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Via ferratas combine alpine scenery, physical challenge and that unmistakable feeling of moving step by step through steep rock. To make a day in the mountains both safe and enjoyable, one thing matters above all: gear you can trust. At the heart of your via ferrata equipment is the via ferrata set. It connects you to the steel cable with two carabiners and plays a key safety role in the event of a fall.
In our current market overview of the best via ferrata sets, we focus on handling, carabiners, energy absorbers, freedom of movement and the right use case. A good set should be intuitive to operate, run smoothly along the cable and still feel comfortable after countless clipping and unclipping moves. On longer routes especially, you will quickly notice whether a via ferrata set really suits you.
If you do not just want to compare via ferrata sets, but would like to test them directly on the mountain, the Sport Conrad Via Ferrata Testival is the perfect opportunity. On 30 August 2026, we will be heading to the Alpspitze. Together with professional mountain guides, you can test modern via ferrata equipment, get expert advice and enjoy a day full of rock, fresh mountain air and real alpine experience. Secure your place now, spots are limited!
In this article, you will learn what really matters when choosing a via ferrata set, how the safety system works and why carabiners and swivels can make a big difference in comfort.
Via ferrata sets at a glance
- Edelrid Cable Comfort Tri: Triple swivel, load arms made from abrasion resistant HMPE, lower overall weight, One Touch II carabiners help prevent fingers from getting trapped between the steel cable and the gate
- Petzl Scorpio Eashook SW: Integrated swivel, elastic load arms, ergonomic EASHOOK carabiners for easy handling even with gloves, large carabiner opening with Keylock system, short resting arm for clipping into a rung
- Mammut Skywalker Pro: Robust carabiners with a large gate opening, elastic load arms, compact energy absorber, integrated resting loop, replacement indicator in the tie in loop
- Salewa Ergo Zip: Compact Zip system, automatic adjustment of the load arm length, ergonomic Ergotec 3.0 carabiners, extra large carabiner opening, integrated resting loop
How to choose the right via ferrata set
A via ferrata set is personal protective equipment. That means you should choose it not simply by price, but by safety, ease of use and how well it matches your body weight and intended use. Modern via ferrata sets comply with the European standard EN 958. Since the revision of this standard, sets have been tested for a defined weight range of 40 to 120 kilograms. This refers to the climber including all equipment.
When buying a via ferrata set, pay particular attention to the following points:
1. Via ferrata safety system
A via ferrata set works with two elastic load arms, two carabiners and an integrated energy absorber. The carabiners are always guided along the steel cable. When moving past an anchor point, one carabiner should ideally remain clipped in while the other is attached to the next section of cable. This keeps you continuously connected to the safety cable. The energy absorber is the core safety element of the via ferrata set. In the event of a serious fall, it deploys in a controlled way and absorbs energy. This reduces the impact force that would otherwise be transferred directly to your body, harness and the entire safety chain.
❗ Once an energy absorber has been deployed, the via ferrata set must no longer be used. It needs to be replaced, even if there is no obvious external damage.
2. Swivel or classic setup
Many modern via ferrata sets feature a swivel. It sits between the energy absorber and the two load arms. The benefit is simple: the arms twist less, the carabiners are easier to handle and clipping feels smoother. On longer via ferratas with many cable changes, this can noticeably improve comfort.
A via ferrata set without a swivel can still be a very good choice. These models are often simpler in design, sometimes more affordable and perfectly sufficient for occasional routes. If you spend a lot of time on via ferratas, tackle longer routes or prefer especially smooth handling, you will quickly appreciate a swivel.
3. Carabiners
The carabiners are the part of the set you handle most often on any via ferrata. That makes their design and handling especially important. Good via ferrata carabiners can be operated safely even with tired hands, have a sufficiently large gate opening and sit comfortably in the hand. This is particularly helpful when wearing thicker gloves or when clipping and unclipping frequently.
Make sure the locking mechanism feels intuitive but cannot open accidentally. Larger carabiners are often more comfortable on thick steel cables and anchors. Smaller carabiners can be lighter and more compact. In the end, what matters most is that you can use the mechanism confidently without your hand cramping while clipping.
4. Energy absorber
The energy absorber is housed in a small pouch. Before every tour, check that the energy absorber pouch is undamaged, that no seams are open and that the set does not show any obvious signs of abrasion. After a hard impact, heavy load or fall, do not simply keep using the set. Inspect it carefully and replace it if in doubt.
5. Weight and pack size
A lightweight via ferrata set is comfortable if you have long approaches or prefer a streamlined setup. At the same time, the set still needs to be robust enough for your intended use. For occasional tours, a compact and lightweight model is often sufficient. For regular use, courses or rental operations, a more robust option may be the better choice. Pack size matters especially if you often carry the set in your backpack. A compact energy absorber and slim, elastic arms save space and are less bulky when walking.
6. Resting sling
A resting sling is not part of a classic via ferrata set, but it can be very useful on many routes. It allows you to take some weight off your arms at suitable points, rest briefly or save energy. Important: a resting sling never replaces the via ferrata set. It is only an additional aid for resting and must not be used as your only safety connection.
On steeper or more athletic via ferratas, a resting sling can add a lot of comfort. That is why it is worth considering when you buy your equipment and planning it into your setup if needed. It must, however, be used correctly. If you are unsure, the best option is to have a mountain guide or a via ferrata course show you how to use it.
7. Body weight and via ferrata sets for children
Body weight is a key factor when choosing a via ferrata set. Many current sets are designed for users weighing 40 to 120 kilograms. This includes all equipment, such as backpack, clothing and everything else you carry on your body. A via ferrata set for children should therefore be chosen with particular care. Children and very light users may fall below the approved weight range. In this case, additional belaying by experienced companions or mountain guides is necessary. For families, the rule is clear: not every set automatically suits every child. Weight, height, grip strength, concentration and the difficulty of the route all need to fit together.
