Climbing Harnesses - Types

It is important to have the right Rock Climbing Gear and Equipment for the climbing style that you are engaged in. In essence, you should have the Climbing Harness which will meet the requirements of the climb.

There are different types of Climbing Harnesses, each having its own features and disadvantages. In this section, know the different types of Climbing Harnesses and determine what kind suits your Climbing needs:


Sit Harnesses
A Sit Harness has a waist belt and leg loops, and it is worn around the hips. This type of Climbing Harness provides security and at the same time, allows enough room for movement of climbers.


Chest Harnesses
Stay upright during the climb. If you are climbing or descending with a heavy pack or crossing crevasse during a glacier climb, it is advisable to wear a Chest Harness together with a Sit Harness. This combination will prevent you from turning upside down. Moreover, the security that the Chest-and-Sit Harness can give is the same as what a Full-body Harness can provide. The difference is that a Chest-and-Sit Harness is flexible in such a way that it will give you the choice of wearing or removing the Chest Harness. Use it when necessary or if you want additional support.

Full-body Harnesses
In general, a Full-body Harness is similar to the Chest-and-Sit Harness in terms of security and support. However, the chest and sit harnesses in a Full-body Harness can be connected to each other permanently or semi-permanently.

This type is made for young climbers as well as adults with slim figure and those who need additional support in case they cannot stay upright.


These are the basic Types of Climbing Harnesses. Know the type of Rock Climbing that you are into, assess your Climbing needs, and then determine what type of harness suits you.

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