Gear : Reviews
Reviews for Calidris Climbing/Mountaineering Harness
popular
Average Rating : 4.75 out of 5
Item Details | Reviews
Overrated
Review by: anarkhos, 2008-08-12
I really don't understand the positive reviews for this harness. I think it has a lot to do with justifying the price paid and the Petzl name (which I don't think they've earned, of late).
I'll just go ahead and say it: This harness is crummy for my hips. I'm 5'10" and a Size1 is simply NOT a "XS to M"! If you're skinny, do yourself a favor and buy something else. I think this harness is popular with civil servants and other fat-sos. Tighten everything to the max and you'll still feel like a boy with big britches.
Another problem: the gear loops SUCK! They're TINY and don't hold CRAP! I can just about put a dozen wire gate biners on them, but you can forget about more traditional draws (like, ironically, Petzl draws). Tiny loops are also harder to clip stuff into, and the shape of the loops make them cluster so I'm always having to fumble for the right piece. I think Petzl is trying to get people to use their extra-special (read: proprietary) gear system which also blows. Makes me want to slap somebody.
Also, what the heck was Petzl thinking when they neglected to add a chalk bag/haul loop? I have to use the silly little elastic thing. The metal leg elastic thingy also comes off because Petzl thinks a hook is better than a clip. I think they're nuts.
It is well padded and made of durable materials, but that also adds to weight.
Bottom line: Petzl isn't in the recreational climbing business. They're in the mountain rescue, civil servant, and other assorted tools (people, not gear) market. It's probably more profitable, so good for them, but it's definitely not for me.
I'll just go ahead and say it: This harness is crummy for my hips. I'm 5'10" and a Size1 is simply NOT a "XS to M"! If you're skinny, do yourself a favor and buy something else. I think this harness is popular with civil servants and other fat-sos. Tighten everything to the max and you'll still feel like a boy with big britches.
Another problem: the gear loops SUCK! They're TINY and don't hold CRAP! I can just about put a dozen wire gate biners on them, but you can forget about more traditional draws (like, ironically, Petzl draws). Tiny loops are also harder to clip stuff into, and the shape of the loops make them cluster so I'm always having to fumble for the right piece. I think Petzl is trying to get people to use their extra-special (read: proprietary) gear system which also blows. Makes me want to slap somebody.
Also, what the heck was Petzl thinking when they neglected to add a chalk bag/haul loop? I have to use the silly little elastic thing. The metal leg elastic thingy also comes off because Petzl thinks a hook is better than a clip. I think they're nuts.
It is well padded and made of durable materials, but that also adds to weight.
Bottom line: Petzl isn't in the recreational climbing business. They're in the mountain rescue, civil servant, and other assorted tools (people, not gear) market. It's probably more profitable, so good for them, but it's definitely not for me.
Most comfortable harness
Review by: napoleon_solo, 2008-07-31
I spent a long time trying different harnesses before I settled on this one. I went to a couple of different stores and tried on every harness they had. This was the winner. Other pluses are the buckle system and the slant of the gear loops so I'm not as apt to grope around, looking for a carabiner.
calidris
Review by: crag_addict, 2007-01-10
this harness is absolutely prefect. i don't know why i even thought about getting any other harness, this tops all others. petzl, you've outdone yourself once again!
Review
Review by: argo, 2006-10-30
Great harness; very light, so easy to adjust, comfortable... what to say more, it's Petzl :D
Review
Review by: kane_schutzman, 2006-10-12
Awsome harness,
The buckle system is perfect. I love having two buckles to center the belay loop. They also never get any looser throughout the entire day, unlike my singing rock....I ll be getting another when I wear this one out!
The buckle system is perfect. I love having two buckles to center the belay loop. They also never get any looser throughout the entire day, unlike my singing rock....I ll be getting another when I wear this one out!
