Best Climbing Harnesses of 2021

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You know climbing is awesome, and there’s nothing like the feeling of scaling a rock face. But you need some gear to make it happen! We’ll show you how to find that perfect harness for your needs – whether you’re just starting out in the sport or an expert climber exploring new heights on trad crags with ropes clipped into boulders at every turn.

You might be tempted by those flashy colors advertising all sorts of features, but what are they trying to sell? We have experts who wear and test different styles of climbing harnesses. We want to make sure that your safety comes first when looking for anything related to climbing gear. Our experts have done this for you, and we found the best climbing harnesses for you.

This review will help you figure out what kind of features are best for your lifestyle. There are different products, each with benefits that will suit a climber differently.

1.Black Diamond Momentum Climbing Harness

The Black Diamond Momentum climbing harness is a versatile harness that caters to all types of climbing. These features are designed with the climber in mind and help climbers feel confident while tackling any challenges they may face, from indoor walls to outdoor rock routes.

The Dual Core Construction uses high-quality materials for exceptional comfort and support; it also offers durability even when worn at its lightest weight range! And one more thing: this product’s OpenAir waist belt eliminates moisture buildup, so you stay cool on those hot summer days out there – not too shabby!

The Black Diamond Momentum climbing harness has the perfect balance of comfort and safety. The leg loops are designed to accommodate extra layers when alpine or ice climbing. At the same time, a women-specific rise will give you even more support on your next climb!

Multiple pockets ensure that all your gear is organized for quick access as well. With five available sizes (from xs-xl) and colors like anthracite, graphite, slate lava. This harness can be used by anyone from beginners to experts alike with its simple design yet many features.

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2.PETZL Sitta Climbing Harness

Climbing professionals will never go back to their old harnesses once they are introduced to the new PETZL Sitta. This revolutionary design makes it easy for climbers and mountaineers alike, providing them with total freedom of movement while being as comfortable as possible.

The lightweight polyester construction is durable enough for heavy use yet still provides maximum comfort in a compact package that can be carried anywhere you need your gear. It makes this probably one of the most sought-after climbing accessories on today’s market!

The Sitta climbing harness from Petzl is a minimalist harness with an aesthetic that’s both sporty and sleek. With bonded fabric to avoid pressure points, this compression-style design has the added bonus of optimal wear resistance against ropes!

The tie-points on this thin harness are reinforced for even more strength during your most grueling ascents. At the same time, its low profile ensures it won’t get in the way when you’re bouldering or rappelling.

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3.PETZL ADJAMA Climbing Harness

Petzl’s Adjama is the ideal harness for experienced mountaineers who climb throughout all four seasons. Along with technical mountain climbing, it also works well for trad and multi-pitch routes.

The waist belt features wide sides to help ventilate your back while evenly distributing weight around you during climbs of any length or difficulty level in various conditions, from winter storms on Mount Rainier to hot summer days at Joshua Tree National Park. It includes five gear loops, including one rear loop specifically designed so you can haul up your rope as needed–a key feature that sets this model apart from other similar products on the market today.

The Adjama climbing harness is designed with three loops that can carry your gear and more. The front loop, which faces outwardly towards the ground, so you don’t have to take it off when setting up camp or laying down for a break, has two layers of fabric fused together as well – this protects against wear and tear from heavy use while also providing comfortability on skin contact points. These are rigid at the top but flexible inwards.

They connect to straps made specifically not to press into any pressure points on your body during prolonged periods of carrying weighty loads. In addition, these rear loops come equipped with their own zipper pocket perfect for storing things like shoes or accessories needed only intermittently throughout long treks through difficult terrain.

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4.Black Diamond Big Gun Climbing Harness

The Black Diamond Big Gun is a rock climbing harness that has been built for taking on the big walls of the world. It’s designed with extra padding to ensure comfort.

It also comes equipped with seven color-coded customizable gear loops, which make this type of harness great for multi-pitch climbs or any time you need quick access to your equipment, as well as two color-coded belay loops in case one breaks mid-climb.

The Black Diamond Big Gun climbing harness ensures that you will always have the right gear for any climbing situation. If your size is 27″-39″, then it can fit on your hips and backside, leaving plenty of room to maneuver with a pack full of supplies or if carrying another person up too!

There are many different options in choosing which side to wear this holster on – left or right. And don’t worry about keeping an eye out as there are two slots for holding hammers securely at all times while still having easy access when needed urgently.

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5. Misty Mountain Cadillac

This Misty Mountain Cadillac harness will make any winter excursion a breeze! With its double pass aluminum buckles and nylon webbing, this harness is not only durable but smooth as well. The ice clipper slots also allow for more versatility in the cold weather.

What’s best about it? It features six large gear loops so you can carry all of your necessary equipment with ease – no need to worry there either since this belt is lightweight yet tough enough that 500D Cordura fabric keeps those high-stress areas strong even during strenuous adventures.

