Harnesses

Choosing the Right Climbing Harness

Every climber is different, and what works brilliantly for one person might not be quite right for someone else. Your experience, the type of climbing you enjoy and, most importantly, how well the harness fits all play a part in choosing the right one.

If you're buying your first climbing harness, the DMM Viper and DMM Vixen are two we'd happily recommend. They're versatile options with adjustable leg loops and gear loops, so they'll remain useful as your climbing progresses.

It's also worth thinking about where your climbing might take you next. A harness you choose for regular indoor sessions may also be suitable for outdoor climbing, provided it fits correctly and is designed for the activity.

Climbing Harnesses for Indoor, Sport and Trad Climbing

Whether you're enjoying regular sessions at your local climbing wall, working towards your first sport routes or planning more trad climbing adventures, different harness features can become important as you progress.

For indoor climbing, a secure fit and freedom of movement are good starting points. If you're spending more time outdoors, you might also want to consider how much equipment you need to carry.

The DMM Puma and DMM Renegade are two harnesses we'd suggest exploring if you're progressing from indoor to outdoor climbing. Both have adjustable waist and leg loops, along with multiple gear loops for carrying climbing equipment.

The Renegade has seven gear loops, while the Puma has five or seven depending on the size. Having more gear loops can be useful when organising the additional equipment needed for trad climbing, although the best choice still comes down to your needs and personal preference.

If you're putting together your outdoor climbing setup, you can also explore our trad climbing gear, climbing ropes and belay devices.

Finding the Right Climbing Harness Fit

Finding a harness that fits properly is one of the most important parts of choosing your climbing gear. Your waist belt and leg loops should fit securely while allowing you to move comfortably, so it's worth checking DMM's sizing guidance rather than relying on your usual clothing size.

Different harness designs can suit different body shapes. The DMM Vixen and Puma are marketed as women's-fit harnesses, but what really matters is finding a model that suits your individual measurements and intended climbing activity.

Shopping for a younger climber? The DMM Tomcat is designed for children and smaller climbers. As with any climbing harness, always follow the manufacturer's sizing, fitting and usage instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Climbing Harnesses

Are adjustable leg loops important on a climbing harness?

Adjustable leg loops can be useful for fine-tuning the fit, particularly if you're climbing in different clothing throughout the year. All five harnesses in our current range have adjustable leg loops, but it's still important to check DMM's sizing information to make sure the harness fits correctly.

Can I use the same climbing harness indoors and outdoors?

Yes, many climbing harnesses are suitable for both indoor and outdoor climbing. However, your needs might change depending on whether you're sport climbing, trad climbing or taking on multi-pitch routes. Always check the manufacturer's intended uses and specifications before choosing.

What are gear loops on a climbing harness for?

Gear loops are there to help you organise and carry equipment such as quickdraws and trad protection. Different harnesses have different numbers and arrangements of gear loops, so think about the equipment you'll need for your climbing. Remember, gear loops aren't designed to support your weight or form part of your climbing safety system.

Not Sure Which Climbing Harness Is Right for You?

There's quite a bit to think about when choosing climbing equipment, especially if you're just getting started or planning your first outdoor climbing adventures.

At Climbnation, we're climbers ourselves, and we're always happy to share a bit of advice. Whether you're comparing different DMM harnesses, trying to find the right fit or wondering what you'll need as your climbing progresses, just get in touch.

Have a look  through our range above, and if you have any questions, we're always here to help!