Are Arc’teryx Harnesses Armazing?

I’m doing some traveling soon and really want to travel as light and compact as possible, it seems like the Arc’teryx harnesses pack down to nothing, yet people seem to like them a lot. I’ll being doing exclusively single pitch climbing on the trip...I currently am using a BD Harness, don’t remember the model, but it’s blue with adjustable legs and has placement for ice screw holders and a long cord across the back for extra gear. . . I’m sure one of you gear heads know which one I’m talking about...should I “upgrade”?

Can't go wrong, comfy, light, compact, durable.
The only downside is the price but I find it worth it.

If you have the $ to upgrade it’s worth it but if you’re doing single pitch I don’t think it’s necessary. They are really comfy though.

I think they are worth paying full price for. Obviously finding a deal would be nice, but when its time to replace my current dead bird harness, if I don't find one on sale, I will pay full price for another.

BD and Petzl do have minimalist harnesses that probably pack down similarly, but might not be as comfortable. You'll pay significantly less for a BD or Petzl harness though.

I would consider the BD Solution as a lower priced alternative.

I upgraded from a bd momentum to the ar395a. Never looked back

I’m not sure what kind of travel you are doing for single-pitch sport climbing, such that the packability of the harness makes a difference...

I think it is silly.

I do love my arcteryx harness, it is very light and comfortable for me, and yes, sure, packs small... but my husband found the Arcteryx harness to be less comfortable for him — the super-thin waist band/leg loops started folding in half on him, and he’s been using BD Solution harness, a bit thicker than Arcteryx, but more comfortable for him.

So my advice would be, if you have a “starter” BD harness, and it’s wearing out, by all means, shop around, and find the most comfortable and best-fitting harness for you, regardless of the brand. And don’t worry about couple oz of weight difference, and a few millimeters of padding thickness. Otherwise, just travel with the harness you’ve got, and bring one less T-shirt. 

I think the Solution is more comfy for sport climbing. I just got the Solution Guide and it’s similar but maybe a touch more robust 

+1 for the AR-395. Light, amazing packability, large gear loops that you can adjust (front or back leaning) and amazing weight distribution across the waist. 

Jon Frisby wrote: I think the Solution is more comfy for sport climbing. I just got the Solution Guide and it’s similar but maybe a touch more robust 

If I could only have one harness it would would be the solution guide, but I also have a solution for the gym.

can we cover the topic now as to why they are go g*d damn expensive....?

Well there's the fact that they unweave the webbing then laminate it by hand in the waist belt. And there's the fact that there's an Arcteryx logo on it.

Yes.

Doug Chism wrote:

If I could only have one harness it would would be the solution guide, but I also have a solution for the gym.

Is it true the gear loops are in-fact larger on the Solution Guide than the normal Solution? I'm considering the Guide as a new trad harness.

Erik B wrote:

Is it true the gear loops are in-fact larger on the Solution Guide than the normal Solution? I'm considering the Guide as a new trad harness.

I would hope so. The regular solution has the dinkiest little gear loops I've ever seen. I use it as a gym harness exclusively so that doesn't affect me too much 

Proud owner of a FL365. Non adjustable but flexible leg loops are my fav feature. It packs down to fist size, and is extremely comfy despite how thin it is. Crushes BD harnesses in so many ways. I've owned the solution, momentum, and chaos.

Runs larger than BD. I have a large and reeaallly wish i had a medium. 

Kyle Elliott wrote: Proud owner of a FL365. Non adjustable but flexible leg loops are my fav feature. It packs down to fist size, and is extremely comfy despite how thin it is. Crushes BD harnesses in so many ways. I've owned the solution, momentum, and chaos.

Runs larger than BD. I have a large and reeaallly wish i had a medium. 

What’s your waist size? I’m a 33 pant.

I have both a Petzl Sitta and an Arcteryx FL-365.  The Petzl Sitta is lighter, more compact, and more comfortable. Both are great harnesses.

Nick S wrote: I have both a Petzl Sitta and an Arcteryx FL-365.  The Petzl Sitta is lighter, more compact, and more comfortable. Both are great harnesses.

If you think the Arc’teryx harnesses are expensive then you’ll love the Sitta!

Scott Fagen wrote:

What’s your waist size? I’m a 33 pant.

same.  32-34 typically. the large I have to cinch it all the way down. It's  nice when it's cold because layers easily fit underneath but its slightly loose if I'm just wearing a shirt. 

Yes they are very good. Favorite harness to date. I climb in the FL. I would hate to pay full price but likely would if I had to.

I think my Edelrid Ace Ambassador is incredibly comfy and I usually wear a MM Cadillac, which is hella comfy, on long easy days