How to Choose a Climbing Harness

At Campsaver, we want you to have a successful and safe climb every single time! Whether you've been climbing for years or are a beginner starting and itching to go higher, make sure you have the right climbing gear and that it is in working order before your rock climb. This blog informs you of the correct type of harness you need depending on your climb and your harness fit.

What Different Types of Climbing Harnesses Are There?

Sport Climbing or Gym Harnesses: These sport climbing harnesses are for fast, ultralight climbing. They are easy to get on and off and usually have a single automatic or double back waistbelt buckle. Climbers can use them in an indoor gym or outside sports routes. They have four gear loops and thin belay loops, so they are lightweight. You can also find sport harnesses, which are made of stretchy material and have adjustable leg loops.

Traditional (Trad) Harnesses: Trad climbing requires much more climbing gear than sport climbing. The harnesses come with adjustable leg loops and buckles, thick padding, and lumbar padding for rubbing against rocky crags. They have four or more gear loops for quickdraws, cams to hold your climbing gear, and a haul loop for carrying a second climbing rope. However, a trad harness is heavier, still comfortable, durable and maximizes space for carabiners. 

Ice Climbing and Mixed Harnesses: Ice harnesses are similar to trad harnesses but are designed to withstand cold weather conditions. Ice climbing harnesses have ice clipper slots to rack ice screws, picks, and other ice tools.

Alpine Climbing and Mountaineering Harness: They can be worn all season long and have many of the same features as a trad harness. However, they are made from a thinner material, so climbers can wear them with a pack. 

Competition Harnesses: Removal of gear loops since nothing is getting carried up. A thin belay loop for your belay device is sometimes wholly removed and designed to feel like you are wearing nothing.

Big Wall Harnesses: Extra wide padding ensures comfort for many hours of hang time. They feature two belay loops to maximize safety and allow various rigging configurations. Extra gear loops, 6 to 10 total, are also included for carrying the large amount of gear needed to aid–climb a big wall.

Full Body/Rescue: These specific harnesses are not used by rock climbers but by professionals who need to wear a full body harness when working in high places for safety. These harnesses combine a chest harness system and a sit harness system. Provides more body support, which is needed to help carry heavy loads or to stabilize large objects (e.g., a rescue litter or large tree branch).

How Do I Know What Size Climbing Harness to Buy?

There are a few simple guidelines for choosing the right harness size. 

1. You want your climbing harness to be snug but not too tight. 
2. You want to ensure at least 3 to 5 finger widths of the tail on the buckled straps.

A well-fitted harness will sit comfortably snug just above your hip bones. Small enough that you can cinch it down snugly without running out of the belt but large enough that you don't have to cinch it tight to have a safe amount of left-over waist belt or 'tail.' Leg loops should be snug enough to slip a hand between your leg and the leg loop. Once secured, you should not be able to pull it down over your hips.  

When Should I Buy a Climbing Harness?

Look over your climbing harness before and after any climb. If you see any tearing, fraying, or damage to the belay loop or the structural nylon webbing of the harness, you need to retire the harness immediately. 

For people climbing professionally or as a guide or full-time, replace your harnesses yearly. Do this regardless of how often you climb, even if the harness has been stored properly (out of the sun). Also, climbers should still replace their harnesses even if there is no visible damage at least once every seven years. 

Is There a Difference Between Male and Women's Climbing Harness?

Not all climbing harnesses are made to fit the same. A women's harness waist belt is angled to be narrower at the top and broader at the bottom. Men's climbing harnesses have a more straight-lined waist belt. The waist belt and leg loops of women's harnesses are more apart than men's.

Shop Climbing Harnesses at Campsaver!

Campsaver carries the climbing brands Petzl, Black Diamond, Edelrid, and more, as well as everything else you need for a successful climb. No matter what kind of climbing you'll be participating in, we have the type of harness you're looking for, from rock climbing, mountaineering, alpine climbing, and sport climbing. Check out our rock climbing shoe blog; choosing a climbing rope, we write more weekly!