10 Best Mountaineering Harness – Reviews & Buyer’s Guide

Ready to knock off that big dream of scaling the Alpines?

Now that you know the gear you’re going to need, it’s time to sit tight, go through the review of best mountaineering harnesses available, and give it a try.

A harness is fundamental for all mountaineering activities — but to get started in mountaineering, first you need the right gear. If you’re new in the business, we suggest taking some classes where you can safely learn the basics before you set out on your first outdoor expedition.

The prime reward of mountaineering is being able to climb thousands of feet above sea level, which would otherwise be an impossible feat. And while exposing yourself to dangerous heights, you need to use specialized safety equipment to prevent serious injuries.

Here are the ABC’s of fall protection, recommended by the International Mountaineering and Climbing Federation (UIAA):

• A- an Anchorage
• B- A Full Body Harness
• C- A Connector
• D- a Deceleration device

So now you know the importance of harness for climbing, you’re going to want to use something that is trustworthy and proven for safety.

If you’re searching for the best mountaineering harness, Congratulations! You have landed on the right spot. This guide will help you pick out the best climbing harness you need to get started.

Mountaineering can be a dangerous sport — so use your best judgment in making it as safe as possible. There’s no excuse to go without a harness when climbing outdoors. Here’s an ideal list of best mountaineering harnesses available in the market:

The Top 10 Mountaineering Harnesses are

1. Petzl – ADJAMA – Climbing and Mountaineering Harness
2. PETZL – CORAX – Versatile and Adjustable Harness
3. Black Diamond Primrose Women’s Harness – Trad, Sports and Alpine
4. Oumers Safe Seat Belts – Great Starter Harness for Beginners
5. EDELRID – Jay II Climbing Harness – Full-body Climbing Harness
6. Black Diamond Chaos Harness – Climbing Harness Kit
7. EDELRID – Fraggle II – Best Climbing Harness for Kids
8. PETZL – SITTA – XXL Climbing Harness
9. EDELRID Orion Climbing Harness – Climbing Harness for Professionals
10. Black Diamond Lotus Women’s Harness – Best Women’s Climbing Harness 2018

1. Petzl – ADJAMA, Climbing and Mountaineering Harness

SPECS

• LEG LOOPS: Adjustable
• WEIGHT: 17.1 oz
• GEAR LOOPS: 5 + 1 Haul Loop
• Padded leg loops: Yes

FEATURES

• Durable Design
• Additional Gear Loop For Shoes Or Water
• Includes Haul Loop For Hauling A Second Rope When Needed
• Even weight distribution to maximize comfort
• Compatible with tool holders
• Padded leg loops and waist belt

Best for Technical Climbing

We tried out this harness on our technical climb and couldn’t be happier. It is one of the lightest of its kind. Also, the comfort level is so high that you will forget you’re wearing it.

The high adjustability lets you move like Jagger without having to compromise your comfort in any terrain.

If versatility is an art, Petzl – ADJAMA, Climbing and Mountaineering Harness is the Picasso of it!

Need a harness for the gym for practice? Planning for big wall climbing? How about technical ice climbing in the mountains?

Well, the answer is- Petzl – ADJAMA Climbing and Mountaineering Harness! This harness is the jack of all trades regardless of your level of experience or the type of climbing you’re planning for.

Adjama is a multi-functional tool for any kind of wall climbing, making it one of the best mountaineering harnesses for all-round versatility.

BUY THIS PRODUCT FROM AMAZON

2. PETZL – CORAX, Versatile and Adjustable Harness

SPECS

LEG LOOPS: Adjustable

WEIGHT: 490 Grams

GEAR LOOPS: 4

Padded leg loops: Yes

FEATURES

• DoubleBack buckles allow easy adjustments
• high-capacity equipment loops in back
• Available in 2 sizes
• Even weight distribution to maximize comfort
• Accessory loop in the rear centre
• Padded leg loops and waist belt

Best for Novice Climbers

Safety is paramount for outdoor activities that are potentially dangerous, especially for novice mountaineers. For the first-timers, choosing between the best harness might seem befogging.

But worry not!

For any beginners, PETZL – CORAX provides the best adjustability and comfort. This harness lets you tweak, turn, adjust and fit according to your needs. The two adjustable waist buckles along with the leg loops eliminate any pressure points to provide you with the pinch-free experience.

Similarly, the two double back buckles on the waist belt aid in adjusting the center of the harness. This harness can easily fit in your body regardless of your built or the outfits you’re wearing.

