The fifi hook is a small question mark shaped piece of equipment used principally in aid climbing, [1] to quickly connect a climber to gear to take their weight. [2] It can also be useful for free climbing, alpinism, mixed climbing and ice climbing. [3]
Typically made of stamped steel or forged alloy, it has a large hole at the bottom for connecting to one's harness and a smaller hole at the top for attaching a retrieval cord in case of a fall.
Due to its open shape, it offers very little strength and requires a great deal of caution when used. If a fifi hook is being used as main rest support, using a backup carabiner is recommended. [4]
