Quick Answer
A climbing harness should be inspected after every use and replaced after five to seven years, or sooner if signs of wear, damage, or degradation are observed. Check for frayed or broken webbing, worn-out buckles, and any signs of excessive wear on the padding and stitching.
Inspecting the Harness
Inspect your climbing harness after every use by checking for signs of wear, damage, or degradation. Look for frayed or broken webbing, worn-out buckles, and any signs of excessive wear on the padding and stitching. Check the figure-eight follow-through knot on the harness’s leg loop for any signs of wear or damage. If any webbing is more than 10 mm wide or if any stitching is loose, the harness needs to be replaced.
Replacing the Harness
Replace your climbing harness every five to seven years, or sooner if you notice any signs of wear, damage, or degradation. Consider replacing your harness if you’ve used it heavily, such as for multi-pitch climbing or canyoneering. Always purchase a harness from a reputable manufacturer and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for inspection, maintenance, and replacement.
Special Considerations
When inspecting your climbing harness, pay special attention to the areas where the webbing meets the buckles or where the webbing passes over the metal components. These areas are prone to wear and can lead to failure if not properly maintained. If you notice any signs of wear or damage, it’s best to err on the side of caution and replace the harness.
Find more answers
Browse the full Q&A library by topic, or jump back to the topic this question belongs to.