Carbiners-I am not convinced. Why carry them?

I use one with cordage to belay myself down a steep and rocky slope with a simple Munter Hitch.
 
The only time I recall needing a carabiner was to take our packs across a ravine by sliding them along a line tied between trees. We had to climb in and out of it ourselves because we only had light rope but taking the packs across was far easier. I didn't have a 'biner so I bent a spoon in half and used that as my slider on the rope.

Do not use bent spoons to haul live cargo, but it worked for the packs. Mac
 
Midnight Scout,
I have an idea, you don't see their usefullness, so don't carry any, I could care less. Chris
 
I carry a lot of gear that most people find unnecessary. I guess I can add carabiners to the list.:rolleyes:
 
Midnight Scout said:
Sorry about your lost bottle. When you carry it that way with a carabiner didn't flop around too much for you? Or was the bottle packed and the carabiner was used just to be sure that the bottle did not fall out? I use a CamelBak instead of Nalgene bottles.
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I didn't have a carabiner on it, actually. I just had the cap retainer looped around my backpack strap. But it didn't really flop around at all, just sort of wedged down at my side. It wasn't a bad way to carry the bottle, I thought, because I had easy access to it. I think if it were on a carabiner it would probably flop around annoyingly but I don't really know.

I don't actually carry any carabiners normally. I just wanted to point out that the cap retainer strap doesn't break especially easily in my experience.
 
Wait...I`m a little confused here. Are we supposed to think that mountain climbers are cool and that`s why people supposely emulate them by using sturdy little rings of metal that allow a quick and easy way of attaching things together? Why should I convince some stranger that it`s a good idea to use something with such obvious utility. Lastly, why did I waste 3 minutes of my life replying to such a sophomoric post? :confused: Marcus
 
I carry one on my PFD when paddling as it makes for an easier tow clip during heavier conditions coupled with cold, Bay of Fundy waters. Much easier to snap on another boat. Whe I'm backpacking, however, I don't normally carry real biners as they just cost too much money to toss around for me. My climbing biners stay with my climbing kit, I guess. I never really though of it, to be honest.
 
Marcus said:
Wait...I`m a little confused here. Are we supposed to think that mountain climbers are cool and that`s why people supposely emulate them by using sturdy little rings of metal that allow a quick and easy way of attaching things together? Why should I convince some stranger that it`s a good idea to use something with such obvious utility. Lastly, why did I waste 3 minutes of my life replying to such a sophomoric post? :confused: Marcus
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Yeah I guess you're a "poser" like the rest of us.:confused:
 
Thanks for all the responses. Whether you agreed or not, it was a lively discussion. :D

I learned that they are useful for climbing, canoeing, military operations, keeping food clear of animals, using as a makeshift bow, brassknuckles, and, well, attaching things. :p

The idea I liked the best was to use one to keep my pack off of the ground by attaching it to a tree limb. :thumbup:

Happy trails to all.
 
Although I have used them when dropping down old mineshafts, about the only thing I use them for now is to clip my sandals on the outside of my pack after stream crossings. Beats putting wet sandals in my pack. They are very handy for that.
 
I used them to make swings and other sundry amusements in the woods, but that's all. Plus 90% of what we used biners for could have been down with rope, just more slowly. As for people putting them on their packs... they aren't the sharpest tools in the shed by a long shot, in my personal experience.
 
Isn't a pack for putting things inside not for hanging a bunch of bling on the outside?

I agree that carabiners are a good tool with multiple uses.

I also agree that having carabiners hanging off your pack marks you as the true tool.
 
Wow . I didn't realize I can't recycle my 'biners since I don't climb much any longer. If I keep one in my pack does that make me a closet poser? I sure hope no one sees me wearing a harness on the way to my tree stand:eek::Dss.
 
Hard H2O said:
Isn't a pack for putting things inside not for hanging a bunch of bling on the outside?

I agree that carabiners are a good tool with multiple uses.

I also agree that having carabiners hanging off your pack marks you as the true tool.
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Speaking as one who carries biners inside his pack, in what way do these demonstrations of smartassness add to this place? If a good member here wants a biner on the outside of his pack to hang wet sandals -- or socks -- what justifies anyone in calling him a "tool"?
 
It's beginning to sound like we have a bunch of youngsters in a schoolyard here, and it's got to stop. The question was, what are they good for? the answers were: lots of things. Comments about the people using them (including me) had better remain respectful, whatever your opinions about using the carabiners themselves.

Packs are for carrying gear. A smart hiker knows that what he needs frequently is best hung outside the pack, to avoid stopping, removing the pack, opening it up, taking out the ... ya unnastan?

You could do it your way. That's what the rest of us do, what suits us.
 
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