Child Climbing Harness
It's important to get a harness that fits snug, designed especially for their size and shape. A loose harness may shift and rub, causing sores or abrasions. In the worst case, a loose harness may allow a child to slip out during a fall. Children need a harness built for their small waist and hip sizes. If a harness is too tight it will not allow the full freedom of movement needed for climbing. Two types of harnesses commonly used for young climbers:
Child's Harness Waist Belt and Leg Loops. This style is widely used by climbers of all ages. The difference between full-size and child-size, is the construction of the leg loop, buckle and waist belt. The leg loops are sized smaller and held in place by shorter elastic straps running from the back of the waist belt to the back of the leg loop. The waist belt is fastened by a buckle. The buckle is located in front of the belt. This a responsible person to get at the buckle easily. Many waist belt's have gear loops for hardware. This gives the young climber some training at managing a small amount of gear.
The waist belt style harness is better suited for slightly older children than the full body harness.
Child's Full Body Harness
The full body harness provides a wide range of movement and comfort. The harness holds the child's smaller shoulders and legs snug and remains secure during a fall. However, the chance of turning upside down in a full body harness is reduced by the higher tie-in point. The higher tie-in point creates a lower center of gravity causing the waist and feet to naturally swing down. The full body harness is often used by beginning adult climbers as well. It is an excellent choice for getting kids under 10 years old into the sport of climbing.
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 Petzl Simba Full Body Child Harness. This adjustable full body harness is for children 5-10 years old and under 88lb (40kg). The Petzl Simba is perfect for more aggressive and/or larger young climbers. The Simba is a great harness for kids who climb a long time. Adjustable shoulder straps and leg loops with a reinforced double tie-in point.
 CAMP USA Mickey Child's Fast Climbing Harness. This child's climbing harness can be easily adjusted. It is a full body harness that goes on fast and adjusts and buckles with one pull. It uses the front opening design and will fit any child up to 85 pounds in weight. The belay rope ties in through two loops on the front of the harness. It is 20 oz in weight, made of Nylon.
 Petzl Ouistiti Full Body Child’s Harness. Designed for ages 4 to 9 years old weighing less than 66 pounds. This full body harness has color-marked webbing to help the adult get the harness on--color goes to the outside, black goes inside. The harness has adjustment buckles on the back, out of reach of the child.
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 Black Diamond Kid's A-Bod Harness. The A-Bod child's harness is specifically made for children 8-12 years old. Made for small waist sizes 19-25 in (48-65cm), legs 16-20 in (41-51 cm). Has gear and belay loops to teach kids how to carry accessories. The A-Bod is for top roping only. It has easy access buckles that makes it easy to get the harness on.
 Black Diamond Wiz Kid Harness. This harness is designed for top-roping for ages 5-10 weighing 35-110 lb. (kg). The Black Diamond Wiz Kid harness is the mini of the Momentum harness. It has a full length belay loop with fixed gear loops to belt. It is an excellent way to get a child into the sport of rock climbing. It has 2 gear loops and speed buckles for easy on and off. This harness weighs 11 oz, comes with a 1 year warranty.
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