Black Diamond  Vario Speed Harness

I liked the harness due it's simple design. It has 1 top loop that is easy to tie in to. Also easy location for belayers who are helping new climbers to tie their figure 8 knot. The adjustment straps around the legs were easy to adjust and the tail end of the webbing stayed neatly against the leg and didn't dangle all around. It doesn't have the comfort of a regular harness that is padded, but great for a rental harness or to have an extra harness to load to a friend.

This harness is incredibly adjustable. It easily fit me and would easily fit someone half my size. That adjustability is where this harness shines I think. The pros: It is well constructed and I felt very safe using it. It's ability to fit people of many different sizes. The cons: there is no padding on this harness I would definitely not wear it for projects or trips I expect to actually have my weight on the harness for more than a couple of minutes during a quick rapel/keeping me safe during a fall. Additionally there are no gear loops on this harness. Finally I found it annoying to tighten/adjust the waist band while I was wearing it. I will absolutely keep this harness as an extra to keep on hand for friends who don't have their own or even a quick trip to the climbing gym. Since it is so basic it doesn't take up much space so it might get tossed in a bag for non climbing specific trips just in case. Overall a good harness just maybe not my first choice.

I received this product for free from the REI Trailblazers sampling program in exchange for my honest review. If you're planning to climb regularly, this is not the everyday harness you are going to want, but you probably already knew that if you are harness shopping. This is an ultra basic, highly adjustable, sturdy harness that you will select for a specific purpose, such as having a backup harness for emergency situations or keeping an extra around to take friends climbing. I am 4'11" and 137 lbs, with about a 34" waist and 41" hips. The harness fit just fine, with plenty of room to adjust in both directions. It seems reasonably comfortable for a harness of this style, but this is not a comfort harness. Speed buckles work well and likely will work better as material breaks in.

I use it either for my 10 year old daughter or for my adult clients! Really good for courses and top rope easy climbs!

This harness definitely matched its product description accurately. It was simple to figure out how to wear and adjust--excellent features especially for beginner climbers! This harness easily adjusted to fit even my small frame tightly enough to be safe, and it felt very secure while climbing. Plenty of extra webbing to size up for larger climbers as well, matching its one size fits all description. Leg straps would be better only if possible to have a little padding added but still quite comfortable as they are currently designed!

This harness is a good weight and the one size fits all is a good concept but falls short. For someone who usually wears a medium sized harness, the waist strap was extremely long. The strap is not very easy to loosen/fasten and is extremely stiff.

We just purchased a bunch of new gear for our outdoor adventure summer camp, Missoula Outdoor Learning Adventures, including stoppers, cams, rope, ATC's, locking biners, harnesses, etc. As owner of the camp, BD is the clear choice for me when I'm putting other people's children (and my own!) on the rock. We've been using BD gear for 20+ years, I've never been disappointed, and I always feel confident sending groups out to climb. With excellent attention to details of safety and functionality, BD earns a 5 star rating from me.

Very good simple harness which has self locking buckles which, importantly, are easy to adjust to the correct tightness. One size fits virtually everyone apart from the super fat and they probably wouldn't be able to climb any way. A gear loop would have been useful.

Really well built and sturdy. Very comfortable to wear and feels very secure. The adjustable straps are located in reasonable places that don't cause irritation or any inconveniences. Would recommend for someone just starting to climb, great price and great quality.

I bought 4 of these for my scout troop to use when climbing and rappelling. They would be better with some gear loops, but for the price I am completely satisfied.