Climbing Belts

The climbing belt or harness is a piece of unique climbing equipment. It is used for abseiling, rock-climbing and other activities that require rope to provide safety or access as industrial rope access or working at heights. This harness secures a person to an anchor point or rope.

In the simplest form, it is made from a length of rope or nylon webbing that is tied around the waist. However, this style is uncomfortable unless the wearer has lightweight. It can also ride up to the abdomen or the diaphragm under load. In such a case, the wearer ends up with serious injuries. But, looping a rope between the legs will prevent such unnecessary injuries. Broadly speaking, a sophisticated contemporary harness exists in different patterns. The core of each design is to offer comfort and security and more options to carry equipment. Today’s discussion is to help our readers understand what a good climbing belt must have to serve well on the rocks. This guide will help you generate familiarity with the belt and also about how to buy one.

Beginner buyer’s guide on mountain climbing belts

Interestingly, climbing harnesses had a very humble beginning. They initially came up as simple belts are worn around the waistline. Thankfully the harness technology has improved a lot since then. Over time it included gear loops, leg loops and many other features to keep the user comfortable and safe. Today climbing belts vary based on what you are looking for. Many harnesses are depending on whether you are a gym climber, ice or a trad climber. Each style comes with specific features that offer customised access to your gear and support you differently. In later discussion, we will cover the most common features available on a contemporary harness. Later, we will share some tips on how to buy one.

The material of climbing waist belt

Commonly a harness is made of webbing. This webbing is mostly of nylon as polyester does not hold d-rings and triglids. Plus, it is easier to untie nylon belts. Nylon 66 is the most common type of climbing belt for sale. The webbing is also tubular instead of flat.  A single harness contains many weaves of nylon-based on the intended functions of a specific part of the harness. Occasionally these weaves incorporate polyester as well. However, the buckles are typically made of anodised aluminium. At the same time, the formula for leg loop and waist belt comfort varies from one brand to another. Besides the material, the width and distribution of fibre differ from one version and brand to another.

Common features of a climbing safety belt

The features of a harness determine how comfortable the climber will be while going to the top. However, the features vary according to the type of climbing you want. Leg loops are the most important of all features of a climbing belt. They must fit well and come in both fixed and adjustable styles. While the number of gear loops on the belt varies and Widley determines how much equipment you can fit on the harness. At the same time, a haul loop comes to hand if you’re trad and big-wall climbing or climbing with three people.  The buckle system is another important feature of the belt. It allows you to adjust the harness to fit snug around your belt.

Common types of climbing belts

Nowadays, there are many different climbing harnesses, and each one serves a specific type of climbing. Although certain harnesses are meant for particular disciplines, a wide range can overlap and work for different types of climbing. A sport harness is the most lightweight and minimalist harness that helps in dynamic movements and comes with a single waist belt. At the same time, a trad harness offers maximum racking space and comfort and comes with four or more loops. Here, important to note is that the design and features of women and kids’ harnesses are different from that of men. Hence, it’s important to consider the gender, weight and size of the wearer.

The fitting of your climbing harness

By now, you must have an idea of the variety of climbing belts available in the market. It is important to make sure that the belt fits you correctly. Your performance depends on the fit of the belt. And the accurate way of wearing a belt is to fit it high above your hip, just near the belly button. However, while wearing the belt must maintain a 2-finger gap between your waist and harness. Adjustable leg loops are ideal for enjoying a snug fit. A great snug harness helps to sit upright comfortably, and the wearer does not feel any pressure points or digging from the leg loops or waist belt. If you are facing any such issue, it is time to consider investing in a different harness.