Some of you may think that there isn’t too much science or mechanics involved in making climbing harnesses. But make no mistake, each of them is tailored to serve different preferences and goals. Take a climbing harness for women as an example. It’s crafted to provide the best comfort with excellent fitting around the hip area. And if you happen to be looking for one, congrats! We’ve got some of the best alternatives to a women’s rock climbing harness here. We’ve even included several options for a climbing harness for pregnancy. So, are you ready with our reviews? Let’s check them out!
How to Choose The Best Climbing Harness for Women
As you might expect, a climbing harness for women comes in all shapes and sizes. In order to get the right one, there are many things to consider. The bottom line is to make sure you feel safe and comfortable enough when you put the women’s rock climbing harness on for any length of time.
To help you decide, we’ve singled out some important things to think about when looking for a climbing harness for pregnancy or other climbing harnesses for women in general. And without further ado, let’s run through them one by one.
Custom Fit
You have to remember, everyone is built differently. You can be a fit woman in your 20s or 30s, but with completely different body proportions. There are people with a narrow waist, while others are simply flat-out straight. This is why you want a climbing harness for women that allows custom fit. See if it has adjustable buckles. If you’re climbing in varying weather and terrain conditions, make sure that the harness is compatible with extra layers or a certain degree of modification.
Loops
Each harness has its own loops. Depending on your goals, you can choose between rigid loops, soft loops, or a combination of the two. For most climbers, rigid loops are the best since they offer better durability. However, this isn’t exactly true when you’re looking to choose a women’s rock climbing harness. If you’re relatively new to the world of climbing, it would be great if you could test out a few different loops. See which one fits you best and go from there.
Sizing
Another important thing to consider when choosing a climbing harness for pregnancy or another type of female harness is sizing. Based on our experience, sizing up is highly recommended. That’s because most harnesses don’t extend beyond the length of the webbing. Apart from that, make sure that your harness has some sort of padding.
When Should I Buy a New Climbing Harness?
A climbing harness shouldn’t be used for more than seven years. Even if it doesn’t show any visible damage. For professionals or frequent climbers, it’s highly recommended to get a new harness every one or two years.
Can You Fall Out of a Climbing Harness?
The short answer is no. As long as you have the right fit, falling off a climbing harness is very unlikely. Make sure you adjust the width of the hip strap properly. Pull it down on the harness and see if it’s possible to pull it over your hips.
What Size Climbing Harness Do I Need?
First and foremost, you have to make sure the harness is snug enough so that it can’t be pulled down. Avoid wearing a harness that forces you to maximize the buckle adjustment. Apart from that, make sure the leg loops make you comfortable, free from any excessive gripping sensations.
Metolius Safe Tech Deluxe Harness
13
The double belay loop is one thing that makes the Metolius Safe Tech Deluxe Harness stand out from the pack. It’s designed in such a way that you won’t experience clutter when you want to do a few rappels. Apart from that, there are four loop-shaped rigid gear loops here. While they come in handy in some situations, the loops on each side tend to overlap with each other. Not a massive deal-breaker, but it might give you a little traffic jam with gear.
Another thing to love about the Metolius Safe Tech Deluxe is its wider waist belt and thicker foam. Compared to a regular climbing harness for women, this one feels much more durable and beefy. Regardless, you may want to invest some time in the center buckle. It’s a little tricky to operate, but you should be able to do it with some practice.
What We Love
A women’s rock climbing harness that is super durable and comfortable to wear
Pros:
- Foam padding
- Adjustable leg loops
- Four gear loops
- Haul loop
Cons:
- The center buckle is a little tricky
Mammut Ophir 3 Slide
12
Weighing about 350 grams, the Ophir 3 is a climbing harness for women with four forward-angled gear loops. Apart from that, it has a haul loop which is claimed to be able to withstand loads of up to 900 pounds. And thanks to the specially designed buckle, this thing is completely adjustable around the waist and leg loops.
A women’s rock climbing harness usually has back leg straps with a shared connection to the waist. Luckily, that’s not the case with Ophir 3. With separate connection points, you’ll get perfectly balanced gear throughout the day. The only thing we might want to change from this harness is the back padding. If only it were half an inch long, this gear would be absolutely perfect.
When it comes to climbing, taking your four-legged mate on a high-altitude adventure can be an exciting experience! And in case you don’t have the proper gear, don’t worry. You can check out some of our fantastic recommendations on the list of 13 best climbing harnesses for dogs.
What We Love
Back leg straps with separate connection points, allowing for perfect balance throughout the day
Pros:
- Four gear loops
- 3 Slide Bloc Buckles
- Patented abrasion protection
- Special two-part webbing construction
Cons:
- The back padding is a little short
Petzl Luna
11
Looking for something that’s approachable and convenient? Then you might want to give Petzl Luna a try. This climbing harness for women is an all-around gear that allows for a fast pull-on. It has double-back buckles made of aluminum, which are both silky and effortless to operate. And thanks to the padding around the waist and legs area, any mountaineering will be a delightful experience.
