First post on the forum--so my apologies if this has been discussed in the past...but, I couldn't find my answer after a handful of searches. So, here goes...

I'm relatively new to climbing and was wondering why harnesses only have one belay loop. It seems that everything in climbing is 'doubled up' in the name of safety. You've got your two anchors for top-roping with two biners with opposing gates, you double-back the straps on a harness, the rope goes thru two loops when climbing (on most harnesses) and so on.

Yet, for some reason, there is only one belay loop? Seems like a disconnect in the logic that I notice everywhere else. Now, I understand that you're supposed to get a new harness every now and again to ensure its strength. That alone should rule out any structural damage due to wear and tear. However, I can't help thinking to myself that the belay loop should have a safe-guard. Afterall, if that thing fails you're only holding the climber up with your arms and the friction in the biners. Doesn't seem too safe to me...even if I am severely underestimating the strength a belay loop possesses. Why isn't it commonplace to double up this potential weak link??

Thanks much for your thoughts -b