What climbing harness should i buy What sling to use when? Most slings and runners are simple in Apr 14, 2021 · We have written up a comprehensive step-by-step guide on how to build your very first rack for trad climbing, what you should consider and how much all this might cost you. The fit is firm-handshake snug. If you're not familiar with those terms, we definitely recommend taking an alpinism course. Apr 3, 2025 · Buying used climbing gear? Here are the red flags to look for and tips for ensuring the gear you buy is safe. If it's too big and you can't tighten it down enough, then you risk falling out of it if you ever become inverted. They may allow Where should I go to buy new climbing gear (harness set, shoes) comments Best Top New Controversial Q&A Add a Comment smeeeoke_weeeeeeeeed • 1 yr. The shelf life of a harness should not be more than 3 years, according to most manufacturers. Shoes are the only necessary piece of gear to get started. May 17, 2022 · Wondering how to choose a climbing harness that fits just right? Don't waste money on the wrong gear, learn how to choose the right harness. Ice clipper slots - Harnesses with ice clipper slots are designed specifically for ice What type of climbing are you doing? Considering you mentioned a 5 yo, I'm guessing you'd mainly be gym climbing. Harness Features 1. WHICH CLIMBING HARNESS SHOULD I BUY? Of all climbing personal protection equipment (PPE), the harness is at the same time the cheapest and most important item. Normally, anyone wouldn't disagree, but rappelling or mountaineering harnesses are more complicated than they appear. Parts of a Climbing Harness If We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. 2. The only play in the rope is based on the belayer. Whether you’re just starting out or a full-blooded professional, the right gear is essential to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience when you’re scaling those rocks. Although there are four different types of harnesses available, in sport climbing we only use the sit-harness model [1]. Climbers looking to push their grades will appreciate the Hirundos. Personal harnesses offer wider straps for improved weight distribution Based on my experience climbing Half Dome, I created the following gear list for an epic hike you will never forget. This tried-and-true sport climbing harness continues to deliver the comfort, low weight and non-restrictive fit valued by climbers attempting challenging routes. You aren't leading and the forces from a gym TR isn't that significant. Mar 16, 2025 · Discover top climbing harnesses for big guys that offer comfort, durability, and the perfect fit for every climbing adventure. I'm thinking of retiring the 4 year old Black Diamond momentum and upgrading to something a little nicer. Apr 4, 2025 · We tested 15 climbing harnesses from Petzl, Black Diamond, Blue Ice, and more to find the top options for all climbing styles. Either way, if it's for gym climbing, I would totally use second hand equipment. You should get the smallest size that fits. Aug 19, 2024 · Like with Walmart versus Armani jeans, there are differences in the quality of yarns and construction used to make your harness. The harness features Petzl’s Jun 5, 2025 · We found the best climbing harnesses of 2025. Here are our best climbing harness picks! Feb 21, 2025 · Why switch to a full body climbing harness during pregnancy? As mentioned above, one’s waist tends to slowly disappear as one’s bump grows during pregnancy, and this can mean that the usual climbing harnessess will no longer fit comfortably. Oct 23, 2025 · Find the best climbing harness for your style with expert reviews of top all-around, ultralight, and big wall models, plus a complete buyer's guide. Dec 13, 2023 · The Softest Catch Another significant debate among climbers revolves around the belay device’s ability to deliver a soft catch. How do you choose the best climbing harness for your personal needs and interests? In this guide, you’ll explore all the different parts, sizes and types of climbing harnesses to make an informed decision. Oct 25, 2024 · Explore top tips for buying safe, quality rock climbing gear—from shoes and harnesses to helmets. This guide takes you through the main features to keep in mind when selecting a climbing harness. I have loved my momentum so far, I'm just looking for something a little more comfortable. It is light yet robust. This list of climbing equipment will help you find exactly what you need to enjoy your climbing experience. When multi-pitch climbing you should be aware that most professionals actually recommend using a clove hitch and locking carabiner as a personal anchor. For climbers, a good harness is forgettable. Jun 5, 2025 · We found the best climbing harnesses of 2025. Apr 21, 2022 · Rock climbing is an increasingly popular sport, and if you plan to do it often, having your own gear could be a good investment. So if you make a purchase after clicking one at no cost to you we may earn a small commission. Thanks for your support! Apr 29, 2021 · Via Ferrata harness Exist three typology of climbing harness that you can see in the photo, from left to right: the standard climbing harness, the universal size climbing harness, the super-light harness. Do rock climbing harnesses expire? The easy answer is 1-3 years for a harness in use and 10 years for a harness NOT being used that is properly stored. Do you see a problem with buying a used harness? You might find that part of the harness digs into you (I noticed that on the Arcteryx harnesses the gear loop attachments dug in). Gear loops - These loops are designed to carry your