Grigri

Grigri is a belay device manufactured by the French safety equipment company Petzl. Introduced in the 1990s, it helped popularize the category of assisted-braking belay devices. The Grigri is designed for belaying a climber on a single rope and is widely used in sport climbing, trad climbing, and mountaineering. It relies on a cam mechanism that engages the rope to aid braking, reducing the amount of manual force required by the belayer while still allowing full control to stop a fall.

In operation, the Grigri uses a spring-loaded cam that clamps the rope when it is loaded during a fall or while the climber lowers. The belayer feeds rope through the device with a lever or handle to control movement. The cam provides automatic braking, offering added assistance to the belayer, but it is not a substitute for proper technique. The device is intended for single-rope belays and is compatible with a range of rope diameters—typically about 8.9 to 11 mm, with variations between models.

Versions of Grigri include the original Grigri, Grigri 2, and Grigri +, with improvements in ergonomics, weight, rope wear, and ease of use. Each model is designed for standard sport and multi-pitch climbing and is generally used with single ropes; use with double ropes or unconventional setups is discouraged.

Safety and usage: While the Grigri can improve control during belays, it does not replace sound technique or proper supervision. Adequate training is recommended, and the device can still malfunction or be misused if the belayer releases tension or feeds rope erratically. Regular inspection for wear or damage and adherence to manufacturer instructions and rope specifications are essential.