How to Choose a Climbing Harness for Mountaineering
- 1). Determine what type of climbing you will do. Choose a "multi-sport" harness if you are a beginner. This will allow you to participate safely in a variety of climbing activities, from top-roping a serious climb in Yosemite National Park to "bouldering" at your local climbing spot. A multi-sport harness will also allow you to climb safely at an indoor climbing gym, so you can continue to practice in inclement weather.
- 2). Choose a type of harness based on your body style and physique. If you are female, select a women's harness, which takes into account the differences between male and female bodies. If you will be climbing with a heavy pack, choose a chest harness. This will protect you from the weight of the pack if you fall head-down. If you have narrow hips and a narrow waist, select a full-body harness that secures your shoulders as well as your hips. By securing your shoulders as well, this protects you from slipping out of the harness if you fall upside down.
- 3). Select a harness that fits you appropriately but is also adjustable for different clothing styles, depending on the weather. Choose a model that fits snugly around your waist, without being too tight. Check that the leg straps fit snugly as well but are not uncomfortable.
Be sure that you do not get a seat that is too tight. When climbing, the load of your body weight will cause the seat to tighten further, causing a loss of mobility. Don't choose a fit that is too loose either, which could allow the harness to slide up around your torso and then tighten, causing difficulty breathing.
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