Climbing Harness

Your climbing harness is a key piece of equipment for top rope rock, lead and sport climbing. The right harness for your type of climbing can improve both performance and safety.

Extend usable service of the harness. Simple maintenance will help prolong the life of your harness. Protect it from the elements. Keep it in a moderate temperature. When finished climbing, clean and inspect it. Cleaning with water should be sufficient. If you need to get out difficult stains or dirt and tiny rock grains, use a mild soap. Rinse the harness thoroughly to get the soap completely out of the nylon fibers. Let your harness dry in open air shaded from the sun before packing it back into its storage bag.

Inspect your Climbing Harness. Look for signs of wear. Pay special attention to the stitching and tie-in points. When you see visible signs of wear, fading, scratches which tear the weave, or after it has held an extreme fall it's time to get a new one. After your harness has dried, inspect it for signs of wear and tear and fraying at all the seams. Signs of wear will show up better when the harness is clean and dry. Fraying will stand up as shown in the picture. Look carefully at the stitching and seams. Tug gently on the seams and anchor points to make sure they are secure and don't feel loose.

Storage for the harness. Put it someplace protected from sunlight, moisture or humidity, and in moderate temperatures. Exposure to these elements will cause the nylon and seams to degrade. Do not store it in the same closet or shed with paint, thinners, chlorine, bleach, acid or any oxidizing material. Vapors from these chemicals will also degrade the strength of your harness. Before climbing, check again for fraying or loose seams.

Factors to consider when choosing a climbing harness:

Material: Harnesses are made from a variety of materials: Nylon and nylon webbing; ballistic nylon, closed cell foam with mesh lining; evazote 50 foam, ballistic nylon, microfleece; 7-mm closed-cell foam and 3-D mesh; chyri span with wall mesh, mini diamond ripstop; 600D Polyester; 1050D Ballistics nylon -- each material type compliments the type of climbing harness
Adjustability: Adjustable or fixed loops for legs are a feature that help ensure good fit and comfort. The adjustability of leg loops adds weight and bulk which may not be desirable for high end competition climbing. Sport climbers may prefer the added comfort and fit at the expense of the small weight and bulk of buckles and straps.
Gear Loops: Most harnesses have loops to hang gear, quickdraws, carabiner, belay devices or runners. Usually they have 3 to 5 loops. They are made of molded rubber/plastic or woven nylon.
Recommend Use: Harnesses are built with features which compliment the type of climbing your will be doing. Sport, trad, ice, competition, mixed climbing have different requirements, so the type of harness to use should have features best suited for the type of climbing. The manufacturer recommends a use. Of course that doesn't limit use in another aspect of climbing, it simply means the harness has features which are more likely to be advantageous for that type of climbing.
Padding: Most rock climbing harnesses come with foam padding in the waist band and leg loops. The padding in these areas is well worth any extra cost. A wide waist band, especially in the back is also important. The purpose of the harness is to distribute the force of a fall to many points. The wider the waist band, the better the force is distributed. If the waist belt is too wide it will get in your way while making moves. The back of the waist belt should be firm and stiff. Leg loops should be adjustable. The same principle applies to leg loops. Wider webbing provides more comfort. A comfortable width of leg loop webbing for an average weight person is 2 inches or about 5 cm or greater. A narrow webbing, less than 2" or 5 cm, will be less comfortable - and may cut off the circulation in your leg if you are left hanging too long. However, the thicker webbing may hinder freedom of movement.
Weight: Harnesses vary in weight from very light three quarters of a pound to a pound and a half (300 grams to 600 grams). Weight is a tradeoff of features and comfort. Padding, gear loops and buckles add weight; however if you need a very light weight, lean harness for competitions or highly technical climbing and don't need the additional features, many are available.

Black Diamond Alpine Bod Harness. This harness is for climbers needing a light weight harness. It is a version of the Bod harness only constructed much lighter. T Alpine Bod keeps the fundamental good design and made to fit over layers of clothing and includes gear loops to make racking much easier. It is an excellent pick if you are looking to reduce weight of your gear.

