What climbing harness should i buy Oct 30, 2024 · Static ropes should never be used for climbing. In many countries like the US, if you buy safety equipment like a climbing harness and return it, the company has to destroy it, so in the name of sustainability, try to pick the right one before you buy. The same harness can take you from 5. Climbers should plan on wearing them all day, or longer. WHICH CLIMBING HARNESS SHOULD I BUY? Of all climbing personal protection equipment (PPE), the harness is at the same time the cheapest and most important item. If you’re a casual climber who only hits the gym a few times a week, a harness can last anywhere from five to seven years. However there are other factors, considering that many modern harnesses are constructed of some sort of heavy nylon, this material can be severely weakened by long term exposure to the sun, as such the buyer should test the harness' flexibility, look for faded colors, as well as ask how the harness was stored when not in use. Before you buy, we want to remind you of some guidelines which always apply: Don't buy used gear. Gear loops. You will also learn how to wear a climbing harness or how to take care of it to ensure that it is properly maintained, and that it does not affect our safety. More expensive harnesses have more ventilation, lighter padding, and are more comfortable to wear for extended periods. We do not guide Half Dome Jun 14, 2023 · Understanding Climbing Harness Lifespan. Jun 24, 2020 · A good indoor lead climbing harness will weigh between 10-15 ounces. Best Overall: Black Diamond Technician Best for Technical Alpine Climbing: Blue Ice Choucas Pro Whether you're getting your first climbing harness or need one for a specific purpose, the choices can feel endless. Your harness should provide freedom of movement while maintaining a secure fit. This will make it easier to weigh up the pros and cons of a specific harness in line with your individual needs, and find the fit that’s 100 % right for you. Dec 19, 2023 · We discuss some of the most important attributes of a climbing harness and walk you through a step-by-step buying process based on which type of climbing you intend to do most often. Elevate your climbing journey with the right equipment. By far, the most important part of fitting your harness is making sure you get the right size. It's also typically recommended to retire all fabric gear (harnesses, dogbones, slings etc. Rock climbing, a pursuit that demands precision, skill, and gear that fits like a Aug 7, 2024 · This harness can be used for all kinds of climbing, making it the most versatile harness on the market. The vast, vast, vast majority of Half Dome hikers do not use safety gear. The variance in harness sizing between XL and XXXL is all over the board. First and foremost, consider the harness's construction. A decent harness costs around €50, while the price for better ones can rise to more than €100. The only thing it's not good for is trad climbing because the gear loops are too small (yes even on the solution guide). Additional Types of Sewn Slings. Before jumping head-first into picking out a climbing harness, you should take the time to get familiar with its components and their purpose. It should be snug enough that you cannot pull it Best Climbing Harness for Beginners: C. Apr 4, 2025 · We've done our best to offer you solid recommendations for the best harness for the money, the best all-around harness, and the best for various climbing disciplines like sport climbing, multi-pitch and trad climbing, alpine climbing, and ice climbing. A climbing harness’ average lifespan ranges from 1-3 years if in use and up to 10 years if properly stored and unused. But once you know what to look for, choosing the right harness is straightforward. Fitting Your Climbing Harness. The main downsides are the high price tag and the lack of hanging comfort compared to some other contenders. Technically, a beginner climbing harness can be used by climbers of any level, and it does not have to be discarded as you progress. My biggest regret was waiting 20 years to buy a more expensive Misty Mountain climbing harness and just getting cheaper ones made overseas from REI. Belt. Aug 5, 2022 · The best rock climbing gear for beginners, including climbing shoes, climbing harnesses, belay devices, climbing helmets, and climbing apparel, from brands like La Sportiva, Petzl, Black Diamond Jan 29, 2024 · If you prefer shorts, make sure they are knee-length or longer to protect your legs from scrapes against the climbing wall. Prices range from $80 to $160. A rope is static if it does not stretch when subjected to a sudden load. 7, but we took a break to check out a cool cave at the top of the first pitch, and temps were in the 90’s (F). " - Bryan Hall Unless you're going mountaineering, or ice climbing, I would forget any harness with adjustable leg loops. Harness Construction - Less expensive harnesses are often bulkier and don't breathe as well. Generally, climbing gear is not returnable and outside of gyms and guide services who provide gear for their clients, nobody will rent safety gear because the