Finally, if you are choosy about colors, there are four color options from which you can choose.

BUY THIS PRODUCT FROM AMAZON

3. Black Diamond Primrose Women’s Harness

SPECS

LEG LOOPS: Adjustable

WEIGHT: 490 Grams

GEAR LOOPS: 4

Padded leg loops: Yes

FEATURES

• Pre-threaded waist belt buckle provides a quick, secure fit
• Women-specific design helps to sit rise higher on the torso
• Haul loop and 4 pressure-molded gear
• Bullhorn-shaped waist belt to maximize comfort
• trakFIT adjustment allows easy customization
• Adjustable rear elastic

Best for Trad, Sports and Alpinism

If bang for buck makes sense to you, then Black Diamond Primrose Women’s Harness is the next gear for your trip to the mountains.

Black diamond has always delivered the quality harness for adventure sports and Primrose Women’s Harness is no different. The harness utilizes imported fabrics in construction to ensure durability and comfort. The pre-threaded waist belt buckle fits securely and significantly reduces any errors during climbs. The rear frame is elastic, meaning it fits well regardless of your built and sits close to your body. Also, you can easily customize your leg loops according to your needs, thanks to trakFIT adjustment.

What really differentiates this harness from others is the bullhorn-shaped waist belt buckle that maximizes your comfort, especially during belays.

BUY THIS PRODUCT FROM AMAZON

4. Oumers Safe Seat Belts

SPECS

LEG LOOPS: Adjustable

WEIGHT: 1.20 Pounds

GEAR LOOPS: 4

Padded leg loops: No

FEATURES

• Half body climbing harness you can trust
• comfortable to wear, and easy to adjust polyester materials
• Wide range of use
• Reinforced Buckle to maximize comfort
• Bearing Loop allows easy customization
• Adjustable loops

Best for beginners

So you have planned a vacation around the mountains and looking for a harness without having to break the bank. Also, you do not want to risk the comfort and safety of you and your children. Well, you have come to the right spot. Oumers Safe Seat Belts for Mountaineering is the least expensive gear on our list, yet dependable and safe.

100% polyester design helps to maintain durability while also increasing the tensile strength of the gear. The buckles are reinforced to ensure firmness. Similarly, the bearing loop gives the belt iconic one-piece design that helps in equal weight distribution and adjustment that fits the type of climbing you will be engaging in.

Also, Oumer’s have always been known for their customer support. The warranty that comes with the product covers repairs, refunds or replaces with no hassle, should anything go wrong.

BUY THIS PRODUCT FROM AMAZON

5. EDELRID – Jay II Climbing Harness

SPECS

LEG LOOPS: Adjustable

WEIGHT: 1.20 Pounds

GEAR LOOPS: 4

Padded leg loops: Yes

FEATURES

• 3D mesh padding overlaps the upper edge of the ergonomic waistbelt
• Comfortable to wear, and easy to adjust polyester materials
• 4 symmetric, high-strength gear loops
• Reinforced Buckle to maximize comfort
• Polyester textile abrasion protector for durability
• Made with bluesign®-certified materials

Best for Mountaineering and Ice climbing

Discussion on the best mountaineering harness is never complete without mentioning EDELRID. This brand has been known to provide quality and trustworthy gears for mountaineers. After introducing ‘Jay harness’ that gained overnight popularity among the keen mountaineers, EDELRID came up with an even better version of the gear named- Jay II.

Jay II uses exclusive 3D mesh padding that overlaps the upper edge of the waist belt that increases comfort by leaps and bounds. The tie-in points are coated with Dyneema and polyester textile that increases durability. Moveable padding that stays at the hips is centered on the use of gear loops.

Overall, the use of bluesign certified materials and features included makes this one of our top picks among the best mountaineering harnesses.

BUY THIS PRODUCT FROM AMAZON

6. Black Diamond Chaos Harness

SPECS

LEG LOOPS: Adjustable

WEIGHT: 360 Grams

GEAR LOOPS: 4

Padded leg loops: Yes

FEATURES

• Kinetic Core Construction
• High-capacity equipment loops in back
• Rear haul loop that’s rated at 12kN
• Lightweight aluminum Speed Adjust buckles
• 4 pressure-molded gear loops
• Rear elastic straps adjust easily

Best for Technical Climbing

If you hear someone saying “Best Harness, Hands down”, he is probably a user of Black Diamond Chaos Harness.

We know that all climbing harnesses are designed to catch you when you fall. So what’s special about the Chaos?