Material: Nylon
Size: XS-XL
Adjustability: Waistbelt, leg loops
Gear Loops: Yes
Recommended Use: Light mountain climbing
Padding: Complete
Weight: 395g, 14oz
Warranty: 1 Year

Black Diamond Momentum Harness Package. This is an excellent deal on a climbing package including the Momentum AL climbing harness, the ATC belay device, a locking carabiner and a medium size chalk bag plus 100 grams of chalk.

Material: Ballistic nylon, closed cell foam with mesh lining
Adjustability: Full waist, 3" elastic fit on legs
Gear Loops: 4 molded
Recommended Use: Vertical sports
Padding: Yes, 7 mm closed cell foam
Weight: 590g, 1lb 4oz
Warranty: 1 year

Black Diamond Momentum AL Climbing Harness. This harness is made with a bullhorn-shaped waist belt of 7mm of closed-cell foam that is designed to evenly distribute your weight. The adjustable leg loops give you the flexibility to use this harness with layers of clothing for winter climbing. offer more versatility for those who wish to climb in all four seasons. The inner side of the belt is lined with a 3D mesh lining for air exchange keeping you dry.

Material: 7-mm closed-cell foam and 3-D mesh
Adjustability: Leg loops, waist
Gear Loops: Yes
Recommended Use: Mountaineering, ice climbing, rock climbing
Padding: Closed-cell foam
Weight: 14.8oz, 420g
Warranty: 1 year

Men's Black Diamond Momentum Speed Harness. The Black Diamond Men's Momentum Speed Harness uses pre-threaded speed buckles so it goes on and adjusts easily and quickly. There is a buckle on each side of the belt keeping the gear loops in the center. It has 4 molded gear loops and a haul loop plus adjustable leg loops that can adjust for additional layers of clothing in cold weather.

Material: Nylon
Adjustability: Double speed buckles on waist, speed buckles on legs
Gear Loops: 4 gear plus a haul loop
Recommended Use: Trad, sport, ice
Padding: Closed-cell foam
Weight: 15.9oz (450g)
Warranty: 1 year

Black Diamond Momentum Harness. It is comfortable and functional for both sport and trad climbing. It has 4 molded gear loops on a bullhorn shape belt for max flexibility and leg extension.

Material: Nylon
Adjustability: Adjustable waist
Gear Loops: 4 molded
Recommended Use: Sport and trad climbing
Padding: Fully padded waist and legs
Weight: 13.4 oz
Warranty: 1 year

Black Diamond Focus AL Harness. This harness is built with a one of a kind bullhorn waistbelt that perfectly distributes your weight across the harness. It is engineered to have every necessary feature for sport, trad, & big wall climbing. It has gear loops and reinforced haul loops. The adjustable leg loops give it the capability to be sized for an individual body type or adjusted to fit heavier outerwear for the season.

Material: Ballistic nylon, closed cell foam w/ mesh lining
Size: XS-XL
Adjustability: Full waist and leg loops
Gear Loops: Yes, tubed nylon webbing
Recommended Use: Vertical sports
Padding: Yes, 7mm closed cell foam
Weight: 1 lb, 460g
Warranty: 1 year

Black Diamond Focus Speed Harness. The Focus Speed harness keeps the tie in point centered and made to put on quickly. It fits easily for different sizes for layering of clothes during the winger. It has 4 loops for gear and a haul loop full strength.

Material: Nylon
Size: XS-XL
Adjustability: Speed buckles waist and leg loops
Gear Loops: Yes, tubed nylon webbing
Recommended Use: Sport, trad, ice, and alpine climbing
Padding: Fully padded waist and legs
Weight: 1 lb, 460g
Warranty: 1 year

Black Diamond Phoenix Harness. This is a high performance and ultra light sport climbing harness weighing only 325 grams. It is sleek with a padded waist belt for comfortable for working in it for extended time. Abrasion-resistant fabrics are used for durability with molded gear loops to provide flexibility.

Material: Chyri Span with Wall Mesh, Mini Diamond Ripstop
Adjustability: Waist belt
Gear Loops: 4 molded
Recommended Use: Performance sport climbing
Weight: 325g, 11.5oz
Warranty: 1 year

Black Diamond Bod Harness. The BD Bod climbing harness is an all-time classic. It has a heavyweight waist belt that is fleece padded that is very easy to wear. It is light weight and gives the climber excellent freedom of movement.

