6 Best Climbing Shoe Carry Clips For External Pack Attachment

Nothing kills the post-send stoke faster than wrestling with a cramped pack to retrieve your climbing shoes or realizing your favorite pair fell off somewhere along the approach trail. Attaching footwear externally is a rite of passage for climbers, turning a bulky load into a streamlined, efficient setup. Mastering this simple gear hack ensures your shoes stay aired out, accessible, and firmly attached until you reach the crag.

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Black Diamond LiteWire: Best Overall Clip

The Black Diamond LiteWire strikes the perfect balance between robust construction and a lightweight profile. Featuring a large gate opening, this carabiner makes clipping shoes—even those with thick heel loops—an effortless task. The wiregate design prevents gate flutter, ensuring the clip stays shut even when brushing against granite or thick brush.

This is the go-to choice for climbers who want a “set it and forget it” solution. Because it is built with a hot-forged construction, it handles the daily abrasion of crag life without showing significant wear. If you prioritize reliability and want a carabiner that feels substantial in the hand without adding unnecessary bulk, the LiteWire is the definitive pick.

Nite Ize S-Biner Aluminum: Best Dual Clip

The Nite Ize S-Biner offers a unique dual-gate system that is ideal for keeping gear organized. By clipping one side to your pack’s daisy chain and the other to your climbing shoes, you eliminate the need to fiddle with two separate carabiners. This design is exceptionally convenient when moving between multiple boulders or crags.

However, note that this is a utility carabiner, not a piece of load-bearing climbing equipment. It excels at organization, but it should never be used for safety-critical climbing tasks. For the climber who loves a clean, organized pack exterior and wants to minimize the number of loose pieces of metal dangling from their gear loops, the S-Biner is an unmatched organizational asset.

Metolius FS Mini II: Best Budget Wiregate

The Metolius FS Mini II proves that you do not need to overspend to get high-quality hardware. This carabiner is remarkably small and light, making it barely noticeable on the side of a pack. Despite its compact stature, it features a wide enough opening to accommodate most shoe heel tabs comfortably.

The primary trade-off with the FS Mini II is its size, which can be slightly fiddly if wearing gloves in colder conditions. Nevertheless, it remains the superior choice for the budget-conscious climber or those building out a secondary kit. If you need a reliable, no-frills clip that gets the job done without breaking the bank, this is the one to grab.

Heroclip Small Hybrid: Most Versatile Hook

The Heroclip Small Hybrid is a game-changer for those who want their gear to do more than just hold items. Its unique 360-degree swiveling hook allows you to hang your shoes—or your entire pack—off a tree branch, a bolt, or a fence post. This keeps your gear off the dusty ground and keeps your transition area organized.

While slightly heavier than standard carabiners, the utility provided by the articulating hook is worth the extra weight for many. It is the perfect companion for long days at the crag where you need to manage multiple items in a confined space. If your approach involves changing conditions or if you frequently find yourself needing to hang gear while you rack up, the Heroclip offers versatility that a standard biner simply cannot match.

Camp USA Nano 22: Best Ultralight Option

If every ounce in your pack counts, the Camp USA Nano 22 is the professional-grade answer. It is one of the lightest full-strength carabiners on the market, meaning you can carry two or three without adding any perceptible weight to your setup. Its narrow profile keeps the shoes tight against your pack, reducing the total footprint of your gear.

The compact nature of the Nano 22 does require a bit of dexterity, especially if your shoes have thicker heel loops. It is best suited for alpine climbers or long-distance hikers who need to save weight without sacrificing the security of a metal gate. If you are trimming your pack weight to the bone for a remote backcountry approach, the Nano 22 is an essential addition.

Petzl Ange S Carabiner: Best Snag-Free Use

The Petzl Ange S utilizes an innovative MonoFil gate that provides a smooth, snag-free nose. This feature is particularly valuable when you are in a rush; the clip will not get caught on the fabric of your pack or the webbing of your shoe loop. It offers the security of a gate with the clean nose of a traditional wiregate.

This carabiner is designed for the climber who values finesse and hates the frustration of gear snagging. While it sits at a higher price point, the seamless user experience is well worth the investment for those who frequent high-traffic areas or tricky alpine approaches. For those who demand precision and smooth operation from their gear, the Ange S is the superior choice.

Why You Should Carry Climbing Shoes Outside

Carrying shoes outside the pack is primarily about moisture management and internal volume. Climbing shoes are often sweaty after a long day of climbing, and keeping them inside a closed pack allows bacteria to flourish and odors to permeate your gear. Storing them externally allows for consistent airflow, ensuring they dry out between sessions.

Furthermore, internal space is a premium commodity on multi-pitch or backcountry routes. By moving bulky footwear to the exterior, you create room for essential safety gear, extra layers, or water. Just be mindful of the terrain; if your approach involves tight, thorny brush or extreme chimneying, internal storage might be necessary to protect the shoes from damage.

Choosing the Right Clip for Your Backpack

The right clip depends largely on the attachment points on your pack. Most modern climbing packs feature daisy chains or haul loops, which are perfect for smaller carabiners like the Nano 22 or FS Mini II. If your pack lacks these, consider a dedicated clip that can cinch onto compression straps or side pockets.

Assess the thickness of your shoe’s heel loops before choosing a carabiner. Shoes with oversized, reinforced loops will require the wider gate of the LiteWire, while standard loops work perfectly with almost any option. Always ensure the carabiner creates a secure closure; a loose connection is an invitation to lose a shoe halfway up the trail.

How to Minimize Bounce While Hiking to Crags

The most common mistake when carrying shoes externally is leaving them dangling too low. A dangling shoe will bounce against your legs, creating an annoying rhythm and potentially damaging the shoe if it strikes rocks. Use short, high-tension clips to keep the shoes as close to the body of the pack as possible.

If you are hiking over technical terrain, consider using a secondary strap or a compression cord to secure the shoes against the pack frame. This “lock-down” method prevents the shoes from swinging during scrambling or steep ascents. A quiet, stable pack makes for a more focused and enjoyable approach, regardless of the distance.

Maintaining Carabiners for Long-Term Safety

While clips for shoe carry do not face the same forces as climbing protection, they still require basic care to function properly. Salt from sweat can cause gates to become gritty or stiff over time, especially if you store your shoes on your pack immediately after a climb. A quick rinse with fresh water and a drop of dry lubricant will keep the spring action smooth.

Inspect your clips periodically for sharp burrs or metal fatigue. If you notice a gate failing to snap shut reliably, retire it from gear-carrying duties immediately. Proper maintenance ensures your gear lasts for seasons, providing a reliable way to keep your shoes organized until the next climb.

Taking the time to refine how you carry your gear on the approach is a small detail that pays huge dividends in comfort and efficiency. Whether you prioritize weight savings, versatility, or simple snag-free performance, the right clip keeps your focus exactly where it belongs: on the rock ahead. Grab your gear, choose your clip, and get out there.