So, you’ve recently discovered climbing.. Welcome! You’re now entering a new sub-culture of great times with amazing people! Maybe you’ve climbed with a few friends, borrowed some gear, top-roped, or maybe gotten your first lead. Now it’s time to consider what gear you should start investing in. Well, I’m here to help you narrow down your search. So let’s take a few minutes and talk about the Best Climbing Harnesses for Beginners of 2020.
For more of my climbing gear reviews and recommendations, check out:
- Top 5 Best Climbing Ropes for Beginners
- La Sportiva Finale Climbing Shoe Review: Best Entry Level Shoe!
QUICK ANSWER:
BEST CLIMBING HARNESS FOR BEGINNERS
COMPARISON TABLE
| Picture | Name | Waist | Leg Loops | Adjustment Mechanism | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Mammut Ophir 3 Slide | 28.5-33.5 in (Medium) | Adjustable | Single Pull Tab | $$ | 4.5 |
  |
Black Diamond Momentum | 30-33 in (Medium) | Adjustable | Single Pull Tab | $ | 4.9 |
  |
Eldelrid Jay | 27.6-37.4 in (Medium) | Adjustable | Single Pull Tab | $ | 4.0 |
  |
Edelrid Jayne | 27.6-37.4 in (Medium) | Adjustable | Single Pull Tab | $ | 4.2 |
  |
Petzl Corax | (Size 1) 25.6-37.8 in, (Size 2) 29.9-42.1 in | Adjustable | Double Buckle | $ | 4.6 |
  |
Misty Mountain Intrepid | 29-32 in (Medium) | Adjustable | Single Pull Tab | $$$ | 4.4 |
  |
Singing Rock Garnet | 29.5-35.5 in (Medium) | Adjustable | Single Quick Release Buckle | $ | 4.1 |
   |
Singing Rock Pearl | 27.5-31.5 in (Medium) | Adjustable | Single Quick Release Buckle | $$ | 4.3 |
  |
Black Diamond Solution | 30-33 in (Medium) | Fixed | Single Pull Tab | $$ | 4.6 |
  |
Petzl Sama | 30-33 in (Medium) | Fixed | Single Pull Tab | $$ | 4.7 |
| Picture | Name | Waist | Leg Loops | Adjustment Mechanism | Price | Rating |
THE BEST CLIMBING HARNESS FOR BEGINNERS
REVIEW
- LEG LOOPS: Adjustable
- ADJUSTMENT MECHANISM: Single Pull Tab
- WAIST: 28.5-33.5 in (Medium)
- GEAR LOOPS: 4
FEATURES
- Reinforced Tie-in Points (for durability)
- Wear Indicator on Belay Loop (to know when to replace)
- Quick Adjustment Buckles (for easy sizing and adjustability)
BEST FOR: DURABILITY
With reinforced tie-in points and and a wear indicator on the belay loop, the Ophir is designed for durability. The wear indicator features a red thread that you will only see if wear has caused abrasion to the belay loop, which lets you know that it is time to replace the harness for safety.
The harness is also easily adjustable on the fly thanks to the Slide-Bloc buckle system on both the waist and leg loops. The risers (straps connecting the waist belt to the leg loops) are also adjustable to ensure proper fit of the leg loops, and can be released if you need a quick bathroom break.
VIEW AT AMAZON
BLACK DIAMOND MOMENTUM
View Women’s Version
SPECS
- LEG LOOPS: Adjustable
- ADJUSTMENT MECHANISM: Single Pull Tab
- WAIST: 30-33 in (Medium)
- GEAR LOOPS: 4
FEATURES
- Easily Adjustable Leg Loops
- Thick, Padded Waist Belt
- Adjustable Riser (for comfortable hanging)
BEST FOR: VALUE
The Momentum is an excellent harness for your introduction to climbing and will take you from the gym to the crag with no problem. It is very lightweight and super comfortable, thanks to thick padding in the waist belt and leg loops. The proprietary trakFit system also makes the leg loops extremely easy to adjust, which makes for a great fit for a variety of body types, and is nice during cold weather when you’re wearing extra layers. It also features four gear loops which is great as you’re getting into climbing and expanding the equipment you have on your harness, from belay devices to quickdraws.
EDELRID JAY
SPECS
- LEG LOOPS: Adjustable
- ADJUSTMENT MECHANISM: Single Pull Tab
- WAIST: 27.6-37.4 in (Medium)
- GEAR LOOPS: 4
FEATURES
- Breathable Mesh
- Moveable Foam Waist Padding
- Abrasion-resistant Tie-in Point (for durability)
BEST FOR: ALL-AROUND USE FOR MEN
The Jay is a fantastic beginner harness, featuring easy adjustments of the waist belt and the waist padding. The 3D mesh padding is extremely breathable, and also extends over the edge of the waist belt for extra comfort when you’re hanging on the wall or belaying your partner while they’re working a hard climb.
The tie-in point is reinforced with plastic to stand up to lots of wear, which is useful for a newly-obsessed beginner climber who wants to climb all the time. Plus, the four gear loops give you room to grow your rack of equipment as you get further into climbing.
