When you start to learn climbing, it’s inevitable that you have to buy a climbing harness alongside other gears like shoes and a chalk bag.
Choosing the best climbing harness for beginners is very important because it’s your safety gear and you can climb confidently and freely if you trust your gear.
Therefore, in this post, you will show you details about how to choose the right climbing harness to start climbing.
Here are the best climbing harnesses for beginners (Apr 2024 Update):
- Best Overall: Weanas Thicken Climbing Harness
- Best for Rock Climbing: Black Diamond Momentum Harness
- Best for Mountaineering: Gabbro Climbing Harness
- Best for Winter Use: PETZL - CORAX, Versatile and Adjustable Harness
- Best for Small-Framed People: EDELRID Jayne III Climbing Harness
- Best for Zipline: AmazeFan Climbing Harness
| 6 Best Climbing Harnesses for Beginners | ||
|---|---|---|
Best Overall | Weanas Thicken Climbing Harness | |
Best for Rock Climbing | Black Diamond Momentum Harness | |
Best for Mountaineering | Gabbro Climbing Harness | |
Best for Winter Use | PETZL - CORAX, Versatile and Adjustable Harness | |
Best for Small-Framed People | EDELRID Jayne III Climbing Harness | |
Best for Zipline | AmazeFan Climbing Harness | |
Best Overall: Weanas Thicken Climbing Harness
- Safe and reliable – CE-certified, strong bearing loops and sturdy webbing with reinforced ends
- Comfortable - cushioning combined with pressure distribution design and traditional buckles
- Versatile – feature Leg strap 15
- Not ideal for long-term climbing
This CE-certified half-body climbing harness is commonly recommended for beginners by lots of experts.
During our tests, it gains the highest scoring for comfort, versatility, and durability. The cushioning combined with pressure distribution design and traditional buckles are key for its superbly comfortable feel.
Meanwhile, the strong bearing loops and sturdy webbing with reinforced ends allow it to hold up well a max loading weight of 300 pounds with extra safety.
You can also share it with family members no matter of ages, leg or waist measurements because the harness can be adjusted accurately for the best fit. It’s also easy to operate, put on, and take off.
| Weanas Thicken Climbing Harness Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 17.5 ounces |
Weight Limit | 300KG. |
Fits Waist Strap | 20" to 46"(51cm to 118cm) |
Fits Leg Strap | 15" to 27" (38cm to 70m) |
Highlight Features | CE-certified, strong bearing loops and sturdy webbing with reinforced ends |
When it comes to the best overall climbing harness for beginners, we almost always choose the Weanas to join us.
Best for Rock Climbing: Black Diamond Momentum Harness
- Ideal for most ages, genders, and body sizes – weight capacity of 200 pounds & dual-core construction
- Superbly comfortable and give great fit – provide lots of adjustments: trakFIT adjustment, rear elastic riser, and pre-threaded speed waist belt
- Able to hold your climbing gear - four pressure-molded gear loops
- The belt could be a few inches longer for easy fastening
- Not ideal for big butts
This harness is for rock climbing. It is sturdy, comfortable, and fits great. This is also one of the few companies that make a comfortable harness for bigger guys (200lbs +), all thanks to the dual-core construction and strong materials.
But what truly makes it outstanding from the rest is its adjustment, comprising of trakFIT adjustment, rear elastic riser, and pre-threaded speed waist belt.
This perfect combo provides safety and nice fitting for comfort. Besides, there are also four pressure-molded gear loops to attach your climbing stuff for easy access.
The color and style are very minimalist.
| Black Diamond Momentum Harness Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 350 g (12 oz) |
Weight Limit | <200 pounds. |
Fits Waist Strap | XS: 24-27 in (61-69 cm) S: 27-30 in (69-76 cm) M: 30-33 in (76-84cm) L: 33-36 in (84-91 cm) XL: 36-39 in (91-99 cm) XXL: 40-45 in (100-114 cm) |
Fits Leg Strap | XS: 17-21 in (43-53 cm) S: 18-22 in (46-56 cm) M: 20-24 in (51-61 cm) L: 22-26 in (56-66 cm) XL: 24-28 in (61-71 cm) XXL: 26-30 in (66-76 cm) |
Highlight Features | Dual-core construction |
The Black Diamond Momentum Harness is an excellent choice for if you need extra comfort and strength for rock climbing.
