How to Buy a Climbing Harness
Consider the gear you may need on your belt., Consider the type of climbing you will be doing., Try on several harnesses before purchasing a mountain climbing harness.
Step-by-Step Guide
-
Step 1: Consider the gear you may need on your belt.
A 10-minute excursion up an indoor wall requires different equipment from an overnight trip on the side of a mountain.
Leg loops are not necessary for short climbs, but are a vital piece of mountain climbing equipment for longer climbs.
If you plan a long climb, look for adjustable leg loops, which you can resize to allow you to fit different types of clothing to match your climbing environment.
Gear loops are used for carrying equipment.
A recreational harness may have only 2 gear loops, and they may never be used.
A specialized harness has 4 or more gear loops so that you can bring food, weather gear, and any other essentials with you.
The more gear you plan to carry on your climbing belt, the more padding you need for comfort.
For some applications, such as mountain rescue, you may also require additional lumbar support. -
Step 2: Consider the type of climbing you will be doing.
For recreational climbing, whether indoor or outdoor, you can get away with a comparatively inexpensive climbing harness with no accessories.
A recreational harness is fine for short-term use.
A traditional harness has leg loops, gear loops, and light padding, but is not suitable for long excursions or climbing in extreme conditions.
Ice harnesses are designed to stand up to extremely cold temperatures.
They feature adjustable leg loops to fit over cold-weather clothing, additional gear loops for equipment such as ice picks, and extra padding for additional support because of the additional equipment required for cold-weather climbing.
Mountaineering harnesses are lighter weight than ice harnesses.
These harnesses are designed to be worn with a backpack on which you carry your gear. , The harness you choose should be comfortable.
You should fit in it at the middle settings, so that you can tighten or loosen it based on the requirements of different climbs.
Some mountain climbing equipment stores offer an indoor testing station you can use to be sure you can hang comfortably in the harness before purchasing it. -
Step 3: Try on several harnesses before purchasing a mountain climbing harness.
Detailed Guide
A 10-minute excursion up an indoor wall requires different equipment from an overnight trip on the side of a mountain.
Leg loops are not necessary for short climbs, but are a vital piece of mountain climbing equipment for longer climbs.
If you plan a long climb, look for adjustable leg loops, which you can resize to allow you to fit different types of clothing to match your climbing environment.
Gear loops are used for carrying equipment.
A recreational harness may have only 2 gear loops, and they may never be used.
A specialized harness has 4 or more gear loops so that you can bring food, weather gear, and any other essentials with you.
The more gear you plan to carry on your climbing belt, the more padding you need for comfort.
For some applications, such as mountain rescue, you may also require additional lumbar support.
For recreational climbing, whether indoor or outdoor, you can get away with a comparatively inexpensive climbing harness with no accessories.
A recreational harness is fine for short-term use.
A traditional harness has leg loops, gear loops, and light padding, but is not suitable for long excursions or climbing in extreme conditions.
Ice harnesses are designed to stand up to extremely cold temperatures.
They feature adjustable leg loops to fit over cold-weather clothing, additional gear loops for equipment such as ice picks, and extra padding for additional support because of the additional equipment required for cold-weather climbing.
Mountaineering harnesses are lighter weight than ice harnesses.
These harnesses are designed to be worn with a backpack on which you carry your gear. , The harness you choose should be comfortable.
You should fit in it at the middle settings, so that you can tighten or loosen it based on the requirements of different climbs.
Some mountain climbing equipment stores offer an indoor testing station you can use to be sure you can hang comfortably in the harness before purchasing it.
About the Author
Danielle Butler
A passionate writer with expertise in home improvement topics. Loves sharing practical knowledge.
Rate This Guide
How helpful was this guide? Click to rate: