A full-body climbing harness falls into the category of specialized harnesses, and they are also called rescue harnesses. Specialized harnesses are designed for specific climbing niches. A full-body harness is a combination of a sit-in harness system and a chest harness system.
Full-body harnesses add more support to the body.
It provides more body support necessary for carrying heavy loads or stabilizing large objects like tree branches and rescue litter.
Full-body harnesses are not suitable for sport and trad climbing.
Choosing the proper full-body climbing harness for your needs is an important decision.
There are many different factors to consider, including the type of climbing, level of difficulty, and personal preference.
There are three main types of climbing harnesses: full body harnesses, sport-specific harnesses, and trad-specific harnesses.
The full-body climbing harness is the most popular option for maximum safety during rope course activities, via Ferrata, or in mountaineering.
When Should You Wear a Full-Body Harness?
A full-body harness is a safety gear used to protect workers from falls.
It is usually worn by construction workers or people who work at heights.
It helps protect them from falls and other accidents while working.
There are two main types of full-body harnesses, one that wraps around the waist and one that wraps around the chest and stomach.
The harness you use depends on your work, height, weight, and other factors.
The full-body harness should fit snugly but not too tightly on your body, so it doesn’t restrict your movement or breathing ability.
According to the United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the most common cause of worker injuries is falling.
The best part of the fall protection system is a reliable full-body harness to prevent accidents that involve falling.
For those of you who need help in figuring out which full-body climbing harness will work best for you, we have reviewed some of the best full-body climbing harnesses on the market.
Our testers have tried, tested, and fallen more times than they would care to admit so that you know about the best of the best full-body climbing harnesses out there.
This review will help you make the best possible decision about which one will perfectly match your needs.
Top 5 Full Body Harnesses for Adults
This is a list of the 5 best full-body harnesses for adults.
- Petzl Volt Full Body Harness
- KwikSafety Thunder Safety Harnes
- Kissloves Full Body Safety Harness
- PETZL AVAO BOD Harness
- Malta Dynamics Safety Harness Fall Protection
1) Petzl Volt Full Body Harness
- Fall-arrest and work positioning harness
- Quick and easy donning. Waistbelt and leg loops equipped with FAST LT PLUS buckles for quick and easy fastening and unfastening without loss of adjustment, even while wearing gloves; these buckles allow the harness to be donned very easily, with both feet on the ground
- DOUBLEBACK self-locking buckles on waistbelt and shoulder straps for precise adjustment
Last update on 2023-09-25 // Source: Amazon Affiliates
We will start our review of the best full-body climbing harnesses with Petzl Volt.
It is one of our favorites on the list, and here is what you need to know about it.
Also known as the Petzl fall arrest harness, the Volt is undoubtedly a real triumph for Petzl when it comes to full body harnesses.
Ideal for the tower rappelling and tower climbing industry, the Petzl Volt full-body harness aims to replace the Petzl Padfast accessory added to any regular Petzl harness.
As soon as you wear Petzl Volt, you will feel it is incredibly lightweight for a full-body harness.
Petzl has introduced two attachment points on the side of the harness to make sure that whenever you are falling (not literally but on purpose), the weight distribution is proper and comfortable.
The shock pack also deploys if you accidentally fall, and that’s a feature you don’t typically get with fall arrest harnesses.
Petzl Volt is one of the best full-body climbing harnesses for industrial jobs because it has plenty of additional features, making jobs more convenient.
The ventral or ladder climb attachment is made for faster and safer movement while ensuring safety on the site.
The ergonomics of Petzl Volt make it incredibly easy to put on and take off whenever you need to.
You will not have to struggle with stationed leg loops with this one.
It has a backpack to make fitting easy, and the lumbar support makes working those long hours more bearable.
2) KwikSafety Thunder Safety Harness
![KwikSafety - Charlotte, NC - THUNDER 3D Ring Safety Harness [Pass Through Connectors] OSHA ANSI Industrial Full Body Fall Protection Personal Equipment Construction Scaffold Contractor](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51rxMG7DZaL._SL160_.jpg)
- WE DON'T CUT CORNERS ON SAFETY - This construction harness is a durable, heavy duty, high performance Full Body Harness that meets and exceeds ANSI/ASSE Z359.11-2014 standards. Our safety harness fall protection is the complete safety package. Be seen and safe with the fluorescent yellow synthetic material. Use with any compatible fall protection safety lanyard, energy absorbers, lifelines, and anchorage lanyards. Safely perform the job knowing the THUNDER fall protection harness has your back!
