How should a locking carabiner or life safety belt hook be wrapped?

Wrapping a locking carabiner or life safety belt hook with the spineside away from the anchor is essential for maintaining the integrity and strength of the connection. The spine is the strongest part of the carabiner and is designed to withstand loads effectively. When the spine is positioned away from the anchor, it ensures that if a force is applied, it directs the load in a way that maximizes the strength of the carabiner's design. Additionally, this orientation helps to prevent cross-loading, which can occur if the load or force is applied inappropriately, leading to potential failure.

In this context, having the spineside toward the anchor may compromise the safety and functionality of the equipment. A sideways orientation would not provide the optimal strength and security that is critical for safety systems. Accepting any orientation could introduce significant risks, as proper alignment is vital for climbing or safety equipment to function correctly under load conditions.