Whether you’re belaying from above or below, knowing how to escape the system—or bypass the belayer—is crucial in a self-rescue situation.

Different Belay Devices

Belay devices are an essential part of every climber’s kit: They add friction to your belay so that your climber is easier to hold and manage, minimizing risk—we’ve come a long way from the days of hip belays! Belay devices can be broken into two broad categories: Manual Braking Devices (MBDs) and Assisted Braking Devices (ABDs).

Manual Braking Devices (MBDs)

MBDs—both with and without plaquettes—usually have two rope slots, w...