Material: Nylon
Size: XS-XL
Adjustability: Legs, waist
Gear Loops: None
Recommended Use: Rock climbing
Padding: Fleece waistbelt
Weight: 495g (1 pound 2oz)
Warranty: 1 Year

Black Diamond Blizzard Harness . This is BD's most comfortable ice / mixed climbing harness. It has a compression molded bullhorn waist with back lumbar support. It performs superbly while belaying multi-pitch routes. It is constructed using snow shedding and durable fabrics.

Material: Nylon webbing, Kelas, Sil Nylon
Adjustability: Waistbelt, leg loops
Gear Loops: 4 molded
Recommended Use: Ice, mixed climbing
Weight: 495g, 1 pound 2oz
Warranty: 1 year

Women's Black Diamond Primrose AL Climbing Harness. An excellent climbing harness designed, sized, styled specifically for women. The bullhorn waist belt distributes weight better across body contact. It has molded gear loops for easier gear access while climbing.

Material: Ballistic nylon, closed cell foam
Adjustability: Waistbelt, leg loops
Gear Loops: 4 molded
Recommended Use: Women's aggressive sport climbing
Padding: Yes
Weight: 415g, 14.6oz
Warranty: 1 year

Women's Black Diamond Diva Harness. The Diva is a light weight made using a mixture of nylon and closed cell foam. It is only 10.6 ounces in weight. Gear loops hold enough quickdraws for a sport route. This is the sport climbing harness for women who want a light weight harness.

Material: Nylon and closed-cell foam
Adjustability: Adjustable waist
Loops: 2
Recommended Use: Women's Sport Climbing
Weight: 10.6 oz
Warranty: 1 year

Black Diamond Chaos Harness . The Chaos climbing harness has a wider than standard waist belt and in the bullhorn shape for more comfortable during long hanging belays. It also has vents molded into the belt for increased air on hot days. There are 4 gear loops for the rack and a full strength haul loop.

Material: Nylon and synthetic materials
Adjustability: Adjustable waist, elastic legs
Gear Loops: 4
Recommended Use: Long routes
Padding: Compression molded foam
Weight: [Med] 1lb
Warranty: 1 Year

Black Diamond Primrose Harness Package For women, the Primrose climbing harness package makes it easy to get started with all the essential but high quality gear. It includes the Primrose Harness, ATC device, a locking carabiner, and medium chalk bag and chalk.

Material: Nylon
Adjustability: Adjustable waist and legs
Gear Loops: 4
Recommended Use: All-around climbing
Padding: Bullhorn-shaped waist-belt
Weight: Harness is 1 pound 4 ounces
Warranty: 1 Year

Women's Black Diamond Iris Climbing Harness This women's climbing harness is designed to be comfortable on a wide variety of climbing types from sport to trad. It has a longer rise than the comparable men's harness, and nicely shaped bull horn waist belt for easier hanging belays.

Material: Nylon
Adjustability: Adjustable waist
Gear Loops: 4
Recommended Use: All-around climbing harness for women
Padding: Fully padded waist and legs
Weight: 14.1 oz
Warranty: 1 year

Women's Black Diamond Iris Speed Harness This harness is designed for speed with pre-threaded speed buckles located at both waist and legs. It is fast to put on and easy to adjust. It includes 4 gear loops padded waist and legs..

Material: Nylon
Adjustability: Speed buckles on waist and legs
Gear Loops: 4
Recommended Use: rock and ice
Padding: Ppadded waist and legs
Weight: 14.1oz (400g) size 6
Warranty: 1 year

Metolius Safe Tech Deluxe Harness - Men's. This is an enhanced version of the All-Around harness. It is an excellent fitting and safe harness designed to provide the greatest amount of lower back support and freedom of movement at the same time. It is tough but has a soft inner polyethylene foam with brushed inner lining. It is ideal when you will be in your harness a long time, for example routesetting or extended pitches outside. This harness was engineered with safety in mind, as redundant and error proof as absolutely possible.