VIEW AT AMAZON
EDELRID JAYNE
SPECS
- LEG LOOPS: Adjustable
- ADJUSTMENT MECHANISM: Single Pull Tab
- WAIST: 27.6-37.4 in (Medium)
- GEAR LOOPS: 4
FEATURES
- Women’s Sizing
- Bright Colors
- Abrasion-resistant Tie-in Point (for durability)
BEST FOR: ALL AROUND USE FOR WOMEN
Similar to Jay, but designed with a women’s fit (including an XS option), the Jayne is an excellent choice for a beginner harness, especially if you like bright colors. The eye-catching blues and greens that this harness comes in will definitely stand out at the gym or the crag.
In terms of fit and comfort, the waist belt has padding that extends over the edge to make it extra comfortable, as well as a special adjustment to keep the belay loop and gear loops centered, which is a nice touch so you’re not fiddling with the harness while trying to find things that you need quickly.
VIEW AT AMAZON
PETZL CORAX
SPECS
- LEG LOOPS: Adjustable
- ADJUSTMENT MECHANISM: Double Buckle
- WAIST: (Size 1) 25.6-37.8 in, (Size 2) 29.9-42.1 in
- GEAR LOOPS: 4
FEATURES
- Two Sizes for Maximum Adjustability
- Comfort-lined Pressure Points
- Double Waist Buckles
BEST FOR: WIDE RANGE OF SIZES
Unlike many climbing harnesses, the Corax only comes in two sizes, However, this actually makes it a highly customizable harness since each size offers a much wider range than traditional sizes. The Corax also has double waist buckles, which offers much better adjustability for centering the harness on your hips than the normal single buckle which pulls everything to one side.
The Corax is lightweight and fairly minimalist, which makes it a great beginner harness as you figure out your needs and grow as a climber. However, it’s still comfortable, with excellent weight distribution between the waist belt and leg loops and fabric lining at any pressure points.
VIEW AT AMAZON
MISTY MOUNTAIN INTREPID
- LEG LOOPS: Adjustable
- ADJUSTMENT MECHANISM: Single Pull Tab
- WAIST: 29-32 in (Medium)
- GEAR LOOPS: 4
FEATURES
- Durable Nylon Shell (for lifetime durability)
- Wide Waist & Leg Loops (for comfort)
- Quick Adjust Buckles (for easy sizing and adjustability)
BEST FOR: QUALITY
Equally at home at the crag or in the gym, the Intrepid is great for beginner climbers looking for a harness that will last as they progress. A wide waist belt and leg loops which are both foam-cushioned provide lots of comfort on the wall, and the outer shell is extra durable to stand up to whatever surface you’re climbing in the gym or outside.
Made in a specialized textile facility in the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina, this harness is on the pricier side, but the construction is impeccable. Plus, Misty Mountain is an American small business with a reputation for amazing quality in climbing gear.
VIEW AT AMAZON
SINGING ROCK GARNET
SPECS
- LEG LOOPS: Adjustable
- ADJUSTMENT MECHANISM: Single Quick Release Buckle
- WAIST: 29.5-35.5 in (Medium)
- GEAR LOOPS: 4
FEATURES
- Proprietary Adjustment System (for easy sizing and adjustment)
- Self-locking Buckles (to keep you safe and secure)
- Abrasion-resistant Fabric (for long-lasting durability)
BEST FOR: ADJUSTABILITY
Normally, when you adjust a harness to a smaller size, you’ll end up pulling through extra material that can get in your way. But the Garnet features a unique adjustment system, which helps to keep the free end of the waist belt padding out of the way after you’ve tightened it to fit. The Rock&Lock buckle system allows you to quickly completely release the buckles on the harness, making it easy and fast to take the harness completely on and off. The harness is made of durable material all-around, including on the four gear loops, so it will stand up to a lot of climbing.
VIEW AT AMAZON
SINGING ROCK PEARL
SPECS
- LEG LOOPS: Adjustable
- ADJUSTMENT MECHANISM: Single Quick Release Buckle
- WAIST: 27.5-31.5 in (Medium)
- GEAR LOOPS: 4
FEATURES
- Women-Specific Fit
- Foam Padded Waist & Legs (for all-day comfort)
- Easy Adjust Buckles (for superior adjustability)
BEST FOR: WOMEN’S FIT
The Pearl is specifically designed for a woman’s body. Not only is the sizing range different than the men’s Garnet harness, but the Pearl has a specially contoured waist along with a longer loop between the waist belt and the legs to properly fit a woman’s torso. The thick foam padding in the waist and legs just adds to the comfort.
The adjustable leg loops also make it easy to customize the fit to your specific body, and you’re not limited by what you can layer underneath if you get cold easily when you’re heading outside (or even in an air-conditioned gym).
