Rock climbing harness test Once you get familiar with the parts of your harness and the style you’re looking for, you’ll find your ideal climbing harness in no time! Author Bio. Below, you’ll find the best climbing hardware available in 2024. It didn’t look like it would survive actual rock climbing and would interfere with gear. Apr 16, 2025 · Rock climbing shoes are one category of gear where performance closely corresponds to price. There are different types of climbing harnesses designed for various types of climbing, each with its own fit and purpose: Sport Climbing Harnesses: These are typically lightweight and minimalist, designed for performance on sport climbs. Dec 13, 2014 · Climbing Gear Strength Rating and Testing Standards. Best Climbing Backpacks. It is one of the few non “big wall specific harnesses” we would take on El Capitan. While it is a certified type-C sit harness that will hold your weight in vertical terrain, we highly recommend against using it for these activities due to the extreme lack of comfort during long hanging sessions. New to climbing with a harness Oct 16, 2021 · This is very serious, please test your harness and buy a descend system or use a rock climbing harness with a GriGri unit attached to the harness . Are they worth hangin’ Be mindful that the top rope belay test must be taken immediately upon entry to the facility. It's a great choice for single pitch cragging or using at the climbing wall due to its comfort and solid offerings of essential features, although it is harness may still be used for regular rock climbing. These are: Comfort; Features (gear loops, haul loops, ice clipper slots, buckle systems) Durability; Weight; Adjustable or fixed leg loops; Different Types of Climbing Harness. ) Color change Features. Generally we do not list climbing gear on WeighMyRack that is used as personal protection equipment (aka PPE) not certified by CE and/or the UIAA. Below is an exhaustive rendition of the ABC Safety Check referenced and used by many climbers. Dec 21, 2021 · Non-Certified gear. While the previous test targets power-endurance, this hangboard test measures your stamina. Sep 17, 2024 · Conclusion. If you do not double back your harness, in the event of a fall your harness may pull open, sending you all the way down to the ground and into a casket. They are in place to ensure you know the safety procedures so you and those you climb with have an enjoyable and May 17, 2022 · Climbing harnesses can be divided into a few main categories: gym climbing, sport climbing, trad/traditional climbing, mountaineering or alpine. If you are top-rope climbing, you first need a harness. After putting the harness on, take a few moments to test it: Stand up: Make sure the harness sits comfortably around your waist and legs. Best Men’s Climbing Pants (or Women’s) Dec 15, 2024 · An uneven fit can cause discomfort and make the harness unsafe. The PETZL Corax harness is a fully adjustable, all seasons harness that is suitable for all climbing activities from indoor climbing to icefall climbing. Our range includes high-quality harnesses designed for climbers of all levels, from beginners to professionals. Nov 21, 2024 · Our review features 11 of today's top models, including great options for gym, rock, alpine, and ice climbing. Whether you're climbing steep routes or hanging belays, the AR-395a knows how to keep you snug. From novice climbers to trad masters, our list will include an option that May 1, 2025 · In an effort to find the best available, we put a range of climbing harnesses—from fast-and-light alpine options to feature-heavy big wall offerings—to the test this year, taking them on trips from the cold Canadian alpine to the steep walls of Devil’s Tower to overhung sport routes at The Red. Discover a wide selection of climbing harnesses at Singing Rock USA. 3. Jack Shaw is a freelance writer and adventurer. don't use the belay loop with a rope. There's also a Apr 24, 2025 · To test climbing ropes properly, you need to abuse them to see what they’re made of, which is precisely what we did over months of testing. Examples include: micro nuts and ice screws under 12cm. These affordable lace-ups come fitted with the same Vibram XS Edge rubber as the premium, top-rated La Sportiva Katana Lace. A trad climber may want a higher number of gear loops towards the front of their harness for easy access to gear, while a strictly sport-climber may want them as out of the way as possible. When adjusted correctly, the harness will fit comfortably, even during extended climbs. Most climbing gyms provide the belaying equipment or offer rental for them. Learn how to choose the correct climbing harness for the type of climbing you do, whether it's sport, trad, ice or alpine. Aug 7, 2024 · The Blue Ice Choucas Pro is a minimalist harness for technical climbing that performs well across the board, easily