Material: 1050D Ballistics nylon, polyethylene foam, Conlure lining
Size: S-XL
Adjustability: Full adjustability in leg and waist
Gear Loops: 4 Nylon reinforced webbing loops
Recommended Use: Vertical sports
Padding: Fully padded
Weight: 19oz
Warranty: 1 year

Metolius Safe Tech All-Around Harness. Ergonomic shapes to this climbing harness provide exceptional range of movement for both men and women. The adjustment system allows for maximum adjustment for any size person or layers. Everything from leg risers, gear, haul, and belay loops are made to take a load of a minimum 2250 lbf (10kN) approx equal to max impact force rating of a modern climbing rope.

Material: 600D Polyester
Size: S-XL
Adjustability: Full adjustability in leg and waist
Gear Loops: 4 Nylon reinforced webbing loops
Recommended Use: Vertical sports
Padding: Fully padded
Weight: 16oz
Warranty: 1 year

Metolius Safe Tech Waldo Harness. Excellent choice for extended time hanging in the harness. Has nice 1/2" foam padding on the large 5-5/8" in tall waist loop, plus 5" tall leg loops. The non-weight bearing parts of the climbing harness are strengthened to give you the maximum safety.

Material: Nylon
Adjustability: Adjustable waist and legs, droppable leg loops
Gear Loops: 5 (10kN rating)
Recommended Use: Big wall climbing
Padding: 1/2in (5 5/8in tall waist, 5in tall leg loops)
Weight: 25.3oz
Warranty: 1 year

Women's Metolius Safe Tech Deluxe Harness. Designed to provide max support at the lower back and freedom of movement at the same time. Has a durable 1050d Ballistics outer layer for toughness, and polyethylene foam with a brushed inner lining on the inside for softness and comfort.

Material: 1050D Ballistics nylon, polyethylene foam, Conlure lining
Size: S-XL
Adjustability: Full adjustability in leg and waist
Gear Loops: 4 Nylon reinforced webbing loops
Recommended.
Use: Vertical sports
Padding: Fully padded
Weight: 10oz
Warranty: 1 year

Petzl Hirundos Climbing Harness. The Hirundos is light in weight and is designed with a low-profile to help you send the most difficult. The perforated closed-cell foam pad is comfortable but does not inhibiting airflow and breathability.

Material: Nylon
Adjustability: DoubleBack buckle on waist
Gear Loops: 4 Gear loops, 2 Caritool slots
Recommended Use: Sport, competition and mixed climbing
Padding: Perforated closed-cell foam
Weight: 10.6oz (300g)
Warranty: 3 years

Petzl Corax II Harness. The Corax II Climbing Harness fits great for sport climbing or layered for winter mountaineering. It has two pre-threaded double back buckles on the waist so the belay loop stays centered. The same buckle type is used for the leg to fit over layers if necessary.

Material: Nylon, closed-cell foam
Size: DoubleBack buckles on legs and two on waist
Adjustability: Rear, Waist, and leg
Gear Loops: 4 Regular, 2 Caritool slots
Recommended Use: Rock and ice climbing
Padding: Closed-cell foam in waist and leg loops
Warranty: 3 Years

Petzl Pandion Climbing Harness. The Petzl Pandion Climbing Harness is ultra light, ideal for cold weather climbing. It is easy to get on over boots and layered clothing. It is easily adjustable in the waist and legs. The Pandion climbing harness is also an excellent gym climbing harnes due to its light weight.

Material: Nylon
Adjustability: Leg, rear support, and waist
Gear Loops: Yes
Recommended Use: Glacier travel
Padding: None
Weight: 290g
Warranty: Limited

Petzl Adjama Climbing Harness. The Adjama is ideal for all-season use. It has a padding that is perforated to increase the air circulation at the contact locations. The pre-threaded doubleback buckles let you get in and out quickly.

Material: Nylon, perforated closed-cell foam, mesh
Adjustability: DoubleBack buckles on waist and legs
Gear Loops: 4 Regular, 2 Caritool slots
Recommended Use: Climbing
Padding: Perforated closed-cell foam in waist and legs
Warranty: 3 Years

Women's Petzl Selena Climbing Harness. The Women's Selena Climbing Harness is made with a perforated closed-cell foam and mesh giving it excellent ventilation--this adds padding to make long durations in the harness comfortable. The pre-formed gear loops help keep the gear rack easy to access.