liability is too high. A good hiking boot for climbing Half Dome will have three essential characteristics: Enhanced traction – you don’t want to slip on the granite face; Ankle support – the hiking boot should create a comfortable and durable shape around your foot and ankle to prevent your foot from moving around Jun 21, 2024 · Nylon climbing slings are lightweight, versatile pieces of gear that you will often use to tie yourself in while you clean an anchor at the top, but they can also serve as extensions to attach other protection devices to the rope, to build or extend anchors, to make emergency harnesses and for self-rescue so it’s worth having one or two. When deciding between a rappelling harness and a climbing harness, these are the considerations you should make. Any tree climbing harness you buy should meet the ANSI A 10. Either buy it or go without. Learn how to choose the correct climbing harness for the type of climbing you do, whether it's sport, trad, ice or alpine. There are also some categories worth mentioning that fall in-between: full-body harnesses, caving and canyoneering, and of course industrial-work harnesses. I prefer supporting a USA based company that actually makes them inhouse versus over in China and they really are the bomb! Excellent customer service to boot. ) may or may not be good, they can degrade with age, sunlight, exposure to chemicals etc. #1 The Material. Hard goods (anything metal) generally Ok if inspected properly. Gear slings are padded pieces of nylon webbing that you wear over your shoulder or like a pack to carry all your protection, slings and quickdraws while trad climbing. 1. While getting a deal on climbing gear is always a win, it’s important to balance cost-saving with quality and safety. You’re just as reliant upon this as you are on your rope. Climbing Harness: Essential Safety Gear. Generally, if you aren’t buying from someone you trust, or are experienced enough to inspect these properly, I’d ste Anatomy of a climbing harness. The Swami belt, aka waist belt, will vary in width and padding based on the type of climbing the harness is built for. You don’t know its history. . Afterward, circle back to our review of the best climbing harnesses and put that knowledge to good use in your purchasing. Feb 5, 2022 · When you’re ready to shop for a climbing harness, we recommend doing it in person, so you can try on multiple models and sizes. Understanding Harness Sizing Charts Deciphering Harness Sizing Charts: Navigating the Labyrinth of Climbing Gear Fit. 11 at the crag with out any problems. Sport climbing harnesses will often have a smaller, less padded waist belt since climbers will typically be hanging in the harness for short periods of time. 7 indoors to 5. If you have any doubts about the dependability of your gear, retire it. This isn’t like slipping your feet into a sloppy pair of old sneakers, when it comes to climbing shoe sizing, it is essential you have a perfect fit in order for you to perform at your best. Brooklyn Boulders provides harness rentals for those who are just starting out. A. The more expensive harness tend to be lighter weight and have more padding but unless you plan on spending a lot of time in them on a big wall or pushing crazy sport climbing grades you should be able to pick one up for $75 or under. Nov 24, 2024 · When buying a climbing harness, you’re looking for safety, comfort and fit. in ways that may be difficult to tell during inspection. The home of Climbing on reddit. Jun 24, 2024 · One of the best climbing harnesses on this list should align with your climbing goals and provide that extra edge in reaching for them. We buy every item at the store, just like you, then we test it… for months. You can save some money buying gear used, but should you? While the decision ultimately lies with the… May 1, 2025 · How long does a climbing harness last? Like all climbing gear, the lifespan of a harness depends on how much it gets used. You’re going to be in some dangerous situations, and your life will depend on the condition of your equipment. 3 days ago · Welcome to the Holy Grail of climbing gear lists! Here you will find our top picks: the gear our climber-testers would recommend to their best friends. Every climber needs a harness to attach themselves to the rope when top-rope climbing or lead climbing. Feb 22, 2021 · The Difference Between Beginner Climbing Harnesses and Other Climbing Harnesses. Fits very true to size. What is an alpine harness? The alpine harness is usually carried in the backpack to the “advanced base camp” or bivy, often miles into the wilderness and often carried in the summit pack until Apr 28, 2015 · If you're not a climber, then don't buy a climbing rope for doing roof repairs. This rope needs to temporarily Basic Rules for Tree Climbing Equipment. If you only want to use your climbing harness for indoor climbing, it’s weight should be the least of your concerns. If you don't care about cost, the Arcteryx harness are super thin and comfy. Everyone’s climbing journey is different, though, so get the gear that’s right for your own personal goals and style. Unless you're