The 5 Best Climbing Harnesses of 2026
Based on in-depth research of specifications, safety certifications, and thousands of real climber reviews.
Photo: Climbing harnesses selection guide
Quick Picks
Best Overall
Petzl Adjama - £75-85
Best Value
Black Diamond Momentum - £45-55
Premium Choice
Arc'teryx AR-395a - £140-160
How We Research
Our recommendations are based on thorough analysis of technical specifications,brand reputation, and thousands of verified user reviews from Amazon UK and climbing communities. We filter products based on:
- Safety certifications — Only CE and UIAA certified harnesses
- Value for money — Price compared to features and build quality
- Real user feedback — Volume and consistency of positive reviews
- Durability reports — Long-term reliability from the climbing community
Whether you're a beginner looking for your first harness or an experienced climber seeking an upgrade, this guide will help you find the perfect match for your climbing style.
Our Top Picks
| Feature | Editor's Choice Petzl AdjamaPetzl | Best Value Black Diamond MomentumBlack Diamond | Premium Arc'teryx AR-395aArc'teryx | Budget Edelrid Ace AmbassadorEdelrid | Mammut Ophir 4 SlideMammut |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £75-85 | £45-55 | £140-160 | £35-45 | £60-70 |
| Rating | 4.8 | 4.6 | 4.9 | 4.4 | 4.5 |
| Weight | 395g | 350g | 345g | 380g | 360g |
| Adjustable Legs | |||||
| Ice Clipper Slots | |||||
| Best For | All-around | Beginners/Gym | All-around/Trad | Sport/Gym | Sport/Trad |
| View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
Petzl Adjama
Petzl
£75-85
Pros
- Excellent comfort for long routes
- DoubleBack buckles on waist and legs
- Great weight-to-features ratio
Cons
- Higher price point
- Slightly bulkier than minimalist options
- Limited colour choices
Black Diamond Momentum
Black Diamond
£45-55
Pros
- Unbeatable value for money
- Comfortable for all-day wear
- Pre-threaded Speed Adjust buckle
Cons
- Not ideal for alpine climbing
- Foam can compress over time
- Basic feature set
Arc'teryx AR-395a
Arc'teryx
£140-160
Pros
- Exceptional build quality
- Warp Strength Technology
- Ultra-comfortable padding
Cons
- Premium price tag
- May be overkill for gym climbers
- Limited availability
Edelrid Ace Ambassador
Edelrid
£35-45
Pros
- Excellent entry-level price
- Comfortable 3D mesh padding
- Bluesign certified materials
Cons
- Fixed leg loops
- Not suitable for winter layers
- Fewer features
Mammut Ophir 4 Slide
Mammut
£60-70
Pros
- Excellent adjustability
- Slide-Bloc buckle system
- Good comfort-to-weight ratio
Cons
- Leg loops can shift
- Tie-in points wear faster
- Average breathability
1. Petzl Adjama
Petzl
£75-85
The Petzl Adjama stands out as our top pick for 2026. Its combination of comfort, features, and versatility makes it ideal for climbers who want one harness that can do it all.
Pros
- Excellent comfort for long routes
- DoubleBack buckles on waist and legs
- Great weight-to-features ratio
- Works well for sport and trad
Cons
- Higher price point
- Slightly bulkier than minimalist options
- Limited colour choices
2. Black Diamond Momentum
Black Diamond
£45-55
The Black Diamond Momentum offers incredible value for beginners and gym climbers. You get reliable performance and comfort without breaking the bank.
Pros
- Unbeatable value for money
- Comfortable for all-day wear
- Pre-threaded Speed Adjust buckle
- Great for beginners
Cons
- Not ideal for alpine climbing
- Foam can compress over time
- Basic feature set
3. Arc'teryx AR-395a
Arc'teryx
£140-160
For those who want the absolute best, the Arc'teryx AR-395a delivers unmatched quality and innovative design that justifies its premium price.
Pros
- Exceptional build quality
- Warp Strength Technology
- Ultra-comfortable padding
- Sleek minimalist design
Cons
- Premium price tag
- May be overkill for gym climbers
- Limited availability
4. Edelrid Ace Ambassador
Edelrid
£35-45
The Edelrid Ace Ambassador proves that budget-friendly doesn't mean cutting corners on safety or comfort.
Pros
- Excellent entry-level price
- Comfortable 3D mesh padding
- Bluesign certified materials
- Good durability
Cons
- Fixed leg loops
- Not suitable for winter layers
- Fewer features
5. Mammut Ophir 4 Slide
Mammut
£60-70
The Mammut Ophir 4 Slide is a solid all-rounder that performs well across multiple climbing disciplines.
Pros
- Excellent adjustability
- Slide-Bloc buckle system
- Good comfort-to-weight ratio
- Versatile for many disciplines
Cons
- Leg loops can shift
- Tie-in points wear faster
- Average breathability
Harness Buying Guide
What to Look For
- Comfort: Padding thickness and distribution matter for long days at the crag
- Adjustability: Adjustable leg loops help if you climb in varying layers
- Gear Loops: 4 is standard; trad climbers may want more capacity
- Weight: Important for alpine climbs, less so for sport climbing
- Buckle Type: Auto-locking buckles are safer and more convenient
Types of Harnesses
- Sport Climbing: Lighter weight, streamlined features
- Trad/All-Around: More gear loops, adjustable legs
- Alpine/Ice: Lightweight, packable, ice clipper slots
- Big Wall: Maximum padding, haul loop, extra gear capacity