Polarized Climbing

Best uses

Most climbing harnesses are versatile enough for indoor climbing or outdoor multi-pitch routes, while some are more specialized for mountaineering or ice climbing.

• Sport or indoor climbing: Stripped down for fast travel and feature minimal gear loops.
• Trad climbing: 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: Designed for long approaches and all-season versatility
• Ice climbing: Designed to perform in winter conditions

Key features:

• Padded waist: Thicker padding or a broader surface area helps distributes pressure
• Adjustable leg loops: Fit different body types and clothing layers
• Gear loops: Typically two to five loops for racking gear
• Droppable leg loops: Leg loops unclip at the back for easier bathroom breaks

Women-specific harnesses

• These typically feature a higher rise, a larger leg-to-waist ratio and a shaped waistbelt
• Choose a women-specific harness if it better matches your body type.

What type of belay device is best for you?

• Tubular belay device: Compact, light and easy to use. Lightweight climbers may find them slow for rappelling. Best for gym, sport and multipitch trad climbing.

• Assisted-braking belay device: Easy to control, feed rope smoothly and aid in stopping falls. Heavier and not compatible with certain rope diameters or icy/wet ropes. Best for gym, sport and multipitch trad climbing.

• Figure 8 Belay Device: Efficient and smooth for rappelling, efficiently dissipate heat from friction and work with most rope diameters. Harder to handle. Best for search and rescue, caving and rappelling.