A properly fitting climbing harness is one of the most important pieces of gear for a safe and enjoyable climbing experience. Not only does it need to stay secure during a fall, but it also needs to be comfortable while you're climbing or belaying. If your climbing harness doesn’t fit correctly, it can lead to discomfort or even potential safety risks.

This guide will walk you through the basics of fitting a harness, covering everything from the waist belt to adjustable leg loops, so you feel confident and secure every time you hit the crag.

A climbing harness that fits well is more than just a comfort issue—it’s a safety essential. If a harness is too loose, there’s a slim but real chance you could slip out during a fall. More commonly, a poorly fitting harness will cause discomfort, bruising, or pressure points that can ruin your climbing experience. A good fit ensures:

• Comfort during long climbs or when hanging.

• Security in the event of a fall.

• Proper placement of important features, like the belay and gear loops and tie-in point.

At Next Adventure, we carry a variety of harnesses to accommodate different body types, climbing styles, and preferences. While there are some differences across brands and models, the process of fitting a harness is fairly universal. Come into the Portland store and get fitted!

Choosing the right climbing harness is the first step to a safe and enjoyable climbing experience. With so many options available, it can feel overwhelming to figure out which one is best for you. The good news is there is a harness out there for you. Follow these steps to get the right fit:

• Find the right Harness

• Put the Harness On

• Adjust the Harness

• Test the Fit

• Comfort Levels

Before fitting a climbing harness, you’ll need to select one that works for your body type and climbing goals. Climbing harnesses come in various size ranges, so make sure you’re choosing one that aligns with your waist circumference and overall build.

What to Look For in a Harness:

• Specific Harness for Your Needs : Consider whether you need a lightweight harness for sport climbing, a padded harness for big walls, or an all-purpose harness for general use.

• Size Ranges : Harnesses come in small, medium, large, and extra-large, but sizing varies between brands. Check the manufacturer’s size chart to match your measurements.

• Waist Circumference : Your waist measurement is key. Most harnesses adjust to a range of waist sizes, so knowing your exact measurement will help narrow your options.

At Next Adventure, our staff is ready to help you find the right harness and ensure it’s the right starting point for fitting.

Once you’ve selected a harness, it’s time to try it on. Follow these steps to put it on properly:

1. Step into the Harness

   • Place one leg through each leg loop. Think of it like putting on a pair of pants.

   • Pull the harness up by the waist belt until it sits above your hips.

2. Position the Waist Belt

   • The waist belt should sit above your hip bones, not on or below them. This placement ensures the harness won’t slip in the event of a fall.

   • Tighten the belt as snugly as you can without it feeling restrictive.

3. Check for Twists

   • Ensure there are no twists in the leg loops or waist belt. Everything should lie flat for even weight distribution.

Now that the harness is on, it’s time to fine-tune the fit. Each part of the harness plays an important role in keeping you safe and comfortable.

Adjust the Waist Belt

• The waist belt is the most important part of the harness. It should be snug enough that you can’t pull it down over your hips but not so tight that it digs into your waist.

• If your harness uses an auto-locking buckle, thread the webbing through the plates and secure it firmly.

Leg Loops

• If the harness has adjustable leg loops, tighten them for a snug but comfortable fit.

• The leg loop should fit securely without restricting movement. A good rule of thumb is that you should be able to fit a hand between your leg and the loop but not much more.

• Make sure the loops aren’t twisted and that the rear straps connecting them to the waist belt are properly attached.

Belay Loop and Tie-In Points

• Check that the belay loop is centered in front of the harness.

• The tie-in point, where your rope will connect, should also be aligned properly. These areas are critical for safety and must be in the correct position.

Testing your harness is a crucial step that many climbers skip. Here’s how to test it:

1. Hang in the Harness

   • Use a climbing rope or ask for assistance at the store to safely hang in the harness.

   • Pay attention to how it feels—there should be even support around your waist and legs.

2. Check for Excess Space

   • While hanging, you shouldn’t be able to fit more than a fist between your waist and the harness. If there’s more room, the harness is too big and should be adjusted or replaced.