- HEAVY DUTY D-RINGS - Our fall arrest harness is fully equipped with two side (2) D Rings and (1) Dorsal Ring suitable for primary fall arrest attachment, travel restraint, and rescue. The construction harness has load bearing straps, made from pure, non-recycled synthetic material that is water repellant, has superior stitching, and resistant against ageing, heat, and abrasion. Ensure a safe and proper fit with three (3) pass-through buckles located on the hips, chest and legs of the harness.
- PROPER FIT, PROPER PERFORMANCE - Regardless if its a mens or womens harness, correct fit is essential for proper performance. Our adjustable construction safety harness supports users within a small medium large capacity range of 130 to 310 pounds (59 to 140 kg), 4’10” to 6’6” (147 to 198 centimeters) due to the adjustment points. To ensure your harnesses properly fit, see that all buckles are connected, leg and shoulder straps are snug, and chest straps are in the center of the chest area.
Last update on 2023-09-25 // Source: Amazon Affiliates
Next up on the list of the best full-body climbing harnesses is the KwikSafety Thunder Safety Harness.
Certified by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards, this full-body harness is an incredibly versatile full-body harness.
The full-body climbing harness made by KwikSafety is meant to be used by professionals and recreational users in the most extreme circumstances.
The company has built this full-body harness not just to meet the extremes of the ANSI and ASSE fall protection requirements but to exceed them to cater to a broader variety of applications.
Recreational climbers might find it a bit of overkill with all the safety features, but the best want something that can last, and the Thunder definitely lasts.
The construction is done through high-tensile strength and heavy-duty polyester webbing.
The adjustable straps make it suitable for any body type.
This is a harness you can easily take on and take off.
The sleek design means that it will not leave much room for comfortable padding, so if you plan on hanging for long stretches, you probably might want to stick with the Volt.
When it comes to holding you and any equipment you’re carrying safely, the KwikSafty Thunder full-body harness wins.
Capable of having an impressive 310 lbs, this is suitable for fall arrest, rescue, and restraint applications.
3) Kissloves Full Body Safety Harness
- ※ Safety—"Z" pattern stiching. Alloy large D-rings are stronge and safe. This safety belt is constructed from quick-dry nylon webbing. Professional high-tension sewing threads make it stronger and safer. 300 kg weight limit. Breaking strength: 25KN .CE Certified Standard: EN353~1:2014, EN358:2000, EN361:2002+AC:2017, EN362:2004. Note: The date on the label is the date of manufacture.
- ※Comfort—Waist and leg padding provide extra comfort. Frame construction guarantees optimal weight distribution. This climbing belt also supports the waist. The legs are protected by wavy sewing techniques and elastic bands. Magnesium alloy construction distributes pressure to maintain comfort while climbing. Compared to 95% of our competitors, we upgraded the belt and leg loops to lining the breathable mesh to ensure comfort at warm temperatures.
- ※Flexibility— Our professional climbing belt is designed to transfer rope tension from the connecting loop to the back of the thigh—You're actually sitting in a seat. You will feel safer and more assured. Climb belt waist strap: 31.49” - 51.18”. Leg Strap: 21.65” - 33.46”. Note: This is a larger climbing belt. It is not suitable for particularly thin individuals or small children.
Last update on 2023-09-26 // Source: Amazon Affiliates
Lastly, we will look at the Kissloves Full Body Safety Harness in our reviews of the best full-body climbing harnesses.
When it comes to being versatile, the Kissloves Full Body Safety Harness beats KwikSafety Thunder.
That is because the Kissloves Full Body Safety Harness is a lot more comfortable than the Thunder.
The entire harness is made using quick-dry nylon webbing, which has a pretty good tensile strength, and the high pulling strength stitching makes it more robust than it looks.
The traditional buckle is there for old-school climbers, but it is more comfortable than you would expect.
The webbing distributes the weight evenly to ensure no pressure points when climbing or hanging.
The leg loops and the waist belt are lined with breathable mesh, so you know you can keep using them for longer hours.
Ideal for caving, high-level construction jobs, tree work, and rappelling, via Ferrata, and mountaineering, the Kissloves Full Body Safety Harness is a pretty good all-around full-body climbing harness you can consider if you like climbing for more reasons than just work.
4) PETZL AVAO BOD Harness
- Comfortable harness for fall arrest, work positioning and suspension
- Built for comfort: X-shaped dorsal construction wraps to reduce pressure points during prolonged suspension, plus foam shoulder straps are widely spaced to reduce neck chafing.
- Practical adjustment: Leg loops equipped with self-locking DoubleBack buckles for quick and easy adjustment.
