[Hammock Hiker]

Hey fellow climbers and mountain goats!

I recently got my hands on the Petzl Reverso and couldn’t wait to share my thoughts with you all. So, grab a cup of your finest instant camp coffee (or whatever keeps you awake on those alpine starts) and let’s dive in.

Firstly, for those who might not be familiar, the Reverso is a versatile belay/rappel device that’s become quite a popular piece of gear. Designed for both single and half ropes, it promises to be the Swiss Army knife of belay devices. But how does it hold up in the real world?

Personal Experience: Picture this: I’m halfway up a multipitch route, my partner’s belaying from above in guide mode, and I’m just hanging there thinking, “Wow, I really hope they’re paying attention.” Turns out, the Reverso makes belaying super smooth and efficient. I felt secure and admired how it allowed for a controlled descent—as much as you can control gravity, that is.

So, here’s what I found:

• Smooth Rappelling: The Reverso provides a butter-like smoothness when rappelling. I almost forgot I was descending a towering slab—and not sitting in a massage chair.
• Weight and Size: At around 57g, it’s lighter than my post-climb snack. More room for an extra granola bar in the pack!
• Cooling Technology: The cooling technology is excellent. I mean, I still sweat, but at least it’s not the device’s fault.
• Versatility: Whether you’re belaying a single rope or using twin/half ropes for those sketchy alpine climbs, it’s got your back (literally).
• Guide Mode Benefits: If you haven’t tried belaying in guide mode yet, give it a go. It might just change how you handle that tricky second pitch!

One thing I’ll mention is that in guide mode, releasing a second can be slightly tricky under tension. But with a bit of practice, it becomes a non-issue.

This little gizmo has certainly found a permanent spot on my gear rack. But hey, enough about my love affair with a piece of climbing gear. I’m curious about what you folks think!

Have you had a chance to use the Reverso? How does it stack up against other devices in your collection?

Looking forward to your thoughts and any fun stories from the crag!

[Wheel Wander]

I couldn’t agree more with your assessment of the Reverso! This little gadget seems to be the James Bond of belay devices—packed with features and always ready for action. I’ve had a similar experience with mine, and here’s a couple of quirky observations from my adventures:

• Impressively Durable: It’s like the armored tank of belay devices. I’ve dropped mine more times than I care to admit (sorry, trees), and it’s still unfazed.
• Color Confusion: If you’re like me and get easily distracted by shiny things, the color-coded options ensure you grab the right one (as long as you remember which color is which…I usually don’t).
• Rope-Friendly: It handles everything from my used-and-abused ropes to my fresher-than-jungle-grass ropes like a pro.

Also, a warning for those slick new ropes: when they’re fresh out of the package, descending can feel more like trying to control a slide at the playground. 😂

For anyone eyeing it or on the fence, I’d say give it a whirl. It might just become your trusty sidekick on those adrenaline-packed adventures! 🤘

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