The Totem was designed to be the most versatile rigging and rappelling tool available. It can function as a rigging plate, an easy-to-lock-off figure 8, sticht plate, auto-blocking plaquette device, plus some other options that are unique to the Totem.

Originally designed for canyoneering, the Totem has applications in other rope-related disciplines, including rock climbing, mountaineering, caving, rappelling and rescue.