Last update on 2023-09-26 // Source: Amazon Affiliates
5) Malta Dynamics Safety Harness Fall Protection
- Safety & Versatility: The Malta Dynamics Warthog Comfort MAXX Safety Harness Fall Protection provides maximum comfort and safety for workers with its full shoulder, back, waist, and leg comfort padding. The removable waist belt adds versatility to the harness
- Field Tested & Field Approved: This construction full body harness meets ANSI Z359.11-2021, ANSI A10.32-2012, OSHA 1910.66, and OSHA 1926.502 Subpart M standards, and has been tested in the field and approved by professionals for its reliability and durability
- Quick & Easy Adjustments: The harness features quick connect chest and leg buckles for fast and easy adjustments, saving workers time and hassle when suiting up for work
Last update on 2023-09-26 // Source: Amazon Affiliates
Best Full-Body Harnesses for Kids
We will take a look at the five best full-body harnesses for kids.
- Black Diamond Equipment Kid’s Full Body Momentum Harness
- Flowersea998 Full Body Climbing Harness Kids
- EDELRID Fraggle III Kid’s Full Body Climbing Harness
- Gonex Kids Full Body Climbing Harness
- CAMP Bambino Full Body Harness
No products found.
How Climbing Harnesses for Kids are Different from Adult Harnesses?
Climbing harnesses for kids are different from adult harnesses because they are designed to fit their size and weight.
They also have features that support the growth of their bodies.
A child’s climbing harness design is based on the child’s size, weight, and ability level.
The type of climbing harness you get depends on your child’s age and skill level.
Make Sure a Climbing Harness For Kids Fits Correct
A climbing harness for kids should provide support and protection.
It should be comfortable to wear, fit snugly and not be too heavy.
The harness should also have an adjustable waist belt.
A climbing harness for kids must be durable and easy to put on.
It needs to be comfortable enough that the child will want to wear it.
Therefore, the hip belt should not be too high or too low.
The leg loops should be relatively tight around the thigh.
The harness should be snugly fitting around the chest.
Harnesses for children are available in different sizes and weight ranges.
Full Body Rock Climbing Harnesses FAQs
How Long Can You Sit in a Climbing Harness?
The general rule of thumb is to sit in a harness for about 20 minutes before getting uncomfortable.
A climbing harness is designed to hold your weight and distribute the pressure across the straps, so it will not break or cause any harm if you sit in it for a while.
However, sitting in the same position for an extended period will feel uncomfortable and lead to injury.
What Class is a Full-Body Rescue Harness?
A full-body harness is Class III. It falls under Fall Safety Equipment Classes, Class III: Full Body Harnesses.
Which Type of Harness is Generally used while Climbing?
A sit harness is used while climbing.
There usually are two leg loops and a waist belt attached to the hips by a permanent webbing loop called a belay loop.
Most rock climbers use the figure-eight knot.
In recreational activities such as abseiling and rock climbing, sit harnesses are most commonly used because they allow free movement while maintaining a high safety level.
How to Properly Fit a Full Body Rock Climbing Harness?
Rock climbing harnesses are a type of safety gear that is used while rock climbing.
They are used to attach the climber to the rope so that they don’t fall off.
The harness should be fitted properly in order to ensure maximum comfort and safety.
It should not be too tight or too loose.
The waist belt should be adjusted so it fits snugly around the hips and provides support for the lower back.
The leg loops should be adjusted so it fits snugly around the thighs, but also allow room for movement.
Some of the other factors that can affect how a harness fits include: body weight, height, and gender.
What is the Difference between Full-Body Climbing Harness and a Sit-in Climbing Harness?
The difference between these two types of harnesses is that a full-body climbing harness is designed to fit around the whole body, while a sit-in climbing harness only covers the lower body.
Full-body climbing harnesses are usually more expensive and heavier than sit-in climbing harnesses.
What are the Features of a Full-Body Climbing Harness?
When it comes to the design of a full-body climbing harness, there are a few features that you can expect to see:
- Durable webbings made from polyester or nylon.
- Flexible straps that fit comfortably.
- One or two D-ring attachments to secure the person if they fall.
- Maximum weight limit.
Can You Rock Climb with a Full-Body Harness?
UIAA studies have shown that full-body harnesses put climbers at higher risk for neck and spinal injuries if they fall from any angle while wearing them.
Therefore, the UIAA established that waist harnesses are safer for rock climbers since they reduce the impact of fall arrests on their bodies.
The only climbing discipline that uses full-body climbing harnesses for adults is speed climbing.
In general, when practicing rock climbing, adults should wear a sit-in harness, unless the climber is required to wear a full-body climbing harness.
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Last Updated on December 26, 2022 by Roger