The Misty Mountain Cadillac climbing harness is not your average harness. It’s equipped with closed cell crosslinked polyethylene foam padding, making it the perfect choice for anything from route setting to distributing a full trad rack. If you’re looking for versatility and lightweight functionality in one sleek package – be sure to check out this innovative design.

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Buying guide for finding the Best Climbing Harness

Is there any difference between the men’s and women’s climbing harnesses?

When you buy new sports gear, it is important to know that there will be some differences. When shopping for a climbing harness, keep in mind if you need extra tightness around your waist. Most likely, both styles will not offer enough slack to fit everyone’s body type. For example, female athletes’ equipment is usually more accommodating with wider hips but less adjustable straps on the backside, which means less room for adjustment based on your body type. So while these products might look identical from afar (they’re really similar), trying them out before purchase would ensure comfort.

Climbing Harness Categories

When it comes to choosing a harness, the type of climbing you do most is important. Sure any company’s gear should be safe, but if they’re not comfortable or well-suited for your job, then what good are they? Large loops for trad pieces and ice clippers; adjustable leg loops so that as layers come off (or on), there’s still enough room in them – these are all things worth considering when picking out new gear!

All-Around

The all-around category is the best option for beginners or those who climb infrequently. These climbing harness designs don’t have many features, but they still provide comfort and affordability without weighing you down with unnecessary bells and whistles that could be more of a liability than an asset to new climbers in most environments, like gyms and crags, even mountains.

These harnesses are perfect if you’re just starting out. You’ll get what you need and nothing more for a low price that won’t break the bank, but as time goes on, don’t be surprised to want something with slightly better features or weight distribution–you might start climbing outdoors in single-pitches so why not step up.

Trad Climbing

Trad climbing is more than just jumping around from rock to rock. It takes an investment of time and effort, but the payoff will be worth it when you’re hanging off a cliff face with one hand while belaying your partner up below.

A trad climbing harness needs to have extra features for these types of scenarios—it should be made out of durable material so that harder climbs won’t do damage to its longevity, and because climbers often need something comfortable to hang onto during their climb or in between pitches–having this type might come in handy if you’re looking for some adventurous new challenges!

Sport Climbing

Sport climbing harnesses for beginners are typically all-rounders. Still, if you’re projecting routes and putting in redpoint burns, then a performance-oriented one is what you’ll need.

These climbing harness lightweight designs come with streamlined split webbing instead of bulky foam, making them more efficient at moving with your body and weightless while climbing. Fixed leg loops can be seen on these models, too, because they provide great freedom to move around without being weighed down by the extra material that’s found on other styles.

Alpine Climbing

Alpine climbing harnesses are a great way to get started with the sport and can be used for rock, ice, or mixed routes. Many Alpine Harnesses will have all of the features you need, like durable fabric from wear and tear on your gear loops and an adjustable leg loop, so one size fits most people. This flexibility is perfect when it’s not always clear what type of route you’re going to take!

Mountaineering

Mountaineering is a grueling sport, and you want your harness to be as light as possible. But that doesn’t mean it’s comfortable for walking or easy to take off over boots! If you find yourself hanging from the end of ropes, then there are more important things to worry about than where your feet go in this tight mountaineering harness.

And if you find yourself slipping during your climb, be sure to have some anti-slip footies handy so when it comes time for a kickback into reality on terra firma (or lack thereof), all senses will remain intact while being strapped securely enough around these rock hard thighs. Not only does this keep them warm, but they also maintain composure through whatever rocky terrain stands between now.

Big Wall Climbing

Big wall harnesses are the best of all worlds for a climber looking to spend significant time in their gear. The climbing harnesses have ultra-padded and comfy features, multiple loops to store your equipment efficiently, and two belay loops for added safety. You’ll be able to hang around on that big wall with this thing without suffering from discomfort!

Buckle System

Think about how you want your harness to be. Do you prefer a sleek, lightweight design or one that is more adjustable? One buckle will give off the impression of style and simplicity.

However, considering all factors in mind like comfortability (less likely for the strap to slip when it’s snug), weight distribution on chest/back area if there are two buckles may have better options for people with back pain than just having an uncomfortable waistband around their stomach because they only need help from side straps. In contrast, some people might say that having loops centered no matter what makes them feel safe, whereas others don’t care as long as nothing slips.

Comfort

The question of comfort is a difficult one to answer, but it’s important. You don’t want your climbing harness uncomfortable because you’re hanging from the cliff for hours on end or standing in place belaying someone else climbing up… But lighter weight doesn’t have to equal less comfort!

Split-webbing technology has led manufacturers like Black Diamond and Petzl into new territory to combine lightweight materials with just as much padding. So if lightness isn’t necessarily what you need (or are looking for), then check out these brands before making any decisions about what type of harness will best suit your needs.

Construction

When you decide what material to make a climbing harness out of, there are two main options. Either webbing or foam will do the trick for most climbers. Still, some companies choose to combine both materials into one design.

