Whether you climb sport, trad, alpine peaks, or love clipping attracts within the gymnasium, we’ve bought you lined. Send your subsequent undertaking with among the best girls’s climbing harnesses of 2023.
At first look, harnesses could appear easy, however their particular elements make a world of distinction for a climber’s wants and preferences.
Rest assured, these high picks from our skilled gear testers will provide help to really feel protected and safe whereas additionally assembly your climbing goals. We’re right here that will help you discover one of the best climbing harness to your particular wants.
Our testers embody an American Mountain Guides Association-certified rock information, an intro-to-outdoor mountaineering information, a former Yosemite Mountain Guide, and a talented leisure climber. These harnesses supported our cams, swings, rappels, belays, and rests on a spread of North American rock from Canada to Colorado and throughout California.
Below, we define one of the best climbing harnesses for girls in hopes of creating your subsequent belay that significantly better. If you want extra assist deciding, take a look at our comparability chart and browse our purchaser’s information for a full rundown of what to think about when buying a harness.
The Best Climbing Harnesses for Women in 2023
Best Overall: Black Diamond Solution
The Solution ($80) is Black Diamond’s best-selling harness, and for a superb purpose. Sleek, easy, and remarkably snug, this harness has a few of the widest leg loops of any we examined.
A contoured form and comfortable supplies within the loops help your weight when you grasp, work strikes in your sport climbing undertaking, or sit in your harness whereas belaying your companion. The girls’s-specific rise considers the totally different waist-to-hip ratio of girls versus males, permitting for a extra snug and thoughtful match relying in your physique kind.
The one grievance concerning the Solution is that it doesn’t have adjustable leg loops. The extensive loops taper within the entrance and have some stretch to tug over your thighs, and whereas this may work for most individuals, one dimension doesn’t match all, particularly with girls who are inclined to have a smaller waist-to-thigh ratio. We suggest you do this harness on before you purchase to ensure it matches your physique kind.
This harness, with its low bulk and excessive consolation metrics, is a superb selection for every little thing from single-pitch sport climbing to multipitch trad climbs, each actions that may see you hanging in your harness extra usually. The Black Diamond Solution Guide is an excellent more sensible choice for the trad climber because it was made with that in thoughts, however the Solution is a wonderful all-around harness with a comparatively low price ticket.
Specs
- Weight: 11.64 oz.
- Adjustable leg loops? No
- Activity: Sport, trad, alpine climbing
Pros
- Affordable
- Comfortable
- Wide leg Loops
Cons
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Best Budget Harness: Black Diamond Momentum
The Momentum ($65) is our favourite gym-to-crag harness among the many check pool. The design is easy, with 4 rectangular, inflexible gear loops — which means that plastic tubing sits across the wire.
This harnesses belay loop is brightly coloured in distinction with the tie-in loops, so it’s simple to rapidly tie in with out error. The two rear elastic risers are adjustable and join the leg loops to the waist belt through a slide-in hook, so a drop seat is on the market (though the latch will not be simple to undo or refasten solo, one tester discovered).
While the harness is on the lighter finish of the spectrum, we wished for a bit extra cushion on the lumbar throughout lengthy days within the saddle. That stated, the Momentum simply met our efficiency requirements, and we’re assured it’s one of the best climbing harness you’ll discover for the worth.
Specs
- Weight: 10.7 oz.
- Adjustable leg loops? Yes
- Activity: Sport, trad, gymnasium climbing
Pros
- Affordable
- Large, sturdy gear loops
- Simple, simple design
Cons
- Could use extra cushion on the lumbar
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Best for Beginners: Petzl Luna
Overall, testers discovered that the Petzl Luna ($90) is a superb all-around harness that’s snug and simple to tug on quick. The aluminum, double-back buckles are easy and pleasant to make use of — on each the waist and leg adjustment factors — and the padding on the waist and legs makes rappels and hanging extra satisfying.
The harness has a big gear-carry capability with two massive, barely forward-angled gear loops within the entrance and one other three comfortable, spherical gear loops towards the again. However, these gear loops are smaller than these on different harnesses we examined. They’re additionally constructed of wire, which is extra vulnerable to abrasion, particularly in case you are a trad climber and end up squeezing by chimneys.
