Nite Ize S-Biner

The S-Biner is a double gated thin carabiner from Nite-Ize, the biner is available in 3 sizes. Size 2 "small" is 2 x 7/8 inches and can load up to 10lb (4.5k). Size 3 is 2 5/8 x 1 1/8 inches and can load up to 25lb (11k). Size 4 is 3 1/2 x 1 1/2 inches and can load up to 75lb (33k).

The gates operate smoothly enough to be easy to open and close but have enough strength to prevent being opened by accident. The double gate is useful in several ways, you can use one gate for your keychain items and the other as an attachment point or you can use the s-biner to connect items together.

The biggest problem we had with the s-biners is that even the smallest one is a little bulky for what we like in a keychain or to hang from a belt loop, they are quite noticeable. A smaller version would probably be better for a keychain, since the sizes offered are 2, 3 and 4 maybe there is a size 1 planned for a near future.

If the sizes are good to you the product is nice, works as expected and seems to be solid enough to live up to the specifications. Remember this is not a climbing product, just an accesory.

You can read more in Nite-Ize's website and you can get them from $2.99 in black, silver or spectrum colors from ZBattery.

The Guppie

The Guppie is a futuristic multi-tool combining a knife, screwdriver, wrench, carabiner and flashlight.

The wrench can open up to 1/2'' using an endless screw, it has a good grip and will work well as long as the bolt is not inside a narrow place since the tool is quite wide.

The carbon knife has a thumbhole for one hand opening, it is very sharp out from the box and will be fine for most cutting jobs. The screwdriver has a bit holder with 4 different bits, it has very good torque. The bit holder is attached to the Guppie via magnets and is removable and also holds a LED flashlight, not very bright but can be helpful to find something inside a backpack or help you find a keyhole. At the other side we have a stainless steel pocket clip that can be used as a money clip if you want. The carabiner clip can be used to attach the Guppie to a belt loop, backpack strap or a d-ring, it looks strong but is, of-course, unsuitable for climbing. After opening the carabiner the end can be used as a bottle opener.

The Guppie is a handy multi-tool with an interesting look and good carrying options including both a pocket clip and a carabiner. If you frequently use either a wrench or a screwdriver combined with a knife the Guppie is a nice combo to have. As many other novelty multitools the final evaluation is very subjective.

You can order and read more about it in CRKT's website.

Kershaw National Geographic Carabiner Tool

This is a mix between a carabiner and a knife with some multi-tool elements dropped into the mixture. The Kershaw five in one is a 4.125'' (10.4cm) carabiner featuring a knife, a phillips screwdriver, a flat screwdriver and a bottle opener.

The carabiner is made of anodized aluminium and has a screwdown safetylatch. It is unsuitable for climbing but can be used attached to a belt, backpack, vest or many other items. The total weight of the tool is 2.7oz.

The knife is made of AUS6A Stainless Steel and is 3.25'' (8.1cm) long when opened. It has partial serrations and a small thumbhole to assist the opening.Once opened the knife locks using a liner-lock mechanism.

Both the carabiner and the knife are good tools but are certainly not in the top quality section of either knives or carabiners, the screwdrivers and bottle opener are also ok. It is not each tool but the combination of all the elements what makes this multitool interesting. If you use carabiners frequently to attach different gear to your backpack or vest you can certainly consider this. One interesting advantage is that being in a carabiner shape that can be clipped to many things makes the tools very handy for quick use in case of need.

You can get this tool for $39 from KnifeCenter or read more information visiting Kershaw's website.

UrsaLite Carabiners

These are very small carabiners of excelent quality, they are just 1.5" long x 1.0" wide (4.0 cm x 2.5 cm) and are not intended for climbing or rescue operations but yet they can take up to 150lbs of weight without getting damaged or breaking.

Constructed in anodized aluminium the carabiners are really light they only weight: 0.11 oz (3.1 g) so they will be weightless when attached to your belt, backpack, tent or any kind of equipment.

They are very good for keychains or to attach objects to backpacks or bags, they won't break and won't be bulky or add extra weight to your equipment. You can use them to attach a radio, a hat, a flashlight and many other accesories to your belt or your backpack and they work very well for a keychain too.

A pack of six can be ordered for about $15 following this link.

Black Diamond Small Micron Funbiner

The funbiners are small carabiners made of light aluminium from Black Diamond. They are smaller than climbing carabiners and are totally unsuitable for climbing.

Black diamond sells the funbiners as connections between carabiners, flasks, tools and other items to your backpack or bag.

As keychains they are much stronger than the normal aluminium carabiners and the spring is a lot better so they can be a nice improvement in your keychain while keeping the same size and look than the regular keychain carabiners.

You can read more in the product page and you can order them in different colors and two sizes from $3 from REI.

Grimloc Carabiners

Grimlocs are plastic carabiners shaped as a "D". They are commonly used to attach puches or not very heavy equipment to packs.

The design minimizes IR emission so they are stealth to night vision equipment. To open just press the top button to close press firmly.

They can be used with gloves and don't get stuck with sand or dirt. I found these particularly useful with Maxpedition packs for attachment points.
Available in Tan, Black and Green.

You can get them in Packs of 4 for $8 from Tad Gear and other good suppliers.