Best Climbing Harnesses of 2024 for All Types of Climbing
Rock climbing can be an exciting way to enjoy the outdoors with an amazing workout. Before going on your hike, there is a safety device that must be taken: a rock climbing harness too. The climb harness can literally connect you with the vitality you need when climbing and is extremely valuable. This guide explains how to choose your climb harness.
Introduction to Traditional Climbing
Traditional climbing, or “trad” climbing, is a thrilling and challenging style of rock climbing that involves placing your own protection as you ascend the rock face. It requires great skill, strength, and knowledge of the right gear. The climbing harness is an essential piece of equipment that plays a critical role in ensuring your safety and comfort throughout the climb.
Importance of a Good climbing harness for Trad Climbing
A good trad climbing harness will not only provide the necessary support and security but also offer comfort during long, multi-pitch climbs. It should have adequate gear
loops for organizing protection and other gear, and be adjustable to accommodate various layers of clothing. With that said, let’s dive into the top 5 best trad climbing big wall harnesses available today.
Top 5 Trad Climbing Harnesses
Black Diamond Solution Guide
The Black Diamond Solution Guide is a top choice for trad climbers who want a comfortable, durable, and lightweight harness. It features a breathable, padded waist and leg loops, and has 5 gear loops for easy organization of your protection. Its durable construction will withstand the rigors of trad climbing, making it a reliable companion on your adventures. Black diamond is considered as all around climbing harness.
Features and Benefits: Why the Black Diamond Solution Guide is the best trad climbing harness
Comfortable Fit: Feel like a second skin
The Black Diamond Solution Guide climbing harness is engineered to fit like a second skin, offering unparalleled comfort and flexibility during long climbing sessions. The Kinetic Core Construction technology used in the harness distributes weight evenly across the waist and legs, reducing pressure points and chafing. The Fuseframe Technology also provides excellent support, so you can focus on your climb without worrying about discomfort.
Durable Design: Built to Last
Made with high-quality materials, the Black Diamond Solution Guide Harness is built to withstand even the toughest climbing conditions. The abrasion-resistant shell and quick-drying lining make this climbing harness a reliable and durable choice for climbers who demand the best.
Gear Loops and Haul Loop: Stay Organized
The Black Diamond Solution Guide climbing harness features ample gear loops and a large haul loop, providing plenty of space for you to store and organize your gear. With six pressure-molded gear loops, you’ll have enough room to carry everything you need for a successful climb.
Easy Adjustments: No Need to Stop Climbing
With a low-profile design and easy-to-use adjustable leg loops, the Black Diamond Solution Guide climbing harness allows for quick and seamless adjustments while climbing. This means you can adjust your harness on the go, without having to stop and interrupt your climb.
Versatile Use: Great for Climbing, Mountaineering, and More
The Black Diamond Solution Guide climbing harness is a versatile piece of equipment that is suitable for a wide range of climbing activities. Whether you’re climbing, mountaineering, or canyoneering, this harness is the perfect partner for your adventure.
Petzl Adjama
The Petzl Adjama is another excellent option for trad climbing enthusiasts. It boasts a comfortable design with padded waist and adjustable leg loops, along with 5 gear loops and an integrated haul loop. Its adjustable leg and large gear loops, and waistbelt allow for a customized fit, ensuring optimal support and comfort throughout your climb.
Features and Benefits
The Petzl Adjama has several features that set it apart from other climbing harnesses in the market. Here are some of the most notable features and benefits of the Petzl Adjama:
Comfortable Design
The Petzl Adjama is designed to be comfortable even during long climbs. It has a wide waist belt and adjustable leg loops that are padded with breathable foam, which helps distribute the weight evenly across the hips and thighs. The leg loops are also adjustable, which makes it easier to get a perfect fit.
Versatile
The Petzl Adjama is a versatile harness that can be used for a variety of climbing styles, from sport climbing to mountaineering. It has four gear loops that are strategically placed for easy access to gear, and it also has two ice clipper slots for carrying ice screws or other tools.
Safety
The Petzl Adjama is designed with safety in mind. It has a strong and durable construction that can withstand falls and impacts, and it also has a doubleback buckle that ensures a secure and adjustable fit.
Easy to Use
The Petzl Adjama is easy to use, even for beginners. It has a simple and intuitive design that makes it easy to put on and take off, and it also has a rear buckle that allows for quick and easy adjustments. and has best waist and leg loops
Metolius Safe Tech Deluxe
The Metolius Safe Tech Deluxe is a high-quality sports climbing harness built with trad climbing in mind. It offers a double buckle waistbelt and adjustable leg loops for a secure and comfortable fit. With 6 gear loops, including two extra-large loops in the back, it provides ample space for all your gear. Its reinforced tie-in points add to the durability and safety of this harness.
