Edelrid Orion Harness

I'm looking to get my self a present since my current harness is starting to be uncomfortable and dig into my legs. I'm between the Arcteryx R320a and the Edelrid Orion. I've tried them both on in a store and hung around for a few minutes but I want to hear if anyone has experience with both or either harness.

From what I can tell the only down sides to the R320a are durability (this has been fixed?) and price. I can't find much of anything on the Orion online but it was very comfy in the store. Has anyone used this harness? Do you love it? Hate it? Think its ugly? What do you think?

i know several people with the current generation of the dead bird who have already worn through their lower tie in loop ... its claimed that its more durable than the last gen, but who knows, ...

it usually wasnt an issue as dead bird would just replace the harness (well you were out of a harness for about 2 weeks+) ... but lately ive met two people who had the the worn out dead bird lower tie in point who i suggested take it back under warranty, and dead bird refused to cover it ...

i used to suggest buying the harness through REI/MEC/etc just in case ... but with REIs new warranty this doesnt matter anymore ... you may be stuck with a $$$$ harness thats wears out easily

you can do a simple search on the forums to find the many reviews of fast wearing dead birds ...

as a reference most of the people ive met with worn out dead birds say the same thing along the lines of "i really dont understand how it wears out so fast, dont climb any different or more than i did in my cheap BD (quite common here) and that lasted 5 years!!!"

;)

I have a dead bird harness I like, and it has worn well so far. However, it is the only harness I've ever had that makes a squeaking noise while rappelling. The noise is made by the belay loop rubbing on the stiff and substantially reinforced leg loop connection, which saws back and forth across the belay loop as each leg in turn steps down. Whether this quite audible rubbing is a sign of a rapid wear process I do not know, but it is a bit disconcerting. Presumably, all harnesses have this kind of motion, but I've never had one before that actually made noise...

rgold wrote:I have a dead bird harness I like, and it has worn well so far. However, it is the only harness I've ever had that makes a squeaking noise while rappelling. The noise is made by the belay loop rubbing on the stiff and substantially reinforced leg loop connection, which saws back and forth across the belay loop as each leg in turn steps down. Whether this quite audible rubbing is a sign of a rapid wear process I do not know, but it is a bit disconcerting. Presumably, all harnesses have this kind of motion, but I've never had one before that actually made noise...

the dead birds are known for having the belay loop rub against the lower tie in point audibly during less than vertical raps ... ie where you walk down the rap ...

it contributes quite a bit IMO to the premature wear in that area ... when you having things audibly rubbing things wear out pretty fast

companies like edelrid and mammut know this and put a plastic piece on the lower tie in loop ...

BD just makes their points as beefy as hell, weight be damned ... their el cheapo momentum lasts forever

the old petzls ive heard of a few people having wear issues on some of em ... but the new ones are coming out with dyneema to reinforce the high wear areas

;)

Jake what harness do you have now?

I looked around for a new harness a couple months ago and tried on a lot of different brands and models. For me, nothing came close to the Orion... really comfortable, adjustable, and well made. I've used it trad climbing and for some sport. I've been climbing a long time and I think its the best harness I've owned. Highly recommended. I can't speak to its longevity, but I've never had a more comfortable harness.

I can't speak much for the Arcteryx harnesses but I've been using an Edelrid Orion for a few months and it's a great harness. It's not the lightest and it's sorta bulky but super comfortable, easily adjustable and nice gear loops. The plastic piece on the leg loop increases durability and doesn't seem to interfere with climbing. I've used it a bunch for protracted hang sessions while bolting new routes or rebolting old routes and it's been great. Have also used it for multi-pitch and it's great, the one downside being no real haul loop.

NorCalNomad wrote:Jake what harness do you have now?

I have a 2 year old BD Momentum. It has no sign of wear but its just killing my legs (inner thighs) lately.

Its great to hear all of the positive things about the Orion. With the outstanding durability issues and higher price tag I don't think I'll be getting the Arcteryx.

Does the bulkiness of the Orion feel restrictive when doing high steps or anything?

I haven't had any issues with "restricted movement." In fact, the leg loops are designed in a way to give more flexibility in that way.

Jon Sinclair wrote:I haven't had any issues with "restricted movement." In fact, the leg loops are designed in a way to give more flexibility in that way.

Wonderful, that's what I wanted to hear.

Edelrid Orion... Buy it! you will not be disappointed.

JC

According to their website, the waist of size small is almost as big as BD's size medium, while the led loops are similar. Anyway wear small Orion notices the difference?

It has been almost a year since this thread was active and I was wondering if anyone has purchased the Edelrid Orion and how it is holding up after long use? I am in need of a new harness with the utter disappointment that my Petzl Adjama has turned out to be, looking near death after a little more than a year of use.

I have an Orion. It's been holding up nicely. Wears at least as well as any other harness I've used.

Really like it. Light and comfortable.

just got an orion and tested it out in Red Rock on a bunch of hanging belays. I found the top and bottom edges of the waist belt to be very stiff and dig into my side. Anyone else notice that? I wonder if that will break in/soften up a bit

anyone???

I have the Cyrus (non adjustable leg version). I have found it to be very comfortable. I got it in October, and I remember it being fairly comfortable right out of the box, but now it is very comfortable. I also do a fair amount of route setting in my local gym, so I have spent long periods of time hanging in it. I know this doesn't exactly answer your question, but based on my experience, I would say it will break in and be very comfortable.

Edelrid Orion is the most comfortable harness I've ever worn. Only drawback is bulkiness...but if you can live with that, exceptionally good harness.

Cassin Laser CR another awesome one.

I haven't cared for the Arc'teryxs I've worn...but just me.

Edelrid!

RC

Just picked up an Orion, most comfortable harness ever worn period. I've worn MM Cadillac, MM Titan, Metolious Deluxe, BD Solution, Arcteryx, and more. Never had a harness that didn't hurt my legs until this one.  Thin, breathes great, fully adjustable, simply awesome. Will never buy anything else as long as they keep making it.