Black Diamond  Zone Harness - Men's

Wanted to try the Zone as a "daily driver" harness for cragging & short multipitch. I do quite a bit more trad than sport, so I was very disappointed to find that the gear loops are way too small to hold a full rack on each side. On my old Momentum, you can put doubles to #0.2 - #4 if you wanted to, but with the Zone, you could barely fit 8 quickdraws on each side. Everything else about this harness i like, I didn't feel the leg loops were too thin and I trust it's strength and it is comfortable as long as your not hang-dogging all day. But the gear loops are why I returned it. So close BD but no cigar!

I'm so happy I got the zone after debating which to get as a beginner who lucky gets to use the gear in all types of terrain. It's super light and really moves with you, gear loops are good size and ice screw slot is a treat. In my opinion the extra weight for the padding is worth it rather than the thinner. lighter but less comfortable harnesses unless you obviously will always be climbing with thick layers on. this one is just as comfortable with many or without any layers on

Among the top few best harnesses for its intended use - sport and ice climbing. Read the negative reviews critically before passing on this one - and be sure to see the review on Outdoor Gear Lab - where it is a top pick. I think its comparable to my very, very good Arc Teryx top-o-the-line sport harness - but more affordable - and the seamless belay loop is genius.

With the caveat that I’ve only used this harness once so far and owned a BD Solution harness for about five years, this felt slightly less comfortable overall and seems to fit slightly on the smaller side as well. I found the wider legs loops on the Solution to be more supportive while hanging and lowering, while I didn’t actually notice the reduced weight the Zone’s narrower design supposedly affords. The infinity belay loops and extra gear loops are definitely pluses though. I’m about120lb/5’7” and got a size small. The waist fits well, but the leg loops are a bit snug. I wore the same size in the Solution without an issue. I’m a woman, but generally prefer the men’s style harness because of the narrower leg loops and lower rise.

The zone is a good versatile harness. It is comfortable. The gear loops are well placed and not so far back that it requires shoulder dislocations to retrieve gear back there. The ice-clippers are awesome and well-placed. The infinity donut belay loop seems nice. It doesn’t catch or hang up when rotating. Minuses: the leg loops are notably snugger than on previous generation BD harnesses. The size L is the new M+. The wear on the back of the leg loops was significant after a week of climbing and 4th class butt-scootch descents.

BD dropped the ball here. This harness will hurt you. It feels like your riding a few small leather straps. Never mind a fall in this, you can’t belay your buddy without feeling as if it will slice through your legs. After 2 weeks I returned mine. This this was terrible.

Fit is excellent. Wore a Petzl Sitka for years, before that, the Hirundos. The BDEL Zone fit, rise and load is a direct feel, as many climbers will recognize, that's the main factor. The comfort on it is stellar, it moves well, takes a 40m route's worth of draws and loads it comfortably on your waist. The leg loops fit like they ought to for sport climbers, vs some harness leg loops that are designed for larger leg groups. It's my go to harness for sure.

Same as other reviewer. It’s a nice ultralight harness. But doesn’t inspire confidence in falling. I’d possibly use it for snow/ alpine stuff where you’re not really expecting a fall. But It’s too thin for regular sport/trad climbs.

This product is the best, this is the best harness I’ve used so far in my climbing journey, fits perfectly, I am very secure when climbing and it’s easy and quick to get on and off, lightweight and durable, stylish as well. I have most gear of mine from Black Diamond and everything and I mean EVERYthing is top notch. Love this company!

I bought this as a replacement for my Solution Guide harness. Unfortunately the hanging comfort is not awesome for belaying from above and the gear loops leave something to be desired in regards to racking space. Might be good for sport multi-pitch where you don’t need as much room for gear or will be hanging at the belay.