Features of the Metolius Safe Tech Deluxe
Now that we understand the importance of a good sport climbing harness, let’s explore the features of the Metolius Safe Tech Deluxe that make it stand out among other sport climbing harnesses here.
Safe Tech Construction
The Safe Tech Construction of the Metolius Safe Tech Deluxe is a unique design that provides excellent support and comfort. The waist belt and leg loops are made from a combination of high-density foam and dual core construction, which distributes the weight evenly across your hips and legs, reducing pressure points and providing maximum comfort.
Adjustable Leg Loops
The leg loops on the Metolius Safe Tech Deluxe are adjustable in means of waist and leg loops, which allows for a customized fit. This feature is especially important for climbers with different body types or for those who need to layer up in cold weather.
Gear Loops
The Metolius Safe Tech Deluxe comes with ample gear loops, which are essential for carrying climbing equipment. There are four pressure-molded gear loops and two belay loops, which provide plenty of room for carabiners, quickdraws, and other gear.
Haul Loop
The rear haul loop on the Metolius Safe Tech Deluxe is rated to 12 kN, which is strong enough to hold all of your gear during a long climb. It is also conveniently located at the back of the climbing harness, making it easy to access.
Auto-locking Buckles
The auto-locking buckles on the Metolius Safe Tech Deluxe are easy to use and provide added safety. They are designed to automatically lock when you release the buckle, preventing accidental release.
Weight
The weight of the Metolius Safe Tech Deluxe is only 18.3 ounces, which makes it one of the lightest climbing harnesses on the market. This is important for climbers who need to move quickly and efficiently.
Edelrid Sendero
The Edelrid Sendero is a versatile and lightweight mountaineering harnesses that performs well in trad climbing scenarios. It features a sleek design with 4 gear, fixed leg loops, and an additional fifth loop for extra gear storage. The Sendero’s adjustable leg loops and waistbelt ensure a snug fit, while its breathable padding keeps you comfortable on long climbs.
Edelrid Sendero Harness Features
The Edelrid Sendero climbing harness is a versatile climbing harness that has a lot to offer. Here are some of its key features:
Comfort
The Sendero cimbing harnesses is designed as most comfortable harness during long climbing sessions. It has a 3D-Vent technology that allows for better breathability and ventilation. The padding on the waist belt and leg loops is also designed to be comfortable and reduce pressure points.
Durability
The cimbing harnesses is made with high-quality materials that make it highly durable. The reinforced tie-in points and abrasion-resistant split webbing harnesses provide additional durability and strength.
Adjustability
The Edelrid Sendero climbing harnesses are highly adjustable, making them suitable for different body types. The waist and leg loop loops have slide-block buckles that make it easy to adjust and secure the harness. The harness also has four gear loops that can be adjusted to accommodate different climbing gear.
Versatility
The Sendero harness is designed to be versatile and suitable for different types of climbing. It can be used for traditional climbing, sport climbing, and even alpine climbing. It also has a haul loop that can be used for hauling a rope or other equipment.
Design and Construction
The design and construction of the Edelrid Sendero climbing harnesses are top-notch. Here are some of the key features of the other harnesses:
Materials
The harness is made with high-quality materials that make it highly durable and lightweight. The waist belt and adjustable leg loops are made with abrasion-resistant webbing, while the tie-in points are reinforced with Dyneema.
Weight
The Sendero climbing harnesses is lightweight, making it easy to carry around. It weighs just 330g, making it one of the lightest and most comfortable climbing harnesses on the market.
Sizing
The Edelrid Sendero Harness is available in different sizes to fit different body types. It is available in sizes XS to XL.
Colors
The harness is available in different colors, including oasis, slate, and petrol.
Performance
The Edelrid Sendero Harness performs exceptionally well as trad climbing harness. Here are some of its key performance features:
Comfort
The Sendero mountaineering harnesses is highly comfortable, thanks to its 3D-Vent technology and comfortable padding on the waist belt and leg
Safety
The Sendero harness is designed to provide maximum safety during climbing activities. The reinforced tie-in points and abrasion-resistant webbing make the harness highly durable and secure. Additionally, the harness has adjustable leg loops that ensure a snug fit and prevents the harness from riding up.
