Brand: Petzl
Category: Belay & Rappel Devices
Recommended by Kate Sedrowski, AMGA Single Pitch Instructor — Golden, CO
Highlights: lightweight
The Petzl Reverso Belay Device in striking red is a versatile and lightweight tool designed for climbers seeking safety and efficiency. Its innovative design allows for seamless belaying and rappelling, making it an essential companion for both beginners and seasoned adventurers. 1. Lightweight construction ensures easy portability without sacrificing durability. 2. Multifunctional design accommodates both single and double climbers, enhancing versatility. 3. Enhanced braking performance provides added safety during descents and belaying. 4. Compatible with a wide range of rope diameters, from 8.5 mm to 11 mm, for diverse climbing scenarios. 5. Integrated guide mode allows for smooth and efficient belaying of a second climber. 6. Durable materials resist wear and tear, ensuring long-lasting performance in rugged conditions. 7. Compact size fits easily in your climbing gear, making it ideal for cragging and multipitch adventures. The Petzl Reverso Belay Device is designed for climbers engaged in cragging, multipitch climbing, and mountaineering. It excels in various environments, from rocky cliffs to alpine terrains, making it suitable for both recreational and serious climbers. Ideal for users of all skill levels, this device is perfect for those looking to enhance their climbing experience with reliable safety features. Whether you're tackling a challenging route or enjoying a leisurely day at the crag, the Reverso is your go-to tool for secure belaying and rappelling.
Price: $49.95
- Who it's for
- Multipitch climbers who need one device for lead belaying, guide-mode anchor belaying, and rappelling. Hosts frame it as a core piece of a multipitch kit rather than a casual single-pitch tool.
- What people are saying
- Hosts consistently praise the guide-mode eyelet alignment as a design edge over similar tube devices, and note it works reliably with skinnier ropes. One host flags a significant heat buildup during rappels as a real caution.
- Worth noting
- It is noted as the lightest guide-style device in its category. The heat warning on rappel is emphatic — handle with care on long descents.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the Petzl Reverso Belay Device for?
Multipitch climbers who need one device for lead belaying, guide-mode anchor belaying, and rappelling. Hosts frame it as a core piece of a multipitch kit rather than a casual single-pitch tool.
What do experts say about the Petzl Reverso Belay Device?
Hosts consistently praise the guide-mode eyelet alignment as a design edge over similar tube devices, and note it works reliably with skinnier ropes. One host flags a significant heat buildup during rappels as a real caution.
What should you know before buying the Petzl Reverso Belay Device?
It is noted as the lightest guide-style device in its category. The heat warning on rappel is emphatic — handle with care on long descents.
More from Kate Sedrowski's Essential Climbing Gear
View Kate Sedrowski's expert gear recommendations on Rendezvu
What other hosts are saying
7 experts recommend the Petzl Reverso Belay Device.
Clara Maynard, AMGA Apprentice Rock/Alpine Guide & Wilderness Medicine Instructor
Still autoblocks with skinnier ropes
Recommended in Crevasse Rescue
Teddy Dondanville, AMGA Assistant Rock Guide & Certified Single Pitch Instructor
The Reverso is my favorite tube-style device. What sets it apart from similar devices is that the “guide mode” eyelet is aligned with the two tubes. I prefer how this design positions the device when I am belaying in guide mode. The Reverso can do it all– lead belay, belay in guide mode, and rappel. This is a critical tool to have on your harness.
Recommended in Multi Pitch Kit
This is the lightest guide-style belay device (meaning you can clip it directly to an anchor and belay from above). It is a simple and a reliable design and one of the most popular out there. Be careful when rapelling, this thing gets HOT!!!!
Recommended in Multipitch
Owen Duda, Climber, Guide, Craftsman, Writer
When you buy an ATC (Air Traffic Control... Yes seriously, I'm not joking) spend the money and get a guide. I have used many of brands, but I always come back to the Reverso. It is my favorite.
Recommended in Starter Rock Package
Brent Smith, AMGA Rock Guide and Apprentice Alpine Guide
A crucial part of the Multiptich kit, this device is primarily used for rappelling but can also be used to top-belay or ascend a rope
Recommended in Trad Climbing
My favorite tube-style belay device. I really like that the plaquette loop is oriented horizontally on this device.
Recommended in Rock Climbing
