Best Via Ferrata Lanyards 2025: The Complete Buying Guide

Via ferrata lanyards are a key element of your safety, whether the route is easy or extremely demanding. In 2025, manufacturers are offering models that are increasingly safe, ergonomic, and suited to different profiles (beginners, children, experienced climbers). This guide presents the best via ferrata lanyards in 2025, with a technical analysis, buying advice, and a clear FAQ.

What is a via ferrata lanyard?

A via ferrata lanyard is a piece of personal protective equipment (PPE) made up of:

• Two Y-shaped arms with a built-in energy absorber.
• Two self-locking carabiners.
• A central attachment loop, for connecting to the harness.

It allows you to progress along a via ferrata while remaining permanently connected to the safety cable. It is mandatory and must comply with the EN 958:2017 standard, which guarantees the effectiveness of the energy absorber even for light weights (40 kg / 6 st 4 lb) and heavy weights (up to 120 kg / 18 st 13 lb).

How to choose the right via ferrata lanyard?

Here are the 5 key criteria to consider:

1. EN 958:2017 standard: mandatory for any lanyard purchased in 2025 and later. All via ferrata lanyards sold by Glisshop comply with this standard.
2. Carabiner ergonomics: opt for auto-locking systems that can be easily operated with one hand. There are two main carabiner designs: those with a safety sleeve on the gate, and those with a trigger mechanism in the palm of the hand. The latter may be more practical for beginners and children.
3. Climber’s weight: check compatibility with your weight.
4. Grip or comfort: some models feature ergonomic grips or specific handling zones.
5. Intended use: child, beginner, alpine progression, or sporty routes.

Our selection of the best via ferrata lanyards in 2025

✅ All these models are EN 958:2017 certified. They are suitable for users weighing between 40 kg and 120 kg (6 st 4 lb – 18 st 13 lb).

Which lanyard should you choose for your profile?

Child or teenager (40 – 60 kg / 6 st 4 lb – 9 st 6 lb)

Opt for a lightweight and easy-to-handle lanyard with carabiners that are easy to open, such as the Salewa Ergo Core or the Petzl Scorpio Eashook.

Adult beginner

Choose a simple, robust model offering good value for money, such as the Camp Kinetic Rewind.

Thrill seeker

Looking for comfort and performance to tackle via ferratas all year round? The Edelrid Cable Comfort 6.0, Camp Kinetic Rewind, or Petzl Scorpio Eashook are all excellent choices.

Maintenance and checks

To ensure the durability of your lanyard, here are a few tips:

• Store it in a dry place, away from direct light.
• Visually inspect the stitching, webbing, and carabiners before each outing.
• Replace the lanyard after a significant fall, even if there is no visible damage.
• Follow the maximum lifespan specified by the manufacturer (generally 10 years, less if used intensively).

Good to know: the EN 958:2017 standard

Since 2017, the standard has required that lanyards be tested for a weight range of 40 to 120 kg (6 st 4 lb – 18 st 13 lb). This replaced older models, which could be unsuitable for children or heavier adults. Any lanyard that meets this standard is clearly marked on the label.

Complete your gear like a pro:

• How to choose your climbing harness
• Best via ferrata backpacks
• Ideal footwear for via ferrata
• Helmets certified for via ferrata

FAQ – Everything you need to know about via ferrata lanyards

What is the lifespan of a lanyard?

Around 10 years without any falls, but it should be replaced immediately after a significant fall.

Can you lend your lanyard to a friend?

Technically yes, but it’s not recommended – you don’t know its shock history. It’s better for everyone to have their own PPE.

Which lanyard for someone under 40 kg (6 st 4 lb)?

The EN 958:2017 standard ensures optimal performance of your via ferrata kit for a weight range of 40 to 120 kg (6 st 4 lb – 18 st 13 lb). Below this range – for example, if your child weighs less than 40 kg – the energy absorber may not trigger and therefore may not effectively absorb the energy from a fall.

For anyone under 40 kg (6 st 4 lb), it is strongly recommended to progress using a “via corda” (also called via cordata) on the route rather than on a via ferrata, or at the very least to belay your child with a dynamic rope. To do this, simply tie yourself into one end of a dynamic climbing rope in addition to the via ferrata lanyard, and tie your young climber into the other end. You can then use the pig-tail anchors provided for this purpose on most via ferratas to secure the rope team. In the event of a fall, it is the dynamic rope that will catch your child and dissipate the energy.

Should you clip both arms at the same time?

No. Always one carabiner at a time, to remain safely attached to the lifeline.

Can you keep one of the lanyard’s carabiners clipped to your harness during long, easy sections?

No. This is a strict contraindication from manufacturers. If one of the lanyard’s arms is fixed to the harness for any reason, the other arm will not be able to deploy properly in the event of a fall, meaning the energy absorber will not activate.

Petzl Scorpio Eashook

The Petzl Scorpio Eashook lanyard is ideal for via ferrata enthusiasts seeking comfort and safety. Featuring two elasticated arms and a short arm for rest stops, it incorporates a compact energy absorber that keeps bulk to a minimum. The Eashook auto-locking carabiners are easy to handle, even when wearing gloves. Weighing just 445g, it remains both lightweight and ergonomic. Compliant with the EN 958:2017 standard, it suits a wide range of body types. Available at Glisshop, this is a reliable and high-performance lanyard for tackling any via ferrata route with confidence.

Black Diamond Iron Cruiser

The Black Diamond Iron Cruiser lanyard, available at Glisshop, is designed for demanding via ferrata enthusiasts. Compliant with the EN 958:2017 standard (for 40–120 kg / 6 st 4 lb – 18 st 13 lb), it features a low-profile Dyneema energy absorber and bungee-style elasticated arms for minimal bulk. Its Iron Cruiser carabiners with slide-lock closure can be operated easily with one hand, even when wearing gloves. Weighing 550 g, it combines strength with lightness. Reliable and durable, it is highly rated by users for its simplicity, strength, and ease of use in all conditions.

Camp Kinetic Rewind

The Camp Kinetic Rewind lanyard is a showcase of innovation for via ferrata. With its elastic polyester webbing (22 mm, extending from 85 to 120 cm), it remains compact during the climb and automatically adapts in the event of a fall thanks to its tear-out energy absorber, compliant with the EN 958:2017 standard. The Hercules aluminium carabiners provide a safe and easy connection to the cable. Weighing 545 g, it combines lightness and strength, with a junction loop compatible with any harness. Versatile and reliable, this high-end lanyard is highly praised by enthusiasts for its comfort and safety.