VIEW AT AMAZON
BLACK DIAMOND SOLUTION
SPECS
- LEG LOOPS: Fixed
- ADJUSTMENT MECHANISM: Single Pull Tab
- WAIST: 30-33 in (Medium)
- GEAR LOOPS: 4
FEATURES
- Comfort Webbing (to distribute weight evenly)
- Releasable Riser (for easy fit adjustment and comfortable hanging)
- Breathable
BEST FOR: ALL-DAY COMFORT
The Solution is made to minimize pressure points with special webbing in the waist and legs, so you’ll be comfortable in your harness for a whole day of climbing and belaying. The padding is also extremely breathable, which is nice if you tend to overheat and sweat when you get warm while working hard on a climb.
The women’s version of the harness is designed to sit higher on your torso to fit a woman’s body better. However, be aware that the leg loops on both the men’s and women’s version are not adjustable, so make sure to check the sizing to be certain they’ll fit you properly.
VIEW AT AMAZON
PETZL SAMA
- LEG LOOPS: Fixed
- ADJUSTMENT MECHANISM: Single Pull Tab
- WAIST: 30-33 in (Medium)
- GEAR LOOPS: 4
FEATURES
- Elastic Leg Loops for Comfort
- Breathable
- Individual Riser Attachments (for maximum adjustability and comfortable hanging)
BEST FOR: VERSATILITY
The Petzl Sama is a comfortable harness for both climbing and belaying, thanks to its EndoFrame construction which provides even weight distribution. The waist is a little thinner than some others, which gives you more range of motion yet should still be comfortable thanks to breathable padding.
An important consideration is that the leg loops are elasticized, but they are not adjustable, which limits the fit. If they don’t fit your body properly, you’ll be uncomfortable, and should choose a different harness. Also, if you plan to take this harness outdoors, you should consider whether the leg loops will stretch enough to allow you to layer warm clothing under them.
VIEW AT AMAZON
For other Climbing Harness options with super sweet deals, go here:
THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING A BEGINNER CLIMBING HARNESS
So how do you know which is the best climbing harness? You don’t need a lot of bells and whistles on a beginner climbing harness, but you definitely want to make sure it fits and adjusts well to your body type. Here are some tips from REI on how to fit a climbing harness properly. You can feel secure about your safety in any of the harnesses reviewed here, as all certified climbing harnesses adhere to rigorous safety standards.
FIT
Fit is the most important factor in a harness for both comfort and safety. You don’t need to guess at the proper size, since manufacturers list the size range of the waist in inches. You can measure your own waist to compare before buying to ensure you get the right size.
Leg loops also are a key part of the fit of a harness. Some harnesses have adjustable leg loops while others have fixed leg loops. The fixed ones are great if they fit your body, but the adjustable ones offer more flexibility in a broader range of sizes.
COMFORT
A harness is the first thing you put on when you go climbing, and you’ll be wearing it pretty much the whole time. Hopefully, it will feel like an extension of your body, and you’ll barely even notice you have it on. Breathable padding helps keep you comfortable without getting sweaty. Look for a harness that boasts a padded waist and leg loops, especially if you’re planning long days at the crag or multi-hour gym sessions.
DURABILITY
Because you’ll be wearing your harness so much, you want it to be durable and stand up to the abrasive surfaces of walls and rock. Reinforced tie-in points are a nice feature to handle lots of days of roping up. A wear indicator on the belay loop, like on the Mammut Ophir 3 Slide, gives you a heads up when it’s time to replace your harness.
FEATURES EXPLAINED
ADJUSTABLE VS FIXED LEG LOOPS
Adjustable leg loops have buckles to loosen or tighten, while the size of fixed leg loops cannot be changed.
GEAR LOOPS
The loops on the sides of the harness designed for holding quickdraws, carabiners, belay devices, and other gear.
TIE-IN POINTS
The two points through which you thread your climbing rope when tying in to climb.
BELAY LOOP
The loop where you attach your belay device with a carabiner. Should only be used for metal such as carabiners, not soft goods like rope or slings.
RISERS
The thin straps connecting the leg loops to the waist belt. They adjust the length the leg loops hang down from the waist, and some are releasable to allow you to drop the leg loops completely when you need to go to the bathroom or get out of the harness.
MORE INFORMATION
I hope you found this review helpful! My goal is to help narrow your search when looking for your next piece of gear, so I hope this helps your find your best climbing harness. If you have any further questions or a request for future reviews, please drop me a line in the comment section below and I’ll get to work! Be smart, stay safe and get out there and crush it, my friends! Yeeew!
If you enjoyed this article, you may also like:
- Top 5 Best Climbing Rope for Beginners
- La Sportiva Climbing Shoe Review: Best Entry Level Shoe
- 10 Best Backpacking Water Filters of 2020
- Top 5 Backpacking Tents of 2020
- Down vs. Synthetic Sleeping Bags: Which is Right for You
*Editor’s note: Help support this site by making your next gear purchase through one of the links above at no extra costs to you. Click a link, buy what you need, and the seller will contribute a portion of the purchase price to support TheEpicReviews unsponsored gear reviews, articles, and hiking guides.
