Buying a Via Ferrata Set in 2026: Standard, Recalls and Picks

In short: Buy a new via ferrata set certified to EN 958:2017 or the newer EN 958:2024. These sets are designed for a weight range of 40 to 120 kg. Our recommendation is a current set such as the Edelrid Cable Kit VI or the Petzl Scorpio Eashook. With older sets, check their lifetime and any recalls, and give children under 40 kg an additional rope belay.

How is a via ferrata set built?

A via ferrata set has two load arms, each with a carabiner, and an energy absorber. You clip the carabiners into the steel cable and attach the absorber to your harness. In a fall, the absorber takes up energy and so reduces the forces on your body, harness and anchors. According to DAV safety research, without an absorber these forces could cause fatal injuries or break load-bearing parts.

There are two kinds of absorber:

Tear webbing absorber: stitched webbing tears open in a controlled way during a fall.
Friction brake: a braking rope runs through a metal plate. Sets with this design were part of a major recall in 2013 (see below).

The carabiners are dedicated via ferrata carabiners; current sets list EN 12275 for them.

What does the EN 958 standard require?

Via ferrata sets are standardised under EN 958. The revised EN 958:2017 has applied since May 2017. According to the DAV, its main changes were:

Drop masses of 40 and 120 kg instead of only 80 kg, so light and heavy people are better covered.
Braking distance of up to 220 cm instead of 120 cm.
Minimum strength of the load arms: 12 kN for elastic arms, 15 kN for non-elastic ones.
A new cycling check for elastic load arms and a wet check for the impact force.

According to DIN Media, EN 958:2024 was published in October 2024 and replaces the 2017 edition. It covers people weighing at least 40 kg without equipment and at most 120 kg with equipment. Some manufacturers state the limits in their instructions as total weight, so your set's instructions are always what counts. Shops currently sell sets to both editions, and both cover the 40 to 120 kg range.

What about children and light people?

The standard doesn't cover people under 40 kg. Back in 2010, DAV safety research showed that a fall into a via ferrata set can be life-threatening for people under 50 kg because of the high acceleration. Children should therefore generally also be belayed on a rope. Learn how in a via ferrata course.

And heavy people?

If you weigh more than 120 kg with your pack and gear, no standard-compliant set covers your range. In that case, ask a mountain guide or course instructor about a suitable rope belay.

Which via ferrata sets have been recalled?

Via ferrata sets have been recalled several times in recent years. The following are documented by the DAV or the manufacturers:

2012, elastic load arms: after a fatal accident in which elastic load arms weakened by repeated stress tore, several manufacturers issued extensive recalls. Sets with elastic load arms of a particular weave were affected. The UIAA issued a worldwide warning to all users at the time.
February 2013, friction brakes: investigations by Mammut, Edelrid and DAV safety research showed that sets with friction brakes can also be dangerously weakened by ageing. The DAV called the resulting recall "probably the largest in the mountain sports equipment industry".
2019, Ocun Via Ferrata Torq 2: according to the DAV, Ocun voluntarily recalled batch 800940 because the impact force measured in an inspection was 15 to 20 percent above the standard's limit.
2025, Mammut Skywalker Pro: according to its own notice, Mammut recalled the Skywalker Pro and Skywalker Pro Turn sets. The affected batches are 07/2021 and 11/2022 on the carabiner, without an additional "R". Due to an assembly fault, the carabiners could in some cases open without the plastic latch being pressed. The Skywalker Classic is not affected.

How to check a set you already own

The DAV advises answering three questions before each season. Only keep using the set if all three come out right:

Is my set affected by a recall? Model, batch and serial number are on the label and the carabiners. Compare them with the manufacturer's recall pages.
Has it exceeded its lifetime? According to the DAV, manufacturers give unused sets a maximum lifetime of between three and twelve years, usually ten. With regular use it's shorter.
Is the set in good condition? Check the load arms, stitching and absorber pouch for wear and damage, and make sure the carabiners close cleanly.

