Which climbing harness should I buy?

Question

How do they differ? Personally I want one which can take lots of large hauls but will remain comfortable, padding looks good. I'm not that worried about weight. Also I want it to be quick to put on. I mainly top rope in an indoor climbing wall but when I gain a bit more experience I want to get into leading outside most likely in good conditions, no winter climbing, and I want it to last until then and still be good for it. I'm 29 inches in waist... I thinks thats everything I can give... So what should I buy?

Answer 1

Ive only ever bought 1 harness and will give you the same advice I was given... go to a specialist shop who can advice you best on the range and price you want to pay. They might have a clip to hang from to check its comfort.

Got one from Ambleside in the lakes - if you can go there cause of the choice of shops

Answer 2

Which country you're living in would depend on which companies' harnesses are available to you, but a few general tips:

-'ziplock' fastening systems are better than the traditional 'thread it through and then double back', as to tighten these one just has to pull on it, and it autolocks.

-gear loops, the more the better i reckon!

-haul loops, some harnesses have these as well for attaching rucksacks etc. to whilst belaying, for big walls.

-padding, most companies charge a premium for more comfortable and padded harnesses, but i'd say these are definitely worth it. having said that, it's usually only the really cheap harnesses or the alpine harnesses (no padding = lighter weight, good for alpinists) have no padding.

I personally have a Wild Country Elite Ziplock, which I've found very good. Wild Country have a good feature on the belay loop and tying in loops called a 'wear indicator', which is basically a layer of red fabric underneath the main tough fabric. when you've worn through the main outer tough fabric and can see the red, it means it's probably a good idea to buy a new harness.

By the way at 29" waist size, you're probably going to be looking at a 'small' size mens' harness, but depending upon what you're wearing, a medium might also fit.

Answer 3

When you go to the store, you can try hanging in each harness (from a rope they have set up with a prusik).  that's the most important part, because we all have different shaped bodies.  

If it has a haul loop, then it's plenty strong, but make sure it's not just a loop for racking gear.  

It is really easy to put on the new quick lock harnesses because they don't need to be double backed.  Don't spend too much unless you really thin it's the only way to get one that is comfortable for you and meets your needs.

Mine's a Petzl, has all the feature's you mentioned, and cost $55 CAN dollars.

My harness before that one cost even less and I had it for 7 years!

Answer 4

You really need to try them on and see which one feels the best when you put your weight on it.

I would recommend Black Diamond, Petzl, Singing Rock, and Metolius for brands. Personally I love the Black Diamond Focus.

You can do some shopping here:

http://www.mountaingear.com

http://www.mountaingear.com/pages/produc...

Good Luck

Answer 5

There are many different types of harnesses for many types of people (I figured that I would mention that they specifically make different harnesses for men and women because women tend to have wider hips and a smaller waist). I own a Mammut and Petzl myself, but there are a lot of things you might want to consider. First, what type of climbing will you be doing? If you want something lightweight you might go with a Hirundos. If you just want something with a lot of padding, go with a Mammut. If you want a high performance harness try some of the Black Diamond Harnesses. It really depends. I would go to an EMS or REI or LLBean type of store, and ask to try on a few harnesses. Remember that you want it to be comfortable, you're going to be taking a lot of falls on it, and may be suspended for a long period of time. Make sure the leg loops fit comfortably while the the harness sits firmly and tightly above your hips. If I may make a recommendation (or two):

a) you're going to want gear loops if you plan on doing ANYTHING outside. You can use a sling, but I much prefer loops, especially when clipping quickdraws on lead.

b) try not to let cost be the deciding factor. I know harnesses are a bit expensive (as with all climbing gear), and I'm not rich myself, but no matter what you buy you are going to get your money's worth out of it. Harnesses don't wear out quickly. Spring for the extra 20 bucks if you really like the harness - you won't regret it.

From what you've told me, I would recommend a Mammut or Black Diamond harness, but again you really need to decide for yourself. Have fun =]