earning it a spot as our favorite lightweight harness. Finding the perfect climbing harness is a mix of art and science, combining technical measurements with personal comfort and style. Mar 22, 2024 · Related: How Strong Is a 20-Year-Old Climbing Rope? Harness. Yes. Feb 26, 2014 · There’s no room for such negligence in climbing so be sure to create a checklist or system that works for you. Lorenzo DeMuro donated his 3. Find the perfect harness for your next climbing adventure, crafted for comfort, durability, and safety. Please note that gear loops are not meant to be weight-bearing. This test is to determine if a harness can handle the weight of a climber’s body as they hang. Pre-Climb Safety Checks. Setting up the Belay Device. e. If you are packing in a lot of gear a long distance, a rock climbing harness will likely be the lightest option. During the test you will be required to demonstrate confidence and competency in the following: Putting on a harness The Certified Equipment database offers a public search function which allows mountaineers, climbers and all interested stakeholders to look for UIAA Safety Label certified products available in the market across all accredited brands and manufacturers. While you can always rent a harness at the gym, having your own harness is way more comfortable (and makes you look like a pro). Climbing harnesses are usually made for A well-fitting harness is key for safe, comfortable climbing over a variety of climbing disciplines. Like men’s pants, climbing companies generally size harnesses according It doesn't perform well for rock climbing, ice climbing, and gym climbing. This year’s crop of top-performing dynamic lead ropes spans genres—our picks include everything from a short gym rope, to a reliable workhorse, to light-and-skinny redpointers, to a safety-first cord UIAA safety standards are regularly revised and updated by the UIAA Safety Commission to ensure they meet ever-changing nature and demands of the market and climbing and mountaineering world. Climbing is a dangerous activity and you undertake it at your own risk. . Apr 4, 2025 · We've accumulated hundreds of days bouldering, hanging off ropes, and even spent rainy days in the gym testing out everything from men's climbing shoes to climbing harnesses, belay devices, and more. Apr 30, 2019 · It's one of the few harnesses on this test to offer only two proper gear loops, and at 340g it's certainly a light harness by most standards, although not one of the lightest in this review. Let our staff at the front desk know that you would like to take an auto belay orientation, top rope, or lead test, as soon as you arrive at the gym. There are a lot of choices for harnesses but don’t worry, we’ve got your back. *Disclaimer: This does not constitute formal instruction in climbing. So I hunted Saturday morning in one of those darn red oaks that are hard as a rock. Relevant standards The European standard for all types of climbing harnesses is EN 12277. Jul 1, 2024 · See our guide to the best climbing harnesses, with reviews of top climbing harnesses from Black Diamond, Petzl, Arc'teryx, CAMP, Edelrid, and more. Here’s a list of the equipment you may need: Climbing rope Feb 5, 2022 · A rock climbing harness is an important piece of safety equipment for any time you are climbing using a rope (Image credit: lzf) A rock climbing harness is an important piece of safety equipment for any time you are climbing using a rope, meaning pretty much any type of free climbing except for bouldering and free soloing. Dec 6, 2016 · This dramatically lowers the weight to that of a mountaineering harness while maintaining the strength and comfort of a high-end rock climbing harness. Fixed size These harnesses are adjustable only at the waist, are lighter, more compact and quicker to don than the above, making them ideal for general rock climbing. Mar 21, 2024 · Getting your belay certification is an exciting step on your rock climbing journey. Before you are allowed to belay at Rock Spot Climbing, you must pass our belay test. Arc'teryx did N Jul 5, 2023 · I passed on my second try, and was given a lecture and a little tag that went on my harness. You do not need to make a reservation, and there is no fee for the test. At a Glance. . P. Jun 28, 2018 · Harness: Before you get ready for the climb, you have the right gear. How many rounds can you endure? Finger Endurance Test #2. Jan 16, 2020 · Hit the CC button for English translation. Apr 29, 2024 · Still, climbing hardware continues to evolve, from refinements on classic gear like belay devices, to more-ergonomic iterations of staples like quickdraws, to more compact and lighter designs. We've climbed big walls, topped out highballs, and spent multiple days on an alpine wall to push the gear to its limit. We wore these harnesses while tackling long alpine objectives, clipping bolts at our local