The harness is gaining popularity! In response to this demand, suppliers continue to offer various products based on your practice: multi-pitch climbing, sport climbing, bouldering, indoor climbing, mountaineering,... Choosing a model purely for alpine use is not an easy task. If you are looking for affordable climbing equipment, you will find suitable solutions for each specific use on the market.

Characteristics of a mountaineering harness

While comfort is a personal matter, let's not forget that the specifications of a mountaineering harness are very different from those of a climbing harness. To equip yourself, don't hesitate to consult our mountaineering equipment.

A mountaineering harness must be equipped with at least four gear loops and preferably ice screw holders (like Caritool) for carrying in gullies or icefalls, for example.
It is possible to see models with adjustable thighs. This remains an interesting option for more comfort, but it always adds hardware and straps, and thus additional weight.

In recent years, the market has evolved significantly: we see more and more mountaineers using their ski touring harnesses on summer climbs. This is a feasible option, provided of course that you disregard comfort and accept a more limited gear carry. Also discover affordable mountaineering equipment to complete your gear.

Our selection of 4 ultralight mountaineering harnesses over 100g

BLACK DIAMOND - Couloir

EDELRID - Prisma guide

PETZL - Altitude

CAMP – Alp Racing

  • Price

65€

85 €

70 €

55 €

  • Gear loops

2

6

4

2

  • Thighs

Adjustable

Adjustable

Adjustable

Non-adjustable

  • Weight

220 g

140 g

165 g

100 g

1# BLACK DIAMOND - Couloir

  • Pros: ultra versatile and robust model
Extremely light and compact, equipped with our Fusion Comfort technology with reduced volume, the Couloir is the harness of choice for mountaineers and skiers. It features Fusion Comfort technology and a high-strength belay loop. Compressible, it reduces to the size of an orange and easily fits in your bag or jacket pocket. Offering comfort and reduced volume, its Speed Buckle is easy to attach/detach while keeping skis or crampons on your feet. A totally versatile model in the mountains.

Before departure, consider technical mountaineering clothing to complete your safety and comfort.
You will appreciate:
  • Its versatility
  • The adjustment/tightening of the waist strap with a self-locking buckle of your choice,
  • Its complete opening possible of this strap,
  • The 2 gear loops + 4 carrytool loops,
  • The ice screw attachments on the thigh strap,
  • The belay loop, adjustable and openable thigh straps
For info:
  • Plastic clip on the thighs is difficult to manipulate

2# EDELRID - Prisma Guide

  • Pros: ultra light and compact model
The German brand, EDELRID has made a strong impact for mountaineering enthusiasts with a compact, lightweight, and very functional Prisma model! If you are looking for an affordable mountaineering harness, this model can represent an excellent option.
This harness is characterized by a low weight, a compact size, and a good adaptability. The Slideblock buckles open completely, allowing you to put on the harness while wearing crampons and skis. On this model, the belay loop is a different color to avoid any fatal mistakes.

You will appreciate:
  • Its comfort
  • Its compactness
  • Its robustness
  • Its lightness: 140g for size M
  • The 4 molded buckles,
  • The 2 soft buckles at the back,
  • The attachment for ice screw holders
For info:
  • A know-how and components that explain a price that may seem high.
  • Another flagship model from EDELRID, the Loopo harness with a record weight of 83g in size M!


3# PETZL - Altitude

  • Pros: ultra light and compact model
Originally designed for ski touring, the harness Altitude from the Isère brand PETZL, quickly attracted mountaineers in summer due to its weight and compactness. The weaving of the Altitude strap is focused on the use of visible threads, which ensure strength while providing finesse and lightness. Also find high-performance mountaineering backpacks to complete your high mountain equipment.
You will appreciate:
  • The lightness of the Altitude compared to its versatility,
  • Its complete opening possible of the waist strap,
  • The adjustable and openable thigh straps,
  • A belay loop
For info:
  • Average compactness
  • A price that may be (too) high compared to its performance and what competitors can offer at a similar price.
  • A limited gear carry
  • Also discover the Fly model, an ultralight and modular harness for technical mountaineering and ski mountaineering

4# CAMP – Alp Racing

  • Pros: Minimalist, simple, and effective

This latest model from the Italian brand Camp, ultra-light (it weighs under 100 g in size S, at 92 g), is based on a newly designed strap, mixing two types of materials, solid and finer, transparent, which allow for a combination of strength, support, and lightness. To go further, also check out our selection of mountaineering shoes, essential for your technical outings.
You will appreciate:
  • Its weight,
  • Its simplicity,
  • Its compactness,
  • The single-point attachment
For info:
  • Thigh straps are non-openable and non-adjustable,
  • Just two gear loops

A selection of ultralight harnesses to optimize your enjoyment during your alpine outings! It's up to you to make your choice based on your expectations. Also enjoy our high-performance mountaineering equipment to perfect your gear.
Alpinstore also offers you a wide range of harnesses as well as crampons, ice axes, carabiners, and all other accessories to complete your perfect mountaineer kit!
Also find our selection of La Sportiva mountaineering shoes for those who love sensations on ice, or the Kayland models for mountaineering dedicated to demanding terrains.