I have been lucky enough to get to check out Petzl's newly
updated Hirundos harness over the last couple months. While the original Hirundos was a pretty
perfect design for a lightweight harness as far as I was concerned, the new Hirundos
adds some additional features that have increased comfort while minimizing the
overall profile of the harness.
One of the best new features of the new Hirundos harness is the
introduction of the FUSEFRAME Technology, which utilizes thermo-formed foam to
get a lightweight, low profile yet comfortable fit. Where the harness may touch skin, there is
minimal stitching and the narrow waist belt widens at all pressure points to
also increase comfort while minimizing bulk.
Other great features include:
reinforced tie-in points for added durability, two CariTool ice tool
holders and a small rear haul loop.
Additionally, the harness is manufactured at a facility that supports environmentally
friendly practices.
I have used this harness for a variety of climbing related
activities including trad climbing, sport climbing and ski mountaineering. It is designed as a sport and alpine climbing
harness and it is in these disciplines that the harness excels. While it works as a trad climbing harness, I
have found that the rear gear loops are rather small and a little difficult to
reach, especially with a backpack on. So
when carrying a large trad rack it is just slightly more awkward to efficiently
rack a heavy load of cams on the harness.
That being said, the front gear loops are very stiff and big and it's
super easy to pull gear off the harness while leading and also re-rack gear
while following.
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| On the summit of the Pfeifferhorn after climbing the north ridge |
Another great feature I have noticed while climbing is the
stretchy and lightweight material that makes up the corner of the
leg-loops. This feature promotes lots of
movement and allows for unrestricted high-stepping. I also like that the stretchy straps on the
back of the harness are held together with two small detachable buckles as
opposed to the awkward clip system that the older Hirundos model used. Utilizing these buckles results in a more
precise fit, in addition to allowing an easier option for females to go to the
bathroom as the rear straps can be easily undone and business can be taken care
of! I have found the harness comfortable
on multi-pitch climbs with a handful of hanging belays and I haven't noticed any extreme discomfort
while falling or hang-dogging routes.
But at 280 g I wouldn't recommend this to be your big wall harness.
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| Racking up for some cragging in Little Cottonwood Canyon |
One other thing I have
noticed about this harness, is that it seems to be sized a little
small. I have always thought the Petzl
harnesses were a little smaller than competitors harness. Maybe its a Euro thing as I usually am a
medium in Petzl harnesses and have been a small in other brands harnesses. However, the medium model in the new Hirundos
almost seems a little small on me. So
keep that in mind when ordering your new harness.
I may be a little biased but I have always considered Petzl to be
the Porsche of climbing gear. While they
don't make every type of product, what they do make is of exceptional quality. And the updated Hirundos
harness is a testament to this standard of quality. If you are looking for a lightweight harness
for sport or alpine climbing that is comfortable and breathable, this is the
harness for you. For more information
check out the petzl website and to purchase go to backcountry.com