Another thing that makes Petzl Luna an impressive gear is its drop seat. It features elastic straps that can be easily removed via the two small buckles on the back. So when the situation calls for it, you can get off the belt in no time.
What We Love
An all-around women’s rock climbing harness with fully adjustable double-back buckles
Pros:
- Double-back buckle
- Five large gear loops
- Comfortable to wear
- Easy adjustment
Cons:
- The way the loops overlap each other is a bit unusual
Black Diamond Momentum
10
Most climbers recommend Black Diamond Momentum for gym climbing and we can immediately see why. This affordable harness has a simple design, with four different gear loops. Each one of them has plastic tubing, strategically positioned around the cord. We also love the fact that Black Diamond decided to give its loop belay a different color. This means you shouldn’t run into any problems when the situation demands a quick tie.
This climbing harness for women also has two completely adjustable elastic risers. Both are connected to the waist belt to create a convenient drop seat system. Overall, this is an impressive women’s rock climbing harness. If there was one thing that could be improved, then it might be the lumbar. We imagine it would be better if there was more cushion there, so your hips and back won’t get sore from extensive climbing.
What We Love
An affordable climbing harness for women that is highly recommended for gym climbing
Pros:
- Dual-core construction technology
- trakFIT adjustment system
- Haul loop
- Four pressure-molded gear loops
Cons:
- The lumbar can use some extra cushions
Arcteryx AR-385A
9
When it comes to lightness and convenience, nothing can really beat the Arcteryx AR-385a. Weighing around 385 grams, this climbing harness for women features a waistband that accommodates most of the area around your lower back. Thus, you’ll get more than decent support when doing some of the more complex rappels.
And if that’s not enough, this women’s rock climbing harness also carries what they call a Warp Strength Technologist. This fantastic innovation allows an even weight distribution over the entire width of the gear. In short, this product is one of the best things you can get when looking for a climbing harness for pregnancy or something similar. The only drawback is the price tag, which will probably cost you quite a fortune.
What We Love
A climbing harness for women with excellent comfort and lightness
Pros:
- Warp Strength Technology
- Burly Double Wave material
- Adjustable leg loops
- Type 66 nylon webbing
Cons:
- It’s quite pricey
Black Diamond Technician
8
Tough, convenient, and flexible. Those are the three advantages that you’ll get with Black Diamond Technician. Add that to the fact that it can be yours for less than 100 bucks and you’ve got the best climbing harness for women!
Just like we mentioned earlier, the Black Diamond Technician is a versatile gear. It’s compatible with all types of climbing, from sport, trad, alpine, and even ice climbing! We’re also impressed by the fact that this harness features four front-positioned clipper slots, which make them within reach whenever the situation requires.
What We Love
A tough harness that is compatible with almost any type of climbing
Pros:
- Synthetic
- Versatile
- Affordable
- Approachable
Cons:
- It’s a bit stiff
Petzl Sitta
7
One thing about Petzl Sitta that immediately catches our eye is its weight. Compared to a regular climbing harness for women, this one is really light. We’ll bet, after a few minutes of climbing, you’ll forget you’re wearing a harness! It’s no wonder that many professional climbers prefer the Sitta as their go-to gear, especially when dealing with lines that require extra attention.
Another impressive feature of the Petzl Sitta is the Wireframe Technology. Instead of traditional padding, this women’s rock climbing harness uses high-modulus polyethylene fibers to achieve an even weight distribution around the belt and leg area. And thanks to the elasticated leg loops, you’ll get a different level of mobility. However please note that this part isn’t adjustable. So, make sure it really fits your thighs before you decide to buy.
New to climbing? Don’t worry, you’re at the right place! Apart from the harness, you may want to get a pair of shoes that can keep you safe and significantly improve your climbing. For that, check out our list of the 13 best climbing shoes for beginners.
What We Love
An ultralight harness with impressive wireframe technology
Pros:
- Wireframe technology construction
- DoubleBack HD buckle
- Reinforced tie-in points
- Eco-designed
Cons:
- The leg loops aren’t adjustable
Misty Mountain Cadillac
6
As we said at the beginning, every climbing harness for women is built differently. So it is with Misty Mountain Cadillac. This one gear was crafted with trad climbing in mind. So it’s understandable why Cadillac then prioritized abrasion resistance and the ability to handle multiple gears at once, above all else. For outdoor materials, Misty Mountain chooses to use a strong 500 denier Cordura nylon, a fabric that’s generally used for making hiking backpacks.
Coming with plenty of padding, the Misty Mountain Cadillac feels incredibly comfortable when worn from a standing position. But on the downside, it makes the whole harness feel heavier and bulky. Moving on to the gear loops, they’re cleverly positioned face up, so you should be able to get straightforward access to all of your gear and clips.
