kiipeilyharness

A kiipeilyharness, in English commonly referred to as a climbing harness, is a wearable device used by climbers to attach themselves to a rope and to gear during ascent, descent, and belayed moves. It is designed to distribute load across the hips and upper legs and to provide attachment points for rope management and protection equipment.

Most kiipeilyharnesses fall into two broad categories: sit harnesses, which consist of a waist belt and leg loops connected to form a harness around the hips, and full-body harnesses, which extend higher on the torso and are used for certain activities or for children and rescue situations. Common components include a padded or non-padded waist belt, leg loops, a belay loop or tie-in loop for rope connections, front or rear tie-in points, and gear loops for carrying carabiners, quickdraws, and other equipment. Some models also feature adjustable leg loops, waist belt height adjustment, and multiple gear loops.

Usage and fit require careful adjustment for safety. The harness should fit snugly around the waist and thighs, with only a small amount of free space for comfortable movement; typically, a two-finger gap is used as a guideline. The climber is connected to the rope via a secure tie-in at the front tie-in points, commonly using a figure-eight follow-through knot or an equivalent method, and a locking carabiner may be used to attach a belay device to the belay loop during belaying. Gear loops are used to organize protection equipment and accessories.

Standards, maintenance, and care are important for safety. Harnesses are manufactured to standards such as EN 12277 for climbing harnesses and EN 361 for fall-arrest applications, depending on use. Inspect the webbing, stitching, buckles, and connectors before each use for wear, fraying, or damage. Clean with mild soap and water; avoid solvents and excessive heat. Replace a harness that shows significant wear, deformation, or compromised integrity, and retire it according to the manufacturer’s guidance.