What Makes Black Diamond Long Haul Harness Stand Out?
The Black Diamond Long Haul Harness is Black Diamond’s answer to long days spent hanging on a wall. This updated version of their ultimate aid climbing harness takes the lightweight principles of their Technician harness and injects a healthy dose of padding.
I needed a harness that wouldn’t leave me bruised and battered after a full day of aid climbing on El Capitan. The search led me to the Black Diamond Long Haul Harness.
Upon unboxing, I immediately noticed the robust padding throughout the waist belt and leg loops. It felt substantial without being overly bulky, suggesting a good balance of comfort and freedom of movement. The five molded gear loops also seemed well-placed and sturdy.
Compared to the Petzl Aquila, which prioritizes lightweight performance, the Long Haul clearly emphasizes comfort for extended periods. The Misty Mountain Cadillac is another aid climbing harness, but the Black Diamond felt lighter and more refined. My initial impression was one of cautious optimism, hoping the extra padding wouldn’t compromise mobility on technical terrain.
Real-World Testing: Putting Black Diamond Long Haul Harness to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test was a multi-pitch aid route on a granite wall in Yosemite. The Long Haul Harness immediately proved its worth, distributing the weight evenly and eliminating pressure points.
Even after hours of hanging belays and awkward placements, I experienced significantly less discomfort than with my previous harness. The quick-drop adjustable leg loops were invaluable for restroom breaks. There were no initial issues, and the harness performed flawlessly.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a season of big wall climbing in various locations, the Black Diamond Long Haul Harness has become my go-to choice. The padding has retained its shape and cushioning ability, showing no signs of compression or wear.
The reinforced haul loop and gear loops have held up remarkably well to abrasion from carabiners and gear. Cleaning is simple, usually just requiring a wipe-down with a damp cloth after a dusty day on the wall. Compared to my old, minimalist harness, the Long Haul’s comfort and durability are a significant upgrade, allowing me to focus on the climb instead of the pain.
Breaking Down the Features of Black Diamond Long Haul Harness
Specifications
- The Black Diamond Long Haul Harness boasts updated lightweight material for a comfortable feel. Despite prioritizing comfort, Black Diamond has managed to keep the weight reasonable at 615 grams.
- It features extra padding for added comfort during long days on the wall. This is the harness’s key selling point and what sets it apart from more minimalist options.
- The harness includes 5 molded gear loops for ample gear storage. This allows for organized and efficient racking of quickdraws, cams, and other climbing essentials.
- A rated haul loop provides a secure point for hauling gear or a tagline. This is crucial for big wall climbs where hauling is often necessary.
- Two nylon Infinity belay loops ensure a durable and reliable connection point for belaying. These loops are designed for long-lasting performance and resistance to wear.
- Quick drop adjustable leg loops offer convenience for bathroom breaks on long routes. This feature is especially appreciated on multi-day ascents.
- Finally, ice clipper slots allow for carrying ice tools during alpine climbs. This adds versatility to the harness for mixed climbing adventures.
These specifications translate to a harness built for comfort, durability, and functionality on demanding climbs. The lightweight materials prevent unnecessary bulk, while the ample padding ensures comfort even during extended use.
Performance & Functionality
The Black Diamond Long Haul Harness excels at its primary function: providing all-day comfort on aid climbs. The padding effectively distributes weight and minimizes pressure points, allowing for extended periods of hanging and belaying.
The five gear loops offer ample space for racking gear, and the haul loop is strong and reliable. The harness easily meets my expectations for comfort and functionality on big wall climbs.
Design & Ergonomics
The Black Diamond Long Haul Harness features a well-thought-out design with a focus on ergonomics. The materials are high-quality and durable, and the overall construction feels solid and reliable.
The harness is relatively user-friendly, although adjusting the leg loops can be slightly fiddly at first. Once dialed in, the fit is secure and comfortable.
Durability & Maintenance
The Black Diamond Long Haul Harness appears to be built to last. After a season of heavy use, it shows minimal signs of wear and tear.
Maintenance is simple, primarily involving cleaning with a damp cloth. With proper care, this harness should provide many years of reliable service.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Black Diamond Long Haul Harness does not come with any additional accessories beyond standard features. The ice clipper slots offer some customization by allowing the addition of ice tool holders.
The harness is compatible with standard climbing accessories such as carabiners, quickdraws, and belay devices. No major modifications are needed.
Pros and Cons of Black Diamond Long Haul Harness
Pros
- Exceptional Comfort: The extra padding provides all-day comfort, crucial for long aid climbs.
- Durable Construction: High-quality materials and robust design ensure long-lasting performance.
- Ample Gear Storage: Five molded gear loops offer plenty of space for racking gear.
- Quick-Adjust Leg Loops: Convenient for restroom breaks and adjusting fit on the fly.
- Versatile: Ice clipper slots add functionality for alpine climbing.
Cons
- Weight: The extra padding adds some weight compared to minimalist harnesses.
- Bulk: The thicker padding may slightly restrict movement on very technical climbs.
Who Should Buy Black Diamond Long Haul Harness?
The Black Diamond Long Haul Harness is perfect for aid climbers, big wall enthusiasts, and anyone who prioritizes comfort on long climbs. It is also a good choice for climbers who spend a lot of time hanging in their harness for belaying or working on routes.
Those who prioritize lightweight performance above all else might want to skip this product. Climbers doing mostly sport climbing might find the extra bulk unnecessary.
A must-have accessory for this harness would be a comfortable belay seat for extended belay sessions.
Conclusion on Black Diamond Long Haul Harness
The Black Diamond Long Haul Harness is a well-designed and durable harness that delivers exceptional comfort for long days on the wall. While it may not be the lightest or most minimalist option, the added padding and robust construction make it an excellent choice for aid climbing and big wall adventures.
The price of $139.95 is justified by the harness’s performance, durability, and comfort. I would highly recommend the Black Diamond Long Haul Harness to anyone seeking a comfortable and reliable harness for demanding climbs. Don’t suffer through another big wall climb – upgrade to the Long Haul and experience the difference!