Mountain Project Logo

Big wall harness recommendation?

Andrew Rice · · Los Angeles, CA · Joined Jan 2016 · Points: 11

Not a big wall climber but I have a BD Big Gun I use just as a regular trad harness and really like it. Comfortable all day long.

WoodyW · · Alaska · Joined Sep 2014 · Points: 70

I'm a huge fan of my Black Diamond Big Gun! I'm planning my first big wall soon, but, have only trad climbed in it with lots of gear on the loops. Many hours have been spent in a hanging belay and around the waist, the padding is quite forgiving during a whip. My only quibble with them is the leg loop size. At a 32in' waist and solid legs(from squat training), they feel fairly snug and wish they had a little more expansion room. Other than that, it's my perfect type of harness! Double belay loops are handy too!

Andre Fortin · · Waterdown, ON · Joined Jan 2017 · Points: 25

I've been using the BD Big Gun as well, for about a year, and I really like it. It's been my go to harness for trad/aid/big wall.

Andre

jackkelly00 · · Chocorua, NH · Joined Apr 2009 · Points: 325

+1 for Waldo wall harness. Own a Yates and big gun, prefer Waldo to both

jc5462 · · Hereford, Arizona · Joined Dec 2007 · Points: 0

Yates Shield since 1996 own 5 of them. I have even used it in gym, ice,trad, wall climbs,SAR. Even used it during a cave rescue (I don't recommend it for caves!) Have spent many hours hanging in it. Being an old fart with skinny legs I use a custom ordered Yates Shield with large waist and small leg loops. Pretty much once you get your leg loops set just slip on and off and just deal with the waist buckles. 

Christina kalb · · Boulder, CO · Joined Apr 2008 · Points: 922

+1 for the Misty.  But, as others have said, go for what is most comfortable.  Most times I only need to adjust 1 of the 4 buckles to get my harness on.  And trust me, you CAN climb in a big wall harness.  This might be TMI, but women gain, on average, 5lbs at certain times of their cycles.  The 0.7 ounce (slightly less than 0.5 lb) addition of a big wall harness over my regular harness is barely noticeable in comparison.  Put it on and climb!

Ryan Hamilton · · Orem · Joined Aug 2011 · Points: 5

I've done the Nose and a few towers in the Cassin Warden harness. It's pretty great. It is wider and padded, but not so much around the waist that it makes it uncomfortable to sleep in like some of the big wall harnesses out there. 

Robert Rowsam · · Grand Junction, CO · Joined Oct 2012 · Points: 230
James T wrote: Anyone ever see or try the Singing Rock Dome?  Above all else it has an attractive price point

I've used it a ton. I like it, the leg loops do detach in the back, but after spending three days straight in it, I started to get some hot spots and bruises on my hips. Looking at Misty Mountain, but can't decide between the Cadillac and the Titan. Does anyone have experience with both? Is the Titan to bulky to free climb with? Is the Cadillac to light to spend a few days in? 

Steve Bartlett · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jan 2001 · Points: 3,366

On my second Misty Mountain Titan. Love it. Super comfy for hanging in, falling in, aiding, free climbing. The leg loops are about 4 inches wide, for effortless hanging for days. Only issues with the Titan is the gear loops would be better located about an inch forward of where they are. And the buckles are a bit clumsy to adjust and tighten, I do like the modern ones that don't need to be doubled back. Otherwise it's a perfect harness for me for everything and anything. I tried the Yates Shield, but it seems a tad overbuilt and bulky, and has one-inch webbing for the belay loop which is awkward to use with carabiners.    

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

Big Wall and Aid Climbing
Post a Reply to "Big wall harness recommendation?"

Log In to Reply
Welcome

Join the Community! It's FREE

Already have an account? Login to close this notice.