Material: Nylon, perforated closed-cell foam, mesh
Adjustability: DoubleBack buckles on waist and legs
Gear Loops: 4
Recommended Use: Climbing
Padding: Closed-cell foam in waist and legs
Warranty: 3 Years

Petzl Canyon Climbing Harness. This climbing harness was made to take the demands and harsh environment of canyoneering and spelunking. It is made with tough nylon construction and a replaceable PVC seat to protect you. It has 2 gear loops to hold gear and a high tie-in point for rappelling.

Material: Harness is made of Nylon; the seat is PVC
Adjustability: Adjustable waist and legs
Gear Loops: 2
Recommended Use: Canyoneering
Padding: Foam in waist
Warranty: 3 Years

Petzl Sama Climbing Harness. Perforated foam padding and mesh lining combine to make the Sama Climbing Harness an exceptionally breathable/wearable during the summer. The Sama has pre-threaded DoubleBack buckle and elastic leg loops that can be released easily.

Material: Nylon, mesh, perforated closed-cell foam
Adjustability: DoubleBack waist buckle
Gear Loops: 4 Regular, 2 Caritool slots
Recommended Use: Rock climbing harness
Padding: Perforated closed-cell foam
Warranty: 3 Years

Petzl Luna Women's Climbing Harness. The Women's Luna Climbing Harness is easily adjustable at the leg loops and waist. It has perforated closed-cell foam padding for an exact fit and comfort. It is comfortable to wear in shorts in the summer for sport or multi pitch trad climbing.

Material: Nylon, mesh, perforated closed-cell foam
Adjustability: DoubleBack waist buckle
Gear Loops: 4 Regular, 2 Caritool slots
Recommended Use: Rock climbing harness
Padding: Perforated closed-cell foam
Warranty: 3 Years

Arc'teryx Targa Harness. The Targa's belt and leg loops are thick at the back for strength yet very comfortable due to the micro-fleece lining on the inner side of the belt. The leg loops have 3” of adjustability to get the right fit. There are 4 gear loops and a full-strength haul loop.

Material: 500D nylon
Adjustability: Waist, 3" leg loops
Gear Loops: 4
Recommended Use: Sport to big wall rock
Padding: Evazote 50 closed cell foam
Weight: 13 oz / 368.5 g
Warranty: Lifetime

Men's Arc'teryx Vapor Harness. This climbing harness has seamless construction, soft padding on the inner surface. Leg loops can be adjusted up to 3 inches for a perfect fit. A ballistics-cloth covers the outer surface for excellent durability..

Material: Evazote 50 foam, Ballistic nylon, microfleece
Size: XS-L
Adjustability: Sure-fit 3" Leg loops, waist-belt
Gear Loops: Yes, 4 built-in
Recommended Use: Versatile harness for all varieties of vertical sports
Padding: Leg loops, waist-belt
Weight: 12oz

Women's Arc'teryx Vapor Harness. Crafted specifically to a woman's physical shape. This harness tapers in width and thickness at the front to provide the best possible fit and freedom of movement for female climbers. The harness fabric is laminated with a foam padding for exceptional comfort.

Material: Evazote 50 foam, Ballistic nylon, microfleece
Size: XS-L
Adjustability: Sure-fit 3" Leg loops, waist-belt
Gear Loops: Yes, 4 built-in
Recommended Use: Versatile harness for all varieties of vertical sports
Padding: Leg loops, waist-belt
Weight: 10oz

Arc'teryx Verro Harness. The Verro has adjustable leg loops to for winter clothing or summer shorts. The sculpted shape of the Verro moves naturally with you when you extend. It comes with 4 gear loops.

