Gear

In most cases, you want carabiners that are as light as possible. The exception is when rappelling, where your carabiner has to withstand heavy friction. For that scenario, this is an excellent choice. I recently used the screw-lock version and it worked well, but I recommend the auto-lock option instead. An auto-lock reduces the chance of forgetting to secure your carabiner right before starting a rappel, adding an extra layer of safety.

The ATS is a versatile rappel device designed for climbers and canyoneers who want more control than a standard ATC. Unlike a basic tube device, the ATS lets you adjust friction on the fly. You can flip between the concave and convex sides for more or less resistance, or wrap the rope around one of the horns for maximum friction. The horns also allow for a quick tie-off if you need to stop mid-descent and go hands-free to manage gear or solve a problem. I recently used the ATS while descending Bluejohn Canyon, and it performed flawlessly. On big rappels, I highly recommend pairing it with a steel carabiner — the steel stands up to friction much better than aluminum and takes on a significant portion of the wear. If you want a rappel device that gives you options and durability in tough canyoneering conditions, the ATS is an excellent choice.