This topic has been archived, and won't accept reply postings.
Georgina Lamb19 Oct 2014
Hi,
I am looking to buy a harness but I am a really petite 21 year old. I have a 24 inch waist so it is often too small for adults. Has anyone has this problem and can help me out?
Most adult XS Women's harnesses are recommended for waist sizes down to about 62 cm or 25 inches (see example link below). Have you considered a DMM Tomcat, which is actually a child's sit harness but which is fully featured? This fits a waist of 20-30 inches, so you would be in the middle of that range. My daughter has a 24 inch waist and uses a Tomcat: you can rack enough gear on it for multi-pitch trad or it is equally good for sport climbing. Worth a look.
The XS claims to go down to a 24" waist - I certainly had an older version that went small (but I have a feeling they did a XXS then...) - my main problem is finding one that goes small enough on waist but is big enough on leg loops, so adjustable legs were a must for me.
Another contender, I've not used or even seen one, so not a recommendation and I'm not sure if it is sold anywhere you could try it on in the U.K. but available on Amazon.
I've got a 23" waist and ended up buying an Arcteryx R280 in XS and this has been fine (maybe try and find one on offer, as they're a bit pricey, but the advantage is that they are very compact). I also tried a DMM harness (can't remember which one) and it would have been suitable too.
I found other brands - Wild Country, Black Diamond, and Petzl - were just way too big.
My other half has a 25" waist and also wears an Arteryx R280 XS. She said it was the most comfortable harness she's worn when first purchased, though apparently has lost a bit of that after a few years wear.
Press Release Alpkit and Outside Bank Holiday Hathersage Tent Show 4-5th May
Gear News The Art of Climbing – Out Now
Fri Night Vid Finding Focus - Life Behind The Lens of a Climbing Photographer
This week's Friday Night Video is a portrait of a prolific climbing photographer from Wedge Climbing. Sam Pratt is well known in both the outdoor and competition scene but if you haven't heard of him, you've likely seen...