★ Proper fit and sizing for belts, saddles, and harnesses
FIT AND SIZING
- Check out the product photos on our listings to see manufacturer-specific sizing guides for saddles and harnesses.
- A safety harness or climbing saddle with D rings (positioning rings) mounted at the hips should be used. If a separate spur climbing belt is used, it shall be worn over a safety harness.
- Wear the climbing belt or waist band of climbing saddle low on your waist—it should ride on the upper part of your hips
- Standard climbing equipment includes two lanyards. Two lanyards are needed to pass limbs and resolve equipment difficulties safely.
General care for belts, saddles, and harnesses
General Care
The following procedure is recommended when checking climbing belts and safety harnesses for broken or rotten stitching, cuts and cracks, loose or broken rivets, and excessive wear.
- Using your hands, firmly fold the pliable material and check for defects on the top of the fold.
- Roll the fold along the pliable material and continue checking until one side has been completed.
- Repeat the process on the other side of the climbing belt or safety harness.
- During this process, carefully check all other parts of the climbing belt or safety harness for defects.
- Do not store safety harnesses and climbing belts with sharp or abrasive objects; near heat, chemicals (especially acids), chemical vapors, or sunlight; or where the belt or harness may get wet.
What are the safety requirements for belts, saddles, and harnesses?
Safety Requirements
Climbing belts, saddles and safety harnesses shall meet the requirements of ANSI A10.14, or European PPE Directive 89/686/EEC.
Always wear a properly constructed safety harness or saddle designed for rescue and rappel. ANSI Z133.1 8.1.5 states that Type II arborist saddles shall be worn when above ground level. These saddles provide side positioning rings in addition to front point(s) of attachment for rappel suspension rings. A chest harness may facilitate rescue if the climber becomes incapacitated in the tree. If a climbing belt with only side positioning rings is utilized, it must be used in conjunction with a harness that is suitable for rescue and rappel. A light weight rock climbing harness worn in conjunction with a climbing belt would fulfill this requirement.
