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Beginner Tips for Your Climbing Harness

As you get into rock climbing, knowing the right sort of harness for you, and how to use that harness effectively, can be a bit tricky.

Much of what you are paying for with increased cost is not more effective safety (which comes almost entirely from proper use and fit), but increased comfort and additional features. The added strengths of these more expensive harnesses tend to fit more easily, since they are designed to fit a wider variety of potential climbers. They also tend to have more padding or foam to make your climb more about the climb and less about the distraction that you harness can provide.

For maximum safety with your climbing harness, you will want to be sure that you get one that fits appropriately. In a normal fit, you want to be certain that you have at least a couple of inches between the main harness and you and that you have at least two inches of additional rope to fasten the harness tighter.

Men and women have different shapes and weight placements, so a climbing harness that is specific to your gender is advisable.

Once you've found a harness that fits correctly, be willing to invest. It's a good idea to try it out at the store prior to purchase, just to be sure that it fits comfortably and doesn't simply look like it does. When buying online, trying the same size and model of climbing harness at a local store beforehand is a good idea. Just buy a cliff bar from them on your way out to thank them for their trouble.