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Harness Construction: Laminated vs 3D Vent vs Webbing

Original Post
FourT6and2 ... · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Mar 2015 · Points: 45

I'm just starting out. So far just been climbing at an indoor gym using their rental harnesses. About to get my own harness and shoes and had narrowed it down to Petzl after trying a bunch on. In another thread comparing the new Sama and new Adjama, someone mentioned:

"The two harnesses you mentioned are both load-baring webbing harnesses. You should also look into laminated constructions or 3D-Vent harnesses."

Can anybody clarify or go into more detail about the three types mentioned? Pros/cons of each? Or at least how they differ in terms of construction?

For now, I'll be climbing at the gym. But I hope to eventually get out into the real world and I want to make sure the harness I get will function well for when that time comes.

Thanks

EDIT: I tried on all the harnesses my local shops had (REI and my climbing gym), which included Arc'teryx 395a, some BD, Edelrid, and Petzl. The Petzl Adjama was the most comfortable. Arc'teryx wasn't bad either. But it was pretty floppy and thin and didn't seem like there was anything to it.

EthanC · · Bay Area, CA · Joined Jun 2013 · Points: 253

Those are both alternate construction techniques whereby the foam is structural and incorporated into the loop so there isn't a pressure point and you save a little weight. Honestly, if you're mostly gym climbing or starting out, I would really recommend the Black Diamond SA. It's like 45 bucks and is a really solid, comfortable harness without a ton of bells and fancy frills. It is slightly bulkier and heavier than an expensive harness, but not that much and I really don't think you'll notice. Once you have been climbing for a while then I might look at some of the fancy harnesses. But I know plenty of people that still climb in Momentum harnesses. Just my unsolicited 2 cents.

Max Forbes · · Colorado · Joined Jan 2014 · Points: 108

Your likely to find a clearance Adajama for 55 bucks. You won't notice the difference in construction to be honest. Find a harness that feels most comfortable based on padding, shape, etc. Especislly since your only in the gym, it hardly matters at this stage. Most people don't upgrade to high end harnesses until they start bolting, setting, or tackling long multi-pitch routes.

Louis Eubank · · Portland, ME · Joined Nov 2008 · Points: 181

Go with whatever felt the most comfortable. If money is super tight, go with the cheapest, but you'll be belaying in it for a while. Saving $20 to be grumpy every time you belay is penny wise, pound foolish. And support your local shop. I'm sure you'll be able to find one for a few bucks cheaper online, but if you've gone in, tried on their harnesses, solicited advice, then you've taken some of their valuable time. Pay them for that time by getting your harness from them.

My $0.02

FourT6and2 ... · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Mar 2015 · Points: 45

Cool, thanks y'all.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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