How to Choose the Proper Fitting Rock Climbing Harness

A correctly fitted rock-climbing harness not only offers safety but also comfort for all-day rock sessions. Harnesses are designed to react a certain way when a climber takes a fall, and an ill-fitted harness will not react the way that it was designed. That's because the weight of the climber is not proportioned the same on all of the pressure points. In order to ensure your safety and the integrity of your harness, it is important to choose a properly fitting rock-climbing harness right from the start.

Things You'll Need

  • Tape measure
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Instructions

    • 1

      Begin by taking a few basic body measurements. Measure the distance around your waist, 1 inch above your naval. Measure the distance around each thigh 6 inches below your hip bone. These measurements will get you into the general size classification in climbing harnesses (small, medium, large or simply the waist measurement).

    • 2

      Visit a climbing shop and work with a certified shop professional on finding a harness that suits your needs. Determine what type of climbing you do: Are you an alpinist who needs a harness large enough to go over outer wear, but minimal padding because you rarely hang in the harness? Are you a sport climber who needs a light, medium-padded harness to work hard sport routes and hang in briefly after falls? Or are you a trad climber who works big walls and long cracks and needs a fully padded harness that offers all-day comfort whether you are sitting, standing or hanging? Once you choose a type of harness, use the measurements from Step 1 to pick out your general size.

    • 3

      Put the harness on. Tighten the waist belt and leg straps. The waist belt should sit above or right at your naval and should be snug, but it should not cut your breath off. The leg loops need to be as snug as possible and should sit right at the base of your pelvic bone. There should be adjustment straps that will lengthen or shorten the harness "torso length" or the vertical length of the harness itself. The vertical length should allow a full range of movement, but should not allow you to pull the harness up or down while you are wearing it.