Material: Evazote 50 foam, Ballistic nylon, microfleece
Size: XS-L
Adjustability: Sure-fit 3" Leg loops, waist-belt
Gear Loops: Yes, 4 built-in
Recommended Use: Versatile harness for all varieties of vertical sports
Padding: Leg loops, waist-belt
Weight: 15oz

Women's Arc'teryx Iris Climbing Harness. Sculpted to fit a woman's body and formed in three dimensions for performance and mobility. The Micro-fleece on the inner surface of the belt makes the harness comfortable. The outer surface is composed of a strong ballistics-cloth for durability.

Material: 500D nylon
Adjustability: Waist, 3" leg loops
Gear Loops: 4
Recommended Use: Sport to big wall rock
Weight: 12 oz / 340 g
Warranty: Lifetime

CAMP USA XLH 95 Harness. This harness weighs almost nothing, and nothing else on the market comes close to this weight. It is a mere 3.4oz. This harness is not the best choice for rock climbing, but is perfect for adventure racing, backcountry skiers, ski mountaineering, and other extreme sports that require a harness.

Material: Nylon
Adjustability: Elastic drawcord in front
Gear Loops: 1 Single-carabiner loop on each side
Recommended Use: Adventure racing, ski mountaineering
Weight: 3.4oz, 95g
Warranty: 1 year

Women's CAMP USA Jade Climbing Harness. The Jade Women's Climbing Harness has auto fit leg loops and long torso length, and the 3-D mesh padding provides excellent distribution of weight. The No-Twist belay loop keeps your carabiner is in its strongest orientation to the rope while belaying.

Material: Nylon with 3-D mesh padding
Adjustability: Auto Fit leg loops
Gear Loops: 4
Recommended Use: Trad climbing and long routes
Padding: 3-D mesh padding on waist and leg loops
Weight: 12.8oz (365g)
Warranty: Lifetime

CAMP USA Eldorado Canyoneering Harness. This harness is made to be tough, yet feels comfortable to wear. It is made using nylon webbing and a PVC seat that is removable. For the rappel tie in it has a single steel connection. The leg and waist are adjustable for proper fit for all sizes.

Material: Nylon and rubber
Adjustability: Fully adjustable waist and leg loops
Gear Loops: 1
Recommended Use: Trad climbing and long routes
Padding: None
Weight: 30oz (850g)
Warranty: 1 year

CAMP USA Quartz Climbing Harness. The CAMP climbing harness is padded generously making it comfortable to wear for long durations. It features the No Twist belay loop, keeping it straight along the axis. It has 4 gear loops, plus a full-strength haul loop.

Material: Nylon with 3-D mesh padding
Adjustability: Auto fit leg loops
Gear Loops: 4
Recommended Use: Trad climbing and long routes
Padding: 3-D mesh padding on waist and leg loops
Weight: 14.1oz, 400g
Warranty: Lifetime

Mammut Focus Climbing Harness. The 3D mesh padding makes this very comfortable. It has 4 molded gear loops and adjustable legs and waist, allowing for layering during cold weather. The harness is 1 oz in weight makes it good for sport or trad.

Material: Nylon
Adjustability: Adjustable legs and waist
Gear Loops: 4 Molded
Recommended Use: Sport and trad climbing
Padding: 3D mesh padding on waist and legs
Weight: 15 oz
Warranty: 1 year

Mammut Mirage Climbing Harness. The Mammut Mirage harness gives a climber excellent features, like molded gear loops to easily build up the gear rack, and nicely padded waist and leg loops, and the Slide-Bloc buckle on the waist belt.

Material: Nylon
Adjustability: Slide-Bloc buckle on waist and adjustable legs
Gear Loops: 4 Molded
Recommended Use: Sport and trad climbing
Padding: Padded waist and legs
Weight: 15 oz
Warranty: 1 year

Beginner Climbing Package. This climbing package includes the Petzl Elios Helmet, Mammut Focus Climbing Harness, Five Ten Coyote Laceup Rock Climbing Shoe, and the Black Diamond Big Air package which has the Black Diamond Airlock2 Screwgate Carabiner and ATC Belay Device.

Material: Nylon
Adjustability: Slide-Bloc buckle on waist and adjustable legs
Gear Loops: 4 Molded
Recommended Use: Sport and trad climbing
Padding: Padded waist and legs
Weight: 15 oz
Warranty: 1 year

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