planning on ice climbing or your thighs are an odd size, I would recommend getting fixed leg loops (no buckles). Especially if you are climbing outside because that wears them out faster. I started going in and out of consciousness from heat exhaustion at the start of the 3rd pitch. Apr 13, 2021 · Climbing harnesses are needed for workers who use fixed ladders that require fall protection systems. Generally if you go to a climbing store you can have the staff tie you in so you can feel how comfortable the harnesses are you actually put weight on the straps Dec 30, 2021 · Within the climbing community, you can often also borrow and share gear with your climbing friends and partners - saving money and storage space, as we discussed in this article. In the same vein, there are a few things you need to keep an eye on when buying gently used rock climbing gear. Top Hit: Petzl ADJAMA ($79. If you're going to buy a rope for a very specific job, then you should get the right equipment for the job. " So I guess my 275 days was really pushing it. Feb 12, 2024 · The Petzl Corax is a high-end technical harness for professionals that gives climbers total freedom of movement. "None of our harnesses should be expected to last for more than 200 days of use. The type of climbing you’re getting into will dictate the number, size, and material construction of gear loops Apr 21, 2022 · Gear loops stick out from the harness at the hip-belt and allow climbers to clip on any extra gear that they’ll need during the climb, such as ropes or slings for outdoor climbing or, for indoor Aug 27, 2023 · Explore the must-have gear for rock climbing, from shoes and harnesses to helmets and chalk. These types of rope are popular in industrial uses, caving, and sailing. When cams and bolts break, it’s still entirely possible to survive a fall. You will wear the harness 100% of the time you are actively climbing, and you will be experiencing forces through The Black Diamond Solution is one of the most comfortable sport climbing harnesses you can buy. Essential Gear For Rock Climbing: A Comprehensive Guide Dec 8, 2023 · Check for any uncomfortable pressure points or bunching of fabric. Nov 22, 2021 · Harnesses, like all climbing gear, are rated for force rather than weight because of the dynamic nature of their use. USA Energy Nova / Energy CR-3 Climbing Harness; Best Climbing Harness for Lead Gym/Sport Climbing: Black Diamond Solution Climbing Harness; Best All-Around Climbing Harness for Cragging: Petzl Luna Harness - Women's & Petzl Adjama Harness - Men's; Most Versatile Climbing Harness: Petzl Corax Let's take a look at some of the most crucial factors to consider when buying a climbing or rappelling harness product for trying different climbing styles. Jun 24, 2018 · Nobody will rent this kind of gear. Belayed climbing, however, necessitates the use of a dynamic rope that can stretch to provide a soft and safe catch. The Blue Ice Choucas Pro is a minimalist harness for technical climbing that performs well across the board, easily earning it a spot as our favorite lightweight harness. P. Like men’s pants, climbing companies generally size harnesses according Apr 14, 2021 · If you are very new to climbing, buy used gear with caution since you may not have the expertise to determine just how “used” the gear really is. Replacing your climbing harness in due time is crucial for Sign-up for newsletter and get 15% off your order. Safety Standards for Tree Climbing Harnesses First, let’s cover some safety standard basics. We’ve noticed many “XL” harnesses are actually bigger than the few officially rated XXXL harnesses. Nov 11, 2023 · Sizing climbing shoes is without a doubt one of the most difficult challenges when buying new climbing gear. Start by choosing a harness designed for your climbing style, whether that’s sport, trad or Alpine climbing. Jun 22, 2023 · In the past it’s been challenging to find harnesses that fit well if you need a size bigger than a standard Large. Sep 8, 2021 · It can be daunting to get started in the climbing gear world, so we put together a list of what gear you’ll want to buy, when, and why. Soft goods (slings, ropes, harnesses etc. And yes we are scared of falling. However, its actual lifespan can be influenced by several factors, such as the model, practice type, and overall environment. If you’re exposing the harness to the elements and climbing outside frequently, a harness will Nov 22, 2021 · Are all climbing harnesses the same? In general, harnesses will all have the same basic features: two leg loops, a waist belt with one or two auto-locking buckles, a belay loop that joins the leg loops to the waist belt, and gear loops along the sides of the waist belt for clipping in gear. How much does a climbing harness cost? Climbing Harness Comparison Table Harness Price Category Black Diamond Momentum $60 All-around Petzl Sitta $200 Sport/alpine Black Diamond Solution $75 Sport/all-around CAMP Alpine Flash Apr 25, 2013 · January 8, 2018. One of the biggest questions an aspiring outdoor climber faces is: Should I buy my climbing equipment new, or can I save some money by buying used rock