With the Olympics featuring sport climbing as a competitive sport now, it is no surprise that we may start to see a surge in people picking up sport climbing both indoors and outdoors in the coming months and years. If you are new to this sport and are starting on your belay classes or top rope lessons or sessions, you would start to see the need to invest in a pair of harness that is most suited for this form of climbing. From the comfort to the number of handles to the material of the leg loops, lets look at some of the best sport climbing harnesses that are designed for your best performance in your indoor gym or outdoor crag.
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What is the Best Sport Climbing Harness?
To find the list of absolute Best Sport Climbing Harness, we have researched many Climbing Harness for sport climbing and what people who bought and used them say about these products. Based on their experiences, we compiled for you the top 6 Sport Climbing Harnesses.
Also, to make it easier for you to making the right choice, we also wrote a mini Climbing Harness for sport climbing Buying Guide and frequently asked questions (FAQs). You will find it at the end of this article.
1. Black Diamond Solution Harness
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| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) |
Specialized for sports climbing athletes, the Solution Harness is a simple and lightweight product with minimal adjustments required to use. The legs are non-adjustable, yet the triple low-profile webbing allows excellent weight distribution when in use, and maximizes comfort. This gives the user a lot less to think about, allowing them to focus better on their sports climbing project.
The product is extremely lightweight, weighing less than 350g before loading with equipment. Like the Black Diamond Momentum harness, there are also four pressure-molded gear loops for your gear.
2. Black Diamond Men Solution Climbing Harness
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| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Number of Gear Loops: 4 Adjustable leg loops: Non-Adjustable Weight of Harness: 0.86 lbs |
The Solutions model has been designed to cut down all the unneccessary features to minimalise the weight. On top of that, it provides sufficient features to still hang draws and gears which are neccessary for trad climbing or multi-pitch routes. Lastly, the leg loops are properly padded for optimal comfort even when hanging from the wall for extended periods of time.
Pros
- Hardy construction
- Reinforced gear loops for outdoor climbs
- Comfortable for all day climbing and belaying.
Cons
- Leg loops are unadjustable
- Not the most lightweight model in the market
3. PETZL Corax Harness
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Number of Gear Loops: 4 Adjustable leg loops: Adjustable Weight of Harness: 0.5 lbs |
A distinct feature of the harness, the Petzl Corax has 4 reinforced buckles that allows for it to fit a wide range of climber body shapes. The padded leg loops are wide and soft, made with soft fabric inners to maximise comfort and performance. Lastly, the ample gear loops allow for storage of your entire range of trad or sport climbing gear to safely lead a route.
Pros
- 4 points adjustment for optimal fit
- Padded waistbands for comfort
- 2 pressure molded and 2 flexible loops
Cons
- Twisted leg loops can cause discomfort
- Buckles may added pressure points wen catching a fall
4. Metolius Safe Tech Deluxe SB Harness Women
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Number of Gear Loops: 4 Adjustable leg loops: Adjustable Weight of Harness: 1.12 lbs |
The deluxe SB model is designed to maximize safety and also mobility on the routes tackling sit ins and wide moves. It provides sturdy support for the climber to excel on the sport climbing route with ease.
Pros
- Fully adjustable wait and leg loops
- Wide and well cushioned leg loops for optimal comfort
- Designed to provide lower back support
Cons
- Complex Double central loop,
- Gear loops are not symmetrical
5. PETZL SAMA Men Climbing Harness
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Number of Gear Loops: 4 Adjustable leg loops: Non-Adjustable Weight of Harness: 0.5 lbs |
Designed with large gear loops and a rated haul looop, the Petzl SAMA is a versatile harness that is a mid range harness at a good price. Its a great multi use harness for trad cragging, sports climbing and multi-pitching. The high-tech Endoframe technology at leg loops and waist belts makes this harness relatively comfortable even when you’re hanging and belaying for long hours.
Pros
- UIAA certified
- Lightweight
- Good carrying capacity
- Well padded for maximum comfort
Cons
- Bulkier in nature
- Not designed for alpine or ice climbing
- Non-adjustable leg loops
- Front loop is harder to intuitively spot against the rest of the harness
6. Mammut Ophir 3 Slide individuell harness
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| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Number of Gear Loops: 4 Adjustable leg loops: Adjustable Weight of Harness: 0.82 lbs |
An all rounded harness that is moderateely priced and lightweight. While a little bulkier than the other brands, it is a versatile provides everything you need from a harness for a long multi-pitch or trad climbing route. There is adequete gear loops to hang all of your gear, it is fully adjustable with 3 traditional buckles. Lastly, it is made with a breathable material that helps cut down on sweat buildup for those long exposed multi-pitches.
Pros
- 4 gear loops
- Synthetic abrasion protection at the tie in loop
- Breathable
- Adjustable leg loops
Cons
- Bulky in nature compared to other similar models
- Monochromatic design.
Verdict
After all of our long research about the Best Sport Climbing Harness, we found that Black Diamond Solution Harness is the best Sport Climbing Harness available today.
There’s also a Premium Option with all the best features and high-quality materials if you have more money to spend, namely Black Diamond Men Solution Climbing Harness.
However, if you are on a slightly tighter budget, you can also consider the PETZL Corax Harness as an affordable alternative.
Our other reviews you may find useful in your research:
What You Should Know Before Buying Sport Climbing Harnesses
Maintaining your harness
Similar to other climbing personal protective equipment, in short PPE, climbing harnesses should be well kept and taken care of to protect from wear and tear. Suppliers are legally obliged to include information on th product on how to clean and store your harness optimally. This information can also be accessed on the supplier’s website. Regardless of the brand, some key characteristics are there: harnesses should always be stored dry, away from direct sunlight, and safe from any chemicals or corrosive agents (e.g. bleach). If your harness comes into contact with sea water and sand, you’ll need to wash it with warm clean water. A gentle spin with no cleaning agents required. Lastly, harnesses should never be modified as it compromises its safety.
Questions and Answers About Sport Climbing Harnesses
How much does a full trad rack cost?
The cost of a full trad rack can vary drastically depending on the quality of the equipment that you purchase. Never sacrifice quality for savings as you could ultimately pay with your life. You can expect to spend at least 500$ on your trad rack.
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