Rock climbing can be both an incredible rush as well as a dangerous sport. According to the American Alpine Club, 96 people were injured in mountaineering accidents in the United States in 2008, and 19 people were killed. Making sure you have the correct harness that fits your needs--and the type of climb you're undertaking--is essential to having a safe and fun rock-climbing experience.
Sit Harness
The sit harness is one of the more popular and common types of harnesses, because it provides safety as well as the ability to move freely. With one loop for each leg attached to a larger loop to go around the waist, the sit harness provides stability for the lower body and allows the upper body full freedom of movement.
Chest Harness
The chest harness is worn over the chest and is usually combined with the sit harness to provide additional support for harder climbs, or for climbs that require you to wear a pack or other equipment. Due to the nature of the chest harness, it provides additional safety in that it makes it impossible to turn upside down in the course of a climb.
Full Body Harness
For full safety and support, the full harness is the way to go. The full harness combines the benefits of the sit and chest harnesses, all into one interlocking unit. The full body is recommended for outdoor climbs involving kids, those with slender builds and inexperienced climbers, since it provides the most support and safety features of the three types of harnesses.
Women's Harness
Some rock-climbing manufacturers offer harnesses that are specifically designed for women. These supports feature smaller leg loops, and a greater distance between leg loops and waist loops to accommodate for the proportional differences between men's and women's bodies.
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