Harness Help

Howdy folks,

I'm looking for a nice thick harness that will might make hanging belays more bearable.

Unfortunately, the local shops only seem to stock thin sporty harnesses.

I've been trying to compare Petzl's Calidris and Corax II online.

If anyone has used or even seen these harnesses in a shop, I would love your impressions.

Other recommendations are more than welcome as well.

Thanks for any help in this department.

-G

makes a Big Wall harness that is the beefiest and most comfortable for hanging belays, but it may be overkill for what you want. They also have other models (Shield, Astroman) that are worth checking out.

Personally, I use the Metolius Safe Tech Men's Deluxe. Strong, durable, comfortable, and adjustable.

You should also take a look at the BD Chaos. It was the most comfortable harness I tried on when I was looking for a new harness. Great foam padding and lots of gear loops. The leg loops aren't adjustable, but they are designed to stretch a bit. Great harness, but a tad pricier than some others out there.

I've used the arc' teryx vapor for years now and couldn't imagine anything else. I tried one of those Petzl jobs with the double buckles when they first hit the scene but found it too uncomfortable. I feel the vapor has just enough padding. The BD Chaos looks like a good choice also.

The vapor is a little pricey($100) but worth it to me. Bent Gate in Golden carries them. To each his/her own....

Another vote for the Cadillac. I got mine after suffering through a rescue class (including hanging belays) on my old harness, and the Cadillac is a big improvement in comfort and utility. I spent hours in hanging belays at Looking Glass without any discomfort (at least none caused by my harness).

JL

Go with the Cadillac for sure.

Galen wrote: I've been trying to compare Petzl's Calidris and Corax II online.

I'll go ahead and make the most important suggestion - don't base your decision off of info that's online without trying the harness on. Like shoes, the fit is different on every person. Go to a shop and hang in a harness for a while before you buy. Spend some time and figure out if it's going to be painful or not.

That said, my choice of harness is the Misty Mountain Cadillac. Superb adjustability makes it conform to most people and more than adequate padding make it comfy to hang in. Still, the harness isn't too bulky or restrictive.

Adam Kimmerly wrote: I'll go ahead and make the most important suggestion - don't base your decision off of info that's online without trying the harness on.

Great point! Doesn't matter who else likes it if it doesn't feel good on you.

How's it going, Adam? When you coming back to the Carolinas?

JL

saxfiend wrote: How's it going, Adam? When you coming back to the Carolinas? JL

All good out here. Not sure when I'll be back in the area. Maybe in the fall?

I think so many people, including me, recommend the Cadillac (IF it fits you) because there's really no similar-class harness out there. Light weight, not nearly as bulky or heavy as a Shield, and substantially more comfort than the other non-big-wall harnesses. Not to mention 6 gear loops and adjustable leg loops. Anyhow, had mine a year now, and wouldn't go to anything less padded again, for a cragging harness. That being said, I also find it relatively comfortable aiding.

Cheers

A couple months ago, at least, Bent Gate had Calidris and Cadillac in stock. My wife tried on both, looking for a hanging belay friendly harness, and liked the Calidris better for fit.

Thanks to everyone for the help.

I've looked at the Shield and Cadillac online(!) and will try to find a store that stocks one or both to try on. Especially since I am between sizes, depending on clothing, with each of them.

Anyone know why Yates would provide a haul loop rated at 3500 lbs?

You could fall onto that.

When I find a harness I'll report back here, in case anyone searches for these harnesses in the future. (MP does use such searches correct?)

-G