Arc'teryx  AR-385a Harness - Women's

I’ve had multiple Arc’teryx harnesses, and this is hands down my favorite. It strikes the perfect balance between weight and comfort—ideal for trad climbing, as it carries gear well without feeling bulky. The drop seat feature is important when it comes to bathroom breaks, making things much easier when you’re layered up. I’m pear-shaped, and the XS fits well, though I have the leg loops extended as much as possible. If you’re a petite and curvy climber, I recommend trying the harness on in-store to find the right size.

I got this harness this winter. I bought it for ice climbing but it is so comfortable that I will use it for rock climbing as well. Really nice width for the back and the legs, adjustable, super light. However the second gear loop and the second ice clipper are a bite too far in the back. Hard to reach the gear. I preferred the 6 gear loops on my old Arcteryx harness. Possibility to buy an ice clipper that attached around the harness waistband instead of using the slot made for it.

Arc’teryx deleted my review on their website so I’m posting it here instead to hopefully get their attention. This is arguably the best harness on the market and I’ve been waiting forever for them to come out with a new color because this orange color is so hideous that I just cannot purchase this. Come on Arc’teryx, some of us look like death in burnt orange. PLEASE make this in a neutral color or one that is flattering for more people. I know gear needs to work well and not look pretty, but it at least shouldn’t be ugly, especially as the most expensive harness on the market. Sure, some people love this color, but why pick a color that is so polarizing and specific and make that the only option available for multiple seasons? Take my money, please.

I've been using this harness for a couple years after hubby offered it to me as a gift. What a difference from other harnesses especially in terms on how comfortable it is! I used to feel pinched in the back leg loops and would avoid at all costs having to hang but this one has a wider band and is better fitted - same with the back support band! - so I can relax, get a take and a breather if needed and try climbing harder again. The only kind of "downside" is that for ice climbing, I find the ice screw racking clip quite far back. Of course I need the front space for ice screws and quickdraws, so I'm not sure how that could be made better..

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] This harness is phenomenal. Not only is it well made, it’s comfortable, light, and adjustable! I have larger quads and finding a harness that fits both my waist and my quads is challenging. This one ticks all the boxes. So grateful!

Arc’teryx deleted my review on their website so I’m posting it here instead to hopefully get their attention. This is arguably the best harness on the market and I’ve been waiting forever for them to come out with a new color because this orange color is so hideous that I just cannot purchase this. Come on Arc’teryx, some of us look like death in burnt orange. PLEASE make this in a neutral color or one that is flattering for more people. I know gear needs to work well and not look pretty, but it at least shouldn’t be ugly, especially as the most expensive harness on the market. Sure, some people love this color, but why pick a color that is so polarizing and specific and make that the only option available for multiple seasons? Take my money, please.

I bought this harness recently after multiple climbing partners raved about what an incredible harness it was and how it was absolutely worth the extra money spent over all other harnesses. Most of the climbing partners who recommended this harness to me are men who raved about the large size of the front gear loop. I bought the women's version and was very disappointed to learn that the gear loops on the women's version are smaller!! I cannot find any other notable differences between my new harness and my friend's other than the gear loops being smaller. Does arcteryx think that women don't need to haul as much gear as men?? VERY DISAPPOINTED.

In order to give this harness a proper review, I need to describe my build. I'm tall with a curvy yet athletic build which is to say I have wide hips and strong, muscular legs. Finding a harness that fits comfortably across my waist and legs is always a bit of a pain. This harness nails it. The waistband is wide but soft and fits comfortably over my hips without digging in, even when belaying my partner on his projects. It's low profile so it doesn't snag as much as my old harnesses and it has plenty of gear loops for all my stuff. It is pretty compact and folds up nicely in my bag when I don't need it and the colors are pretty rocking to boot! 10/10 would buy another one and would definitely recommend it to friends!

I've only ever owned Arc'teryx AR harnesses and this one is no exception to their excellent track record. My prior harness I've had for over 5 years and is still in great condition (recreational climber, few times per week at most) but I wanted to update / get a fresh colour. I love how lightweight and compact it is, especially for mountaineering objectives with packs full of gear. Super comfortable and great in all conditions. Honestly haven't seen any other harnesses I'd want or need compared to this.

This harness is my go-to for multi pitch climbing. Is it a perfect blend of supportive and light. The only reason I am giving it 4 stars and not 5 is that I chose a mens small (which is a bit big on me) over my true size of a womens small because the size of the gear loops on the womens small were smaller than the mens small. That said, great all-around harness! Bring back this style harness with fixed leg loops please!