Because of this, we most popular this harness for sport climbing the place you solely want room for quickdraws in your gear loops, and are much less more likely to be in conditions the place your harness is pressed up towards the rock.
This harness can be one of many heavier fashions we examined. That, paired with the small, cord-constructed gear loops makes this a terrific selection for rookies who’re principally high roping and need a snug harness with adjustable leg loops, or sport climbers who don’t thoughts a bit of additional weight.
Specs
- Weight: 16.6 oz.
- Adjustable leg loops? Yes
- Activity: Sport and gymnasium climbing
Pros
- Easy to tug on with a pleasant huge waist buckle
- Comfortable padding on waist and leg loops
- Quick-release leg loops
Cons
- Not the lightest harness
- Small, cord-constructed gear loops extra vulnerable to abrasion
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Best for Ice Climbing and Mountaineering: Petzl Sitta
Are you an ice climber or mountaineer in search of a specialised, ultra-lightweight harness to your subsequent winter outing or high-altitude expedition? Look no additional than the Petzl Sitta ($200) — a slim and streamlined harness weighing in at 9 ounces that packs down small, saving room in your pack, whereas nonetheless designed to be snug to climb in all day.
The Sitta has an especially skinny and versatile waistband and leg loops. They have high-modulus polyethylene strands working by them for higher weight distribution regardless of the skinny materials. And the leg loops are elasticized, stretching simply over cumbersome layers and offering optimum freedom of motion.
With 4 spacious gear loops for racking gear and slots for ice instruments, the Sitta is the best selection for mountaineering or mountaineering, and can be a terrific selection for high-end sport climbing on account of its gentle weight.
The downsides to this harness are its price ticket and specialization. Clocking it at $200, that is the costliest harness we examined. It can be a really specialised harness, and never one we might suggest for all kinds of climbing. If you don’t thoughts paying a premium to shave weight, nevertheless, you gained’t be disillusioned by this high-end, ultralight harness.
Specs
- Weight: 9 oz.
- Adjustable leg loops? No
- Activity: Ice or sport climbing, mountaineering
Pros
- Ultralight
- Extremely packable
- Large gear loops and slots for ice instruments
Cons:
- Very costly
- Non-adjustable leg loops
- Specialized
Best for Multipitch Climbing:: Edelrid Helia
The Edelrid Helia ($140) harness is probably the most supportive and comfy harness that Edelrid makes, with some distinctive design options that make it a terrific selection for multipitch mountaineering. Padding on this harness is strategically positioned in sure areas to maximise consolation whereas maintaining the general weight of the harness decrease.
The butterfly-shaped waist belts assist distribute weight and make hanging on this harness remarkably snug, which is vital to creating hanging belays bearable on lengthy routes. The gear loops are massive and spacious, and a fifth loop within the again is made with sturdy plastic for hanging a haul line or another gear necessities.
A detachable small zippered bag can be included to make stashing bars, gels, topos, or different small objects a breeze, making this the final word multipitch harness.
While the gear loops on this harness are spacious, there have been a number of issues about them that our testers want could possibly be improved. One factor of word is that the again gear loops are bigger than the entrance, and we’d choose this to be the opposite approach round. When racking gear, most trad climbers will put nearly all of their rack on the entrance loops, whereas reserving the again loops for attracts, slings, and anchor constructing supplies.
The padding of the harness additionally comes down beneath the gear loops, inflicting there to be much less area to simply clip gear on and off. We would like to see both longer gear loops on this harness or much less of an overlap with the padding of the waist belt for higher gear entry. Despite our techy complaints, it nonetheless outperformed the remainder as one of the best climbing harness for multipitch endeavors.
Specs
- Weight: 420-455 g
- Adjustable leg loops? Yes
- Activity: Trad climbing, multipitch climbing
Pros
- Strategic, snug padding placement
- Haul loop is spacious and sturdy
- Removable zippered bag for stashing necessities
Cons
- Bulky, not a good selection for sport climbing
- Front gear loops barely smaller than again gear loops
- Padding of waist belt interferes with area on gear loops
- Expensive
Best for Bigwalls: Metolius Safe Tech Deluxe
The most original component and the factor you may discover first on the Metolius Safe Tech Deluxe Harness ($130) is the double belay loop, which is without doubt one of the many design options that make this harness the most secure and most sturdy of all of the harnesses we examined. Every part has a power ranking of 10kN or 2,250 kilos, which is the max affect drive ranking of a contemporary climbing rope.
