The Best Carabiners to Upgrade Your Everyday Carry

Be it adventures far afield or daily pursuits closer to home, you tend to recognize right away when your gear isn’t up to snuff. And that’s a non-negotiable, so to speak: Your gear, especially your everyday carry and particularly one of the best carabiners for men, should deliver hard-working durability and performance in spades. A carabiner has uses far beyond the mountain or the trail, but they should be able to get the job done out in the wild, too. RELATED: Best Backpacks for Men The best carabiners for your everyday carry also blend technical function and modern style. When designed the right way, a rugged carabiner takes on a life of its own, with as much value as a pocket knife or your trusty leather wallet. Like one of the best bandanas for men, a well-designed carabiner balances both style and utility, and you’ll find a mix of luxe brands and outdoor favorites crafting this compact but endless useful everyday carry essential. Black Diamond Rocklock Screwgate Carabiner It seems a smart move to start your search for the best carabiners by trusting a brand renowned for its outdoor heritage. Whether attaching gear to the outside of a pack, securing valuables or taking on a touch of rock climbing, Black Diamond’s Rocklock Carabiner operates easily with one hand and comes in a sleek all-black colorway. $15 at Huckberry.com  Craighill Carabiner in Vapor Brass There are plenty of ways to transport and store your keys (a leather key fob comes to mind), but few rise to the occasion quite like the elegant-yet-rustic Craighill Carabiner. It’s as much a design piece as it is one of the best carabiners for your everyday carry, with a durable brass design, distinctive spring-wire gates and a seriously cool “curved S” look. $44 at Huckberry.com  The James Brand Mehlville Carabiner The James Brand makes some of the finest, most dependable pocket knives on the planet, and they assuredly know a thing or two about a host of the best EDC essentials elsewhere, too. The nifty two-compartment design delivers no-slip performance – your keys won’t slide off when you unlatch the carabiner from your belt loop. Plus, it’s machined from tough aluminum and even includes a bottle opener. $59 at BespokePost.com  Taylor Stitch Keyhook in Raw Brass Not all carabiners are created equal, and in fact, this isn’t quite a traditional carabiner at all. But, if you prefer the same functionality as a classic carabiner, yet in a handsome design that’ll develop the same patina as a fine leather wallet, then Taylor Stitch has an everyday carry solution for you. Better still is the fact that it hooks onto your belt loop like a traditional carabiner, all the while minimizing bulk. $32 at TaylorStitch.com  Metolius Bravo II Carabiner Simple on the surface and yet mighty functional within the worlds of rock climbing and sport climbing, this Metolius carabiner packs a major punch in a small, subtle package. The hot-forged wiregate design is sturdy and stable, and the range of alpine-inspired color options is a sporty touch for every sense of style. $8.50 at REI.com  Nite IZE Dual-Chamber Carabiner Good things come in small packages, at least in the case of this dual-chamber carabiner – added security for your keys is the name of the game. The stainless steel body and carabiner gates are a major bonus in terms of durability, and it’s very hard to argue with the low price tag (in spite of loads of utility, that is). From $3.59 at Amazon.com  Spigen Life Carabiner (Three-Pack) The best carabiners take on a life of their own, or at least, they will when you have more than one essential, durable option at your disposal. With a zinc alloy closure and a streamlined design, this three-pack of carabiners also features a key “O ring” as an added attachment – wherever you go, your keys and valuables stay secure. They’re also as useful for camping and hiking as they are for storage and as a home hanger solution. $16.99 at Amazon.com  L-Rover Lightweight Carabiner Clips The last thing a carabiner should do is slow you down, no matter the way you’re putting it to use – L-Rover has designed one of the most lightweight carabiner clip options on the market, and it’s a difference you can feel. The quick-flip spring gate operates easily with one hand, with a wide variety of non-climbing uses at the ready. Stocking up on more than one set just might change your next camping trip or outdoor adventure for the better. $9.95 at Amazon.com  B-Mardi Heavy-Duty Carabiner Clips The best carabiners for your everyday carry open up a world of possibilities, with applications beyond what you might expect (beyond, say, rock climbing). A secure hanging or harness solution, this B-Mardi set takes advantage of aerospace aluminum and a rust-free finish. Plus, the design fits in the palm of your hand for easy transport and storage. $11.99 at Amazon.com  Petzl Carabiner For true outdoor pursuits, especially rock climbing, Petzl is as trusted a name as any when it comes to carefully crafting the best carabiners on the market. Its patented key locking system is sturdy and stable on the go, while the lightweight yet asymmetrical design makes it well-suited for a variety of applications – not to mention easy access in hard-to-reach situations. From $19.95 at Amazon.com  You Might Also Dig: Best Carry-On Bags for MenBest Laptop Bags for MenBest Backpacks for College