Ice Harness Sizing Question

Hey everyone!

I'm getting excited for ice season, and I'm considering getting a new harness. My current rock harness would be too tight for the extra layers and doesn't have any spots for ice clippers. I'm usually a 28/29 waist, and the harness I’m looking at (Mammut Eiger Nordwand) cuts off at 29.9 before going up a size. Factoring in extra clothes, would y'all recommend I go up a size? Current harness waist range is 28-30, which has me thinking I should go up a size on the Mammut. TIA!

TLDR; No. I do not size up. My ice harness is the same size as my rock harness.

Hey Baran, it depends on how hot you run. I usually ice climb in a softshell jacket, which really doesn't add that much bulk - however I still want the harness to fit over an expedition harness. for my sizing (Large) this works without issues.

As above, it all depends on your temperature management. I climb ice in a base layer, thin fleece and soft- or hard shell jacket at the most. Any reinforcement layer I might need to keep warm at the belay goes on top, over the harness. A good harness should be able to cover a wide range of layering IMHO.

I have one harness to rule them all - the sadly discontinued Mammut Sender Fast Adjust. 

Try to get one with a buckle on both sides of the hard points. To keep ice clippers and gear loops even/within reach. I realize this isn't really a response to your question, but it would solve the problem in advance, and you generally can't return harnesses if that one doesn't work (including because, without the buckle cinched all the way,  the right gear loops and ice clipper spot are too far around your waist out of reach.)

My suggestion would be to try on your layers, with your current harness.  You may find it works.  If so, you can add the Petzl Ice Carritool Evo which will allow you to add clippers to any harness.  

I generally climb in a base layer, lightweight hoodie, and a hardshell.  So not much bulk.