How to Choose a Rock Climbing Harness

Choosing the right climbing harness is an important process. A poor fit will result in pain and potentially injury.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• An opinion
• Some money

1. Examine the Padding--the more padding a harness has the more comfortable it will be. There should be a decent amount of soft padding around the belt and leg loops.

2. Check the Gear Loops--if you are a light rock climber you may not need too many bells and whistles, if however, you plan on doing a lot of lead climbing you will want to purchase a harness with enough gear loops to hold all your caribeaners, chalk, drinks, etc.

3. Durability--will this harness last you a few seasons? Is the stitching tight? Are the materials strong? These are all questions you will want to consider as you narrow your search.

4. Adjustability--if you enjoy climbing year round you will want to get adjustable leg and belt loops to accommodate the extra heft that winter clothes put on. If you climb in predominately the same type of clothes each time then save the money and avoid the adjustable harnesses.

5. Size--always try on your harness in the type of clothes you will be wearing when you rock climb. This will prevent you from choosing the wrong size.

6. Check the Safety--every safe harness should be tested by one of two agencies: UIAA and CE. Check for a seal of approval from either of these agencies before proceeding.

7. Cost--the last consideration is cost. Most experienced climbers will tell you that there are truly few differences between your cheap $40 harness and a flashier $80. If you have found two you like, go for the cheaper. You will be happy with either.

[silviafitz]

on 11/29/2009 Terrible article with a couple of correct points amongst a sea of blatant generalisations. Point 5 is accurate, but everything else should be deleted/re-written.

[dasbootjoe]

on 12/16/2008 Great info for anyone looking to purchase a harness! Safety is always number one! Thanks for sharing*****