gear, such as cams, nuts, and quickdraws. Sep 8, 2021 · Breakdown of the climbing gear a beginner needs right away and the gear they can wait to buy. Slings, runners, cord, cordelettes and webbing are all climbing essentials. You should be able to get out there for about $50 - the price point harnesses from major brands are actually pretty good. Just visually inspect the gear, check for wear spots or fraying, and make sure there's Explore our curated collection, "What Kind of Climbing Harness Should I Buy," designed to help you find the perfect fit for your climbing adventures. I don’t think a full climbing harness is necessary; a loop of 8/9mm static cord tied around your waist to a single locking carabiner is probably a good compromise between weight, safety, and simplicity. If you're aiming to start climbing outdoors (particularly trad) get something with decent size gear loops. A decent harness for climbing and rappelling should be comfortable, provide appropriate support for the wearer, and feature a few dedicated accessory loops. Antin weighed in: “The GriGri bites the rope as soon as it reaches that velocity point. 6 days ago · Who Should Buy Mammut Sender Harness? The Mammut Sender Harness is perfect for sport climbers and boulderers who prioritize weight savings and breathability. ago Black Diamond Harness Size Chart is crucial when buying a climbing harness. It also means you have one if you get invited to climb with friends outdoors. You may have noticed that choosing a sling requires a certain level of climbing know-how. If the instructions state that the If you're confident you want to keep climbing then investing in a harness, shoes, and chalkbag will save you money over time, be more comfortable, and possibly help you perform better. Read this before buying anything! Unless you're going mountaineering, or ice climbing, I would forget any harness with adjustable leg loops. The standard climbing harness is sure the best choose if you buy it for your properly personal use. See expert picks for all skill levels, from the BD Momentum to the versatile Petzl Corax. Mar 15, 2023 · Posted 15-03-2023 by Sally Guillaume With so many different makes and models available, finding a climbing harness that fits just right can be challenging. Is top roping something that we can learn on our own (with the aid of online videos and books/guides) without somebody more experienced to go with us? I've talked to a few experienced climbers at my gym and they say as long as I have basic gear I’m researching buying my first climbing harness and am a bit unsure what causes the large price discrepancy between different harnesses. Harness Sizing Charts Choosing the right size harness is very important safety factor for fall protection. Fall protection harnesses are the last line of defense for 5 million construction workers in situations where fall hazards cannot be completely eliminated. Nov 6, 2025 · After plenty of whips and hours spent projecting, six emerged as the most comfortable, functional, and breathable climbing harnesses currently available. HARNESS FEATURES Gear Loops: these loops are designed to carry your climbing gear… cams, nuts, and quickdraws, etc. Buying Used Sport & Trad Climbing Gear When it comes to buying used sport climbing gear or used trad climbing gear, you CAN buy climbing packs, clothing, chalk bags, stick clips, brushes, and other non-life-saving gear with relative confidence. Jan 27, 2023 · Buy Men’s Buy Women’s Petzl Hirundos Harness – $130 Best for climbers seeking low weight and comfort when climbing harder routes. Once it's on, it's unnoticeable. 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. Climbers seeking maximum comfort or those primarily engaged in trad climbing might prefer a harness with more padding and gear loops. Expert Advice / Climbing / Rock Climbing The 7 Best Climbing Harnesses of 2025: Staff Picks Send confidently—and comfortably—in our favorite climbing harnesses. You might believe that picking the correct harness is a simple task. Hey! By the way… this page contains affiliate links. Learn how to choose the type you need. Something to keep in mind with that harness is that the gear loops are only centered and symmetric if you have it tightened all the way down. 5 yo generally still wear a chest harness. For most climbers, harnesses cost basically nothing per-pitch compared to gym memberships, shoes, ropes, even gas and campsites for outdoor climbing cost more. Harnesses with two gear loops are most suited for gym climbing, top roping, and sport climbing, while harnesses with 4+ gear loops are best suited for trad, multipitch, and ice climbing. To learn more about Half Dome hiking tips, from obtaining permits to navigating the trail, visit my complete guide to hiking Half Dome. But once you know what to look for, choosing the right harness is straightforward. Gear up and climb smart! Aug 5, 2022 · The best rock climbing gear for beginners, including climbing shoes, climbing harnesses, belay devices, climbing helmets, and climbing apparel, from brands like La Sportiva, Petzl, Black Diamond Apr 27, 2025 · From waistbands to leg loops, I’ll break down what you should look for to ensure your harness isn’t just a piece of gear, but an extension of your climbing self. Jun 22, 2023 · Read how the brand's harness sizing works (it doesn't, really) and what you should look out for when trying to find a good fit. Apr 27, 2025 · Best Places to Buy Cheap Climbing Gear If you find that buying used isn’t for you but still want to save some bucks, there are some places both online and in-person where you can find some cheap climbing