Best Ice Climbing Harnesses of 2025

Ice climbing needs the right gear to keep you safe and comfortable. One of the most important items is your harness. A good harness should be strong, light, and easy to adjust. It must fit well over winter clothes. It also needs space for gear like ice screws and carabiners. In this guide, we list the best ice climbing harnesses available today. We looked at comfort, weight, features, and price. Whether you’re a beginner or expert, we’ve got options for you. All the harnesses on our list are made for cold and icy climbs. Let’s find the right one for your next frozen adventure.

1. Black Diamond Momentum

• Weight: 302 grams (10.7 oz)

• Gear Loops: 4 pressure-molded gear loops

• Buckle Type: Pre-threaded Speed Adjust waistbelt buckle

• Padding: Dual Core Construction for comfort and breathability

The Black Diamond Momentum is a go-to harness for beginner to intermediate climbers. It’s designed for comfort, ease of use, and affordability, making it ideal for indoor gym sessions and light outdoor climbs. The pre-threaded waistbelt buckle allows for quick on-and-off adjustments, while the adjustable leg loops accommodate varying layers or body shapes. Its breathable padding provides support without causing hot spots, even after long belays.

Despite its beginner-friendly build, the Momentum isn’t just for newbies. Its lightweight construction and durable design hold up well over time. The four gear loops are well-placed for organizing quickdraws or trad gear, though the harness may feel limiting on extended multipitch routes where more gear space is needed. Still, for everyday sport climbing and gym use, the Momentum remains a reliable, budget-conscious pick.

Pros:

• Lightweight and breathable for long sessions

• Great value for the price

• Easy to adjust and use

Cons:

• Not ideal for big wall or alpine routes

• Limited gear capacity for trad climbers

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2. PETZL Selena – Women’s

• Weight: 390 grams (size M)

• Gear Loops: 4 (2 rigid front, 2 flexible rear)

• Buckle Type: DoubleBack waist buckle

• Padding: EndoFrame construction for even pressure distribution

The PETZL Selena is a women-specific climbing harness tailored for sport climbers who want both performance and comfort. Its fit is contoured for the female form, with a longer rise and wider waistbelt. The EndoFrame construction ensures excellent weight distribution, while the fixed leg loops provide a streamlined, low-bulk fit ideal for climbing in warmer conditions. The waist adjustment is quick and secure, thanks to PETZL’s reliable DoubleBack buckle.

What sets the Selena apart is its comfort during dynamic movements. The flexible rear gear loops don’t interfere with a backpack or harness, making it well-suited for multipitch routes as well as sport climbing. While the fixed leg loops may not suit every body type or layer combo, they do reduce bulk and increase freedom of movement. This harness is a top pick for women who prioritize mobility, fit, and lightweight versatility.

Pros:

• Ergonomic fit specifically for women

• Excellent mobility and comfort

• Lightweight with a low-profile design

Cons:

• Fixed leg loops limit adjustability

• Slightly more expensive than entry-level models

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3. NewDoar Climbing Harness

• Weight: 450 grams

• Gear Loops: 2 side gear loops

• Buckle Type: Traditional adjustable waist and leg buckles

• Padding: Basic foam padding for waist and leg loops

The NewDoar Climbing Harness is a budget-friendly choice ideal for beginners, indoor climbers, or those who only climb occasionally. Its simple design includes two gear loops and fully adjustable waist and leg straps, allowing for a decent fit across a variety of body types. The harness is CE certified, which means it meets minimum safety standards, making it a surprisingly reliable pick for its price.

That said, the NewDoar is not designed for long sessions or technical climbs. The padding is minimal and can become uncomfortable on longer hangs or belays. Gear loops are small and not ideal for trad climbing, but for top-roping, gym sessions, or use as a backup harness, it holds up well. It’s especially good as a loaner or for beginners wanting to test the sport without a big investment.

Pros:

• Very affordable and accessible

• Fully adjustable for a wide fit range

• CE certified for safety

Cons:

• Minimal comfort for long climbs

• Limited gear storage with only two loops

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4. Black Diamond Long Haul

• Weight: 394 grams (size M)

• Gear Loops: 5 (4 standard, 1 rear haul loop)

• Buckle Type: Pre-threaded Speed Adjust waistbelt buckle

• Padding: Dual-density foam with load-distributing design

The Black Diamond Long Haul is a top-tier big wall harness designed for prolonged wear during aid climbing, trad epics, or route setting. It builds on the foundation of the standard Big Gun harness but trims down weight while keeping key features for all-day comfort. Its dual-density padding is thicker than standard sport harnesses, helping distribute weight evenly when loaded with gear or during long belays.

This harness really shines when you’re carrying a full rack or hauling gear. It has five gear loops, including a reinforced haul loop in the back, and slots for ice clipper or tool holsters. The fit is snug but padded, and the drop-seat buckles make bathroom breaks on multipitches manageable. The Long Haul isn’t for gym or sport climbers—it’s overbuilt for that—but for serious trad and wall climbers, it delivers durability and comfort you can trust.