This harness is burly, sturdy, and comfy, making it a terrific choose for lengthy trad routes or huge wall climbing. “The Safe Tech Deluxe Harness has a wider waist belt and thicker foam compared to most women’s harnesses, so it feels super durable and beefy,” our tester stated.
Being so sturdy comes at a price, nevertheless, principally in weight. At 20 ounces, that is by far the heaviest harness we examined, and one of many heaviest harnesses available on the market basically. You is not going to wish to put on this harness to your sport climbing redpoints, as its weight will probably be noticeable.
The buckle can be the old-school, double-back technique of threading, which takes longer to lock and could possibly be vulnerable to threading improper, resulting in potential accidents if not adequately double-checked.
If you need a snug, safe, and protected harness to your subsequent journey up El Capitan, look no additional than the Safe Tech.
Specs
- Weight: 20 oz.
- Adjustable leg loops? Yes
- Activity: Trad, multipitch, huge wall climbing
Pros
- Every part has a power ranking of 10kN
- Double belay loop for much less litter belaying and rappelling
- Comfortable padding
- Made within the USA
Cons
- Old college, double-back buckle
- Bulky
- Heavy
Best of the Rest
Black Diamond Women’s airNET Harness
The Black Diamond Women’s airNET Harness ($170) is the lightest harness we examined, clocking in at a mere 8 ounces. Made with Black Diamond’s airNET expertise, this harness distributes load evenly over the “net” throughout falls, permitting it to be supportive whereas retaining its ultralight weight.
This harness is designed for the high-end, single-pitch sport climber who needs final freedom of motion, and a “barely there” feeling in order that nothing is available in the way in which of them sending their hardest pitch.
This is one other extremely specialised harness with a excessive price ticket, and due to this fact not advisable for newbie climbers, trad climbers, or climbers in search of an all-around harness. With nonadjustable leg loops, solely two inflexible gear loops, no padding, and a excessive value level, this can be a harness that may in all probability be greatest used for critical redpoints (not for “hang dogging” or sitting in your harness and dealing strikes in your route).
If you’re a critical sport climber who needs the additional edge whereas in ship mode, this harness is made with you in thoughts.
Specs
- Weight: 8 oz.
- Adjustable leg loops? No
- Activity: High-end sport climbing
Pros
- Ultralightweight
- Freedom of motion and breathability
- “Barely there” feeling
Cons
- Expensive
- Non-adjustable leg loops
- Not snug for hanging in
- Highly specialised
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Mammut Ophir 3 Slide
The Mammut Ophir 3 Slide ($65) weighs 12.3 ounces and options 4 barely inflexible, forward-angled gear loops. It has a powerful haul loop that’s rated to carry practically 900 kilos. The harness is absolutely adjustable on the waist and leg loops.
Designed with Mammut’s Split Webbing Technology, the weight-bearing strands of webbing contained in the waist belt are break up to trip above and under your hips for optimum help. Another distinctive characteristic is that the material of the tie-in factors will flip a special shade after they’re worn down previous the purpose of protected use.
This harness sports activities cord-constructed, versatile gear loops. “I love floppy gear loops like these ones, because, ergonomically, clipping gate-in feels best for me,” our tester identified.
“Hard, rigid gear loops force gate-out clipping. With hard loops, if you clip inward, stacked-up carabiners are forced to rise at an awkward, forward angle as the loop fills. If you carry an entire rack on the harness, you’ll notice.” And whereas this gear tester likes the floppy gear loops for clipping gear, one other tester prefers inflexible gear loops for quick and simple clipping. Simply put, this selection comes down to private desire.
We just like the Ophir 3 Slide for its snug match and considerate options. But if we’re being actually choosy, an additional half-inch of size on the peak of the again padding could be splendid to supply extra help to the decrease again whereas hanging.
