In the last few years, we’ve noticed sport climbing becoming more and more popular and mainstream, mainly thanks to movies like free solo or climbing being in the recent Olympics. If you’re new to this sport and are starting on your belay, top rope lessons and lead climbing classes, its time to invest in your own good and trusty harness instead of borrowing rental ones. From comfort to the number of handles to the material of the leg loops, we’re sharing some of the best sport climbing harnesses that are designed for performance for climbing in an indoor gym or outdoor crag.
What is the Best Sport Climbing Harness?
Below you’ll find the list of the top 5 Best Sport Climbing Harness. We compiled this list from sport climbing harnesses we have used, asked others about, and researched further to give you the best possible roundup. With many years of experience with climbing harness for sport climbing you can be assured that this article will give you what you’re looking for.
We also wrote a buying guide and answered some of the frequently asked questions (FAQs) at the end of this article.
1. Black Diamond Men Solution Climbing Harness
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 1.9 pounds (0.86 kg) Number of Gear Loops: 4 Adjustable leg loops: No User Weight Capacity: 250 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
2. PETZL Corax Harness
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 1.1 pounds (0.5 kg) Number of Gear Loops: 4 Adjustable leg loops: Yes User Weight Capacity: 264 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
3. Metolius Safe Tech Deluxe SB Harness
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 2.47 pounds (1.12 kg) Number of Gear Loops: 4 Adjustable leg loops: Yes User Weight Capacity: 310 lbs |
The Deluxe SB Model is flexible and designed with safety as the top prority, especially for those tricky sit-ins and broad moves! It offers solid support, letting you conquer sport climbing routes with confidence and ease. It’s fully adjustable and offers extra cushion to keep you comfortable throughout your climb. However, you should keep in mind that the design is a bit complex compared to more mainstream models and may take one or two uses to figure out. However, we do love its added lower back support.
Pros
- Fully adjustable
- Wide design for comfort
- Cusioned legs
- Added lower back support
Cons
- Double central loop is a bit complex
4. PETZL SAMA Men Climbing Harness
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| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 1.1 pounds (0.5 kg) Number of Gear Loops: 4 Adjustable leg loops: No User Weight Capacity: 310 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
5. Mammut Ophir 3 Slide individuell harness
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 1.81 pounds (0.82 kg) Number of Gear Loops: 4 Adjustable leg loops: Yes |
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
Based on all of our experience with climbing harness for sport climbing, we found that Black Diamond Men Solution Climbing Harness is the best sport climbing harness available today.
Our Premium Option is Metolius Safe Tech Deluxe SB Harness with all the best features and high-quality materials, but that’s only if you have more money to spend.
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
Suspension and Shock-Absorption
Two of the most important features of any harness are suspension and shock absorption. Being suspended comfortably is important so you can feel your best while resting or hanging but also to make sure you have proper circulation as you climb. If not, you could experience suspension trauma, which happens after being suspended for too long. You also need to think about shock absorption especially if you are doing lead climbing. Not all harnesses are designed for shock as a top priority, so look for harnesses with this feature if you’re concerned about a high fall as a trad or big wall climber.
Maintaining Your Harness
Similar to other climbing personal protective equipment, you need to maintain your harness well. 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.
Which is the best climbing harness for big guys?
If you’re a big guy, you definitely have options for a climbing harness. Most harnesses are fully adjustable so you can get them to fit you comfortably. Our top recommendation for this is the PETZL Sama, which is fully adjustable and perfect for larger frames. For the most part, though, all of these harnesses can handle larger body sizes and weight.
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