Even though ‘bucket’ type belay devices are the most popular on the market today, for certain jobs they don’t provide the same sort of friction or control that can be got from a Figure of Eight. This is especially true when abseiling on thinner ropes, or iced up ropes, which are difficult to get into other devices.

So although the Light 8 looks simple and a little old fashioned it can still be considered as a valid part of the armoury and an invaluable tool for Alpinists and all-rounders. And made of 6082 T6 alloy to Wild Country’s specific design demands the Light 8 is also one of the lightest of its type on the market.