Let’s Dive into C.A.M.P. Alpine Flash Harness
The C.A.M.P. Alpine Flash Harness is a hyperlight, compact piece of equipment designed for technical alpinism and ice climbing, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in harness design. Manufactured by C.A.M.P., this harness boasts innovative Load Webbing construction and specialized features for demanding alpine environments.
My search for the C.A.M.P. Alpine Flash Harness stemmed from a need for a lighter, more packable harness for multi-day alpine climbs. My old harness felt bulky and restrictive, especially when hauling gear, so I was seeking a minimalist solution without sacrificing safety or functionality.
Upon unboxing the C.A.M.P. Alpine Flash Harness, I was immediately struck by its featherlight feel and impressively small pack size. The materials felt high-quality, despite the harness’s minimal design, and the build quality appeared robust, promising durability in harsh conditions.
Compared to my previous Black Diamond Momentum harness (a comfortable but heavier all-arounder) and a Petzl Hirundos (a lighter sport climbing harness), the C.A.M.P. Alpine Flash Harness seemed to strike a unique balance. It was lighter and more compact than the Momentum and featured more ice-climbing-specific features than the Hirundos.
My first impression was excitement mixed with a healthy dose of skepticism. Could something this light and minimalist truly be comfortable and reliable in a serious alpine setting?
Real-World Testing: Putting C.A.M.P. Alpine Flash Harness to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the C.A.M.P. Alpine Flash Harness was on a three-day ascent of Mount Washington’s Tuckerman Ravine in winter conditions. The environment presented a mix of steep ice, snow gullies, and exposed rock, allowing for a comprehensive evaluation of the harness’s performance.
The harness performed remarkably well, even in the wet and frigid conditions. It remained comfortable during long belay stances, and the auto-locking buckles were easy to operate with gloves.
Initially, I needed a few minutes to adjust to the harness’s minimalist design. After that, it felt secure and allowed for unrestricted movement while climbing.
My only initial concern was the single buckle connecting the waist and leg loops for the drop seat, which seemed like it could be a potential point of failure, but proved secure.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the C.A.M.P. Alpine Flash Harness has proven to be a reliable and surprisingly durable piece of equipment. There are no significant signs of wear and tear, despite numerous climbs involving abrasive rock and ice.
The harness is easy to clean; a simple rinse with water removes most dirt and grime. I occasionally apply a light silicone spray to the buckles to ensure smooth operation.
The C.A.M.P. Alpine Flash Harness outperforms my previous alpine harness in terms of weight, packability, and freedom of movement. The auto-locking buckles are also a significant improvement over the fiddly double-back buckles on my older harness.
Breaking Down the Features of C.A.M.P. Alpine Flash Harness
Specifications
- The Manufacturer of this harness is C.A.M.P., a company renowned for its innovative and lightweight climbing gear.
- The harness is Olive in Color, providing a practical and aesthetically pleasing look for alpine environments.
- Designed for a Unisex fit, it accommodates a wide range of body types and preferences.
- Weighing in at just 10.6 oz, this harness is incredibly light, minimizing weight during long climbs.
- This is designated as a Last Chance item; stock may be limited.
- It features hyperlight and compact design tailored for technical alpinism and ice climbing.
- It incorporates innovative Load Webbing construction to distribute weight effectively and enhance comfort.
- It has integrated 3 mm padding on the waist and legs for added comfort during long belays or rappels.
- The harness uses auto-locking buckles on the waist and legs for secure and easy adjustments.
- The elastic straps between the waist and legs are connected by a single buckle for an easy drop seat, a valuable feature for long days on the mountain.
- It includes 5 gear loops (4 on the sides and 1 on the back) for organizing and accessing climbing equipment.
- 4 integrated slots for Hub racking carabiners help keep ice screws and other gear readily accessible.
- There is also a chalk bag loop, catering to climbers who prefer using chalk.
- The C.A.M.P. Alpine Flash Harness is available in 5 sizes: XS-XL, ensuring a proper fit for a wide range of users.
These specifications are crucial for alpine climbing as they prioritize weight reduction, packability, and functionality in demanding conditions. The low weight and compact design minimize bulk and fatigue, while the specialized features cater to the specific needs of ice and mixed climbing.
Performance & Functionality
The C.A.M.P. Alpine Flash Harness excels in its primary function: providing a secure and comfortable connection to the rope while minimizing weight and bulk. Its auto-locking buckles and ample gear loops enhance usability, while its minimalist design allows for unrestricted movement.
The harness’s strengths lie in its lightweight design, ease of adjustment, and specialized features for ice climbing. A slight weakness is that the minimalist padding might not be comfortable for extended periods of hanging belays.
Overall, the C.A.M.P. Alpine Flash Harness meets and exceeds expectations for a technical alpine harness. It successfully balances weight reduction with functionality and durability.
Design & Ergonomics
The harness’s build quality is excellent, with high-quality materials and reinforced stitching in critical areas. Weighing only 10.6 ounces, it feels incredibly light in hand, and the minimalist design contributes to its overall comfort.
The harness is generally user-friendly, although some users might need a few minutes to familiarize themselves with the auto-locking buckles. There is no significant learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the C.A.M.P. Alpine Flash Harness should last for several seasons of moderate to heavy use. The durable materials and reinforced construction contribute to its longevity.
The harness is easy to maintain. Simply rinse it with water and allow it to air dry.
Accessories and Customization Options
The harness does not come with any additional accessories beyond the standard gear loops and racking slots. Customization options are limited due to the harness’s minimalist design.
The C.A.M.P. Alpine Flash Harness is compatible with most standard ice screw racking carabiners and chalk bags.
Pros and Cons of C.A.M.P. Alpine Flash Harness
Pros
- Incredibly lightweight and packable, ideal for alpine climbing and ski mountaineering.
- Auto-locking buckles offer secure and easy adjustments, even with gloves.
- Integrated ice screw racking slots keep gear organized and accessible.
- Comfortable enough for long days despite its minimalist design.
- Durable construction ensures reliability in harsh alpine environments.
Cons
- Minimalist padding might not be ideal for extended hanging belays.
- The single buckle drop-seat system may be perceived as a potential point of failure by some (although it has proven reliable in testing).
Who Should Buy C.A.M.P. Alpine Flash Harness?
The C.A.M.P. Alpine Flash Harness is perfect for alpinists, ice climbers, and ski mountaineers who prioritize weight reduction and packability without sacrificing safety or functionality. This harness is also ideal for experienced climbers who appreciate a minimalist design and value freedom of movement.
This harness may not be suitable for beginner climbers or those who require maximum padding and comfort for extended periods of hanging belays. Climbers who frequently participate in big wall climbing or spend long days on aid routes may prefer a more heavily padded harness.
A must-have accessory is a set of C.A.M.P. Hub racking carabiners to fully utilize the integrated racking slots.
Conclusion on C.A.M.P. Alpine Flash Harness
The C.A.M.P. Alpine Flash Harness is a specialized piece of equipment that excels in its intended environment: technical alpinism and ice climbing. Its lightweight design, durable construction, and specialized features make it a valuable asset for experienced climbers seeking to minimize weight and maximize performance.
At a price of $50.53, the harness offers excellent value for money, considering its performance and features. It is a significant investment for those serious about alpine climbing.
I wholeheartedly recommend the C.A.M.P. Alpine Flash Harness to any climber seeking a lightweight, packable, and reliable harness for demanding alpine adventures. Embrace the minimalist design, shed unnecessary weight, and conquer your next objective with confidence.