crag, in the gym, and on icy, picked-out waterfalls. If you do not have any, confirm that you can rent them from the gym. We’re looking at your anaerobic lactic energy system here. However, if you fall with a static tether onto a rock climbing harness wrong, then it can put major force on your lower When you put on your harness, you should always finish completely before you start anything else. Just like climbing ropes, your harness should be inspected before each climb, looking for obvious fraying. Gearheads Nils Mindnich and Alex Quitiquit cover all of Jan 30, 2017 · So I switched to a rock climbing harness this year from a hss harness. Gearhead® Experts Alli and Dylan put these Petzl, Mammut, and Ocun harnesses to the test on southern Utah’s sand and limestone walls. The belayer’s strand of rope is threaded through the belay device according to the manufacturer’s specifications and attached to the belayer’s belay loop on their harness using a locked carabiner. They Don’t worry if you do not have your own climbing equipment. Best Chalk Bags. Best Bouldering Shoes. That being said there are a couple of things to go off of when judging safety equipment manufacturers: STRENGTH RATINGS Mar 10, 2025 · Putting climbing shoes to the test on steep terrain near Smith Rock; (photo/Austin Beck-Doss) Parts of a Climbing Shoe The primary parts of a climbing shoe are the sole, midsole, closure system Jul 5, 2023 · I passed on my second try, and was given a lecture and a little tag that went on my harness. It excels at multi-pitch climbing where you are hanging around a lot. Jun 9, 2022 · Sizing a Climbing Harness. I always hunt from my old man Jun 28, 2023 · The test ends when you can’t sustain the pattern anymore. Harnesses can melt, act oddly in extreme cold (avoid temps of -80 F or below), and swell. By far, the most important part of fitting your harness is making sure you get the right size. For over a decade, our team of experts has been testing the latest and greatest climbing gear on the market. Quite a few years ago one of my hunting partners was climbing 18‘ up a tree and his climbing tree stand strap that held his feet into the stand broke behind his left foot. If you have to sit in the harness while awaiting rescue, then a rock climbing harness is more comfortable and less likely to injure you by cutting off blood to the legs. Check with the gym what equipment you need to bring for the certification. For most of us that is a negligible difference. (Visit Black Diamond’s Electric Harness Acid Test for a case study about a mysterious harness failure. It was the same tag I had seen on people at the crag, attached with a rubber band. Value This is a good value for having adjustable leg loops most such harnesses cost at least $10 more. Jan 22, 2025 · Adjustability: Many climbing harnesses come with adjustable leg loops to ensure a precise fit. The general rule of thumb about gear in Rock Climbing is when you have any doubt about any piece of gear, don't use it. Thanks Feb 1, 2010 · This is an all-around harness designed for everything from the gym to El Cap. Dec 23, 2023 · Nuts Rock Climbing Equipment – Ascent Descent Adventures Quickdraws: Quickdraw Breaking Strength: 4,000 – 5,000 pounds (18 – 22 kN) Brands: Petzl, Black Diamond, Mammut, Wild Country; Quick Draw Rock Climbing Equipment – Ascent Descent Adventures Slings and Runners: Sling Breaking Strength: 5,000 – 10,000 pounds (22 – 45 kN) One of the first skills you need to master once you start climbing is how to belay. I like the rock harness much better. Test the Harness. 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. The Arc'teryx AR-385a continues to impress for its versatility in all disciplines. These pulls are conducted using a test dummy with specific size Our test results came after dozens of days of field testing on desert towers, limestone sport climbs, long alpine routes, and freezing through cold belay sessions while ice climbing plus hours in the garage hanging in harnesses, trying out buckles and clipping and unclipping gear. So keep reading to see our list of the best climbing harnesses on the market! If you love reading this review of the best climbing harnesses, then you'll likely love reading some of our other climbing content: Best Climbing Shoes. I've read where some guys don't approve but I am a believer now. At 3:02 we review how to tie a Figure 8 and then the Figure 8 follow Through. There are also some categories worth mentioning that fall in-between: full-body harnesses, caving and canyoneering, and of course industrial-work harnesses. We identified each feature on each harness and tested them conscientiously while out climbing. You must have a partner to climb for you during the test. Check for any fraying or tears along all of the webbing straps, waist belt, and leg loops. Do not take a sip of water, do not uncoil the rope, do not pass GO