Flexibility
The Edelrid Sendero Harness is highly flexible, making it suitable for different climbing activities. It is lightweight and comfortable, allowing climbers to wear it for extended periods without experiencing discomfort.
Climbing Features
The Sendero trad climbing harness has four gear loops that can be adjusted to accommodate different climbing gear. The climbing harness also has a haul loop that can be used for hauling a rope or other equipment.
Pros and Cons
Like any product, the Edelrid Sendero Harness has its pros and cons. Here are some of them:
Pros
- Highly comfortable
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Adjustable
- Suitable for different climbing activities
Cons
- Expensive compared to some other climbing harness on the market
- Not suitable for beginners
Mammut Ophir 4 Slide
The Mammut Ophir 4 Slide is a popular choice among trad climbers for its comfort, adjustability, and functionality. This climbing harness boasts a padded waistbelt and adjustable leg loops, along with 4 gear loops and a haul loop. Its Slide-Bloc buckle system allows for easy adjustments, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit during your climbs.
Mammut, a renowned brand in the climbing gear industry, has been providing innovative solutions to climbers worldwide. In this review, we will be focusing on the Mammut Ophir 4 Slide Harness, a versatile and adjustable climbing harness that has been designed for sport climbers for optimal comfort and fit.
Features and Benefits
The Mammut Ophir 4 Slide climbing harness is packed with features that make it stand out from other climbing harnesses in the market. Its innovative design and construction offer unparalleled comfort and fit, making it a top choice for climbers.
Design and Construction
The Mammut Ophir 4 Slide climbing harness is designed to be lightweight and durable, ensuring that it can withstand the rigors of climbing. It features a 2-part webbing construction that distributes weight evenly across the waist and legs, reducing pressure points and increasing comfort. The 4 Slide technology allows for easy adjustment, ensuring a perfect fit for climbers of all sizes.
Comfort and Fit
The Mammut Ophir 4 Slide climbing harness is incredibly comfortable to wear, thanks to its EVA foam padding and breathable mesh lining. The padding provides cushioning and support, while the mesh lining allows for air circulation, reducing sweating and discomfort. The climbing harnesses also features an anatomical cut that conforms to the body, ensuring maximum mobility and flexibility.
Adjustability and Versatility
The Mammut Ophir 4 Slide for ice climbing harnesses is highly adjustable, making it suitable for a wide range of climbing activities. The 4 Slide technology allows for easy adjustable leg loops and waist belt, ensuring a perfect fit. The harness also features two gear loops, four ice clipper slots, and a chalk bag loop, providing ample space for gear storage.
Safety and Security
The Mammut Ophir 4 Slide climbing harnesses is designed with safety and security in mind. It features a patented Indicator technology that shows when the harness needs to be retired, ensuring that climbers stay safe while climbing. The harness also features a high-strength haul loop and a self-locking buckle that keeps the harness secure.
Pros and Cons
Like any climbing harness, the Mammut Ophir 4 Slide Harness has its pros and cons. Here are some of them:
Pros
- Comfortable and lightweight
- Adjustable and versatile
- Durable and long-lasting
- Ample gear storage
- hanging
Cons
- Expensive compared to other climbing harnesses
- The gear loops could be larger
Best Alpine Harness for Climbing harness
A good alpine climbing harness is crucial for ensuring your safety and comfort during your ascent. It should be lightweight and comfortable enough to wear for extended periods, yet durable enough to withstand the rigors of alpine climbing. Above the list are the best as best climbing harnesses for alpine as well.
Types of Climbing Harnesses
There are two main types of climbing harnesses: the full-body harness and the sit harness. Full-body harnesses are designed for children or for people who are not yet fully developed. Sit harnesses are the most common type of climbing harness for adults.
sport climbing harness
A sports climbing harness is a piece of equipment designed to keep a climber safe while ascending and descending on a rope. Harnesses come in various shapes, sizes, and materials, and it is important to choose the right one for your climbing style and comfort.
Understanding Parts of a Climbing Harnesses
Waist Belt & leg loop
The waist belt is the part of the harness that sits around the waist of the climber. It is typically padded and adjustable, providing support and comfort during long periods of climbing.
Belay Loop
The belay loop is a reinforced loop that is located at the front of the waist belt. It is the main connection point between the belay device, the climber and the rope, and is used for belaying, rappelling, and anchoring.
Gear Loops
Gear loops are loops that are located on the sides and back of the harness. They are used for holding and organizing climbing gear such as carabiners, quickdraws, and slings.
Haul Loop
The haul loop is a loop that is located at the back of the waist belt. It is used for hauling gear or attaching a chalk bag.