Pros:

• Excellent comfort during long hangs or heavy loads

• Durable with ample gear storage

• Rear haul loop for multipitch and aid climbing

Cons:

• Heavier than most sport harnesses

• Overkill for casual or gym climbing

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5. KAILAS Professional Mountaineering Harness

• Weight: 380 grams (approximate)

• Gear Loops: 4 gear loops plus rear haul loop

• Buckle Type: Auto-locking metal buckles on waist and leg loops

• Padding: Wide waistbelt with breathable mesh and EVA foam

The KAILAS Professional Mountaineering Harness is built for alpine and high-altitude climbers who need reliability in harsh conditions. Its rugged materials and thoughtful design make it suitable for glacier travel, mixed climbing, and even expeditions. The breathable mesh lining helps with temperature regulation, while the EVA foam offers support during extended use. Adjustable leg loops and a wide waistbelt ensure a secure fit, even over bulky layers.

Functionally, this harness stands out for its balance of weight, comfort, and durability. It’s not ultralight, but it provides enough comfort for long days on technical terrain. The gear loops are easy to access even with gloves on, and the auto-locking buckles are ideal for cold environments where dexterity is compromised. While it’s overbuilt for gym use, mountaineers and ice climbers will appreciate the rugged, winter-ready features.

Pros:

• Great support for alpine and mountaineering use

• Comfortable over layers or cold-weather gear

• Easy-to-use buckles with gloves

Cons:

• Too bulky for indoor or sport climbing

• Slightly heavier than minimalist alpine harnesses

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6. Ttechouter Adjustable Thickness Climbing Harness

• Weight: Approx. 530 grams

• Gear Loops: 2 reinforced gear loops

• Buckle Type: Manual double-back buckles

• Padding: Thick EVA foam on waist and leg loops

The Ttechouter Adjustable Thickness Climbing Harness is an entry-level harness designed with comfort and simplicity in mind. It features extra-thick padding on the waist and leg loops, making it surprisingly comfortable for its price range. With fully adjustable straps and wide contact surfaces, it provides a stable and secure fit for various body types. It’s best suited for indoor climbing, ropes courses, or short outdoor routes.

While it’s not designed for performance or high-end climbing, the harness holds up well for beginners or occasional climbers. The gear loops are functional but minimal, limiting its usefulness for trad or multipitch climbs. However, if you’re looking for something affordable, sturdy, and well-padded for top-rope climbing or recreational use, this harness delivers decent value. Just don’t expect pro-level features or ultra-lightweight construction.

Pros:

• Very thick and comfortable padding

• Fully adjustable for wide size range

• Good value for casual users

Cons:

• Bulky and heavy for technical use

• Minimal gear storage and features

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7. PETZL CORAX

• Weight: 490 grams (size 1)

• Gear Loops: 4 gear loops + rear haul loop

• Buckle Type: DoubleBack buckles on waist and leg loops

• Padding: Wide, flexible waistbelt with foam padding

The PETZL CORAX is one of the most versatile climbing harnesses available, designed for everything from sport and trad to via ferrata and glacier travel. It features a wide range of adjustability with DoubleBack buckles on both the waist and leg loops, allowing it to comfortably fit over varying layers or accommodate different users. Its construction balances support and flexibility, making it an excellent all-rounder.

Where the CORAX really shines is in its ability to perform across disciplines. Whether you’re doing a gym session or heading up an alpine route, it offers reliable comfort and functional gear storage. The rigid front gear loops and flexible rear ones make racking gear easy, even with a pack on. While it doesn’t have the ultra-light feel of a specialist harness, its durability, comfort, and adaptability make it a smart choice for climbers who want one harness for everything.

Pros:

• Highly adjustable and fits over layers

• Great for multiple climbing styles

• Durable and well-built

Cons:

• Heavier than purpose-built sport harnesses

• Not the most breathable in hot conditions

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How to Choose Ice Climbing Harnesses?

Ice climbing demands gear that can handle freezing temperatures, wet environments, and complex protection systems. At the center of this setup is your harness—the link between you and the rope. But ice climbing isn’t like gym or sport climbing. It involves unique challenges like carrying more gear, wearing bulky layers, and climbing in slippery, cold conditions. That means your harness needs to be more specialized.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know to choose the right ice climbing harness: what features matter most, how fit and comfort change in cold weather, and which extras are worth paying for.

1. Understand the Demands of Ice Climbing

Before diving into features, it’s important to understand how ice climbing differs from other styles. Ice climbers often:

• Wear multiple layers of clothing

• Use crampons, which require more careful foot movement

• Carry extra gear (ice screws, tools, carabiners, etc.)

