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Buckles

The size and type of buckles vary quite significantly with climbing harnesses. There are small buckles, large ones and even the latest zilpock buckles. Small buckles are ideal if you want them to look neat but the major drawback is when you climb in colder months. Having lots of experience with small buckles on my harness, they are very difficult to adjust when your hands are cold! Large buckles, however, solve this problem and can be found on most of the latest climbing harnesses on sale today. Ziplock buckles are a new breed of harness buckles. They are large and also remove the need to ‘double back’ when tightening, which makes it incredibly easy to adjust and remove. An example of a harness with ziplock buckles is the Wild Country Elite Ziplock.

Leg Loops

There are two types of leg loops available. Cheaper harnesses, or one’s that are used at climbing centres have non-adjustable leg loops. By spending a little more money, you can purchase a climbing harness with adjustable leg loops. These have a buckle on each leg loop so you can tighten or slacked as required and provide a more confortable fit. For example, Petzl harnesses have adjustable leg loops.

Gear Loops

The number of gear loops you will require on your harness will naturally depend on how much lead climbing you do or plan to do in the future. This really isn’t a big issue as most climbing harnesses will have at least 2 or 3 gear loops. Some harnesses even have 4 or 5, such as the Wild Country climbing harnesses.

Sizes

Most harnesses are available in Small, Medium and Large sizes. They do vary between manufacturers, so do make sure you check the size chart before you make your purchase.

Men’s and Women’s harnesses

Manufacturers have acknowledged that men and women have different body shapes, especially in the hip region, where your harness will sit. For this reason, there are specific Men’s and Women’s climbing harnesses available to buy.

Caring for your harness

If you look after your harness, you should enjoy many years of safe climbing. Your new harness will normally come in a small bag. Make sure you use this to store your harness in to and from the crag and when in longer term storage. Also, follow these tips below to help prolong the life of your climbing harness:-

• Protect your harness from prolonged periods of direct sunlight.
• Never wash your harness in the washing machine. Hand wash with mild soap. Never use detergent.
• Always check your harness before you use it for any signs of wear or damage.
• If you are a regular climber, consider changing it after 2-3 years or after a number of heavy falls.

Best Selling Climbing Harnesses

Wild Country Womens Vision Ziplock Adjustable Climbing Harness WILD COUNTRY WOMENS ELITE ZIPLOCK ADJUSTABLE PETZL WOMENS LUNA HARNESS WILD COUNTRY ELITE ZIPLOCK ADJUSTABLE £49.99 £59.99 £59.99 £59.99

The ziplock buckles allow you to tighten, slacken or adjust the harness so quickly and without the need of double backing, you can have the harness on and off in seconds.

Ziplock buckle very easy to use

The buckles are also a good size, which means it will be just as easy to remove on even the coldest of days. The climbing harness is so comfortable, helped by its ‘comfort mesh’ foam belt and it looks great too.

There are no less than 5 gear loops sensibly positioned around the harness, perfect for your gear when lead climbing. Extras include a haul loop and a small rubber accessory pocket for a brush or other small tools that might help you on the rock! You can clip a small carabiner through here and attach your chalk bag. A nice feature, which I have never seen before on climbing harnesses, is the ‘wear’ indicator. The age of climbing equipment is often neglected by climbers and its so important to replace climbing gear before it is rendered unsafe.

Wild Country wear indicator

Wild Country have come up with a unique ‘tab’ which will show when the harness should be replaced. After an enjoyable days climbing, you can pack it away in the supplied mesh carry bag and look forward to the next time.

Overall, this is an excellent harness and I am a big fan of the Wild Country Elite Syncro. In fact, this is the exact harness I use and having spent 2 weeks climbing in Spain recently, it has performed fantastically and is highly recommended.

It is available in both Men’s and Women’s versions and sizes, Small, Medium and Large. Venturesport currently have deals on the Wild Country Elite Ziplock harness. See below for the latest prices.

WILD COUNTRY WOMENS ELITE ZIPLOCK ADJUSTABLE WILD COUNTRY ELITE ZIPLOCK ADJUSTABLE £59.99 £59.99

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