UKC

I would be really grateful for any advice! 

I'm a plus size woman, and I always struggle to find suitable outdoor clothing and gear, which is really disheartening. 

I'm looking for a new harness. My current harness is Pretzl, and it's unfortunately on its last legs. I'm struggling to find a harness that's large enough. 

For context, I'm 5'1 and have 120cm waist. 

Any recommendations? And no need to comment "lose weight" cos I'm already trying that 🤣

Thanks in advance!

My current partner wound up getting one of these in Size 2:

https://www.petzl.com/INT/en/Sport/Harnesses/CORAX

There are a couple of other options which may be more suitable for you (noting that they may not have sufficient rise to properly fit over your hips if they're a man's harness so I'd strongly encourage trying them on):

https://rockrun.com/collections/harnesses/products/black-diamond-momentum-h...

https://rockrun.com/collections/harnesses/products/blue-ice-choucas-harness... - You probably don't want to be dangling about in this much due to the lack of padding.

https://www.outside.co.uk/climbing-gear/harnesses-helmets/harnesses/dmm-cen... - Again, not great for dangling about in.

Misty Mountain's Cadillac models may also work, but I don't think they're available in the UK unfortuantely.

Thank you so much for this!

The problem with my current harness is the padding isn't as good as it once was and I'm finding it really painful, so I definitely need to get something with sufficient padding on it. 

You're right about the mens harnesses, and I don't think they would go over my hips. 

Will definitely take a good look at the Corax ☺️

They're not very swish, but the DMM Brenin might be worth a try if you're not having luck elsewhere:

https://dmmwales.com/collections/harnesses/products/brenin-slidelock

Similarly (and probably more expensively - though also probably more comfortably) some of Petzl's work-at-height harnesses might work, designed more with scaffolders in mind than scrawny sport climbers. For eg:

https://www.petzl.com/GB/en/Professional/Harnesses/FALCON-MOUNTAIN

Thank you! The Falcon looks ideal!

I much prefer the old style double back buckles, as you wrap the harness round your waist like a belt, rather than wriggling it over your hips. That said most pull buckles can be easily unthreaded, but it does kind of defeat the point of a one pull system. 

I am never going to fit into a ladies model and most men's harnesses don't have sufficient rise height. Current harness is DMM, it's a (very) old model but when I bought was the only option that fitted even remotely well, mostly because the supersized belayloop gave the extra rise that I needed.

Many of the members of our MRT use the Falcon because of the wide range of fit, esp on waist and hips. I use a DMM Puma because of getting a comfortable fit between crotch and waist which i didn't really get on the Falcon, but I don't think they do an XL in the Puma which is probably what you'd want.

But a useful reminder that trying something on in a shop could be really useful. Being a 'not ideal female shape' myself I know how difficult it can be to find something that does fit properly. Best of luck!

Thanks for taking the time to respond! 

I like the idea of not having to wriggle the thing over my hips!

Thank you! 

If it's good enough for MRT....! ☺️

It's so frustrating as a bigger lass to find appropriate outdoor wear!

When I worked at a climbing wall they had body harnesses for larger people. Maybe that would be better?

I didn't even know that was a thing. Thought they were for kids!

We use Petzl full body harnesses when abseiling larger Scouts and adults who don’t always have the core strength to manage in a sit harness. Not padded though.

Just looked and DMM still make the Renegade which is what I have, highly recommend giving it (or similar) a try. I think you'll struggle to find any harness models with the old style buckles these days though. 

Not looked at harnesses for a few years, but it used to just to be just the beginner models where the buckles were captive, most others can be easily unthreaded to avoid the need to wiggle it over your hips. As a woman I'm assuming like me it's not the size your waist that's the issue, but your pelvis/hips, so once on it will fit perfectly safely. (Also easier to get clothing layered underneath when you don't have to tuck it down, but can wrap the harness over).

Wife has one of these.

eye wateringly expensive but worth it for comfort

https://arcteryx.com/gb/en/shop/womens/ar-385a-harness?sub-cat=harnesses&am...

obviously as other have said, worth trying these on as everyone is different 

good luck!

Don't forget that you can unthread the buckles to get the waistbelt over your hips. That may mean you have more options available to you?

Many years ago, I used to know a large Guide leader - she used a Whillans harness (if you're old enough to remember those!) with a sling looped through the 3 attachment points. No good for actual climbing, but she was solid as a belayer!

Others have recommended various sit harnesses. Centre ones usually have the widest range of adjustment, but also don't have any padding. Maybe consider a chest harness, to help prevent inverting in a fall.

A full-body harness might work - often used by pregnant climbers, as no waist belt. The higher attachment point prevents inverting, but consequently isn't so good for belaying.

https://dmmwales.com/products/centre-threadback?

Two sizes, up to either 125cm (size one) or 150cm (size two)