Via Ferrata Kit - Whats the difference between it and normal climbing kit? The Carabiners on custom built Via Ferrata sets all have to be Type K carabiners (EN 12275), but what does that actually mean in a practical sense and how do they differ from the carabiners I use for climbing/scrambling? Carabiner Strength wise; Loading on the Major Axis has to a minimum of 25kN. Other types have to be min 20kn (except the Oval which is 18kN) Gate open strength has a minimum of 8kN