Buckles
The buckles are the parts of the harness that allow for adjustability. They are typically made of metal or plastic and are used to adjust the waist belt and leg loops for a comfortable and secure fit.
Tying-In Points
Tying-in points are the two loops located at the front of the waist belt. They are used for tying in the rope and attaching the climber to the belay loop.
Risers
Risers are the adjustable straps that connect the waist belt to the leg loops. They are used to adjust the position of the leg loops for a comfortable and secure fit.
Key Features to Look for in a Trad Climbing Harness
Comfort
Comfort is crucial for trad climbing, as you’ll often spend hours on the rock face. Look for a harness with adequate padding in the waistbelt and adjustable leg loops, as well as breathable materials that prevent excessive sweating and chafing.
Gear Loops
Gear loops are essential for organizing your protection and other equipment. A good trad climbing harness should have at least 4 gear loops, although some models offer more for added convenience. Consider the size and positioning of the loops to ensure easy access to your gear while climbing.
Adjustability
Adjustability is key when it comes to finding the perfect fit. A harness with adjustable leg loops and waistbelt will accommodate various layers of clothing and provide a snug, secure fit throughout your climb.
Durability
Trad climbing can be tough on your gear, so choose a harness with durable materials and reinforced tie-in points. This will ensure your gym climbing harness can withstand the wear and tear of trad climbing, providing you with long-lasting safety and support.
Weight
A lightweight harness is more comfortable to wear during long climbs. While it’s important to prioritize safety and durability, consider the weight of the harness when making your decision.
How to Choose the Right Harness for Your Needs
Sizing
Proper sizing is essential for both safety and comfort. Consult the manufacturer’s sizing chart and measure your waist and leg circumference to determine the best size for you.
Price Range
Trad climbing harnesses come in various price ranges. Determine your budget and find a comfortable climbing harness, that offers the features you need without breaking the bank.
Personal Preferences
Consider your personal preferences when selecting a harness. Think about your desired level of comfort, gear loop configuration, and any additional features that will enhance your climbing experience.
Caring for Your Trad Climbing Harness
Inspection and Maintenance
Regularly inspect your harness for signs of wear or damage, such as fraying or broken buckles. Replace your harness if you notice any issues that could compromise your safety.
Storage
Store your harness in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and chemicals. This will help prolong its lifespan and maintain its performance.
Common Mistakes with Climbing Harnesses
There are several common mistakes that climbers make with their harnesses that can compromise safety and effectiveness.
Wearing Harness Incorrectly
One of the most common mistakes is wearing the harness incorrectly, such as putting it on upside down or attaching the rope to the wrong loop. It is important to carefully follow the instructions for putting on and adjusting the harness before beginning the climb.
Choosing the Wrong Type of Harness
Another common mistake is choosing the wrong type of harness for the intended use. Full-body harnesses should be used for children or those who are not fully developed, while sit harnesses are the most common type of harness for adults.
Neglecting to Inspect Harness Regularly
Finally, neglecting to inspect the harness regularly for signs of wear or damage can compromise safety and effectiveness. It is important to inspect the harness before each climb and to replace any worn or damaged parts immediately.
Conclusion
A best climbing harness is an essential piece of equipment for anyone venturing into the world of traditional climbing. With various options available, finding the best climbing harness may seem overwhelming. However, by considering factors such as comfort, gear loops, adjustability, durability, and weight, you can make an informed decision that suits your needs and preferences. Remember to care for your beginner climbing harness properly to ensure it remains a reliable and safe companion on your climbing adventures.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How often should I replace my trad climbing harness?
It’s recommended to replace your harness every 3 to 5 years, or sooner if you notice signs of wear or damage.
Can I use a sport climbing harness for trad climbing?
While you can use a sport climbing harness for trad climbing, it may not have the same level of comfort or gear storage capacity as a harness specifically designed for trad climbing.
How do I clean my trad climbing harness?
Hand wash your harness in lukewarm water with a mild soap, then rinse thoroughly and air dry away from direct sunlight.
What is the difference between a trad climbing harness and an alpine climbing harness?
A trad climbing harness is designed specifically for traditional climbing, with features such as gear loops and adjustable leg loops. An alpine climbing harness is more versatile and suitable for various types of climbing, with a lightweight and streamlined design.
Can I rent a trad climbing harness?
Yes, many climbing gyms and outdoor gear rental shops offer harness rentals. However, it’s important to ensure that the harness is in good condition and fits properly before using it for climbing.