Innovative harness designs
In this gear review, we take a look at climbing harnesses with innovative designs. These harnesses have unique designs specifically for competition, big walls as well as all-around climbing.
Ultra lightweight harness
Climbing harnesses come in a variety of designs that caters for a particular style of climbing. Equipment manufacturers have produced a series of ultra-lightweight harnesses specifically designed for competition climbing and redpoint attempts. These ultra-lightweight harnesses are very thin with minimum padding. So as to bring the overall weight of the harness down to the bare minimum.
Black Diamond airNet
Product Features
- The AirNet Technology is ultra-breathable for high-end performance while distributing loads evenly across the “net” during falls
- Patented Infinity Loop for belaying, which is durable, lightweight and seamless
- Two pressure-moulded gear loops in front; Lightweight low-profile webbing gear loops in back
- 235 g (M) size
- Comes in a women-specific version
Petzl Sitta
Product Features
- Extremely thin and flexible waistbelt and leg loops with WIREFRAME Technology
- Very compact, freeing up room in your pack
- Two very large, rigid gear loops in front with mobile separators optimize for organizing and quick access to gear
- The elasticized fixed leg loops
- 270 g (M) size
Wild Country Mosquito
Product Features
- Lightweight, smooth abrasion-resistant, ripstop fabric
- Integrated wear indicator at lower tie-in point
- Lightweight aluminium buckle for a secure and comfortable fit
- 280 g (M) size
Big wall harness
Heavy duty is the basis for a harness made for big wall climbing. Big wall harnesses are solid, incorporating innovative designs. By using ample padding on the waist belt and leg loops for comfort. Up to 6 gear loops to accommodate the extra gear you’ll need to bring along. Big wall harnesses leg loops are designed to be removable. This allows the climber to have a change of pants or to take a dump. While still securely clipped into safety.
Wild Country Syncro
Product Features
- A dual buckle system to accommodate thick clothing and enable central adjust of the waist belt
- 6 gear loops for carrying extra gear on long multipitch route
- Adjustable and removable leg loops
- 2 attachment points for ice screw/tool holders
Black Diamond Big Gun
Product Features
- The waist belt and leg loops have thick comfortable paddings for maximum comfort
- Adjustable and removable leg loops
- 7 gear loops for carrying extra gear on long multipitch route
- Two colour-coded belay loops and 12 kN-rated haul loop
- Come with holster slots with one hammer holster
Singing Rock Dome
Product Features
- Harness fabrics designed to withstand serious abrasion
- A dual buckle system on the waist belt allows the harness to be perfectly centred
- Adjustable and removable leg loops
- 7 gear loops with a load capacity of 5 kg
- One rear haul loop with a load capacity of 50 kg
- 2 colour belay loops for proper tie-in/attachment point, strength 15 kN
All-around harness
Are you going to buy just 1 harness for climbing? And if that is the case, an all-around harness is what you are looking for. Although an all-around harness is not purpose-built. But it is relatively lightweight and comfortable. Suitable for gym sessions, outdoor sport, trad and single-day multipitch.
Black Diamond Zone
Product Features
- Patented Infinity Loop for belaying, which is durable, lightweight and seamless.
- Fusion Comfort Technology
- Speed buckle adjustment
- Fixed leg loops
- Contoured fit
- Four pressure moulded gear loops with a rear fifth loop
- Two ice clipper slots
- Comes in a women-specific version
Edelrid Moe
Product Features
- Center fit construction: movable padding at the hips for optimally adjusting and positioning the harness
- 4 symmetrical gear loops and 2 attachment options for ice screw clips
- Tie-in loop with an indicator that reveals red threads in the event of increased wear, signalling that it is time to replace the harness
- Tie-in point with abrasion protector made from Dyneema®