Fixed or Adjustable Leg Loops

Adjustable leg loops are the best for people who climb in all four seasons and need to wear many layers on some days. They can allow you more freedom when it comes to customization, but they may slip over time or require adjustment as well. Fixed leg loops are good if you’re looking for something simple that is lighter than adjustable ones with elastic bands instead of buckles.

Gear Loops

Don’t worry about where to place your gear. The rings run across the waist belt, and this is where you’ll put all of your equipment. Four are standard, but there should be six or twelve loops for more technical climbers, depending on how much climbing they do!

This way, it’s easier to find the right tool when things get tough instead of scrambling around looking in each pocket like a madman (or woman). If trad climbing is what you’re into, then make sure that everything will fit comfortably before buying any harnesses because some have bigger loops than others depending on their construction and shape and size, too, so keep an eye out for that detail.

Haul Loops

The loops on your harness are there to securely hold all of the gear you need, be it for a day at the crag or going out backpacking. There’s no one perfect number when it comes down to how many loops someone will want in their sport climbing days, but most people seem more than satisfied with four.

At the same time, trad climbers may find they end up carrying everything around and should consider getting an extra loop, or two added into construction if possible. The size and shape also play a big role – some prefer wider ones that can accommodate multiple items like carabiners, etc. In contrast, others might go for narrower straps so as not to impede movement during intense ascents.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Climbing Harness?

A climbing harness is a specialized piece of gear used to keep climbers safe and comfortable while scaling mountains and skyscrapers alike. Most commonly made out of stretchy nylon fabric with stitching designed for great ventilation, this equipment has multiple anchor points where ropes can be attached using carabiners for added support. These loops are usually reinforced with an extra rubberized material to reduce wear on the core webbing that holds everything together.

What does it do? 

Your climbing harness wraps around your waist and legs, with straps that insert into your crotch for extra support. The majority of climbing harnesses are designed to allow freedom of movement with buckles and adjustable leg loops so you can perform any type of climbing move with ease—from hanging by one hand to standing on inverted angles. Most also come equipped with an adjustable load limiter, which is useful for adjusting the amount of weight your harness carries. This feature keeps climbers safe; if your entire bodyweight suddenly drops onto a poorly loaded climbing harness, it could snap like twine!

What do I need it for?

Rock Climbing is often considered the most popular sport in terms of participation—and its popularity continues to rise as people learn how much fun this activity can be. While outdoor climbing is usually preferred, some people prefer to scale indoor walls in gyms and other manmade facilities.

What size should I get?

Most climbing harnesses come in a single size that will fit most climbers, but if you are on the petite or obese side of the spectrum, make sure to check out the measurements.

How much weight can each one hold?

This is an important question because it is directly related to your comfort and safety. All climbing harnesses will give you an expected range of body weight they can support before breaking. However, you may be able to push these numbers around by adjusting things like gear loops up or down for more slack (carry less weight) or tighter (carry more weight). Just remember that there’s only so far you can go before these technical limitations become dangerous.

Remember: getting too little allowance for weight may be uncomfortable, but getting too much will likely result in your harness breaking.

Answering these questions yourself is key. You should understand that the answer to every question asked above depends on you and your climbing lifestyle! It’s important to know how high off the ground you might climb with your gear attached, how often you go rock scrambling, etc., so make sure you do some climbing-specific research before buying anything.

When should I replace my harness?

As mentioned above, it is important to know the expected weight supported by your harness before you buy it. Climbing harnesses are generally built with strong materials that can handle high-impact falls. Still, they are not invincible—certain types of falls or overloading have been known to snap even reinforced straps. To play it safe, inspect your gear before every use for any signs of damage. If you spot frayed stitching or cut webbing anywhere on your equipment, consider retiring it, so there are no accidents!

Is it different from a climbing rope?

Yes, and no. Climbing harnesses and climbing ropes serve two very distinct—yet complementary—roles in the world of rock climbing. Harnesses are designed to be worn by climbers as they ascend rock faces or indoor walls; these products keep their bodies safe with multiple loops for attaching carabiners that can provide support during falls.

On the other hand, climbing ropes are much longer than harness straps and are used when ascending sheer cliffs where there is not enough room to stand safely on narrow trails. These durable cords work by being extended between two points (most commonly anchor bolts set in the stone) where climbers can hook onto them before continuing up.

What features do I need?

At the end of the day, every climber is unique. Some people may prefer harnesses with small pockets to store snacks while exploring walls; others might desire large loops to hold extra carabiners and other gear. Some people might want their harness to be lightweight so they can easily climb long distances. In contrast, others will want heavy hardware for strength and durability. Fortunately, there are harnesses for all sorts of styles—so go get one that fits your needs!

Conclusion

Climbing with a top-quality harness can be the difference between an amazing experience and one that is merely so-so. While I’d love to give you my opinion on which are best climbing harnesses, it’s finally time for your own decision-making process to save us both some trouble!

The reason this article was written in the first place? To make sure climbers don’t get caught up worrying over their minds all day long about the best climbing harnesses as they try to figure out how awesome or not their next climb might turn out.