Arc'teryx ar-395a harness reviews?

For sizing, I made this handy little chart

Thanks Jeremy I appreciate that!

Thanks for that graphic Jeremy Bauman. Very nifty.

I love mine, but the sizing sucks. I got it as a gift and thrust it on at the crag, only to find that I'm at the bottom end of the size range. In a t-shirt, it's maxed out with a 31" waist. 31" has always been medium, and should be within typical range. I wish I'd seen Jeremy's size chart beforehand.

Also, the leg loops are too small for my meaty thighs. What climber has that ratio of meat besides boulderer's?

So, I'll use it a lot for alpine when I'm in layers and it fits better, but I want the tighter fit of my Petzl harness for sport.

I'm also an outlier here. I got one to try and I don't like it. A bit uncomfortable due to zero padding. Hanging in it, even for a minute, is painful. I much prefer my Petzl Aquila. A few grams of extra weight ain't gonna make or break a climb for me since I suck so bad anyway. The harness is nicely built and it looks super cool, but meh... not working for my sexy bodeee I guess.

FourT6and2 wrote:I'm also an outlier here. I got one to try and I don't like it. A bit uncomfortable due to zero padding. Hanging in it, even for a minute, is painful. I much prefer my Petzl Aquila. A few grams of extra weight ain't gonna make or break a climb for me since I suck so bad anyway. The harness is nicely built and it looks super cool, but meh... not working for my sexy bodeee I guess.

I'm not trying to call you a liar or anything negative at all, but I had the complete opposite experience..

A couple days ago I had to go and exchange a Petzl Aquila because the leg loops were just brutal! I was thinking the "Fuseframe Technology" would make hanging additionally comfortable. I ended up being so uncomfortable in that harness, after being promised undeniable comfort, my groin was being squished by the leg straps, and more specifically while belaying. I returned it for the dead bird fl365, and it is pretty unbelievable the comfort difference.

I absolutely hated those rear gear loops on the Aquila, as well. The haul loop is also as functional as a trash bag...

Jordan Sherst wrote: I'm not trying to call you a liar or anything negative at all, but I had the complete opposite experience.. A couple days ago I had to go and exchange a Petzl Aquila because the leg loops were just brutal! I was thinking the "Fuseframe Technology" would make hanging additionally comfortable. I ended up being so uncomfortable in that harness, after being promised undeniable comfort, my groin was being squished by the leg straps, and more specifically while belaying. I returned it for the dead bird fl365, and it is pretty unbelievable the comfort difference. I absolutely hated those rear gear loops on the Aquila, as well. The haul loop is also as functional as a trash bag...

Just goes to show that individual fit has sooooo much to do with real world comfort. All the fancy technology is worthless if the rise is off or the waiste/legs don't fit correctly.

Andy:
For onsighting harness fit, its tough to beat the Metolius Safe Tech (unique rise adjustment) or the Petzl Corax (2 sizes fit most).

Andy Matthews wrote:It's time for a new harness, trying to decide on purchasing a "one does it all", opposed to a specific harness for each different type of climbing. Anyone have any experience with the AR-395a? Thanks for the feedback!

Best all around harness I have ever had. I doubt I'll buy anything different in the future.

I am a firm believer that hanging in a super-thin but well designed harness like any of the arcteryx harnesses is so much more comfortable than in ultra-padded heavy duty pillow-style harnesses. I never believed this and loved the ultra padded feel until I switched the old model arteryx that the 395 replaced and was shocked by how much more comfortable it was at hanging belays. I honestly forget I have it on and my only complaint now is that I have to buy a replacement and can't find a medium

Jordan Sherst wrote: I'm not trying to call you a liar or anything negative at all, but I had the complete opposite experience.. A couple days ago I had to go and exchange a Petzl Aquila because the leg loops were just brutal! I was thinking the "Fuseframe Technology" would make hanging additionally comfortable. I ended up being so uncomfortable in that harness, after being promised undeniable comfort, my groin was being squished by the leg straps, and more specifically while belaying. I returned it for the dead bird fl365, and it is pretty unbelievable the comfort difference. I absolutely hated those rear gear loops on the Aquila, as well. The haul loop is also as functional as a trash bag...

Yeah man, everyone's body is different. I can hang in the Aquila for a long time. And I have. For me, hanging in the Arcteryx is really painful after about 8 seconds. Neither one have leg loops that hurt. Actually, I've never tried a harness that hurt my legs. It's always the waist or if the rise is too short. Then you get squished junk. But the rise on the Aquila is good for me.

I don't mind the gear loops. But yes... the haul loop does not exactly instill confidence.