UKC

I think it's time for a new harness, and wondered if anyone can recommend a harness that has good support in the lower back area? My wife climbs in an Edelrid Solaris that has a good back/waist panel- (http://www.edelrid.de/en/sports/harnesses/solaris-icemint-violet.html), I'm interested in opinions of harnesses that you've found offer good lower back support; I find that if I'm sat back in the harness a lot, especially on overhanging or outward leaning routes, the next day I tend to ache more than usual (I have a lower back condition).

thanks all!

In reply to two_tapirs:

Might be worth looking at the new WC harnesses, I can't speak from experience, but a sales rep was telling me they had made the back 'hinged' to spread the load more around the lumbar region. Basically the central most point at the back was thinner.

Other makes probably do similar, but it sounded good at the time.

In reply to two_tapirs:

Have a look at Rob's fine interview with Mr Stevie Haston too:

http://www.ukclimbing.com/videos/play.php?i=2646

This might be an option if you can't find a harness out the bag with enough support.

In reply to two_tapirs:

I know you say you want back support, but I have found some supposedly supportive harnesses incredibly uncomfortable as due to my hips they sit relatively high and end up digging into the ribs or even the small of my back.
- Just realised you want the harness for you rather than your wife, so girly hips probably aren't going to be a problem

Best advice is to try loads and get to a shop which has the facilities for you to hang in the harness and give it a test - if you visit a wall shop you may even be able to borrow it to climb in so you can get a proper feel for how it fits.

In reply to two_tapirs:

It may be worth looking at some harnesses designed (at least partly) with big walls in mind. I'm interested in the Ocun Webee Quattro myself, although I admit I haven't had an opportunity to sit in one yet.

Thanks all for your replies - all very useful information, it's really appreciated

In reply to two_tapirs:
I believe the Petzl Calidris was meant to be good for this, with it's odd double waist-belt design at the back to spread the load. It's been around a long time, but looking at the Petzl website I see they still make them.

Assuming I can find it, I have a rather old but little-used one kicking about somewhere that you'd be welcome to try*. Or indeed keep if it works well. I never got on with the gear loops, and eventually replaced it with a WC Syncro while it was still relatively new.

I'm in Sheff, frequently work in Manchester/Leeds and round about. Could drop off at a wall somewhere perhaps?

* - Obviously the usual caveats about second-hand gear apply. Someone will be along shortly, quite possibly, to tell you that you're going to DIE if you so much as try it on. I'd be happy enough to use it again though - I'm pretty sure it's been sitting in the garage in a plastic box for some years. (Next to the big pile of old car batteries, just under the leaky bleach-bottle shelf. ;O)

In reply to two_tapirs:
I'm quite fond of the Arcteryx AR-395, although it's expensive as hell!

In reply to two_tapirs:

I've got a problematic lower back, courtesy of an unplanned return to the ground a few years ago. I've done a bit of big walling - much of it ending in retreat! - using a specialist harness, the Black Diamond Big Gun. Apart from the cheesy name it's excellent. Although I still use a normal harness for trad, I use the BD if I expect to be putting a significant load on my back, e.g. on the odd occasions I do a bit of work at the local climbing wall and spend a long time belaying. The BD is very supportive and comfortable.

In reply to Andy Clarke:

Another vote for the BD Big Gun - used mainly in the climbing wall when I spend time hanging about, fine outside as well although I use a Petzl Gouru also which sits higher on my waist and I like that when racked up

In reply to deepsoup:

Ive got the new version of the calidris and its proper spot on bud

Check out harnesses made for Arborists.

They tend to have extra padding & much wider belts as they are designed for all day use.