and collect $200. Oct 31, 2017 · Despite being specifically designed for trad climbing, we think this harness is also optimally suited for both sport and gym climbing. The climber will check the belayer and the belayer will check the climber. Oct 15, 2018 · Contact with chemicals, heat, or repeated rough use can lead to changes in the soft fabrics. Apr 4, 2025 · We've done our best to offer you solid recommendations for the best harness for the money, the best all-around harness, and the best for various climbing disciplines like sport climbing, multi-pitch and trad climbing, alpine climbing, and ice climbing. Do a more serious harness check after every couple weeks of use. Mar 15, 2023 · Find Your Ideal Climbing Harness. That said, it is possible to find non-certified climbing gear available that is worth comparing. S. During busy times there may be a wait for the test and a lead test may not be possible to perform. 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 Jul 14, 2023 · The Hanging Strength Test. In this REI Expert Advice video, we show you how to prepare to belay, per Testing my new climbing/safety harness for functionally and comfort! Jun 18, 2024 · With the rock climbing season in full swing here in the UK we thought it was time to review a fully featured climbing harness. Basic Climbing Knots Video. Customers particularly rave about its comfort. Watch This and Other Related May 9, 2024 · This harness enables you to test your limits in a variety of climbing environments. It Top climbing expert Laurence Reading is on hand to show users how to properly position, fasten and safely use a climbing harness. It’ll allow you to venture beyond the auto-belays and boulder mats, form belaytionships, and challenge yourself in new ways. Jun 24, 2024 · We tested the best climbing harnesses for a variety of objectives to find the ultimate model to get you on top of your next project. It has plenty of gear racking space for single pitch trad cragging, and will work ok, but not perfect, for long free routes or alpine rock climbs. Now that’s freaking teamwork! Let our team of climbing experts help you find the best climbing shoes, top climbing harnesses, and climbing ropes for your needs and budget. The younger me would have pointed this out, but I am mature now. 5 pounds. What Makes a Good Climbing Harness? Climbing harnesses depend on different attributes to determine how much we value them. and metal work can go through the belay loop. No one tests climbing gear as extensively and thoughtfully as we do, and our review ratings make it easy for you to make smarter, more informed, purchase decisions every time. Editor's Note: Our climbing rope review was updated on April 4, 2024, to include direct quotes from our climbing test team. New harness advice: Image is the user guide for my new harness, and I've been told the opposite in the past i. Types of Rock Climbing Harnesses. The mesh waistband and leg loops move freely with the user and are barely noticeable while standing, walking, or climbi Dec 5, 2017 · Gear loops vary in quantity, size, and location from harness to harness. The gear. Unlike other certified climbing gear that is tested with fall tests or complicated swinging devices, UIAA 105 only utilizes static pulls at very high forces. At 275 grams, the Petzl Corax is remarkably light. May 6, 2025 · Having good quality climbing gear is important for safety and success. Released in the summer of 2015, our editors Sep 10, 2023 · It is easier to self-rescue in a rock climbing harness. The Commission constantly reviews mountaineering and climbing accidents to determine if the standards are at a high enough level. Making sure your climbing harness is the right fit requires several steps. This harness is geared towards anything from gym climbing to trad multipitch and ice climbing, offering maximum comfort and compactness in a lightweight package. Climbing rope – supplied by gym; Belay device – sometimes supplied by gym Feb 12, 2024 · The Petzl Corax is a high-end technical harness for professionals that gives climbers total freedom of movement. 3 days ago · On this list of the best climbing harnesses of 2025, we’ve included our favorites from a wide variety of categories. Rock gyms don’t require belay tests to trick or scare you away. Bargain hunters can rejoice, however, because the La Sportiva Finale is a fortunate exception to this rule. Feb 12, 2018 · From my experience being tested at various climbing gyms, here’s what you can expect from a belay test. 5 year old Arc'teryx 395a climbing harness to SlackSnap and we tested the belay loop, waist belt and leg loops. Editor’s Choice: Metolius Roll Up Stick Clip Kit ($225) Sep 22, 2023 · Q: What is the lightest safety harness? The heaviest harness and the lightest harness I have weighed only differed by about 3. gyfdcd sajw okwgxmp kyhst iexk wxddnq qsjrww xeep hnioi wcpwa