You can tie your own climbing harness from a sturdy piece of climbing webbing. If it is tied correctly, it is every bit as safe and effective as any expensive pre-tied climbing harness. In fact, in the early days of climbing everyone had to tie their own climbing harnesses. Tying your own is a skill every climber should know in case there is a problem with the climbing harness they are using.
Step 1
Unravel a long strip of climbing webbing. Make sure that it is at least six feet long and made of nylon or a composite thread. You can buy climbing webbing at any climbing shop and most sporting goods stores.
Step 2
Make two bowline loops for your legs and tie them off with overhand knots. The bowlines need to be wider than your thighs. Allow for about one inch of space between the bowlines and your thighs. A six inch strip of webbing should connect the two leg loops.
Step 3
Put on the partially tied climbing harness. A bowline loop should be around each leg. The partially tied climbing harness should be pulled all the way up until it reaches your waist. Pull on the bowline loops until they are snug but not uncomfortably tight against your thighs. Wrap the excess climbing webbing around the outside of your legs and under each of the bowlines.
Step 4
Pull the ends of the webbing around the front. Overlap the two ends and form an X shape by your stomach. Now wrap both sides around your waist and to the front again. Both ends should be in your hands.
Step 5
Make a water knot with both ends of the climbing webbing. You can also tie a square knot backed up by an overhand knot. Whichever you choose, it must be sturdy. You do not want this knot to unravel.
Step 6
Attach a carabiner to the climbing harness. It should bring all the pieces together. Connect the X shaped cross of webbing with the knot you just tied. It is very important that the opening of the carabiner be attached facing toward you and up. Now connect it to a climbing rope. Once everything is hooked together, you are ready to use your self wrapped climbing harness.
Things You'll Need
- climbing webbing
- carabiner
- climbing rope
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