What We Love
Designed specifically for trad climbing, offers excellent resistance to abrasion
Pros:
- 500D Cordura nylon
- Adjustable leg loops
- Six gear loops
- Ice Clipper slots
Cons:
- The harness felt a little heavier and bulky
Black Diamond PrimRose
5
Since its first release, Black Diamond PrimRose has been one of the most popular women’s rock climbing harnesses around. So, we decided to have a closer look and see what all the fuss is all about. And as a result, we’re impressed! PrimRose puts comfort as the main concern in its design, so the gear can be worn relatively easily by almost any body type. That’s why you get some convenient features like adjustable leg straps, leg loops, and double-backed buckles here.
Apart from that, this climbing harness for women has a dual-core construction with two bands of webbing on the outer frame. For better breathability, Black Diamond added CLPE foam in the center area. Best of all, a brand new unit of this incredible harness can be yours for less than 50 bucks!
What We Love
A popular women’s rock climbing harness that highlights comfort as its main appeal
Pros:
- Affordable
- Adjustable leg loops
- Automatic double-backing
- Rigid gear loops
Cons:
- Lacks of ice clipper slots
Camp Supernova
4
As you’d expect from a climbing harness for women, Camp Supernova is tailor-made to a female body. If you think this is a slightly modified men’s harness, then you’re seriously wrong. Our testers have spent some time on this product and as a result, they’re very impressed with how the Supernova feels so comfortable and fits their female parts. Apart from that, this gear is also lightweight and allows for optimal mobility.
Thanks to the no-twist belay loop, you won’t get any tangled-ups while wearing this women’s rock climbing harness. And since your back is free of any buckles, this gear will be great for all types of climbing. If there’s one thing we hope is better, it’s probably the materials. It should be more durable, so you can use the harness extensively without fearing it’ll break over time.
What We Love
A harness specifically made to fit a woman’s body
Pros:
- 3mm EVA foam padding
- Modified edge-load construction
- Patented no-twist belay loop
- 4 webbing reinforced gear loops
Cons:
- The material should be more durable
Black Diamond Solution
3
Black Diamond Solution is the right choice for those who intend to improve their climbing game. Coming in ultra-light construction, this climbing harness for women works great for sport climbing. It features breathable material, so it feels pleasant when worn for long periods. We’re even quite surprised to find out that this gear is quite thin, especially since it features a fairly soft padding layer.
And since there are no pressure points, you don’t need to think too much when tackling all those lines. Have a fully enjoyable climbing session! Furthermore, Black Diamond Solution also features stretchy and flexible leg loops, which is a great recipe for excellent mobility. Our only complaint is that this harness wasn’t made for belaying. But if you prefer sport or trad, then this is the perfect gear you’ve been looking for.
While we’re on the topic of harness, why don’t you check out some of our other fantastic recommendations? For example, we have a great list of the 13 best climbing harnesses for kids. Discover some great gear that will let you teach them to climb from an early age!
What We Love
Features a breathable material, making it comfortable to wear for a long time
Pros:
- Fusion comfort technology
- Contoured fit
- Adjustable risers
- Four pressure-molded loops
Cons:
- Isn’t made for belaying
Mammut Zephir
2
When it comes to climbing harnesses for women, Mammut Zephir is definitely not the most versatile option you can get. But as long as you’re dealing with something vertical, you should be fine. In fact, we dare say that this gear will be a reliable choice. Not only is it ultra-light but Zephir is also allowing for optimal mobility and providing excellent comfort.
As we mentioned earlier, Zephir isn’t a versatile gear. If gym climbing isn’t your thing, then angled gear loops might be a pain in the arse. But this doesn’t necessarily mean that Zephir is a bad choice. For beginners or those who are relatively new to the world of climbing, this is a great gear to start with.
What We Love
Reliable ultra light harness, perfect for gym climbing
Pros:
- Dyneema material
- Hip belt buckle
- Adjustable leg loops
- Two gear loops
- Four ice clipper slots
Cons:
- It’s not very versatile
Black Diamond Lotus
1
Some of you may think, hey there are too many Black Diamond products on this list! But you need to understand, when it comes to climbing harnesses for women, they’re one of, if not the best. Just like other impressive BD product lines, Black Diamond Lotus features dual construction and webbing, plus EVA foam padding. As a result, you get an even weight distribution to keep things stable.
For gear-carrying solutions, Lotus features no less than four different slots. Each of them offers a secure grip and attaches directly to the waist belt. As for weight, we’ve to admit that this women’s rock climbing harness is indeed a little heavier. But on the bright side, it’s sturdy and built to endure multiple kinds of abuse.
What We Love
A versatile harness, great for trad, gym climbing, or even alpine jaunts
Pros:
- Bullhorn-shaped waist belt
- Leg loops built with dual-core XP construction
- Bombshell abrasion patches
- Pre-threaded forged speed
Cons:
- It’s a little heavier
