Best climbing harnesses

If you have an adventurous spirit and love the adrenaline rush, you may consider trying out rock climbing. Climbing is an intimidating and exciting sport that will give you a unique experience. However, it can also be dangerous, so having the right equipment for your climbing adventures is a must.

Unfortunately, people on the heavy side may have trouble finding the right equipment that fits their figures, which is often the case with climbing harnesses. They often wonder if they’ll find a climbing harness that fits their bodies.

We’ve reviewed and tested different models of climbing harnesses, and after thorough research, we can present you with our picks of the best climbing harnesses for plus-size individuals. Let’s take a closer look at our top choices.

Heavy duty climbing harness – Top rated

3M DBI-SALA ExoFit NEX 1113010 Vest Style Harness

Our winner in the category of the best climbing harnesses for plus-size people is the 3M NEX 1113010 Harness. The thing I loved the most about this harness was the level of comfort it offered. To be honest, I had no idea how comfortable these harnesses could be, even for us on the heavy side.

It is also very strong, with 6,000 lbs tensile strength, and it has a weight capacity of 420lbs, which tells you how strong and durable it really is. Another thing that sets it apart from many others on the market is the weight – it was much lighter than it seemed, and it is one of the most lightweight harnesses you can find. It is perfect if you don’t want to carry around a heavy piece of equipment when going on an adventure trip.

This 3M NEX harness is very easy to adjust, and it connects very quickly. The quality of the material is amazing, and you can rest assured it is worth the price. This harness is also water repellant, has moisture-wicking properties, and breathable padding that improves its comfort even more. If you are a plus-size person looking for a quality and reliable climbing harness, I think you may love this model.

Pros

• Outstanding level of comfort
• Very lightweight and perfect for carrying around
• Very easy to adjust
• Superior quality
• Strong and durable
• 420 lbs weight capacity
• Breaking strength of 6,000 lbs

Cons

• More expensive than other models on our list, but it is worth it

Frontline Fall Protection 100CTB Full Body Harness

Another amazing climbing harness I’d like to recommend to you is the Frontline 100CTB Harness. It is one of the most durable harnesses you can find, with a breaking strength of 5,000 lbs and a maximum weight capacity of 310 lbs. It was designed with heavy people in mind.

If you are looking for reliability, durability, and performance, this is an excellent model to go for. It is also very comfortable, with back, shoulder, and waist pads, and has a 5-point adjustability system for a snug fit. The pads are breathable and moisture-wicking, which helps reduce heat exhaustion.

Although it is a lightweight harness, it was built to withstand even the harshest conditions. The webbing is orange and reflective, which will make you stand out and be visible.

Pros

• Superior durability, with breaking strength of 5,000 lbs
• Very reliable
• Comfortable
• 5 points of adjustability
• Lightweight
• Reflective webbing

Cons

• Not the best choice for shorter people

Palmer Safety Hammerhead Harness

Palmer Safety Harness definitely deserves a third place on my list of the best climbing harnesses for people with larger figures. The level of comfort is simply amazing, partly because of the padded back. It stayed comfortable even after being in it for a long time.

Its back brace is top-notch, and the overall quality of the harness is superior to many other harnesses on the market. It has the dorsal D-ring, hip D-rings, tongue buckle leg straps, heavy-duty back support, and a removable tool belt.

It is a very strong body harness, with breaking strength of 5,000 lbs. Finally, it is easy to adjust, thanks to the 5 easily accessible adjustment points.

Pros

• Excellent quality
• Great durability, with breaking strength of 5,000 lbs
• 5 points of adjustability
• Superior level of comfort

Cons

• The maximum weight capacity is 240 lbs

Eleven Guns Adjustable Thickness Climbing Harness

If you are thinking about buying a climbing harness, another recommendation I have for you is the Eleven Guns Harness. One of the things I love about it is the material – this harness is made from durable and strong polyester material. It also has strong load-bearing, wear resistance, and strong stitching.

It comes in one universal size, but it is adjustable and can fit any body type. I know these harnesses may sometimes be a bit difficult to put on, but that is not the case with this Eleven Guns Harness. Finally, you’ll be surprised how comfortable it is.

Pros

• Strong and durable materials
• Adjustable and fits any body type
• Very comfortable
• Easy to put on

Cons

• It is a bit difficult to tighten down the straps

Warthog Full Body Universal Harness

Another harness model I had a chance to try out recently was the Warthog Full Body Harness. The buckles on this model are very adjustable and can fit any body type. The maximum weight capacity is 310lbs, which is perfect for people on the heavy side.

This harness has reflective stitching, finished webbing ends, and a fall indicator. I had plenty of room in it, and I was satisfied with the quality of this harness, especially considering the price.

Pros

• Very affordable
• Maximum weight capacity 310lbs
• Good quality

Cons

• Could use a lower stomach buckle for added stability

HEEJO Climbing Harness

Last but not least, I present to you the HEEJO Climbing Gear. It is an excellent piece of climbing equipment if you are on a budget. No matter if you are a beginner or an advanced climber, this harness may be the right choice for you.

It is durable and very easy to adjust, and it comes with a wider waist belt and leg loops. The buckles can be strapped rather quickly, and you don’t have to worry about twisting. Also, the webbing and the connections are very stable with reinforced ends, and the harness is wear-resistant. All in all, I’d recommend it to plus-size people looking for an affordable climbing harness.

Pros

• Very affordable
• Easy to adjust
• Resistant to wear and tear
• Comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee

Cons

• May become uncomfortable after prolonged periods of wearing

And The Winner Is…

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Weight Can a Climbing Harness Hold?

The answer to this question depends on the harness, as not all of them can support an equal amount of weight. Make sure to choose a climbing harness that can support your body. However, you should also pay attention to the force, as this equipment is used in dynamic conditions.

It is best to pick models that can hold around 3,300 lbs of force with the belay loop and 2,200 lbs of force with the waist belt. With a tensile strength of 6,000 lbs and a weight capacity of 420 lbs, 3M DBI-SALA NEX 1113010 is one of the best climbing harnesses you can find on the market.

Can You Rock Climb if You’re Overweight?

Of course, you can rock climb if you are overweight; your weight is not an issue. However, rock climbing is very challenging, no matter the weight, and you need to be physically prepared. Before you go on a rock climbing adventure, make sure you can handle it.

If you are looking for more adventure, be sure to check out other Outdoor equipment reviews including the best Kayak for heavy adults, rugged Fishing kayaks, and Big man waders.