Choosing the Best Climbing Harness

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If you are fond of outdoor sports and activities such as sports climbing and mountain climbing, you will realize that you need a climbing harness in order for you to feel more secured and protected.

A climbing harness would often be linked into your climbing rope; so as a beginner, you should be an informed shopper and know the different types and uses of harnesses. The harness should be able to keep up with and fit your climbing style and body shape to ensure maximum comfort and security. There are generally different types of climbing harness – the multi-purpose, alpine, big wall, and other ones that are made for competition – such that not knowing your specific needs would tend to confuse you and hinder you from availing the best brands in the market.

If you are a beginner, then it will be best to avail of the multi-purpose climbing harness. They are the ones used by athletes, and are designed to function well in differ climbing sports and activities such as top-ropping, gym and sport climbing. This type of climbing harness will use padded leg loops and a waist belt to ensure maximum comfort during falls and/or when experimenting different kind of routes. This would typically have a front loop in order for easier attachment of a belay and rappel device.

The alpine climbing harness, on the other hand, would have minimal padding and lesser features. This is in order to keep the harness lighter and reduce its bulkiness. It often sports non-absorbent materials in order for the harness to withstand harsh weather conditions for longer periods of time. It will also have detachable leg loops to allow the wearer to take toilet breaks while staying tied into the rope.

The other type of climbing harness would be the big wall that is used by climbers who do multi-pitch and multi-day climbs. It is the type which uses lots of padding on the waist belt as well as the leg loops in order to ease the pressure during aid climbing or hanging belays. The multi gear loops of this harness would allow handy on-harness, and will make it easier for you to move as it will take some of the weight off the shoulder sling.

Lastly, the competition climbing harness is the streamlined type perfect as gear during climbing competitions. They would be best to use on sports events such as On Sight Difficulty or Speed Events. With this, it would be easier for athletes to have full range of motions, as the competition harness would sport a slim design and narrow webbing. They are lighter than other types, as they would have little padding and few extras.

When you buy a climbing harness, it is best to always check if the fit is comfortable. It is essential for every athlete and enthusiast to find the perfect fit, as this will ease their discomfort and make them do complicated movements in an easier pace. If the harness is too loose, you’d be risking accidental falls and slip; and if it is too tight, it will restrict your movements and may be cause for even greater accidents.