How to Make a Climbing Harness

How to Make a Climbing Harness
A homemade climbing harness won't replace a comfortable manufactured one, but knowing how to make your own webbing harness is a blessing when needed---like when your partner leaves his harness back at the car. This simple webbing harness is low cost, and the webbing required to construct it can sit at the bottom of your pack until needed. Because the webbing is so thin, don't expect it to be comfortable during long hangs or big falls.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:
  • 22 feet of one-inch tubular webbing 12 feet of one-inch tubular webbing 1 locking carabiner
  • 22 feet of one-inch tubular webbing
  • 12 feet of one-inch tubular webbing
  • 1 locking carabiner
Step 1
Tie two leg loops in a 22-foot length of one-inch tubular webbing. Using an overhand knot, tie the first leg loop about four and a half feet from the end and the second loop six inches from the first one. Adjust the leg loops until they snuggly fit your legs.
Step 2
Step into the leg loops and wrap the extra webbing around your back, then back through the leg loops, and around your back again. Use a water knot (see Resources) to secure the harness. Tie off the ends with overhand knots. Your webbing harness is complete.
Step 3
To back up your harness with a safety belt, wrap a second 12-foot length of one-inch tubular webbing around your waist. Tie this off with a water knot. Join this loop to the harness using a locking carabiner.

Tips & Warnings

 
Have an expert inspect your harness before attempting to use it on a climb.

Resources

Article Written By Bryan Hansel

Bryan Hansel is a freelance photographer and kayaking guide who began writing in 1993. His outdoors articles appear on various websites. Hansel holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and religion from the University of Iowa.

Write for Trails.com
  • Editor's Pick

    Backcountry Camping Tips

    Backcountry Camping Tips

    You've already tried car and RV camping. You've camped at commercial campsites that had a convenient restroom and water supply. Now, you want to explore the road less traveled. Backcountry camping, also known as primitive camping, is a wonderful way to explore the remote...

    More Backcountry Camping...
  • Popular Article

    Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

    Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

    Pismo State Beach, California, has many attractions and activities including camping, swimming, hiking and wildlife viewing. Birdwatching is one of the primary activities in the area. The park also has the largest over-wintering colony of monarch butterflies in the natio...

    More Beach Camping...
  • Featured Video

    Common Sense Hiking Tips

    Common Sense Hiking Tips

    The first and most fundamental thing is never hike alone. There are too many situations, especially as an unexperienced hiker, where you may find yourself without anyone to help you. So the buddy system works and applies very much in hiking.

    More Camping Basics...

Outdoor Gear & Equipment

ALL NEW Trails Gear Store powered by:

Trail Finder

US Map

Search by Keyword