A rappelling harness can literally be your lifeline on a climb. The rope harness attaches you to the climbing rope, and its fit and quality can determine how safely and comfortably you can make your way down a wall. With so much riding on those bits of rope, leather, canvas and metal, it only makes sense to choose a rappelling harness that fits your body and suits your climbing style. These tips will help you choose the best rope harness for your particular needs.
Different Harness Styles for Different Climbing Styles
Multipurpose harnesses are designed to be used in many different climbing situations. Because they offer most of the features you'll need for any type of sport climbing, they're the ideal choice for a beginner. Among the features to look for:
- padded leg loops and waist belts
- detachable leg loop
- gear racking loops
- detachable front loop for easy attachment to belaying or rappel lines
Alpine harnesses are designed for serious expeditions and long mountain climbs. The major focus is on light weight and durable, strong materials. Features to consider include:
- minimal padding to reduce bulk and weight
- non-absorbent materials to withstand wet weather
- adjustable waist belt and leg loop
- detachable leg loops to allow for easy toilet breaks
Big wall harnesses are designed for doing multi-day climbs in multi-pitch environments. The focus is on comfort and durability. Features to look for in big wall harnesses are:
- padded waist belts and leg loops
- multiple gear loops
- full-strength haul loop
- adjustable waist belt for better fit
Competition harnesses are designed for speed events and competition climbs. They're lightweight, slim and feature few frills.
Rope Harness Types - Which is right for you?
Leg loop/waist belt harnesses are the simplest form of rope harness. When you loved this post along with you desire to obtain guidance relating to Studded dog collars i implore you to check out our web page. They consist of a waist belt and a pair of leg loops joined together in the front with a belay loop. They can be adjustable to allow for a more customized fit. It's possible these separately for maximum customization. Climbers should never attempt a climb wearing just leg loops or just waist belts because of safety considerations.
Diaper harnesses are harnesses that consist of a waist belt with the leg loop sewn into it, like a diaper. The leg loop and waist belt are typically both adjustable, and the leg loops may be detachable to allow climbers ease in changing clothing or taking toilet breaks.
These two types of harnesses can be used by anyone with training, but are best suited to male body types.
Full body harnesses are designed for slim, narrow-hipped adults and for children. In addition to the waist belt and leg loop, a full body harness also fits over the shoulders to help keep the climber in the harness if a fall results in them being turned upside down. They also are designed to tie in higher, reducing the risk of flipping backward during a climb.
Chest harnesses are additions rather than separate harnesses, as they should always be used with a seat harness. They are designed to help prevent backward falls and turning upside down during dangerous climbs. Chest and seat harnesses together are more versatile than a full body harness because they allow the chest harness to be removed when it's not needed.
Women's harnesses are designed specifically to account for the differences between men's and women's typical body shapes. They have a longer rise, smaller waist and larger leg loop size than unisex rope harnesses and provide a better, safer fit for women climbers.
Choosing the right rappelling harness will make your climbing experience safer and more comfortable. Take the time to learn about the differences between the different types and styles of harnesses, and be sure to fit them properly to your body. Your life could depend on it.
Different Harness Styles for Different Climbing Styles
Multipurpose harnesses are designed to be used in many different climbing situations. Because they offer most of the features you'll need for any type of sport climbing, they're the ideal choice for a beginner. Among the features to look for:
- padded leg loops and waist belts
- detachable leg loop
- gear racking loops
- detachable front loop for easy attachment to belaying or rappel lines
Alpine harnesses are designed for serious expeditions and long mountain climbs. The major focus is on light weight and durable, strong materials. Features to consider include:
- minimal padding to reduce bulk and weight
- non-absorbent materials to withstand wet weather
- adjustable waist belt and leg loop
- detachable leg loops to allow for easy toilet breaks
Big wall harnesses are designed for doing multi-day climbs in multi-pitch environments. The focus is on comfort and durability. Features to look for in big wall harnesses are:
- padded waist belts and leg loops
- multiple gear loops
- full-strength haul loop
- adjustable waist belt for better fit
Competition harnesses are designed for speed events and competition climbs. They're lightweight, slim and feature few frills.
Rope Harness Types - Which is right for you?
Leg loop/waist belt harnesses are the simplest form of rope harness. When you loved this post along with you desire to obtain guidance relating to Studded dog collars i implore you to check out our web page. They consist of a waist belt and a pair of leg loops joined together in the front with a belay loop. They can be adjustable to allow for a more customized fit. It's possible these separately for maximum customization. Climbers should never attempt a climb wearing just leg loops or just waist belts because of safety considerations.
Diaper harnesses are harnesses that consist of a waist belt with the leg loop sewn into it, like a diaper. The leg loop and waist belt are typically both adjustable, and the leg loops may be detachable to allow climbers ease in changing clothing or taking toilet breaks.
These two types of harnesses can be used by anyone with training, but are best suited to male body types.
Full body harnesses are designed for slim, narrow-hipped adults and for children. In addition to the waist belt and leg loop, a full body harness also fits over the shoulders to help keep the climber in the harness if a fall results in them being turned upside down. They also are designed to tie in higher, reducing the risk of flipping backward during a climb.
Chest harnesses are additions rather than separate harnesses, as they should always be used with a seat harness. They are designed to help prevent backward falls and turning upside down during dangerous climbs. Chest and seat harnesses together are more versatile than a full body harness because they allow the chest harness to be removed when it's not needed.
Women's harnesses are designed specifically to account for the differences between men's and women's typical body shapes. They have a longer rise, smaller waist and larger leg loop size than unisex rope harnesses and provide a better, safer fit for women climbers.
Choosing the right rappelling harness will make your climbing experience safer and more comfortable. Take the time to learn about the differences between the different types and styles of harnesses, and be sure to fit them properly to your body. Your life could depend on it.
