Light Harness? Cheap Spectra cord?

[Terminal_Gravity]

Can anyone recommend a really light harness for alpine work that requires only occasional use? It does not have to be comfy.

I have trouble justifying a pound + weight. Even an Alpine bod seems way overbuilt for some aplications.

A double length spectra sling turned into a diaper sling is simple but tends to work down the legs when you high step.

Also, does any body have a (relativly) cheap source for 70 meters or so of 5.5 spectra cord?

[mikeadam]

You could just tie the rope around your waist. Those english/swiss guys did it in the alps and they managed to get up some pretty hairball stuff.

[Terminal_Gravity]

Thanks, mikeadam...I knew I could count on you!

[Wallstein]

70 meters of 5.5???

I got a spool of that stuff but it only came in 50 meters. I think the biggest it comes in is 60. You should email Sterling rope about this.

Are you going to be using it as a second rope for rappells? Thats what I have been using it for and it has worked great. The only problem with it is the cost. 1.42 per foot times 235ft. That comes out to be around 330 buckaroos without tax. Easily the most exspensive rope on the market...

 

 

[Colin]

Diaper slings (swiss seats) do not work well as harnesses. They are easy to fall out of, and as Terminal Gravity said, they don't stay put very well. I would reccomend tying a swami belt out of 1" webbing wrapped around your waist 3 times. If you tie the swami well, it is quite unlikely that you'll slip out of it. For the descent however, a swiss seat is far superior for rappelling. I have also seen people cut the leg loops off of their alpine bod harnesses, to create a swami belt that is easier to take on and off (no untying and tying required).