How to Double Back a Climbing Harness

Safety is one of the primary concerns for any rock climber. The climbing harness is, quite literally, the climber's lifeline and its soundness can mean the difference between a safe climb and a trip to the hospital. One of the most important aspects of correctly strapping into your climbing harness is doubling back the strap. You must double back your climbing harness to ensure that the buckles remain tight during your climb, keeping you safe.

Instructions

    • 1

      Step both legs through the leg openings of the climbing harness.

    • 2

      Pull the harness up, aligning the top of the harness with your waist.

    • 3

      Wrap the waist belt completely around your waist.

    • 4

      Pass the end of the strap through the slot on the waist buckle which is closest to the end of the strap. Pull the strap tight to remove any slack.

    • 5

      Pass the end of the strap in the opposite direction through the second slot on the waist buckle. Pull the strap tight.

    • 6

      Lift the buckle slightly away from your waist. Loop the buckle back around and pass the free end of the strap back through the first loop, so that the strap points back toward the direction you originally wrapped it in.