A climbing harness is a piece of equipment used in certain types of rock-climbing, abseiling or other activities requiring the use of ropes to provide access or safety (eg industrial rope access, working at heights, etc.). A harness is used to secure a person to a piece of rope or an anchor point.[1]
In its simplest form, a harness can be made from a length of rope or a nylon webbing tied round the waist. More sophisticated harnesses exist in many patterns, designed to give greater comfort and security, and more options for carrying equipment. Among the most popular hand tied harnesses are the Swiss Seat and Studebaker Wrap.[1][2]
While harnesses can be improvised it is more common to use harness commercially produced which often include built in padding and amenities such as gear loops. Most commercial climbing harness meet the guidelines and manufacturing standards of organizations such as the Union Internationale des Associations d'Alpinisme or European Committee for Standardization. More expensive harnesses are not necessarily better. Different body types and activities require different types of harnesses, despite the price range.
Types
A sit string harness comprises a waist belt and two leg loops which are normally connected in the front of the hips either through a permanent webbing loop called a belay loop. These are the most commonly used harnesses for recreational activities such as abseiling and rock-climbing, as they afford a wide range of movement while still maintaining a good level of safety. Ensuring the harness fits correctly is key to avoiding pain in the upper thigh area, caused by the leg loops being too tight and creating a tight feeling around the upper legs and groin area.
A chest harness is worn around the shoulders, usually with a sit harness so as to provide an additional attachment point farther up the body. This attachment point allows for better balance in some situations, such as when carrying a heavy pack (as the centre of mass is below the connection to the rope) and when the person in the harness may be unable to maintain an upright position (due to injury or other influences).
A full-body harness is the combination of a sit harness and a chest harness which are permanently or semi-permanently connected to each other. This kind of harness normally offers a wide range of attachment points. It is most commonly used in industrial/rescue situations, and also commonly used by small children while climbing, instead of a sit string harness.
See also
References
- ^ a b Cox, Steven M. and Kris Fulsaas, ed., ed (2003-09). Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills (7 ed.). Seattle: The Mountaineers. ISBN 0898868289.
- ^ animatedknots.com retrieved (2009-08-05)
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