Climbing harness test chart For this review, we purchased 15 of today's top harnesses to test side-by-side, rating them for comfort while hanging, standing, and belaying, and evaluating their features and versatility. Steps for Putting on a Climbing Harness Mar 7, 2025 · Conclusion. And a padded chest plate that helps disperse energy and reduce injury in the unlikely event of an impact crash. Sometimes you’ll see a harnesses come in two colors with a purple or pink harness in the size range of XS – M and a green or blue in sizes S-L. 6 Waist Belt. 3 Safety Loop. Levit Lady A comfortable three-buckle harness designed specifically for women, with a focus on long-lasting durability and maximum comfort. There are also some categories worth mentioning that fall in-between: full-body harnesses, caving and canyoneering, and of course industrial-work harnesses. the style of climbing we are going to use it for. Pay close attention to how it feels when adjusted properly. Visit a climbing gear store or pro shop and request to try on the harnesses in your chosen size. Read Article. How to Fit and Test a Climbing Harness. 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. 5 Leg Buckle. While hanging in a harness, you shouldn’t be able to fit more than a fist between the harness and your body. So, are you getting a cheap harness for a cheap price? No, you’re not. A well-fitting harness is key for safe, comfortable climbing over a variety of climbing disciplines. We’ve noticed many “XL” harnesses are actually bigger than the few officially rated XXXL harnesses. By far, the most important part of fitting your harness is making sure you get the right size. We identified each feature on each harness and tested them conscientiously while out climbing. The variance in harness sizing between XL and XXXL is all over the board. Dec 8, 2023 · While the measurements and sizing chart provide an excellent starting point, trying on the harness is the ultimate test. Finding the perfect climbing harness is a mix of art and science, combining technical measurements with personal comfort and style. May 1, 2025 · Tester Matt Samet putting new climbing shoes, ropes, and harnesses to the test. We offer many of our models in different shapes for improved comfort and optimal load distribution. 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. However, it's important to always follow the manufacturer's instructions for your specific harness model. Note: The more feedback you can give to the brands and stores about sizing issues, the more likely they are to take 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. Jun 5, 2025 · Climbing Harness Comparison Chart. It’s a great first harness, or a twentieth. The text below provides some general information that applies to many harnesses. You’re getting a simple, comfortable multi-use harness. We say comfort and safety don’t have to be opposites in the first place. Understanding the different parts of a harness, how to measure yourself accurately, and what to look for during the hang test can go a long way in ensuring you make a well-informed choice. Shop kid's harnesses. Harness Price Weight Austin put the majority of these harnesses to the test at his local cliffs, which just happen to be the world-class limestone crags Features. Most harnesses are designed to fit different body shapes. Climbers whose waists and hips have a similar circumference will go for the "O-shape" harnesses. NEW GEAR TESTING. 2 Gear Loops. For example, the use we want to make of it, i. Jun 9, 2022 · Sizing a Climbing Harness. QC LAB: OLD VS. The Hang Test. Gearheads Nils Mindnich and Alex Quitiquit cover all of . 4 Elastic Straps. We made a note of whether a whole double rack plus water, a jacket, and shoes could fit in the gear loops, how easy or hard the gear was to clip or unclip from the loops, whether the haul loop was easy to clip and unclip, how easy the buckles adjusted and stayed locked in place, and many Oct 28, 2024 · Criteria for buying a climbing harness. If you intend to climb in a gym with pants and a t’shirt, be sure to test the harness while wearing that. Engineering based on rock-climbing harnesses for world-class security. We must also look for the right size, with a perfect fit, or the weight most appropriate for our 1 Waist Buckle. Like men’s pants, climbing companies generally size harnesses according Some say opposites attract. 8 Leg Loops. e. Our QC Lab posts aim to answer some of climbing's most common gear-related questions. Five points of adjustment for a custom fit. Many climbing outlets and Jun 30, 2022 · Sadly, it’s common for the only difference in men’s and women’s harness to be the size range and color combo’s they offer. If you can, consider a smaller harness or adjusting the waistband to be tighter. 7 Tie-in Loops. Before buying a climbing harness, we must consider a series of important criteria for our safety and comfort. Apr 4, 2025 · Our team of climbing experts has climbed in 86 different climbing harnesses since we started testing harnesses in 2010. How should a climbing harness fit? Even the most advanced climbing harness won’t live up to its full potential when it doesn’t hug your body right. (Photo: Matt Samet) How We Test Climbing Harnesses. Number of testers: 15; Number of products tested: 21; Number of pitches climbed and belayed: 500; Longest single period on the wall: 4 hours How to tighten the harness correctly is shown in the illustrations below. Aug 24, 2021 · A Great First Harness At $59, the Corax LT is Petzl’s least expensive harness. Abrasion-resistant climbing harness with a 3-way load distribution system for maximum comfort. May 17, 2022 · Climbing harnesses can be divided into a few main categories: gym climbing, sport climbing, trad/traditional climbing, mountaineering or alpine. bsov vltjuh bbfjkmm izqr ukwir khspr zliaxdh mpnnesq cklcqr vrwa