BD Alpine Bod

[iain]

I have two harnesses. I almost always use a Metolius 3D, but I also have an Alpine Bod I would like to start using more than I do. The problem is the gear loops. I made some from aquarium tubing and thin cord and they suck. They are a pain to clip quickly when they get weighed down by stuff. Any advice on where I can get good bulky rubber tubing or does anyone else have some advice on gear loop construction for this thing?

[glacier]

I used polyethylene tubing (e.g. Tygon) with some stiff accessory cord for mine - worked well and held up over a few seasons before I swapped harnesses.

[pindude]

BD used to make a gear loop kit specifically for the Alpine Bod, but I don't see it anymore and a search came up empty. I would call BD in SLC to see if you can get it directly thru their mail order dept--because it's not on their web site does not necessarily mean they don't have it.

 

If they don't have it, I have made them myself using the stiffest possible accessory cord, at the largest possible diameter that will fit thru those sewn tabs: 4mm I think. Whatever it is, it's certainly less than 5.5. Then I've gone to my local hardware store and bought tubing with an inner diameter that barely accomodates that 4mm or so cord.

 

I would think the tubing from a hardware store would be stiffer and more heavy duty than aquarium tubing (but I don't know aquarium tubing), and certainly the combo if you get a stiff accessory cord would allow you to have something that should be easier to clip into. Good luck.

[rbw1966]

oops

Edited December 17, 2002 by rbw1966

[rbw1966]

Iain--

 

I have some extra gear loop tubes from retired/old harnesses that I scavenged when I toosed them. You are welcome to some if you like. I used these with 5mm accessory cord and works fine for me. Let me know if you want them and I can try and bring a few to the pub tomorrow.

[Mr._Natural]

Iain, you probabaly know this but for those guys who don't, this is not a good harness for anything that requires any hanging at all. pinches the jewels.

[gregm]

you can get every concievable polyurathane tube diamter at home depot, by the foot.

[Cpt.Caveman]

I dont buy harnesses without gear loops. Seems pretty retarded ass from my point of view.

[Duchess]

I just bought some tubing at hardwick's (in the u-district) for that very purpose. f**k home depot, support the little guy!

[rbw1966]

My experience is a little different. With a minimum of adjustment this harness is great for what its designed for--alpine climbing. I've even used it for alpine trad climbing with minimal discomfort. You're usually wearing so many layers that the boys are well padded and protected. The adjustable leg loops are so easy to use I never have to remove my crampons to put it on. I can't think of another harness on the market that is this user friendly in the alpine environment.

 

Its cheap too.

 

YMMV

[Dru]

Arcteryx makes removable gear loops for the Sky Pilot harness that you can put on any harness. You can get a pack( 2 of them) at MEC for $2.50 CDN. Also works well for adding gear loops to a pack like Serratus Genie.

[Dru]

In fact why would you wear an Alpine Bod when you could get a Sky Pilot? It is the Instructional type harness used by lots of gyms. Basically the old Black Ice but with 2 loops instead of 4 and no holster slots.

[Cpt.Caveman]

I find it funny when people try to justify buying a piece of shit

[Dru]

You mean like "Lucky Lager will get you just as drunk as that microbrew"

[Cpt.Caveman]

Hey Look it's an alpine bod with gear loops ready made Oh wait that's mammut-

 

[Dru]

Who needs alpine Bod when you got a bag of alpine Bud

[mattp]

"I dont buy harnesses without gear loops. Seems pretty retarded ass from my point of view. "

 

I'm not really picking an argument with Cavey, but I thought I'd note that this whole discussion seems premised on the assumption that you absolutely have to have gear loops on your harness--no matter what--and I dissagree with that premise. I have a harness like an alpine bod, but it is made with seatbelt webbing and a little thinner. I like it quite a lot for winter climbs or general mountain climbs that are moderately technical and I don't use gear loops on these climbs because my pack belt or coat tails frequently cover the harness and it is inconvenient to rack gear there. Also, I find that ice screws, if hung on gear loops, seriously damage to my Scholler fabric pants -- on the top of the thighs, where they hit the ends of the screws with every step I take. To make matters worse, I have found that if I use black diamond or similar wiregate biners to rack the ice screws, and rack them on my harness, they sometimes unclip themselves at belays if I sit down and I inadvertently leave them behind. On lots of climbs, I find a shoulder sling works just fine for the gear and the hammer holster goes on my pack's waistbelt.

 

[Cpt.Caveman]

Good points. I dont rack my screws to my gear loops. But others do... I never said you "have to have gear loops" on your harness. But well to already have them and be prepared and being convenient is ok by me. Even if they are not in use they are not that much of a burden.

 

I still think that Mammut harness is better

Edited December 17, 2002 by Cpt.Caveman

[Dru]

You totally right about the Ice Screws. snoboy trashed a pair of Arc'deadbird bibs with his screws racked and i lost 2 screws last yr with stupid biner unclips.

 

As for the harness covered with pack issue that is one thing it is good to remember when you get a new alpine climbing pack - does the pack cover the gear loops, if so, can i put gear loops on the pack waistbelt. if not guess you are using a shoulder sling or two.

[Cpt.Caveman]

You can sling gear on the shoulder straps of your pack...

[glen]

the bod is bad for your personal rack. Maybe that's what happened to richard simmons...

[Dru]

I can put my nuts in my mouth too but i prefer to rack em

[allthumbs]

action a little slow up there Dru? i see the yoga is coming along nicely. bwahahaha

[ivan]

made my gear loops for the same harness for 21 cents at home depot...used steel wire and tubing...still not as good as honest to god loops, but certainly lighter

[David_Parker]

The Alpine Bod is the only harness I have right now and there are things I like and things I hate. I like the adjustability and ability to don on/off w/out removing crampons. Also easier for pissing without taking off or untieing from it. Mattp makes some excellent points. It's a good harness for alpine climbing when you'll be wearing a pack all the time. In that case, bag the gear loops and sew some on your packs waist belt if it doesn't already have them. I'm getting a new harness for ice climbing though, for the reasons I hate this harness. The buckle totally sucks (especially with cold fingers) unless BD has changed it. And even though it's contrary to the concept of "alpine harness", I still wish it had a belay loop. I find it difficult in winter clothes to see what the fuck is going on down there with a couple pearbiners clipped and the rope tied directly into the loop/waistbelt. A belay loop would also help get the rapell device a little further away from my body, improving control and making it more friendly with the leg-loop backup sling thingy.

 

Anybody used the BD "blizzard" harness. That's what i'm asking Dru, errr i mean Santa for X-mas!

 

PS: Ian, this should really be in the Gear Critic section!

Edited December 17, 2002 by David_Parker