Best for Mountaineering: Gabbro Climbing Harness
- Trusted and reliable - backed by a 100% money-back guarantee and CE certified
- Strong and durable - double-sewing webbing and connections with 5000-pound tensile strength, and 2.5” high-load bearing metal buckles on leg rings and waist belt
- Tool loops are cheap cloth
The Gabbro mountaineering harness has two versions and the reason why we finally choose this one to add to our list is:
1) it’s much more inexpensive to suit beginner’s average budget…
And 2) although the other is more comfortable with wider and thicker pads, it’s not necessary for newbies, especially when considering their climbing terrain and the number of climbing hours.
Despite the lower price point, it is still backed by a 100% money-back guarantee and CE certified for safety, durability, and support. The weight limit is up to 551 pounds while the breaking strength is 22KN, not much different from the higher-end version.
Not to say that it’s quite comfortable yet sturdy.
The harness features double-sewing webbing and connections with 5000-pound tensile strength, and 2.5” high-load bearing metal buckles on leg rings and waist belt.
| Gabbro Climbing Harness Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 0.48 kg / 1.05 lbs. |
Weight Limit | 250KG / 551 lbs |
Fits Waist Strap | 20" to 48" |
Fits Leg Strap | 15" to 33" |
Highlight Features | Backed by a 100% money-back guarantee and CE certified |
If you’re in need of the best beginner harness for mountaineering, we highly recommend trying this Gabbro version.
Best for Winter Use: PETZL - CORAX, Versatile and Adjustable Harness
- Versatile, able to be used on summer and winter seasons - ultra-durable construction
- Good weight distribution between the leg loops and waist belts - tested FRAME technology
- Able to hold climbing equipment in place – DoubleBack buckles
- A bit hot to wear for long-term trips
With an emphasis on ultra-durable construction, the PETZL - CORAX, Versatile and Adjustable Harness can be used on both summer and winter climbing trips.
Aside from the high-quality materials, which truly sets it apart from others is the tested FRAME technology, which enhances the weight distribution between the leg loops and waist belts. As a result, you’ll feel a lot more comfortable during hours of climbing.
The buckles used in this model are the DoubleBack type which is adjustable and easy to use. They also hold your climbing equipment in place.
Fit is good and we like the wider waist belt.
| PETZL - CORAX, Versatile and Adjustable Harness Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 1.7 pounds |
Fits Waist Strap | S: 27 - 37 in. M: 27 - 37 in. |
Fits Leg Strap | S: 19 - 23 in. M: 21.3 - 26.4 in. |
Highlight Features | Ultra-durable construction |
The PETZL - CORAX, Versatile and Adjustable Harness stands out for its superior durability design, making it the best choice for winter use.
Best for Small-Framed People: EDELRID Jayne III Climbing Harness
- Ideal for small-framed climbers – available in XS and S sizes
- Comfort - slide block buckles and movable hip padding
- Fit nicely female anatomy - an easy-to-center tie-in point and adjustable leg loops
- Ultra-safe - RFID chip small waist belt pocket
- Wish there were more color options
- Expensive
For small-framed or female climbers, this is the best choice because its size chart includes XS and S, featuring waist strap from 25.2 to 32.3 inches and leg strap from 18 to 21.6 inches.
The harness particularly is designed to fit female anatomy with an emphasis on an easy-to-center tie-in point and adjustable leg loops.
It also receives lots of good compliments for comfort, all thanks to the slide block buckles and movable hip padding.
Talking to the most outstanding part of this harness, it must be the small waist belt pocket where you can store an RFID chip.
There also have Bluesign-certified materials chalk bag loop, 2 attachment options, and 4 high-strength, symmetrical gear loops to keep all of your climbing gear neatly.
| EDELRID Jayne III Climbing Harness Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 1.2 pounds |
Fits Waist Strap | XS: 64 - 75 cm S: 69 - 82 cm M: 75 - 90 cm L: 83 - 98 cm |
Fits Leg Strap | XS: 46 - 50 cm S: 50 - 55 cm M: 56 - 60 cm L: 60 - 65 cm |
Highlight Features | Adjustable leg loops |
The EDELRID Jayne III Climbing Harness receives or top accolades for its excellent performance for small-framed climbers across the board.
Best for Zipline: AmazeFan Climbing Harness
- Offer high comfort levels - a large polyester mesh back strap, adjustable waist strap and leg strap along with a forged steel quick buckle
- Supportive - lumbar support
- Safety - built-in sturdy webbing and connections with reinforced ends, and high-load bearing
- A bit on the big side
Out of many potential contenders for zipline, we find the AmazeFan Climbing Harness to be the most exceptional.
It is CE certified, features a large polyester mesh back strap for highest comfort levels, and emphasizes lumbar support (which is also the bestselling part).
For extra comfort and fitting, it highlights an adjustable waist strap and leg strap along with a forged steel quick buckle for ease of operating.