• Hang for longer periods while placing protection

All of this affects what kind of harness you need. A basic sport climbing harness probably won’t cut it—it’ll lack gear capacity, won’t fit over winter layers, and might become uncomfortable when wet or frozen.

2. Look for Adjustable Leg Loops and Waist Belts

One of the most important features of an ice climbing harness is adjustability. In cold conditions, you’ll be wearing thick pants or even a hardshell bib. Harnesses with fixed leg loops might not fit properly, and removing crampons just to put your harness on is a hassle—and dangerous.

Why It Matters:

• Adjustable leg loops allow you to layer up or down

• An adjustable waist belt ensures a snug, high fit that won’t ride up when carrying a pack

• Some harnesses even have drop-seat buckles, which are useful for long multi-pitch routes where bathroom breaks can’t be avoided

Look for metal or self-locking buckles, as plastic hardware may freeze or become brittle in low temperatures.

3. Prioritize Gear Capacity

Ice climbing requires more gear than most other styles. You’ll need room for:

• Ice screws

• Quickdraws or alpine draws

• Carabiners and slings

• Belay device and cordelette

• Ice tool attachments (for multi-pitch or alpine climbs)

A good ice climbing harness should have at least four gear loops, ideally stiffened to prevent sagging under weight. Many ice-specific models also have ice clipper slots—small holes in the waistbelt for attaching ice screw holders like the Petzl Caritool or Black Diamond Ice Clipper.

These holders let you rack screws safely and access them easily, even with gloves on. Make sure the harness you’re considering has enough clipper slots to match your gear needs.

4. Focus on Comfort and Support

Comfort isn’t just about hanging in the harness—it’s about performance and safety. Ice climbs often involve long, cold belays, or hanging to place protection while your calves scream. A good harness will distribute pressure evenly and stay comfortable in a range of conditions.

Key Comfort Features:

• Wide waistbelt and leg loops to distribute load

• Soft yet supportive padding, often EVA foam or mesh

• Breathable construction to reduce sweat build-up under layers

Some high-end harnesses also use load-distributing frames or dual-density foam to reduce pressure points. This matters most on big ice routes or mixed climbs where you’ll be wearing the harness for hours.

5. Check for Cold-Weather Performance

Some harnesses simply don’t perform well in cold, wet environments. Materials can stiffen, buckles can freeze, and gear loops can become brittle. Choose a harness designed specifically for alpine or winter use.

Features That Help:

• Water-resistant materials to keep padding dry

• Cold-resistant plastic components that won’t crack or freeze

• Easy-to-operate buckles that work while wearing gloves

You should be able to put on and adjust your harness without taking your gloves off. Test this out before committing—fiddly gear in sub-zero temps can be frustrating or even dangerous.

6. Weight and Packability

While comfort and features are essential, weight still matters—especially for alpine climbs or long approaches. Ice-specific harnesses are typically heavier than sport models due to extra gear loops and padding, but some models strike a nice balance.

If you’re climbing fast-and-light or combining ice and alpine terrain, look for:

• Low-profile designs that pack easily into a bag

• Removable leg padding to shave ounces when needed

• Compact gear loops that don’t snag

However, don’t compromise too much on comfort or features just to save a few grams unless you know you can do without them.

7. Fit Is Everything

No matter how feature-rich the harness is, it has to fit properly. An ill-fitting harness can restrict movement, pinch, or ride up under a pack.

Fit Tips:

• Try the harness on with winter layers, not just gym clothes

• The waist belt should sit above your hips and be snug but not tight

• Leg loops should be firm without cutting off circulation

• Make sure gear loops sit in a position that’s easy to access

If you’re ordering online, double-check sizing charts and look for brands with generous return policies. You don’t want to find out the fit is off during your first ice climb.

8. Popular Ice Climbing Harness Options

Here are a few well-regarded harnesses for ice climbing:

• Black Diamond Long Haul – Great for heavy racks and comfort on long routes

• PETZL Corax – Highly adjustable and versatile for different climbing styles

• KAILAS Mountaineering Harness – Built for cold-weather conditions with glove-friendly buckles

• Arc’teryx AR-395a – Lightweight, highly technical with superior load distribution

Make sure to choose a model that matches your climbing goals—whether that’s frozen waterfalls, alpine mixed routes, or beginner-friendly ice climbs.

Final Thoughts

Choosing an ice climbing harness isn’t about picking the most expensive model—it’s about finding one that balances adjustability, comfort, cold-weather performance, and gear capacity. You’ll be layering up, hauling more gear, and spending more time hanging or belaying than you would sport climbing, so you need a harness that supports that kind of work.

Take the time to try on several models with your winter kit, consider the types of climbs you’re planning, and don’t overlook the small details—like whether you can operate the buckles with gloves or how easily you can reach your screws. The right harness can make the difference between a comfortable, confident ascent and a frustrating, freezing sufferfest.