM CLIMBING 16mm Nylon Sling Runner 22kN
- GM CLIMBING 16mm Nylon Sling, 22kN, CE and UIAA certified, made of tube nylon webbing, sewn in bar-tack for high durability.
- Width: 16mm / 5/8inch; Length: available in 30cm / 12inch, 60cm / 24inch and 120cm / 48inch. Tube Nylon Webbing
- High resistant to wear, nylon sling has a long useful life.
- Light weight while rating to high strength 22kN. An easy-to-carry gear which is able to help in many activities: Rock Climbing, Mountaineering, Rappelling, Hiking, Emergency Gear, etc.
- Bright fluorescent orange and green color for easy distinguishing among gears, and gray for better adaption to outdoor environment.
Last update on 2024-11-15 // Source: Amazon Affiliates
Introducing GM CLIMBING’s 16mm Nylon Sling, a reliable and durable gear that has been certified by both CE and UIAA.
Made of tube nylon webbing, this sling is sewn in bar-tack to ensure high durability.
The sling comes in a width of 16mm/ 5/8inch and is available in three different lengths: 30cm/12inch, 60cm/24inch, and 120cm/48inch.
The tube nylon webbing is highly resistant to wear and has a long useful life.
Despite its lightweight design, this sling is rated with a high strength of 22kN, making it an essential addition to your gear collection for activities such as rock climbing.
This climbing sling is designed to assist in a variety of outdoor activities, including rock climbing, mountaineering, rappelling, hiking, and emergency situations.
Its lightweight and compact design makes it easy to carry with you wherever your adventures take you.
The bright fluorescent orange color provides easy visibility and easy identification among your other gear, while the gray color offers better adaptability to outdoor environments.
7. Metolius Open Loop Sling
- Lightweight slings that are perfect for alpine routes
- 11mm Monster Sling webbing
- Strength: 22 kN
- CE/UIAA Certified
- 100% Made in the USA
Last update on 2024-11-15 // Source: Amazon Affiliates
The Metolius 11mm Open Sling boasts several impressive features that make it an ideal choice for alpine routes.
Its lightweight construction ensures ease of use and convenience, while the 11 mm (0.43″) Dyneema Monster Sling webbing provides optimal strength and durability.
This product is also CE/UIAA certified, guaranteeing its compliance with industry standards for safety and performance.
8. DMM Dyneema Sling
- Dyneema Sling 11mm x 25cm with retainer
- Various Color Style
- Weight: N/A
- Gate Opening: N/A
- Strength: 22 kN
Last update on 2024-11-15 // Source: Amazon Affiliates
Introducing the DMM Dyneema Sling – a high-quality and reliable product designed to meet the demands of professionals and outdoor enthusiasts.
With its lightweight construction, this sling is perfect for long trips and expeditions.
Moreover, it is built to last with its exceptional durability and the impressive strength of 22kN.
The slim profile design adds to its practicality, making it easy to carry around.
Additionally, it features enhanced abrasion resistance for added protection and longevity, making it an excellent choice for rugged environments.
Choose the DMM Dyneema Sling for a dependable and efficient accessory that meets your needs.
9. Sterling Rope Tubular Nylon Sling
Last update on 2024-11-15 // Source: Amazon Affiliates
The Sterling Rope 25mm tubular nylon sling boasts top-quality webbing that guarantees durability and reliability.
The computerized precision bar tacking employed in its design ensures consistent strength and lightweight construction that is highly efficient.
10. Metolius Equalizer Sling and Chord with Pocket
- Made of 16 mm Monster webbing
- Made with reinforced end-loops to provide additional, full-strength clip-in points
- Strength: 22kn when used as a looped sling or a two/three point anchor or 18kn when used end to end
- Lengths: 10' (3 M), 15' (4.5 M)
- Carabiners not included
Last update on 2024-11-15 // Source: Amazon Affiliates
The Metolius Equalizer Sling is a high-quality gear constructed using durable 16 mm Monster webbing.
The reinforced end-loops of this gear offer additional clip-in points that ensure full strength.
It boasts an impressive strength of 22kn when used as a looped sling or a two – three-point anchor and 18kn when used end to end.