A climbing harness needs to fit securely, but it also needs to feel comfortable. If the waist belt or leg loops pinch, dig in, or feel restrictive, try adjusting them. If you still feel discomfort, a different harness model might work better. Comfort is especially important for longer climbs where you’ll spend a lot of time wearing the harness.

Additional Tips for Fitting a Climbing Harness

• Don’t Rush the Process : Trying on multiple harnesses might feel tedious, but it’s worth the effort to find the perfect fit.

• Ask for Help : At Next Adventure, our climbing experts can assist you with fitting and answer any questions about your gear.

• Try Before You Buy : Never buy a harness without trying it on. Fit can vary widely between brands and models, so make sure you’re confident in your choice.

• Consider Your Climbing Style : If you plan on multi-pitch climbs or hanging belays, opt for a harness with more padding. For sport climbing, a lightweight model might be better.

1. How tight should the waist belt be?
The waist belt should be snug but not uncomfortable. You shouldn’t be able to pull it down over your hips, but it also shouldn’t restrict your movement.

2. What are adjustable leg loops?
Adjustable leg loops let you change the fit of the loops around your thighs. This is helpful if you’re wearing layers in colder weather or if your leg size varies from the harness’s default fit.

3. Can I wear a harness over bulky clothing?
Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the waist belt and leg loops to fit properly. If you regularly climb in winter gear, consider a harness with more adjustable features.

4. Why is the belay loop so important?
The belay loop is a strong, reinforced part of the harness that connects your climbing rope to the harness. It needs to be properly aligned and secured for safety.

5. What happens if my harness doesn’t fit correctly?
A poorly fitting harness can slip, pinch, or fail to provide proper support in a fall. Always ensure your harness fits securely before climbing.

A properly fitting climbing harness is one of the most important pieces of gear you’ll own. By following these steps, you’ll ensure your harness is secure, comfortable, and ready for every adventure. At Next Adventure, we carry a wide range of harnesses to suit every climber and body type. Stop by one of our stores or visit us online to find your perfect fit—and don’t forget to ask our staff for help if you need it!

It's important that you have a harness that fits well, not only so that it's comfortable while you're wearing it around the crag, but so that it's comfortable when you fall in it and so that it stays on because a harness is what protects you in the event of the fall. If you have a poorly fitting harness, there is a small possibility that you could slip out of it or that it'll be very uncomfortable in the event of a fall.

Though we carry a variety of brands and models of harnesses here at Next Adventure, it's important that you get a good fit with any harness and the process of fitting or climbing harness is gonna be fairly similar across brands and models. You'll want to start by having a sales associate from our climbing department help you select what they think is gonna be the right size harness. You may have to try on a few in order to get the right fit.

You'll start by stepping into the left and right leg loops, and then pull up the harness by the waist belt like a pair of pants. Next, tighten the waist belt above your hips, though every harness buckles differently, the most common type of system is a two plate auto-locking system in which the main piece of webbing must be threaded from below through both plates and then back down through the larger one on the bottom.

You'll want to get the harness as tight as you comfortably can. It's important that the hip belt sit above the hip bones and not on or below them. You'll also want to try to keep the belay loop and the top hard point centered above the waist. If the harness has adjustable leg loops, you want to tighten them as well. Again, as tight as they can comfortably be, check that there are no twists in the leg loops and that everything is oriented properly, as well as that the two rear straps are connected to the hip belt of the harness.

Next, you want to test the harness by hanging in it. You do this for two reasons. One, you get a feel of how the harness feels when you're actually gonna be in it when it matters most: when you're hanging after a fall or working on a route. And two, to make sure that the harness isn't too big. You want to make sure that you can't fit more than a fist in between your stomach and the harness. If you can fit more than a fist width in between the stomach and the hip belt, it means that the harness is probably too big or needs to be tightened more.

It's important to have someone help you fit your harness and to make sure that you try it on before you buy it. Come stop by the store, try on harnesses, hang in them, and get a sense of how they really feel and how they really fit. Thanks for watching. As always, for more information, check out our website next adventure.net, or stop by the store to come have a chat with us. We'll see you at the crag.