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Looking for a new harness, recommendations?

Original Post
Sam Stephens · · PORTLAND, OR · Joined Jan 2010 · Points: 1,090

I'm after a new harness. Let's start with a short list of climbing over the past couple years to get an idea of what I need though.

New River Gorge
Red River Gorge
Wind River Range
Vedauwoo
Longs Peak Diamond
Devils Tower
Red Rocks

So, I climb a lot of different things, and I need a harness that does it all well. For the past two years I've been climbing in a Wild Country Elite Ziplock. I like it a lot for a few reasons, but there are things I don't like.

There are two key things that set this harness apart for me, it has a REAR GEAR LOOP and an offset haul loop.

I don't care for the leg loops, they cut into my legs after hanging for a while, and it is a bit bulky when packing for long hikes, but not terrible. One thing that it has done that I don't care for is the webbing on the waist belt and leg loops has appeared to fray where it's been in contact with the speed adjust buckles. They seem to have a sharp edge on the inside almost.

What I need in a harness in order of importance:

Organization
Comfort
Durability
Lightweight

Any good recommendations? I climb a lot of sport and single pitch trad. I do spend a good bit of time climbing gear routes that are only 2-3 pitches but love getting out onto big routes although it isn't that often that I get the chance to do that. I don't want a Cirque or a Big Gun, I don't need 3 gear loops on each side. That's clutter.

I live in SC and was thinking about making a trip to talk to Misty Mountain and getting one of their harnesses and seeing about having a gear loop added on the rear.

Chris Graham · · Bartlett, NH · Joined Jun 2008 · Points: 545

Totally LOVE my Trango Eldo. Lightweight, inexpensive, gear loops are stout, has a haul loop...comfortable and an old school double back belt. Great pricepoint too. I have lighter harnesses at home but seem to always reach for this one for both sport and trad...it just fits!

Trango Eldo

Edward Medina · · Ridgway, CO · Joined Nov 2007 · Points: 1,061

+1 for Misty. These guys are avid supporters of all the local access issues in the region, AND they make a great product. Give em your business.

goatdavemac Mac · · Flat Rock, NC · Joined Mar 2011 · Points: 20

Misty all the way....never had a better, more comfy harness, and you can talk to the people who are sewing it....great company

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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