Specs
- Weight: 12.3 ounces
- Adjustable leg loops? Yes
- Activity: Sport, trad, ice, and gymnasium climbing
Pros
- Extremely sturdy haul loop
- Two-part webbing building supplies help and luxury
- Fabric of tie-in factors modifications shade when worn down
Cons
- Could use extra size within the top of the again padding for help
Petzl Selena
The Petzl Selena ($75) is one other nice harness for newbie climbers, sport climbers, or gymnasium climbers. Very related in design to the aforementioned Petzl Luna, there are a number of key variations within the Selena.
The padded, contoured waistbelt does a terrific job supporting the decrease again, sitting comfortably proper above the hips. It’s lighter than the Luna by 2.8 ounces, and it has fewer gear loops and no adjustable leg loops for a extra streamlined profile. This makes it a terrific newbie or sport climbing harness as a result of it’s gentle with out sacrificing consolation.
The Luna is a better option, nevertheless, when you plan on doing something that requires extra gear like trad climbing, mountaineering, or mountaineering. The Selena lacks the fifth, massive gear loop within the again, and doesn’t have adjustable leg loops to accommodate extra layers for colder climate climbing.
A extra simplified model than the Luna, at a decrease weight and value level, makes this among the best climbing harnesses for newbie climbers.
Specs
- Weight: 13.8 oz.
- Adjustable leg loops? No
- Activity: Sport climbing, gymnasium climbing
Pros
- Light
- Comfortable
- Easy to make use of
Cons
- Nonadjustable leg loops
- Smaller gear loops than different fashions
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Edelrid Autana
The of us at Edelrid make a whole lot of unbelievable harnesses, and the Edelrid Autana ($90) is not any totally different. A light-weight efficiency harness, the Autana is manufactured in compliance with Bluesign requirements, which enforces strict chemical security protocols for textiles guaranteeing that the provision chain of manufacturing will not be dangerous to the setting.
The Autana can be a flexible girls’s climbing harness, with 5 gear loops, adjustable leg loops, two attachment choices for ice screw clips, and a tie-in level with a special inside shade for put on indication.
One of our testers seen, nevertheless, that the harness was vulnerable to abrasion over time, making it maybe not the only option for trad climbing. Our testers additionally choose gear loops which have plastic casing over the wire for one of the best sturdiness for trad climbing.
This harness might be greatest used for efficiency sport climbing on account of its gentle weight, and mountaineering on account of its extra options.
Specs
- Weight: 10.3 oz.
- Adjustable leg loops? Yes
- Activity: Sport, gymnasium, mountaineering
Pros
- Made solely with Bluesign-certified supplies
- Adjustable leg loops
- Five gear loops and two ice screw attachment factors
- Lightweight
Cons
- Exterior of harness vulnerable to abrasion over time
- Cord-constructed gear loops additionally vulnerable to abrasion
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Edelrid Jayne
The Edelrid Jayne ($70) harness is a superb all-around harness, although it doesn’t have sufficient standout options to make it into our high picks. Made with Bluesign-certified supplies, that is one other nice sustainable possibility.
Four reasonably sized gear loops make it a good selection for sport or gymnasium climbing, nevertheless it lacks the area provided by different harnesses that will make it nice for greater adventures that require extra gear, like multipitch trad climbing.
A singular characteristic we like is how the sliding waist belt strikes round so you may dial in your match and maintain the tie-in factors centered. The leg loops on this harness are additionally extensive and comfy, with stretchy mesh on the entrance for optimum leg mobility.
As talked about earlier, there aren’t actually any standout options that make the Jayne actually shine. It has a tab to clip a carabiner to within the again for a chalk bag or haul line, however it’s small and never rated for a heavy load at 25 kg.
This harness can be bulkier in comparison with the opposite lighter, extra streamlined fashions we examined. That being stated, that is nonetheless a terrific all-around harness at a reasonable value level and could be nice for newbie climbers who don’t wish to spend an excessive amount of cash.
Specs
- Weight: 12.7 oz.
