The main criterion when choosing a canyoning harness is comfort. Don’t hesitate to hang in it and simulate side movements before buying it.
Our tips
- A belay loop wide enough to hold lanyards, a fuse, an MAVC, etc.
- Plenty of gear loops (2 minimum), positioned on the sides, and sturdy
- Easy tightening for a good fit of the waist strap
- Comfort while hanging and walking: the straps should not slide down onto the thighs
- Rigid straps tend to stay flat, unlike soft straps which crease and “bunch up”
- Test the harness “in situ”: hanging, simulating an ascent, walking
- Prefer a harness with an integrated leg loop system, which generally stays in place better and can include gear loops and a comfortable belly pad
Metal or fabric belay loop?
Metal belay loop: generally leaves more room for clipping multiple pieces (descender, lanyards, etc.), but wears down the surrounding strap faster, which means the harness needs to be retired sooner.
Fabric belay loop: wears down the equipment less (in case of jamming, only the loop needs to be cut), but attaching extra carabiners is a little less practical, as they tend to catch on the fabric.
Pair it with a good descender and suitable lanyards. Find all the necessary equipment in our complete canyoning equipment guide.