Which via ferrata set suits which user?
For beginners, easy handling is especially important. Large carabiners, elastic arms and a clearly visible energy absorber make the first tours more relaxed. For sportier via ferrata users, weight, freedom of movement and a swivel are particularly interesting. Anyone who is out regularly will benefit from robust carabiners, durable materials and a set that still feels comfortable after many clipping moves.
For children, the weight specification is especially important. A via ferrata set for children must match the actual user weight and should not be used below its approved range. For lighter children, a standard set is often not enough unless they are additionally belayed. Expert advice is especially important here.
Edelrid via ferrata sets
The Edelrid via ferrata sets in our comparison all meet modern safety standards. When it comes to handling, the focus is clearly on reliable operation on the steel cable. The One Touch II carabiners on the Cable Kit VI, Cable Comfort VI and Cable Comfort Tri models are especially comfortable, as they help prevent fingers from getting trapped between the steel cable and the gate.
The Edelrid Cable Kit VI is the classic all rounder for many via ferrata routes. The Edelrid Cable Kit Ultralite VII is significantly lighter and a good choice for anyone who wants to keep pack weight as low as possible. The Edelrid Cable Comfort VI offers more comfort thanks to its integrated swivel, which reduces twisting of the load arms. The high end Edelrid Cable Comfort Tri goes one step further. Its triple swivel reduces twisted load arms and provides maximum freedom of movement. The elastic, slim arms made from high strength, abrasion resistant HMPE also help reduce the overall weight.
Petzl via ferrata sets
The Petzl via ferrata sets in our comparison all feature a compact energy absorber, elastic load arms and a user weight range of 40 to 120 kg. A short resting sling is also integrated into all four models.
The Petzl Scorpio Vertigo is the robust entry point with VERTIGO WIRE-LOCK carabiners and is well suited to regular tours. The Petzl Scorpio Vertigo SW adds a swivel to this setup, helping the load arms twist less and making the handling smoother. The Petzl Scorpio Eashook is slightly more comfort oriented, with ergonomically shaped EASHOOK carabiners that sit comfortably in the hand and are easy to operate even with gloves. The Petzl Scorpio Eashook SW combines these carabiners with a swivel, making it the most comfortable option in the Petzl range.
More high quality via ferrata sets from top brands
Alongside Edelrid and Petzl, it is also worth looking at other brands. Models from Mammut, Salewa and Black Diamond also rely on modern safety standards, compact energy absorbers and a user weight range of 40 to 120 kg. The main differences lie in carabiner handling, load arm design and comfort on the steel cable.
The Mammut Skywalker Pro is a robust via ferrata set with ergonomically shaped carabiners, a large gate opening and elastic load arms. Its compact energy absorber, resting loop and replacement indicator in the tie in loop make it a well thought out choice for regular tours.
The Salewa Ergo Tex uses elastic load arms made from abrasion resistant webbing, an efficient swivel and ergonomic Ergotec 3.0 carabiners. These are easy to operate even with gloves and help prevent fingers from getting trapped between the steel cable and the gate. The Salewa Ergo Zip features a compact Zip system. Its retraction mechanism continuously adjusts the length of the load arms to your movement and keeps the set close to the body. This reduces loose loops, which is especially comfortable on walking sections.
The Black Diamond Iron Cruiser is a straightforward via ferrata set for anyone who values easy handling and robust equipment. The ergonomically shaped carabiners with an extra large gate opening make clipping into the steel cable easier, while the elastic load arms move close to the body. The ultra compact energy absorber is approved for users from 40 to 120 kg and certified to CE EN 958:2017.
Even more via ferrata sets:
- LACD Ultimate Ferrata S 3.0
- LACD Via Ferrata Pro Evo 3.0
- Skylotec Vael
- Skylotec Santner
Via ferrata sets for children
According to the standard, a classic via ferrata set is only recommended from a body weight of 40 kg. Children from 40 kg can therefore generally use a regular via ferrata set. For lighter children, the set must either have a special approval for a lower user weight or the child must be additionally belayed with a rope in more difficult terrain. The Edelrid Via Ferrata Belay Kit is designed for exactly this kind of use. It is not a via ferrata set in the classic sense, but a belay kit for securing children and less experienced users on steep or technically demanding sections.
Conclusion of our via ferrata set comparison
The best via ferrata set for you depends above all on how and where you plan to use it. For many routes, a reliable all rounder like the Edelrid Cable Kit VI is an excellent choice. If you want to travel particularly light, the Edelrid Cable Kit Ultralite VII is a strong option. For more comfort on the steel cable, a model with a swivel is well worth considering, such as the Edelrid Cable Comfort VI, the Edelrid Cable Comfort Tri, the Petzl Scorpio Vertigo SW or the Petzl Scorpio Eashook SW.
If carabiner handling is especially important to you, the One Touch II carabiners from Edelrid, the EASHOOK carabiners from Petzl or the Ergotec 3.0 carabiners from Salewa are particularly interesting. For robust tours and straightforward operation, the Mammut Skywalker Pro and the Black Diamond Iron Cruiser are also well worth a look.
For children, the key point is simple: from 40 kg, classic via ferrata sets can be used. Lighter children need either specially approved sets or additional rope protection in more difficult terrain, for example with the Edelrid Via Ferrata Belay Kit.
In the end, what matters most is how the set feels on the mountain. A good via ferrata set is intuitive to use, stays close to the body, twists as little as possible and gives you confidence when clipping. That is exactly why it is worth picking up different models, testing the carabiners and feeling the handling differences for yourself. In our Sport Conrad stores, you can try out the via ferrata sets and get personal advice from our team. Come by and see us!