- Adjustable leg loops? Yes
- Activity: Sport climbing, gymnasium climbing
Pros
- Made with Bluesign-certified supplies
- Comfortable
- Sliding waist belt for adjustability
Cons
- Only 4 gear loops
- Small haul loop with low power ranking
- A bit cumbersome
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The Best Climbing Harnesses for Women Comparison Chart
| Harness | Price | Weight | Adjustable Leg Loops | Activity |
| Black Diamond Solution | $80 | 11.64 oz. | No | Sport, trad, alpine climbing |
| Black Diamond Momentum | $65 | 10.7 oz. | Yes | Sport, trad, gymnasium climbing |
| Petzl Luna | $90 | 16.6 oz. | Yes | Sport and gymnasium climbing |
| Petzl Sitta | $200 | 9 oz. | No | Ice or sport climbing, mountaineering |
| Edelrid Helia | $140 | 420-455 g | Yes | Trad climbing, multipitch climbing |
| Metolius Safe Tech Deluxe | $130 | 20 oz. | Yes | Trad, multipitch, huge wall climbing |
| Black Diamond Women’s Airnet Harness | $170 | 8 oz. | No | High-end sport climbing |
| Mammut Ophir 3 Slide | $65 | 12.3 oz. | Yes | Sport, trad, ice, and gymnasium climbing |
| Petzl Selena | $75 | 13.8 oz. | No | Sport climbing, gymnasium climbing |
| Edelrid Autana | $90 | 10.3 oz. | Yes | Sport, gymnasium, mountaineering |
| Edelrid Jayne | $70 | 12.7 oz. | Yes | Sport climbing, gymnasium climbing |
Why You Should Trust Us
Miya Tsudome is without doubt one of the main gear testers on this evaluation. With years of writing gear opinions, she takes a decade of climbing expertise and background as a climbing information for the Yosemite Mountaineering School that will help you take advantage of knowledgeable buying choice to your climbing harness wants.
Living in Bishop, Calif., on the flanks of the Sierra Nevada mountains, Miya spends all of her free time in a harness — whether or not that be sport climbing within the Owens River Gorge, trad climbing in close by Yosemite Valley, or alpine climbing within the High Sierra.
She and the opposite testers on this evaluation spent weeks assessing the consolation, adjustability, match, weight, and options of all 12 harnesses on this evaluation, that will help you take advantage of knowledgeable choice to your subsequent climbing harness buy. Overall, we’re assured these are one of the best climbing harnesses for girls.
How to Choose a Climbing Harness
All physique varieties are distinctive and have various proportions. One climber’s waist is perhaps slender or boxy whereas the identical individual’s quads are built-out or straight. Harnesses don’t are available “one size fits all,” particularly the harnesses with out adjustable leg loops. Therefore, it’s greatest to go to a retailer and take a look at on quite a lot of harnesses earlier than making your buy, so you may make sure you discover one that matches your physique kind greatest.
As you select a harness, take into account choosing one which’s absolutely adjustable just like the Black Diamond Momentum, Petzl Luna, or the Metolius Safe Tech when you plan on climbing in numerous climate circumstances and environments the place you might wish to add or subtract layers.
Adjustable leg loops can assist accommodate layers for chilly climate climbing, and in addition will let you dial within the match and really feel of your harness to only the way in which you prefer it. While some folks may like comfortable leg loops, others will choose them to be looser round their thighs for consolation and mobility. Again, that is all a matter of non-public desire, so attempting before you purchase turns into that rather more essential.
What Makes a Climbing Harness Women’s-Specific?
Very usually, girls have uniquely totally different physique shapes than males, which is why harnesses principally are available each girls’s and males’s variations. Women’s waists are usually narrower than their hips, with an extended rise between their waist and their legs.
Men’s fashions are usually geared towards straighter our bodies, and people harnesses will sit nearer to the hips because of this. The key to discovering the proper harness for you is to judge your physique kind. If you’ve a extra slender, straight torso, a males’s harness may truly suit you higher. If your physique kind is extra hourglass in form, then a girls’s harness is designed only for you.
Other options that make a harness extra female-friendly are simply removable leg loops, as discovered within the Petzl Luna, Sitta, and Selena, in addition to the Edelrid Helia, Jayne, and Autana. With a quick-deploy buckle, you may detach the leg loops and take a squat to make use of the lavatory with out having to take off your complete harness. This is very good when on a multipitch climb the place taking off your harness will not be an possibility for security causes.
Women’s waists are usually narrower than males’s, whereas their thighs are usually bigger. This is one other factor to think about when buying a harness, as a result of harnesses with out adjustable leg loops may match nice within the waist however be too small across the thighs, relying in your physique kind. This is another excuse why it’s greatest to attempt before you purchase.