The sling comes in two lengths: 10′ (3 meters) and 15′ (4.5 meters), giving you options depending on your needs.
This gear is designed to provide reliable and safe support when needed.
Climbing Slings Buyer’s Advice
Climbing slings are an essential piece of climbing gear that every outdoor enthusiast needs to have in their kit.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced climber, investing in high-quality climbing slings can make all the difference in your safety and performance on the rock.
However, with so many different types and brands of climbing slings available on the market, choosing the right one can be a daunting task.
That’s where this climbing slings buyer’s advice comes in.
We will be taking a closer look at the key factors to consider when choosing climbing slings, including materials, length, and width.
Consider the material used when selecting a climbing sling
When selecting a climbing sling, it is important to consider the materials used in its construction.
Climbing slings are made using a variety of materials such as nylon, Dyneema, and Spectra.
Nylon slings are durable and affordable, making them a popular choice for beginners and those on a budget.
Dyneema and Spectra slings are lightweight and strong, making them a preferred choice for experienced climbers who rely on their gear for safety.
However, these materials are more expensive and may not be as resistant to abrasion as nylon.
It is important to also consider the possible environmental impact of the materials used and select slings that are made with sustainable practices and materials that can withstand regular use and abuse.
Ultimately, the material used in the construction of a climbing sling will impact its strength, weight, and durability, making it a critical factor to consider when making a purchase.
Understand the differences between sewn and knotted slings
When it comes to climbing slings, it’s important to understand the differences between sewn and knotted slings.
Sewn slings are made by joining two ends of a flat nylon webbing and sewing them together using a designated bar tack stitch.
These slings offer a consistent width and strength along their entire length, and are suitable for a variety of uses, including anchor building and extending placements.
On the other hand, knotted slings are made by tying a knot in a continuous loop of cord or webbing.
While they tend to be less expensive and lighter than sewn slings, knotted slings can be difficult to untie after being loaded, and their strength can vary depending on the type, thickness, and tightness of the knot.
It’s important to consider the intended use and personal preference when choosing between sewn and knotted slings, as different situations may require different types of slings.
Review the load rating of the sling
When selecting a climbing sling, it is essential to consider the load rating of the sling.
The load rating refers to the maximum weight that the sling can handle without breaking.
Climbing slings come with a load rating that is indicated in kilograms or pounds.
It is important to remember that exceeding the load rating of your sling can result in severe injury or even death.
Manufacturers usually indicate the maximum load the sling can carry on the product itself, and it is advisable to take note of this before purchasing.
Be sure to review the load rating of the sling and ensure that it is suitable for the type of climbing you intend to undertake.
Different types of slings are rated for different loads, so make sure you get a sling that is rated for what you need.
Failure to adhere to the load rating of your sling can result in severe accidents, and as a responsible climber, it is your duty to ensure that you are purchasing a sling that meets your needs and is within your skill level.
Check the quality of the stitching
As you consider purchasing climbing slings, one important aspect to keep in mind is the quality of stitching.
The strength and durability of a sling are only as good as the stitching that holds it together.
Ensure that the stitching on the sling you are considering is neat, strong, and properly executed.
Check for any loose or frayed threads, as well as uneven stitching or thread color changes, as these can be signifiers of a lower-quality product.
If possible, it is recommended to physically examine and handle the product before making your purchase decision, as this will allow you to closely inspect the stitching and assess the quality firsthand.
Additionally, researching the brand’s reputation for quality and craftsmanship can give added confidence in the product’s construction.
Consider the length of the sling for the specific activity
When selecting a climbing sling, it is essential to consider the length of the sling for the specific activity.
The length of the sling can vary from 30cm to 240cm, and this will determine the range of different types of placements that can be made.
Shorter slings are generally used for setting up anchors, while longer slings are best for extending anchors or creating belays.
A standard-length sling is about 60cm and is suitable for most applications, including clipping into anchors or building gear anchors.
Longer slings, on the other hand, are useful when extending a piece of protection to reduce rope drag, such as on a wandering route or on an overhang.
It is crucial to choose the appropriate length of the sling to ensure that the anchor or protection point is safe and secure and to ensure smooth rope management during the climb.
