Adding Gear Loops to Harness

I have the Metolius Trad Harness ( metoliusclimbing.com/safe-t…) and I love it, but would like to add a couple more gear loops to it. Anyone have experience doing it or, better yet, have a place they can suggest here in Utah that does work like that?

Personally I haven't seen it done, nor would I be comfortable throwing needle and thread at my lifeline.

BUT, you might have success if you take a gear loop or two off an old harness and run down to the Black Diamond center and head over to the warranty guys or possibly the fabrics design shop which is fairly close to the warranty guys.

-----Bring them beer as an added incentive to modify your gear-----

Are there any small openings to run cord through? The old BD alpine bod came without gear loops but has a few small sewn loops to run cord through and add loops. You could run cord then add a few stitches to hold it in place without seriously modifying the harness. Online forums and the BD climbing department both recommend picking up plastic tubing from a hardware store and running the cord through the tubing to make the loop easier to clip.

Just curious, what are you climbing that you need more than 4 gear loops?

I have modified a couple of pieces of gear over the years, mostly packs, and find that 1" tubular webbing and an speedy-stitcher will get the job done (for things that don't need to be fall-rated). Roll or fold the webbing in half and it will hold form quite well. Use the speedy-stitcher and just add loops as you see fit. Your ability to sew and your attention to detail will be the deciding factor on how professional it turns out. Over the years I have done some items that look really good, I've also rushed jobs and it is easy to tell. As for damaging the harness, you really can't do any harm to it by stitching a couple of loops onto it.

Anything more professional is going to require a heavy-duty sewing machine for a DIY approach, but if you have the tools and know-how it wouldn't be difficult to add a piece of rolled webbing to the waist band that is already securing your gear loops.

I believe BD will re-sling cams, so I imagine that they could do your harness no problem. Personally, I would seek out a local bag manufacturer such as velocitybags.com/ and ask them. They should have the tools and materials on-site to add your gear loops.

If you're carrying that much gear, why not just use a gear sling?

Don't get me wrong I like racking on my harness for most stuff too -- but there comes a point where it starts to get too cluttered and a gear sling just makes life so much easier than wearing a 20lb metal skirt.

I've added extra loops to a few harnesses by sewing 6mm accessory cord into/onto existing loops. This may work for you as well:

Extra loops sew onto harness

For the upper harness, I sewed the accessory cord directly into the existing loops. To do this, it's useful to cut the accessory cord such that the sheath is longer than the core by a few mm on each side. Then, after burning the accessory cord ends, you only have to sew through the sheath, and the resulting joint is not very thick.

For the lower harness, I looped the accessory cord around the existing harness loops and then sewed it back onto itself.

Both methods work, but the direct sewing (upper harness) is cleaner, less bulky.

I like having this 5th loop for stashing self-rescue items and/or other rarely used gear.

Thanks for the suggestions guys. To answer the Ryan's questions - it's not that I carry a ton of crap, it's just that I find separate loops cleaner and more efficient and I'm really bad at using a gear sling. Seriously. I'm surprised I haven't choked myself to death using one yet.

And Killis - I got a baby girl coming in one week. I need all my moneys for diapers; can't afford a new harness.

Austin Baird wrote:And Killis - I got a baby girl coming in one week. I need all my moneys for diapers; can't afford a new harness.

What size harness do you wear? I got a medium Cadillac just collection dust. I'd only ask for shipping.

PM sent!

Reboot, that's a classy move. Good on ya!

Austin cured my son's scoliosis.

I missed the rear 5th loop on my replacement harness, so I threaded some accessory cord through some clear plastic tubing (same diameter as gear loops), and simply tied it to the other gear loops and around the belt. Holds in place and I can rack anything I need. No needles or permanent modifications required.

I use it mainly when multi pitching trad for anchor gear, approach shoes, water bottle, and bail gear, should it ever be needed. Basically anything I want to bring up the route, but don't need to access while I climb.