The climbing harness appeared gradually during the 20th century. Before the harness was introduced, climbers roped directly to the rope. The harness revolutionized climbing safety.



The composition of a climbing harness

The harness is made up of 2 thigh straps and a belt connected by a trigger guard. It's the presence of the trigger guard that allows the thighs to move in relation to the belt, making movement very easy. It also makes sitting easier, as support is more evenly distributed between the thighs and the belt. The architecture is different on children's harnesses.


Straps:

One of the differences between harnesses is the construction technology of the straps that make them up. The most common technologies are :

  • The single lined webbing: Classic nylon webbing with a rather heavy foam lining.

  • Lined webbing: Net-bound, lightweight webbing.

  • Wide webbing: Simple, wide, ergonomic webbing. This is the most compact and comfortable technology.

  • Triple webbing Tripled webbing: one webbing is deployed in 3 to limit friction.

  • Multiple thread deployment: Allows balanced support points while limiting bulk and weight.


Tightening system:

Today, only harnesses with automatic buckles are on sale. Simply tighten the harness and the strap is locked automatically. There are also harnesses with two buckles, which are more versatile but heavier. All harnesses have a waist tightening system. But there are harnesses with adjustable or non-adjustable thighs.

  • Harnesses with adjustable thighs: They're more versatile, and can be easily lent or put on with crampons, but they're heavier, and the rope can get caught in the buckle and get in the way while you're climbing.

  • Non-adjustable thigh harnesses: The thigh is tightened by an elastic band. Less versatile, but lighter and easier to use.


Harness accessories :

A harness is always fitted with the following accessories:

  • Gear loops

  • Pitchfork loops for mountaineering.

  • A rear loop for hanging a chalk bag or your hauling rope.


DID YOU KNOW?

In general, the lifespan of a climbing harness is a maximum of 10 years from the date of manufacture. Even if you don't use your harness, after 10 years you'll need to change it! There can sometimes be several years between the date of manufacture and the date of purchase, so be careful with the date on the harness.

When you first use your harness, most brands indicate that the maximum useful life is 5 years. But never exceed the 10-year lifespan.



THE PRODUCT EXPERT'S ADVICE :

Choose rigid equipment carriers, which are easier to clip on.

Nathanaël - Product expert for the climbing world

About Nathanaël: "Sport is a big part of my life. I climb, mountaineer, paraglide, trail run and ski tour. Can I go a whole day without enjoying the natural surroundings? Don't talk to me about it, it's inconceivable."


A harness for different practices:

There are many different climbing disciplines. The main characteristics of the harness will therefore change according to the type of climbing.

Indoor climbing: If you're climbing indoors, you'll need less suspension time in the harness than in other disciplines. Also, you won't need any specific equipment, so harness comfort will be lower, as will the number of gear loops.
We recommend: BAUDRIER EDELRID JAYNE III // BAUDRIER D'ESCALADE PETZL CORAX

Long route climbing: Here, the harness needs to be thigh-hugging and wider around the pelvis, as the suspension time can be long in belays. There must also be enough gear loops to hold the basic climbing tools.
We recommend: PETZL HARNAIS LUNA // HARNAIS BLACK DIAMOND COULOIR

Rock climbing: For rock climbing, suspension time is longer than for indoor climbing, but less than for long routes. The harness must therefore be comfortable and have room on the gear loops.
We recommend: HARNAIS BOD BLACK DIAMOND // BAUDRIER BLUE ICE CHOUCAS PRO

Ice climbing and mountaineering: Wearing several layers of clothing, climbers need a practical, adjustable harness for ice climbing. Comfort is also important!
We recommend: HARNAIS BLACK DIAMOND AIRNET // BAUDRIER BLACK DIAMOND SOLUTION GUIDE

Caving: Last but not least, if you're a caving enthusiast, the harness must be well adjusted for best performance.
We recommend: HARNAIS SPÉLÉO PETZL SUPERAVANTI