If the set has held a fall, replace it. Manufacturers generally require this; the exact rule is in your model's instructions. Don't buy a used set of unknown origin.

Selection criteria for a new set

Standard and weight range: EN 958:2017 or EN 958:2024, weight range 40 to 120 kg. Check your weight including your pack.
Carabiners: look for carabiners that open easily with one hand and close securely. Try them in the shop with gloves on.
Swivel: a swivel stops the load arms from twisting. It's comfortable but not essential.
Rest loop: some sets have a short loop you can use to hang from the cable while resting.
Weight: irrelevant on most routes, an advantage on long approaches and alpine tours.

Recommended sets at a glance

Set	Standard (manufacturer)	Weight range	Weight (manufacturer)	Notable feature
Edelrid Cable Kit VI	EN 958:2024, EN 12275	40–120 kg	not stated	compact absorber, OneTouch II carabiners
Edelrid Cable Kit Ultralite VII	EN 958, EN 12275	40–120 kg	no reliable figure	light version for long routes
Petzl Scorpio Eashook	EN 958:2017	40–120 kg	470 g	Eashook carabiners, extendable load arms

Edelrid Cable Kit VI: according to Edelrid, certified to EN 958:2024 and designed for 40 to 120 kg. The absorber is compact, and Edelrid says the set still meets the standard even when misused at a 180-degree angle. It's our recommendation for most via ferrata climbers.

Petzl Scorpio Eashook: according to Petzl, designed for users between 40 and 120 kg and certified to EN 958:2017. The European product page lists 470 g. It's a solid alternative if Petzl's carabiners suit your hands better.

Edelrid Cable Kit Ultralite VII: the light version for long approaches and alpine tours, also for 40 to 120 kg. Edelrid's pages give the standard edition inconsistently, so check the label.

You'll find more sets in our via ferrata gear category.

What else do you need besides the set?

Harness: a sit harness certified to EN 12277 is usually enough. According to Petzl, the Petzl Corax is also designed for via ferrata. See Buying a climbing harness: what to look for.
Helmet: rockfall is a real risk on via ferratas. You'll find models in the climbing helmets category.
Gloves and sturdy shoes: via ferrata gloves protect your hands from the cable, and mountain boots with a grippy sole give you a secure footing.

Our guide to climbing gear for beginners gives an overview of the basic kit. The most important rule is best learned in a via ferrata course, for example with a DAV section: when passing an anchor, always move one carabiner at a time so you're never unclipped.

FAQ

Which standard must a via ferrata set meet?

Via ferrata sets are standardised under EN 958. Sets certified to EN 958:2017 and to the newer EN 958:2024 are currently on sale. Both are designed for a weight range of 40 to 120 kg.

What's the minimum weight for using a via ferrata set?

Standard-compliant sets are designed for 40 kg and up. For children and light people under 40 kg, a fall into the set is dangerous, so they should also be belayed on a rope. The exact limits are in your set's instructions.

How long does a via ferrata set last?

According to the DAV, manufacturers usually give unused sets ten years, with a range of three to twelve years. With regular use, after a fall or if there's visible damage, you need to replace it sooner.

Is my old via ferrata set still safe?

Check three things: is it affected by a recall, has it exceeded its lifetime, and is it in good condition? Sets with friction brakes and older sets with elastic load arms were part of major recalls in 2012 and 2013.

Can I buy a used via ferrata set?

We advise against it. You know neither its age, nor its falls, nor how it was stored, and those decide how strong the load arms still are. A new set certified to the current standard is the safe choice.

Bottom line

You recognise a good via ferrata set not by star ratings but by its standard, weight range and condition. Buy new, certified to EN 958:2017 or EN 958:2024, for your weight range including your pack. Our recommendation is the Edelrid Cable Kit VI, with the Petzl Scorpio Eashook as a good alternative. Check older sets for recalls and lifetime, and give children under 40 kg an additional rope belay.