Climbing harness

Harnesses of users involved in climbing should be attached to dynamic (kernmantle) rope, which has a natural shock-absorbing stretch.

The invention of the climbing harness has been attributed to Jeanne Immink, a Dutch climber in the late nineteenth century.

[9] A harness designed by British climber Don Whillans was made by Troll for the 1970 Annapurna South Face Expedition.

These are the most commonly used harnesses for recreational activities such as abseiling and rock climbing, as they afford a wide range of movement while still maintaining a high level of safety.

This attachment point allows for better balance in some situations such as when carrying a heavy pack (as the centre of mass is above the connection to the rope) and when the person in the harness may be unable to maintain an upright position (due to injury or other influences).

In a study conducted, researchers came to a conclusion that there was no statistically significant evidence revealing a pattern between harness type and severity of climbing accidents.

Harness designers adapt increasingly advanced materials such as Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE), aramid fibers (Kevlar, Vectran, etc.