Climbing Slings FAQs
How are climbing slings measured?
Climbing slings are typically measured in centimeters, however, sometimes, the producer will number them in inches.
What are climbing slings used for?
Climbing slings are made to protect you and your gear as you go on climbing trips.
Sometimes, they are also used to reduce friction in certain parts of where you are climbing.
How to use climbing slings?
Generally, when using climbing slings, you want to twist both ends and connect both ends to separate anchors.
There are all sorts of different knots that you can use, but it’s recommended to go with the simple ones.
Climbers also like to wrap it around their torso, so it supports a majority of their weight.
How long do slings last?
There is no definitive answer to this question, but generally, you can expect one to last a few months.
There are all kinds of factors, such as weight, material, anchors, and weather, that can impact this.
The best slings can last for a few years before you need to replace them.
What are the top features to look for in a high-quality climbing sling?
The top features to look for in a high-quality climbing sling include the following:
1) strength and durability
2) abrasion resistance
3) flexibility
4) lightweight
5) easy to handle
6) resistance to sunlight and moisture
7) versatility in length and width
8) appropriate rating and certification for climbing use.
How do I determine the proper length of a climbing sling for my specific needs?
The proper length of a climbing sling depends on the specific use and situation.
Generally, a longer sling (48-60 inches) is useful for creating anchors, while a shorter one (24-36 inches) is better for extending protection or clipping into anchors.
It is important to consider the angle of the placement and the distance between the points being connected when choosing the appropriate length.
Consult with experienced climbers or a professional climbing instructor for guidance on proper sling length for your specific needs.
How do different types of climbing slings (e.g. Dyneema vs. Nylon) compare in terms of strength and durability?
Dyneema slings are generally stronger than Nylon slings, with a higher tensile strength and better resistance to abrasion.
However, they are less durable than Nylon slings and can be damaged more easily by sharp edges or rough surfaces.
Nylon slings are more flexible and have a better shock-absorbing ability, making them a better choice for situations where there is potential for impact or fall factor.
Overall, the choice between Dyneema and Nylon slings depends on the specific needs of the climber and the conditions of the climb.
Are there any specific materials or construction techniques that make for a superior climbing sling?
Yes, there are specific materials and construction techniques that make for a superior climbing sling.
The materials used for climbing slings should be strong, durable, and abrasion-resistant.
Common materials include nylon, Dyneema, and Spectra.
The construction techniques used for climbing slings can also affect their strength and durability.
For example, sewn slings are typically stronger than tied slings, and bar-tacking or triple stitching can increase the strength of sewn slings.
Additionally, slings with a narrow width are generally stronger than wider slings, as they distribute force more evenly.
What are the benefits of using a dynamic climbing sling versus a static one?
A dynamic climbing sling has several benefits over a static one.
Firstly, it has more stretch, which can absorb the shock of a fall and reduce the force on your gear and your body.
Secondly, it is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of situations, including aid climbing and big wall climbing, where you need to be able to move up and down the rope easily.
Finally, a dynamic sling is generally lighter and more compact than a static one, making it easier to carry and store when you’re not using it.
Can you use climbing slings for any other purposes besides climbing, such as camping or backpacking?
Yes, climbing slings can be used for various purposes besides climbing, including camping and backpacking.
They can be used to secure gear to a backpack, as a clothesline, for makeshift shelter building, and for various other purposes where a strong and durable strap may be needed.
However, it is essential to note that climbing slings are specifically designed and tested for climbing purposes, so using them for other purposes may affect their strength and durability.
It is always best to consult the manufacturer’s instructions and guidelines before climbing slings for any purpose other than climbing.
To Summarize: The Best Slings for Climbing
In conclusion, selecting the right climbing sling is crucial for any climbing activity in order to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
There are various factors to consider when choosing a climbing sling, including material, width, strength ratings, length, and intended use.
By keeping these key factors in mind and taking the time to research and compare different products, you can be confident in selecting the best climbing sling that meets your individual needs and preferences.
Always remember to adhere to proper safety protocols and guidelines to reduce the risk of injury while climbing.
