If you’ve got a head for heights and want to take your climbing to the next level, you’ll need to invest in the right gear. Here we take an in-depth look into one of the most important pieces of equipment for any climber: the harness. Designed to catch you when you fall and hold you safely against the cliff when needed, in this guide, we’ll take you through the parts of the harness, the different harnesses available and how to find the right fit.
The Parts of a Harness
A climbing harness is made up of several key parts, each serving a specific function for safety, comfort, and gear organisation. Here’s a breakdown of the main components:
Waist Belt
Leg Loops
Buckles
Gear Loops
Haul Loop
Belay Loop
Tie-In Points
Rise/Elastic Straps
Ice Clipper Slots
Which Harness is Right for You?
Climbing harnesses come in a variety of designs, each tailored to specific climbing styles and needs. Your choice will depend on your experience and the type of climbing you plan to pursue.
Trad Harness
Trad (traditional) harnesses are built for climbers who need to carry a large rack of gear.
Sport Harness
Sport harnesses are designed to be as light and streamlined as possible.
All-Round Harness
All-round harnesses are versatile and suitable for a range of climbing activities, from gym sessions to outdoor routes.
Alpine Harness
Alpine harnesses prioritise weight savings and packability for mountaineering and ski touring.
Winter Harness
Winter harnesses are built to withstand cold, wet conditions.
Women's Harnesses
Women’s harnesses are designed to better fit the female body.
Choosing the right harness ensures comfort, safety, and efficiency - whether you’re clipping bolts at the gym, racking up for a trad route, or heading into the mountains for an alpine adventure.
Finding the Right Fit
Getting the fit is important for your safety and comfort, which is why we recommend coming in-store to get some expert advice. It’s also a great opportunity to try a few different makes and models to see which suits you best. Below we share the things to look out for when having your harness fitted:
Climbing Harness FAQs
There are three main types: sport/indoor harnesses (lightweight, minimal gear loops), trad harnesses (more gear loops, extra padding for comfort), and alpine/mountaineering harnesses (adjustable, lightweight, often with ice clipper slots). Choose based on your climbing style and the gear you’ll need to carry.
A harness should fit snugly around your waist, above your hip bones, without pinching or restricting movement. Leg loops should be comfortable, allowing two fingers to fit between the loop and your thigh. Adjustable leg loops offer flexibility for layering in different conditions.
Beginners should prioritise comfort, ease of adjustment, and a simple design. Look for padded waist and leg loops, adjustable straps, and a secure, easy-to-use buckle system. All-around harnesses are ideal for learning and versatile enough for indoor and outdoor use.
No, harnesses are designed for specific activities. Sport harnesses are lightweight for gym or sport routes, trad harnesses have more gear loops for carrying protection, and alpine harnesses are built for cold conditions and versatility. Always match your harness to your climbing discipline.
Check for UIAA or CE certification labels on the harness. These indicate the harness has passed international safety tests for climbing equipment, ensuring reliable performance and protection during use.
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