gear. Generally…How Should A Climbing Harness Fit? Generally, your climbing harness should fit snugly around your waist and hips without pinching or causing discomfort. Fixed leg loops are much easier to deal with on a daily basis, and since you only need to remember tighten the waist loop, it's two less things for you to forget. Jun 9, 2022 · Fitting your climbing harness right can help you have the best day out possible and prevent all kinds of discomfort. Expert Advice / Climbing / Rock Climbing The 7 Best Climbing Harnesses of 2025: Staff Picks Send confidently—and comfortably—in our favorite climbing harnesses. A chalk bag and Apr 25, 2013 · One of the first questions I hear from new climbers is: “can I buy used gear?” (or “where can I buy used climbing gear?”). The easiest way to determine if your harness is stored properly is to look at the manufacturer’s instructions. Jan 20, 2020 · Climbing is a fantastic pastime for anyone, but it can be somewhat intimidating for a newcomer looking to buy the right gear. My gf and I have been climbing (mostly indoors) about a month and a half and I've decided I want to buy some top roping gear for outdoors climbing. Apr 28, 2015 · If you're not a climber, then don't buy a climbing rope for doing roof repairs. Feb 12, 2024 · When looking for some great harnesses for your next climb, be sure to consult this list. I'm glad I didn't buy my shoes used since they all seemed to fit differently but in general I try to buy things second hand. Some are upwards of £150 while others are less than £50. Learn what climbing gear you need to start out in all levels of outdoor climbing including bouldering, sport climbing, and trad climbing. Nov 24, 2024 · When buying a climbing harness, you’re looking for safety, comfort and fit. I'm only a couple months into climbing now. What is the best brand/model of climbing harness? I want something that is going to last, something that is comfortable, and something lightweight yet strong. Whether you're a lead rope soloist, tackling big walls, or maneuvering technical terrains, we have a range of harnesses to meet your specific needs. It’s also well-suited for alpine climbers undertaking routes where every gram counts. Some mountaineer Go to a climbing gym or outdoor shop that lets you hang in them at a non-peak time and try them on. Jan 16, 2020 · The third piece of equipment you should purchase is a harness. It's time to buy my first harness. Start by choosing a harness designed for your climbing style, whether that’s sport, trad or Alpine climbing. A decent harness costs around €50, while the price for better ones can rise to more than €100. Harnesses with two gear loops are most suited for gym climbing, top roping, and sport climbing, while harness with 4+ gear loops are also suited for trad, multipitch, and ice climbing. I mostly sport climb, but I do a little trad here and there. Get what you want and don't worry about the price. While getting a deal on climbing gear is always a win, it’s important to balance cost-saving with quality and safety. What harness do you have, and what do you love/ hate about it? Climbing Harness Buying Guide What to keep in mind Whether you're getting your first climbing harness or need one for a specific purpose, the choices can feel endless. For about the same cost as a climbing rope you could get a full roofers kit that comes with a: 5 point safety harness 50ft lifeline anchor plate 3' shock absorbing lanyard: A couple reasons why you shouldn't . This doesn’t offer much of a performance benefit but if you’ve been renting gym harnesses it does offer a largely improved comfort factor and reduced prices at most climbing gyms. If you're going to buy a rope for a very specific job, then you should get the right equipment for the job. The only advice I seem to get around here is that I should buy whatever the store/gym is selling. It may seem insignificant, but selecting the incorrect size can result in injury or even death. Feb 21, 2025 · Why switch to a full body climbing harness during pregnancy? As mentioned above, one’s waist tends to slowly disappear as one’s bump grows during pregnancy, and this can mean that the usual climbing harnessess will no longer fit comfortably. It's not like choosing the right shirt size; just because you wear an X-Large shirt doesn't mean you need a X-Large harness or even a Feb 22, 2021 · We’ve reviewed the best climbing harness for beginners to bring you this incredibly awesome list. Those who are extra concerned about this issue often look to the ATC to operate with a little bit more give. Dec 30, 2021 · worth your while to buy a set brand new rather than have to deal with these overuse issues. Updated October 2025: We added three new picks to our list of best climbing harnesses, including our new favorite all-around harness, the Black Diamond Solution Guide. Can I buy my first harness used? Just got a membership to an indoor rock climbing gym. Nov 13, 2025 · Our climbing pros reviewed the 10 best climbing harnesses of November 2025. Jun 24, 2020 · Rock Climbers need a lightweight and comfortable harness for indoor and gym climbing. Whether you're sport climbing or mountaineering, we have you covered. Check out our favorite harnesses to help you climb hard in the gym! Nov 26, 2025 · Whether you're looking to add a permanent ladder stand to your property or you're in need of a versatile hang-on stand, we can help you find the best tree stand for your upcoming season. Find out what you need for your next via ferrata adventure: from via ferrata kits, climbing harness and helmet to the right gloves and shoes, as well as other additional equipment.