Well, the Chaos is specially designed to provide more comfort, increased durability and ease of access while climbing on multi-pitch routes for hours. Adjustable leg loops, customizable rear risers, 4 pressure-molded gear loops to hold your equipment and rear elastic easy-adjust straps combined together make Chaos one of the best mountaineering harnesses available in the market.

Additionally, at 12 kN, Black Diamond Chaos has one of the highest-rated rear haul loop available.

Even though ordering this gear will set you back a few USD more, we assure you that you get more than what you pay for with Black Diamond Chaos.

BUY THIS PRODUCT FROM AMAZON

7. EDELRID – Fraggle II

SPECS

LEG LOOPS: Adjustable

WEIGHT: 355 Grams

GEAR LOOPS: None

Padded leg loops: Yes

FEATURES

• 3D mesh padding for optimal support and comfort
• 2 Easy Glider buckles for safe and easy adjustment
• Rear haul loop rated at 12kN
• Stitched ends to prevent buckles from being fully opened
• Multifunctional use
• Designed especially for the needs of the smallest adventurers

Best used as a padded climbing harness for young adventurers

Introduce your child to the fun and adrenaline-rushing mountaineering adventure with the kids’ Edelrid Fraggle II full-body harness.

This harness uses special designs to provide extra comfort and safety for toddlers and kids alike. With the maximum load-bearing capacity of 88 pounds, this fits in most children with ease. The harness uses 3D mesh padding for optimal comfort and support while maintaining the lightweight. The stitched ends prevent the sudden opening of the buckles whereas the additional tie-in loops at the back aids for safety and increase confidence on steep terrains.

Along with mountaineering, this versatile harness can also be used during gym, indoor rock climbing, and skiing.

Additionally, EDELRID – Fraggle II offers two different sizes to choose from according to the size and built of your children.

BUY THIS PRODUCT FROM AMAZON

8. PETZL – SITTA, Climbing Harness for Professionals

SPECS

LEG LOOPS: Adjustable

WEIGHT: 490 Grams

GEAR LOOPS: 4

Padded leg loops: Yes

FEATURES

• DoubleBack HD buckle made of forged aluminum
• Reinforced tie-in points with high-tenacity polyethylene
• Compact, lightweight waist belt with no crossing seams
• Rear loop for hauling a rope
• Certified by the International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation

Best for Gear intensive/ Hard sport climbing

If you are a professional mountaineer looking for a perfect harness to accompany you on your next adventure in the mountains, look no further. PETZL – SITTA is the ultimate harness that has it all.

Unlike most other rock climbing harness that has made it to our list, this professional-grade harness features leg loops that unbuckle so that you can easily take it on or off while wearing skis or crampons.

But that’s not all!

The double-back HD buckle uses forged aluminum with a rounded slim design for added grip and easy adjustments that increases efficiency. This harness is the epitome of compactness and lightweight. Also, the crossing seams are completely removed to provide the ease of movement.

The high-capacity gear loops aid in quick access while avoiding the pressure points when climbing with a backpack. The rear loop is specially designed for hauling a rope.

This lightweight gem of the harness uses FuseFrame engineering technology and is certified by International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation for use in technical climbing.

BUY THIS PRODUCT FROM AMAZON

9. EDELRID Orion Climbing Harness

SPECS

LEG LOOPS: Adjustable

WEIGHT: 423 Grams

GEAR LOOPS: 4

Padded leg loops: Yes

FEATURES

• 3D-Vent technology offers excellent fit and comfort via 3D construction
• 4 symmetric fixed gear loops
• Compact, lightweight waist belt
• Abrasion protector adds durability at the tie-in point
• Adjustable leg loops with elasticated mesh

Best for long days on the cliff

Choosing the right harness for your climb is essential, but understanding the differences and the purpose of each one can be confusing.

EDELRID Orion Climbing Harness serves as one of the most comfortable all-round climbing harnesses that utilize state-of-the-art tech called 3D-vent technology that provides maximum weight distribution and optimal air permeability.

The gear loops, unlike most other harnesses, are symmetrical that provides ease of access. The gear also features 2 attachments options for ice-screw clips and chalk bag loops.

The elasticated mesh supports flexibility so that you can freely move your body without having to compromise your comfort.

Additionally, the abrasion protector coating at the tie-in points adds the strength as well as ensures the durability of the gear.

Overall, EDELRID Orion Climbing Harness is a versatile climbing harness that provides maximum comfort even during long hours of climb.

