What Harness To Choose?.
What Harness to Choose: A Beginner's Guide
Harnesses are an essential piece of gear for many activities, including hiking, climbing, and dog walking. But with so many different types of harnesses available, it can be tough to know which one is right for you and your needs.
This article will provide you with a comprehensive guide to choosing the right harness, covering everything from different types of harnesses to features to consider when making your purchase.
Types of Harnesses
There are two main types of harnesses: full-body harnesses and sit harnesses.
- Full-body harnesses distribute weight evenly across the chest, shoulders, and hips, making them ideal for activities that require you to hang upside down or be suspended from a rope, such as climbing or rappelling.
- Sit harnesses distribute weight primarily across the waist and thighs, making them more comfortable for activities that involve a lot of walking or standing, such as hiking or dog walking.
Features to Consider
When choosing a harness, there are a few key features to consider:
- Fit: The harness should fit snugly but comfortably, with no gaps or pressure points. You should be able to move freely in the harness without it restricting your range of motion.
- Adjustability: Some harnesses are more adjustable than others. If you plan on layering clothing or using the harness for multiple activities, you may want to choose a harness with adjustable straps.
- Padding: Padded harnesses are more comfortable to wear, especially for long periods of time.
- Gear loops: If you plan on carrying a lot of gear, you'll need a harness with plenty of gear loops.
- Weight: Harnesses can range in weight from a few ounces to a few pounds. If you're looking for a lightweight harness for hiking or backpacking, you'll want to choose one made from a lightweight material, such as nylon or dyneema.
Harnesses for Specific Activities
If you plan on using your harness for a specific activity, such as climbing or dog walking, there are a few additional features to consider.
Climbing harnesses typically have a padded waistbelt and leg loops, as well as multiple gear loops for carrying climbing gear. Some climbing harnesses also have a belay loop, which is a reinforced loop of webbing that is used to attach the climber to the rope.
Dog walking harnesses are available in a variety of styles, including front-clip harnesses, back-clip harnesses, and step-in harnesses. Front-clip harnesses are ideal for dogs that pull, as they help to redirect the dog's attention forward. Back-clip harnesses are ideal for dogs that don't pull, as they are more comfortable for the dog to wear. Step-in harnesses are easy to put on and take off, making them a good choice for puppies or dogs that don't like having harnesses put on over their heads.
How to Fit a Harness
Once you've chosen a harness, it's important to fit it correctly. To fit a full-body harness, start by adjusting the leg loops so that they fit snugly but comfortably around your thighs. Then, adjust the waistbelt so that it fits snugly but comfortably around your waist. The shoulder straps should be adjusted so that they are snug but not too tight, and the chest clip should be centered on your chest.
To fit a sit harness, start by adjusting the waistbelt so that it fits snugly but comfortably around your waist. The leg loops should be adjusted so that they fit snugly but comfortably around your thighs.
Caring for Your Harness
Harnesses should be inspected regularly for wear and tear. If you find any damage to your harness, such as frayed straps or broken buckles, it should be replaced immediately.
Harnesses should also be cleaned regularly. To clean a harness, simply hand wash it in mild soap and water. Allow the harness to air dry completely before using it again.
Conclusion
Choosing the right harness is important for safety and comfort. By considering the factors discussed in this article, you can choose a harness that is right for you and your needs.