How to Choose Climbing Harnesses

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Designed for all-day trad or big multipitch demanding performance and comfort, the men's Black Diamond Solution Guide harness combines comfort with durability to create a genuine climbing workhorse.
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View all Black Diamond Men's Climbing Harnesses| Best Use | Climbing |
|---|---|
| Padded Waist | Yes |
| Gear Loops | 5 Loops |
| Belay Loop | Yes |
| Padded Leg Loops | Yes |
| Droppable Leg Loops | Yes |
| Weight | 394 grams |
| Gender | Men's |
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In the past year, I've used this harness, the Petzl Corax, and the Edelrid Jay numerous times and this is the most comfortable of the three (and the most expensive.) I am 6'2", 36" waist and the XL fits well though it would be on the small side for anyone much bigger than me. I haven't experienced the leg loop issues that the other reviewer mentions - probably because I'm in the XL and there's sufficient rise. The waist belt doesn't ride down like I experienced on other harnesses and does a good job of distributing pressure when hanging. Overall, a nice, comfortable harness without out any excess bulk.
BD has done it again with another fantastic harness. I used to wear BD harnesses exclusively for years then tried a different brand and was very disappointed. Coming back to the Solution Guide is so nice! This harness is incredibly light and has a very minimal design - yet still doesn't sacrifice comfort. It is incredibly comfortable to hang in as a climber working hard routes, as well as a belayer. The fabric is really unique and rough. I've yet to put it to the test in off-widths and chimneys yet, but I have a feeling it will hold up very well. The 5th gear loop in the back is also great for holding all your gear on a long journey.
Recently updated my harness after way to many years. I purchased the Solution Guide because of the durable fabric. Out of the box I climbed multi pitch sport climbing in Colorado and the durability promise was evident immediately. I’m a big fan of this fabric. The break-in period was minimal. At this point to be my all in one harness I would like it to be a bit more beefy on the waist adjustment and substantial for hanging belays and rappelling but overall I’m impressed because of the lightness and durability of this harness. I’ll probably be looking for that beefier harness for multi pitch trad outdoor climbing but this will by go to for everything else!
I tried it on in the store for size, but waited until later to buy online. Should have just bought the in-store model… the harness fits great and has durable feeling materials, but the one I was sent had gear loops that were comically small and essentially useless (picture shows a comparison to another and harness). Be cautious if you buy online, and be prepared to possibly have to trade it in for one with real gear loops.
I climb a mix of gym and outdoors, sport and trad, single and multipitch. This harness is great, the sizing guide was spot on for me (6 feet tall, 31ish waist, I got a medium and both the waist and leg loops fit perfectly). I like the fifth gear loop in the back (see photo), which is perfect for attaching shoes or an extra layer or any extras your might want to bring on a long route.
I’m so happy with all the new equipament, like a child with the new christmas toys. Thanks to the entire Black Diamon team for the attention received and for the attention received. Despite a couple of changes that I had to make, everything has been very fast, efficient and comfortable! Thank you! Now I'm ready for the best adventures!
I've worked in the climbing industry for 4 years now and have had the opportunity to send on a wide range of harnesses but very few come close to the comfort and utility the solution guide provides! I would absolutely recommend this harness to climbing professionals and novices alike.
I replaced my Edelrid Sendero with the Solution Guide, and I've been loving it on every climb so far. You really don't even notice it's there. Tons of room for gear - I purchased it for trad climbing but have found myself just using it for everything as there is no reason not to!
Super durable, rugged fabric and comfortable. I'm 5'9, 150lbs and wear 30" - Medium fit me at almost the tightest. I have big quads and the leg loops fit snug but fine! Only complaint really is the gear loops. I'm guessing BD had in mind to keep them "low profile" for chimneys and offwidths etc, but the entire point of this harness is to be comfortable and accommodate a ton of gear for long trad ventures. I don't really get it though, because even if the gear loops are small, you still have gear that's going to be cumbersome in the chimneys and offwidths regardless, so why not at least make them ergonomic? Blatant design flaw in my opinion, but with some getting used to I'm sure it'll be a great harness nonetheless.
I’m on my 3rd Solution Guide Harness. They’re fantastic, durable, very comfortable, plenty of space. I have a few harnesses, and go to this one for guiding, cragging, trad, sport, gym. I’ve spent hours hanging in it while rebolting, and dragged it through technical slot canyons. It does everything well. I do wish BD would add grommets for ice clippers to this harness. It’d also be nice if the elastic leg loop keepers were a little more robust, as that’s what failed on my first two, but for the abuse I’ve put them through, the harness still holds up remarkably well.