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How to Make a Climbing Harness

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By Bryan Hansel
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

About The Author

Bryan Hansel is an outdoor photographer, writer, and guide. His work has appeared publications such as "Sea Kayaker Magazine", "Lake Superior Magazine", "Superior Outdoors", and "Minnesota Monthly". He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and religion from the University of Iowa. He lives in Grand Marais, MN.
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