climbing gear? This is a critical question, with advocates on each end. I have a question regarding buying used climbing shoes. What climbing gear you should buy first, and what gear you may want later on in you In addition, any sling involved in a severe fall should be replaced. If you find that buying used isn’t for you but still want to save some bucks, there are some places both online and in-person where you can find some cheap climbing gear. Store gear in a safe Jun 9, 2022 · Sizing a Climbing Harness. If you want a lightweight harness for rock, alpine, and mixed climbing, this is the harness for you. More than likely, you’ll just keep it packed away in a duffel bag between uses. Now, let’s assume that you already have the basic climbing equipment like a harness, helmet, rope, shoes and a belay device and all you are missing are the protective gear, nut tool, extra Dec 2, 2022 · Your climbing harness is something that you need to be able to completely rely upon. For about the same cost as a climbing rope you could get a full roofers kit that comes with a: 5 point safety harness; 50ft lifeline; anchor plate Oct 13, 2022 · They each have a different approach as well, from how they fit to the included features and adjustability. I definitely will not be buying another harness where 200 days of use is supposedly the lifetime of the $150 I dropped. The mesh waistband and leg loops move freely with the user and are barely noticeable while standing, walking, or climbing. Open navigation menu Open search You should really be inspecting your harness regularly, I would say at least once every couple of months and before and after any major outdoor trips. This guide takes you through the main features to keep in mind when selecting a climbing harness. Sep 20, 2023 · Climbing harnesses are the main point of contact with you and the safety system. Sign-up for newsletter and get 15% off your order. i’ve found some that have only been used a couple of times but about 4-5 years ago. May 17, 2022 · Climbing harnesses can be divided into a few main categories: gym climbing, sport climbing, trad/traditional climbing, mountaineering or alpine. Fixed leg loops are much easier to deal with on a daily basis, and since you only need to remember tighten the waist loop, it's two less things for you to forget. 3M subscribers in the climbing community. You can usually find them on sale for 25% off. In some facilities, this can be a significant number of them – I've assessed oil rigs with approximately 200 permanent ladders on board – but each ladder needs to be evaluated to determine if its height requires a harness when climbing. In this video I break down what gear your really need to start climbing. Buy only new and high quality gear. My first harness had adjustable and I never changed them, they mostly just made it bulkier and hard to pack. Are you carrying a triple rack or a single dog draw? Having an excess of gear loops on your sport climbing harness is overkill, while cramming a rack of cams onto a harness without enough gear loops isn’t ideal either. Oct 28, 2024 · To learn more about the characteristics and types of climbing harness, we will answer a series of questions that will help us choose among the different models available on the market. Comfort and durability is king with these harnesses. Although there are four different types of harnesses available, in sport climbing we Aug 19, 2024 · Trad/Multi-Pitch Harness: Trad harnesses are usually thick with all the works—burly gear loops, adjustable leg loops and a haul bag loop. I have the BD Momentum harness, granted it's a model or two old, and it's done great for my sport climbing needs. 32 standard, which covers personal protective equipment (PPE) and fall protection. Sep 17, 2024 · Best Places to Buy Cheap Climbing Gear. Im personally a fan on the camp energy harness, its pretty comfy, cheap, lightweight, and has a lot of adjustment points. No warranty. Below is our rundown of what you should buy as a beginner and when you should consider buying it. Open navigation menu Open search One thing that I’ve learned to bring while climbing in the desert is water - climbed what should’ve been a chill 5. At 275 grams, the Petzl Corax is remarkably light. A climbing harness, however, doesn’t have a backup. Below, we recommend the top two items in each category. 95) Ice or Mixed Harness: Jan 16, 2020 · There is a logical progression of gear that you should purchase in a certain order so that firstly - you are getting the most bang for your buck as far as climbing performance gains and, secondly - you don’t waste money on things you may not need. Nov 22, 2021 · Climbing harnesses can be divided into a few main categories: gym climbing, sport climbing, trad/traditional climbing, mountaineering or alpine. ) after 10 years regardless of wear and tear. Harness waist belts should fit over the Iliac Crest. This harness is geared towards anything from gym climbing to trad multipitch and ice climbing, offering maximum comfort and compactness in a lightweight package. M. opcnl xmrg shkouk xxk sfvhspc kxv iplh axgrkr wqhhy qgbbxx ynzd btuqw htvv xpi wvdhs