Arc'teryx GORE-TEX Climbing

Match the harness type to your climbing style

• Sport or indoor climbing harnesses tend to be stripped down for fast travel and feature minimal gear loops.
• Trad climbing harnesses include more gear loops since climbers place their own protection. Comfort and padding are key, as you may spend hours on a route or hanging in your harness.
• Mountaineering harnesses are designed for long approaches and all-season versatility.

Key features:

• Adjustable leg loops: Fit different body types and clothing layers.
• Gear loops: Range from two to five loops to rack your gear.
• Waistbelt padding: Thicker padding or broader surface area helps distributes pressure, adding comfort.

Women-specific harnesses

Many climbing harnesses are available in unisex models, but some are designed to better fit a women's body. Pick a women-specific harness if it better matches your body type.These harnesses typically feature a higher rise, a larger leg-to-waist ratio and a shaped waistbelt.

Which type do you want?

• Neutral shoes. Great choice for beginners; allow toes to lie flat and provide all-day comfort.
• Moderate shoes. Good all-around shoe. A slightly downturned shape and stickier rubber makes them good for technical climbing.
• Aggressive shoes. The very downturned toes put your feet in a powerful position for challenging sport routes and bouldering; less comfortable than the neutral or moderate shoes.

Choose key features.

• Shoe closure options include laces, straps or slip-on.
• Uppers can be synthetic or lined- or unlined leather. Unlined leather uppers can stretch a full size, while synthetic uppers don't stretch much.
• Climbing shoe last is the foot-shaped model around which a shoe is built. Most rock climbing shoes are slip-lasted, which tend to be sensitive and less stiff than board-lasted shoes.
  

Consider these shoe fit tips.

• Shop later in the day as your feet can swell up to a full size during the day.
• Your toes should lie flat or be comfortably curved; your toe knuckles shouldn’t bunch painfully.
• Try them on in person for the best fit.

Consider your main activity:

• Hiking: Compatible with hydration reservoirs; some have straps or loops to attach trekking poles or other gear.
• Running: Designed to limit bounce; compatible with water bottles or hydration reservoirs.
• Climbing: Slim profile with abrasion-resistant reinforcements.
• Traveling: Has compartments for easy organization; many meet carry-on size requirements.

How much gear will you carry?

• 20L or less: Ideal for short runs, day hikes or quick outings.
• 21–35L: The sweet spot for hiking and travel.
• 36–50L: Best for extended trips or adventures requiring more gear or clothing.

Find the right fit:

• Daypacks are available in a range of sizes.

• Check your torso length and waist against the brand's size chart for the best fit.
• Many packs feature adjustable torso lengths to fine-tune your fit.