Harness

A climbing harness distributes the load of a fall or a hang across the waist and both legs through padded webbing loops, and provides a belay loop and tie in points where the rope or a belay device attaches. Every harness is rated for climbing loads, but fit, padding, and adjustability vary a lot across models built for different styles of climbing.

Gym and all around harnesses favor comfort and easy adjustment, sport specific harnesses trim weight and bulk for hard redpoint attempts, and big wall or trad harnesses add extra padding and gear loops for hanging in one for hours at a time while racking heavier gear. Kids and some women's specific harnesses adjust the leg loop to waist ratio for different body proportions.

Fit matters more than any feature list: leg loops and waist belt should sit snugly with no more than a flat hand's width of slack, and the waist belt should ride above the hip bones so it cannot slip down under load. Always double back the buckle on any harness that requires it and have a partner confirm this before every climb.