The climbing harness is also praised for its absolute safety based on the built-in sturdy webbing and connections with reinforced ends, and high-load bearing with a max weight capacity of 661 pounds. Plus, its construction can auto-distribute the user’s weight.
Last but not least, there are many waist belt loops to keep your climbing equipment more securely.
| AmazeFan Climbing Harness Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 1.4KG |
Weight Limit | 300 kg. |
Fits Waist Strap | 30" to 53"(76cm to 135cm) |
Fits Leg Strap | 19" to 30" (48cm to 76cm). |
Highlight Features | A large polyester mesh back strap, adjustable waist strap and leg strap along with a forged steel quick buckle |
We love the AmazeFan Climbing Harness for zipline according to its safety levels, comfort, and support.
How To Choose The Best Climbing Harness for Beginners?
Waist Belts and Leg Loops
Every climbing harness has a waist belt and a leg loop. The waist belt is the part worn around your waist or hips. Remember to choose one with adjustable buckles and good padding for more comfort. Some belts may even have additional straps to distribute loads better.
Meanwhile, the leg loop serves as the connector between the belaying device and the harness. When shopping for a harness, you should double-check the waist belt and leg loop to make sure they fit your body and feel comfortable to wear.
Drop-Seat Harness
You may also want to consider buying a drop-seat harness, which essentially has removable leg loops that can also stay tied into your harness for long climbing routes.
Type of Climbing
The choice of the harness must be based on the type of climbing you will be doing, related to a specific design.
Sport, Gym Climbing
This type requires harnesses that can be stripped down fast and lightweight. Look for single automatic/double-back waist belt buckle, 2 gear loops, thin leg loops, and minimal leg adjustability.
Traditional Climbing
This type of climbing needs more gear, so it’s best to maximize space but remain lightweight and comfortable. Therefore, you need a harness adjustable leg loops with buckles, at least 4 gear loops, durable and thick padding, extra lumbar padding, and a haul loop.
Winter Climbing
Climbing in the winter requires the same features as traditional climbing, but specifically designed for winter. Here, you should look for a harness with adjustable leg loops through buckles, at least 4 gear loops, extra lumbar padding, as well as haul loop.
Mountain Climbing
For this type of climbing, you need all-season versatility and easy putting on/off. Here’s what you should search for: fully adjustable waist belt and leg loops, 4 gear loops at most, thin material, thin leg loops, and a haul loop.
Comfort
A comfortable harness is the one fitting you whether you are standing, belaying, or resting. To get the most comfort when climbing, the waist belt must fit around the hips or around the belly button.
Besides, the leg loops must be in the right distance from the belt, a distance too short affects your hanging and a distance too long will make you suffer more if you fall.
Last but not least, the leg loops should always be adjustable to fit your body tightly and comfortably.
Which Brands Make The Best Climbing Harness for Beginners?
Weanas
The special thing about this brand is that you can find a combination of quality and affordability. Its products are not only made with innovative design and quality, but it also offers the lowest prices in the business.
Black Diamond
Founded in 1957, Black Diamond has focused on enhancing your climbing and skiing experience. Here, you will find the best harnesses with innovative design, high-quality standards, and diligence.
EDELRID
With 150 years of experience, this brand is the best for alpine gear, including climbing harnesses. It’s best known for creativity in each and every product, it’s also loved by customers for sustainability.
FAQs
What size climbing harness do I need?
The size of a harness is determined by the waistbelt and leg loops, varying between men and women. The standard is in the following table.
Small | Medium | Large | ||
Waist circumference | Men | 27-30 inches | 19-21 inches | 33-36 inches |
Women | 26-29 inches | 28-31 inches | 33-36 inches | |
Lag circumference | Men | 19-21 inches | 21-23 inches | 23-25 inches |
Women | 18-20 inches | 20-22 inches | 22-24 inches |
When should I replace my climbing harness?
You should replace your climbing harness after storing it for 7 years max.
Can you use a rock-climbing harness to climb trees?
Yes, you can, provided that you cannot afford another harness just for tree climbing and the climbing is only brief.
How long should a climbing harness last?
A climbing harness can last 7 years if stored properly, but if you use it moderately and take care of it properly, it should last an average of 3 years.
Can you fall out of a climbing harness?
No, you can’t if you fit it correctly. But if the waistbelt is not tight or high enough, you can fall.
Conclusion
We hope that with our guide, you will quickly and easily find the best climbing harness for beginners so that you can start learning to climb safely and comfortably.
Remember that fitting is a major priority when shopping for climbing harnesses and look at the most reliable brands first.
Bryan Listor
