Perhaps the worst part about trad climbing is tripping over that $1,500 glorified weight belt slung over your shoulder. We tested the Hummingbird Hover gear sling/pack system ($59.95; hummingbirdmountaingear.com) on trad routes throughout Colorado and found it was a superb alternative to a traditional over-the-shoulder gear sling.
Like much of your climbing gear, harnesses not only have to provide critical protection, but also must offer adequate comfort for hanging out on whatever kinds of climb you like to do. From Cadillac big-wall rigs to ultra-trim sport-climbing models, here' what you should look for in terms of features, padding, and fit.
Climbing magazine's editors present 2012's best carabiners, quickdraws, cams, and more.
Climbing magazine tested more than a dozen harnesses for 2012. Here are the editors' top picks.
During four-plus months of use, from the limestone tufas of Spain to the urethane of the gym, we put the Black Diamond Flight harness ($69.95, blackdiamondequipment.com) through its paces, and it came out no worse for the wear.
After months of testing on hundreds of routes, Climbing magazine's editors offer up their picks for the most innovative, useful, and just damn good gear of the year. The Singing Rock Crux, Mammut Smart Alpine, Black Diamond Gridlock Screwgate, Petzl Grigri 2, Five Ten Arrowhead, Arc'Teryx Squamish Hoody, Beal Joker 9.1, North Face Verto, and Salewa Rapace GTX all won high praises and took home the Editors' Choice Award.
The new CAMP Stratos climbing harness continues the relentless march towards sleeker and lighter weight harnesses.
Like a Ferrari around your legs and waist, the C.A.M.P. Quartz CR3 climbing harness is svelte, high performing, and highly customizable. New for 2009, C.A.M.P.’s harness is a sport climbing/traditional climbing marriage of light and right.
The Rhythm climbing harness delivers a lot of utility for its $45 price tag. Adjustable leg loops for the thick-legged crowd, molded gear loops, and a reasonable amount of comfort make this rig the steal of the test.
The Apollo was one of the more comfortable harnesses in the test in which to hang, but it has several flaws that keep it from being a top contender. First, the swami tapers to a very narrow profile in the front; there’s nothing inherently wrong in that, but in this case it causes the outer trim webbing of the harness to bulge and dig into your skin.
The Helix is your best bet if you’re looking to mix sport climbing with more all-around fare, thanks to its five gear loops and full-strength haul loop. This lithe rig also strikes a good balance between movement and comfort, thanks to its well-padded, hip-contouring swami and tapered leg loops.
Though the Arête was the heaviest harness in the review, that weight is put to good use via the substantial padding in both the swami and the leg loops.
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