Different Harnesses for Different Styles of Climbing
Another factor to think about before you purchase a brand new harness is what model of climbing you’ll principally take part in. Harnesses range broadly of their weight and options, making some most fitted for sure kinds of climbing than others.
Sport Climbing
If you’re primarily a sport climber, then you will have a lighter, extra minimalist harness, as you solely want sufficient area in your gear loops for fast attracts, and don’t wish to be weighed down if you end up going to your onerous redpoint makes an attempt.
The lightest harnesses we examined are the Black Diamond airNET and the Petzl Sitta, that are good decisions for probably the most critical sport climbers. But the Black Diamond Solution, Petzl Selena, and Edelrid Autana are all nice sport climbing harness choices as properly.
Trad Climbing
You will inevitably be carrying much more gear in your harness when trad climbing versus sport climbing, and due to this fact it’s a good suggestion to get a harness with huge, sturdy gear loops, with 5 loops as a substitute of 4 being preferable, and a harness that’s snug and supportive.
The Black Diamond Momentum is a superb entry-level trad climbing harness, with its inflexible, plastic-coated gear loops which are sturdy and abrasion resistant. The Edelrid Helia and the Metolius Safe Tech are additionally wonderful decisions for the psyched multipitch trad climber, with the Helia having 5 gear loops for final gear racking, and a pouch for storing necessities in your waist.
The Safe Tech has all its elements power rated as much as 10kN, making it the most secure harness within the lineup and due to this fact nice for large wall trad or assist climbing.
Gym Climbing
If you end up extra of an indoor plastic grabber, a newbie climber, or a high rope hero, then it’s greatest to purchase a harness that’s cheap and simple to make use of. You gained’t want the frills of ice screw attachments, haul loops, or double belay loops. Instead, search for a snug, useful harness just like the Black Diamond Momentum, Petzl Luna or Selena, or Edelrid Jayne.
These harnesses come at a lower cost level, are snug, and are properly outfitted to remain within the gymnasium or go to the crag. Until you want a extra specialised harness, any of the above choices will just do the trick.
Ice Climbing or Mountaineering
Lastly, when you choose cold-weather or huge mountain pursuits, there are harnesses on the market that is perhaps higher suited to your specialty than others. You need a harness that’s light-weight and packable, as you’ll already be carrying and carrying extra gear.
You additionally need a harness that has attachments for ice screws or loops for ice instruments, a superb haul loop for additional gear or a tagline, and a harness that’s versatile sufficient to maneuver properly together with your physique if you end up carrying cumbersome layers.
The Petzl Sitta is our best choice on this class, because it meets all of the above necessities, plus is gentle sufficient to additionally perform as a terrific sport climbing harness, justifying its excessive price ticket.
1. What Is the Difference Between Women’s and Men’s Harnesses?
Men and ladies have totally different physique shapes and plenty of harnesses are made to accommodate these variations. Women’s harnesses will sometimes have a narrower waist belt and an extended distance between the waist belt and leg loops.
This permits the harness to sit down increased on the waist whereas a males’s harness will sit nearer to the hips. Women’s harnesses will even sometimes come in several shade schemes than males’s harnesses. Depending in your physique kind, you should purchase a harness that matches you greatest, no matter gender.
2. How Should a Climbing Harness Fit a Woman?
A climbing harness ought to match a girl snugly across the waist above the hips. This is as a result of girls are inclined to have a decrease heart of gravity than males, and a harness is the most secure and most safe when it matches properly across the waist. Leg loops must be comfortable however not overly free or overly tight. This supplies probably the most help and mobility for consolation and security.
3. How Do I Know What Size Climbing Harness to Get?
The greatest option to decide what dimension climbing harness to get is to attempt one on in a retailer. Climbing harnesses are available all sizes and shapes, and one model’s dimension small will not be one other model’s dimension small. You may lookup the harness’s specs on every model’s web site, the place measurements are sometimes listed.
Taking your individual measurements into consideration, it is possible for you to to find out what dimension you may wish to purchase. Another factor to think about is what kind of climbing you can be doing. If you’re doing any mountaineering or mountaineering or climbing in variable climate or in several seasons, you may wish to dimension as much as accommodate additional layers.
