What issue arises from using a non-locking carabiner in certain climbing applications?

Using a non-locking carabiner in certain climbing applications presents significant safety concerns, particularly in situations where the connection must remain secure under load. In these cases, a non-locking carabiner can inadvertently detach from the anchor or belay device, which could lead to dangerous situations such as a fall or equipment failure.

To mitigate the risks associated with non-locking carabiners, climbers might feel compelled to use two carabiners as a means of providing redundancy and ensuring a secure connection. However, this approach can complicate gear management and increase the potential for human error, especially if the second carabiner is not appropriately secured or oriented.

While considerations such as weight and durability are important in climbing gear selection, the primary concern with non-locking carabiners revolves around the risk of unintentional disengagement, making safety the utmost priority in climbing applications.