new arc'teryx harness

[Matt Kidd]

Wondering if anyone has tried one of these out yet. Thoughts/comments?

http://www.arcteryx.com/product.aspx?R-320

[John Frieh]

I have a X•350a.

 

So far no complaints.

[tradhead]

I also have an X350A. Used it for the first time last week for 4 days of mostly sport climbing at Vantage.

 

Good points - very comfortable and light. Gear loops hold a fair amount of gear, significantly more than a Petzl Corax.

 

Bad points - price, super weak haul loop (if you can even call it that, more like a chalk bag clip loop!) and very awkward to use drop seat.

 

Overall, probably not the best wall harness but highly recommended (based on my somewhat limited use) for applications less dependent on having a good haul loop and drop seat. I'm curious to see how long it holds up, as most of my dead bird gear has been really durable as compared to other brands.

[G-spotter]

MEC's sold out already.

 

Must be the cool box it comes in. []

[counterfeitfake]

They look pretty sexy; I've been wondering about the non-adjustable leg loops. I've only owned a harness that had adjustable leg loops. Do you ever wish they were adjustable? Would you be able to wear it over thicker clothing, like for alpine climbing, or is that a good reason to get the alpine version?

[John Frieh]

The X•350a has adjustable leg loops and slots for ice clippers.

[Matt Kidd]

They look pretty sexy; I've been wondering about the non-adjustable leg loops. I've only owned a harness that had adjustable leg loops. Do you ever wish they were adjustable? Would you be able to wear it over thicker clothing, like for alpine climbing, or is that a good reason to get the alpine version?

 

I've never had any problems using my non-adjustable for ice/alpine etc.

[Matt Kidd]

MEC's sold out already.

 

Must be the cool box it comes in. []

 

North Van too?

[scheissami]

Before I bought mine (r320), I emailed Arcteryx about the haul loop, since it definitely seems pretty flimsy. This is how they replied:

 

"Thank you for your interest in ARC'TERYX. The Haul Loop is not made for anchoring, belaying or rappelling from but it was tested to hold atleast a person's body weight. (up to 400 lbs) A plastic loop was used to discourage it being used other than a haul loop. Replacing the plastic haul loop with a metal one, it won't increase the strength of it."

 

Overall I'm pretty happy with mine. I haven't used it in the mountains yet, but have done long multi-pitch at Red Rocks, offwidth climbing in Moab (yuck!), and sport climbing and it's been super comfy throughout. Very unobtrusive and easily packable.

 

A few gripes include the flimsy haul loop (why not a slightly beefier one?). Also, be sure to check the size. I have a 28-30" waist and the men's small is only just small enough if I cinch it down all of the way...smaller waist and I'd probably check out the women's version. This is my first harness with non-adjustable leg loops and they're sometimes a little snug but haven't had any problems fitting layers underneath.

 

Not sure if any of this helps. Cheers.

[counterfeitfake]

The X•350a has adjustable leg loops and slots for ice clippers.

 

Ah, I had the numbers mixed up.

[hafilax]

I'm surprised that they've sold out. I thought the price would put people off but all over the message boards people are really excited about them. Of course people on message boards tend to be :nurds: who like that kind of stuff. They're 50% more than the next most expensive harness which is really nice as well. I'm not convinced that the increase in performance warrants the price.

[tlinn]

Extremely light and packable but I didn't find it too comfy. Guess you can't have everything.

[DanielHarro]

I have the x350a and used it on my last ice trip and I am sold on it! Very nice... who cares about the haul loop being small, it just needs to hold a rope or some other unnecessary equipment, not like your going to hold any body weight on it.

[jmace]

I find it really comfy and the leg loops being un adjustable is not a problem for me, however it wont be used for ice.

 

Price didnt seem like an issue to me whats not a 100 bucks these days but i suppose if your on a budget cheaper is better

 

That Hirundo sure looks like a strong contender at beating it though..the buckle system is by far superior and its lighter and cheaper...however the packable size of the arcteryx is amazing..so will see how the r320 stands up through the summer, so far so good

[G-spotter]

For me the big deal is that it packs down smaller in a pack for alpine approaches. It's actually pretty much the same size and weight as the old Black Ice harness from the early 90s but way better designed.