The orientation of carabiners in a quickdraw

by Paul
(Boulder, CO)

I have seen some climbers have their quickdraws reversed so that, for instance, when the 'draw is hanging, the top 'biner opens left and the bottom one opens to the right. I thought I read from Omega that this makes it easier to clip on a sport route because you clip it to the bolt in a right-to-left motion and you also clip the rope to the draw in a right-to-left motion. What are your thoughts on this alternative carabiner orientation? Why do most quickdraws come with the 'biners oriented in the same direction?

Answer:

The orientation that you have your carabiners face is totally a preference. I do prefer alternating directions because for me it is easier to clip.

I recommend you try it either way and see which works best for you.