BUY THIS PRODUCT FROM AMAZON

10. Black Diamond Lotus Women’s Harness

SPECS

LEG LOOPS: Adjustable

WEIGHT: 410 grams

GEAR LOOPS: 4

Padded leg loops: Yes

FEATURES

• 4 Ice Clipper slots
• Bombshell abrasion patches
• Dual Core XP Construction
• Abrasion protector adds durability at the tie-in point
• extra loop in the back for clipping extra stuff

Best for Trad and Ice Climbing

To all the adventure-junky women out there who have a keen interest in mountaineering, Black Diamond Lotus Women’s Harness is the ultimate gear for you.

The pre-threaded waist belt helps to balance the weight uniformly while also maintaining the posture. The waist belt also has a women-specific bullhorn-shaped design built with Dual Core XP Construction technology which provides additional comfort while traveling along the steep slopes of the mountains.

The gear loops are pressure-molded for added safety and the use of bombshell absorption patches provides 20 times more durability than standard nylon fabric that makes most of the other harnesses.

Additionally, the harness features 4 ice clipper slots to hold various other gears and equipment during the climb.

Overall, Black Diamond Lotus Women’s Harness is a women-specific trad and ice climbing harness that is highly durable and versatile.

BUY THIS PRODUCT FROM AMAZON

Comparison Table of 10 Best Mountaineering Harness in 2020

How To Choose a Mountaineering Harness

Weight

The weight of the harness plays an important part during any expedition. A too heavy harness may cause you to spend more energy in climbing and halt the comfort whereas the lighter ones might not have loops to hold necessary gears and equipment.

Usually, heavy-duty harnesses made for extreme uses are often heavier due to additional loops for gears, metal buckles, and built material. The lighter ones use the minimalist route, trimming down maximum weight and these are usually more appropriate for general climbing.

Comfort

Although comfort is not the most important factor you will be seeking out while traveling high up in the mountains, it is certainly a criterion for choosing a harness.

Comfort comes along with proper fir and adjustability. If you’re onto hardcore climbing in icy slopes, then you definitely need a harness that holds you tight enough so that you do not fall off or have the risk of chafing your body parts. This is more important in the case of your children and toddlers.

Similarly, padding helps to reduce stress on the body and helps to reduce fatigue preventing pinching. Padding is the key to high comfort. Proper padding will let you spend the whole day on the harness without much trouble whereas straps with no or less padding are difficult to work with for long hours.

Also, proper weight distribution helps to evenly spread out the weight of your body while dangling during climb or belay to eliminate uncomfortable pressure points.

Durability

Like we mentioned earlier, safety is paramount during any outdoor sports. This applies, even more, when mountaineering across remote parts where you entirely depend upon your gear for your safety.

Therefore, while looking for a new harness or upgrading to a new model, we highly recommend you to go after well established and reputed manufacturers. The products mentioned in our list use high-quality materials and construction methods to ensure thy retain optimum strength for a long time.

FAQs

What is a Climbing Harness Haul Loop?

It is the loop located at the back of the harness that climbers use to carry extra items with them as they climb. The strength and weight-bearing capacity depend on the built-materials and the type of climb you’re doing.

The proper use of a haul loop protects climbers while giving them more flexibility. Most climbers use the haul loop to carry extra weight and other forms of aid. This way, haul loops are important for added safety.

However, be aware that extra load on the loop affects your weight during the climb. Putting too much load tends to increase the risk of tearing the harness.

How do I know when to retire my harness?

Always keep an eye on tie-in spots. Mountaineering often requires a lot of tying and untying, and this can easily fray those spots.

Also, if you’re buying a used harness, make sure you ask about the true age and the previous usage with the seller. Look for any damage or tears. Also, visit the manufacturers’ site to make sure they are not past the recommended guidelines.

If you begin to see any fray, tear or simple damage, DO NOT TAKE RISK TRYING IT OUT, and retire it immediately with full honors!

Conclusion

Well, there you have it! The top 10 harnesses that made it to our list of best mountaineering harness with reviews and FAQs!

Our list has been compiled after heavy-duty use along with various other tests to ensure we only recommend the best-rated products that actually provide the best functionality. You can call us your go-to source for expert reviews on mountaineering equipment that you can trust. We appreciate the time you took to go through our review and hope you find something that works for you.

And remember, if you’re new to mountaineering and not sure what other safety devices to use, ask someone who does. Until the next time, stay safe up there!

Thank you for stopping by!

Happy Mountaineering!