A connector includes a body and a gate. The body has a mid portion positioned between a nose portion and a connecting portion. The nose portion terminates in a nose end. The body also has an opening positioned between the nose end and the connecting portion. The mid portion has a flexible strength member extending therethrough interconnecting the nose portion and the connecting portion. The gate has a first end coupled proximate the connection portion of the body and a second end configured and arranged to engage the nose portion of the body to selectively close the opening. The gate has a closed position when positioned across the opening and an open position when the opening is at least partially unobstructed by the gate.