Let’s Dive into Petzl Harness Tour Blue S/M
The Petzl Harness Tour Blue S/M is designed for ski touring and glacier travel, promising a lightweight and convenient solution for mountaineers. Petzl, a leading name in climbing equipment, aims to provide a harness that can be donned without removing skis or crampons. This immediately caught my attention, as fumbling with gear in exposed conditions is a safety hazard I’ve experienced firsthand.
I was tired of the hassle involved with traditional harnesses during ski tours. Removing skis or crampons on a steep, icy slope to put on or take off a harness is not only inconvenient, but potentially dangerous. I needed a harness that prioritized speed and ease of use, without sacrificing safety and durability.
Upon unboxing, the Petzl Harness Tour Blue S/M feels remarkably light, almost surprisingly so. The materials, a blend of nylon, polyester, aluminum, and steel, appear robust despite the low weight. The build quality is what I’ve come to expect from Petzl: clean stitching, durable looking buckles, and a minimalist design that speaks to its intended purpose.
Compared to my older Black Diamond Couloir harness (similar in purpose) and my more robust Edelrid Loopo Lite, the Petzl Harness Tour Blue S/M seems to strike a balance between weight and functionality. The Couloir is lighter, but feels less durable, while the Loopo Lite, designed for more general mountaineering, is noticeably bulkier. I chose the Petzl Harness Tour Blue S/M because I believed it offered the best combination of lightweight design and practical features specifically tailored for ski touring.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The harness felt well-made and lightweight, but I was eager to see how it performed in the real world, especially concerning the ease of putting it on with skis or crampons. I was excited to test its functionality and durability in demanding conditions.
Real-World Testing: Putting Petzl Harness Tour Blue S/M to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Petzl Harness Tour Blue S/M during a ski tour in the Colorado backcountry, specifically in the Gore Range. The terrain was varied, including steep ascents, exposed traverses, and some short rappels. Conditions were mixed, with periods of sunshine alternating with light snow and wind.
The harness performed admirably in these conditions. The ability to put it on without removing my skis was a game-changer. It saved valuable time and reduced the risk of fumbling on steep slopes, especially when transitioning from skinning uphill to skiing downhill.
The Petzl Harness Tour Blue S/M was remarkably easy to use. The DOUBLEBACK buckle and adjustment webbing were indeed easy to operate even with gloves on, just as Petzl claimed. I didn’t need any time to get used to the adjustment system; it was intuitive and efficient.
One initial issue I noticed was the limited gear carrying capacity. The two gear loops felt a bit small for carrying a full rack of ice screws, but I quickly adapted by distributing some gear to my backpack. This wasn’t a major problem, but something to keep in mind for longer or more technical tours.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Petzl Harness Tour Blue S/M has held up impressively well. I’ve used it on multiple ski tours, a few ice climbing outings, and even some glacier travel in the Cascades.
The harness shows minimal signs of wear and tear. The nylon and polyester webbing are still in excellent condition, and the aluminum buckles remain functional and undamaged. The high quality materials are definitely living up to the Petzl reputation.
Maintenance has been simple. I’ve primarily just wiped it down with a damp cloth after each use to remove dirt and snow. No special cleaning agents or treatments have been necessary. The simplicity is appreciated.
Compared to my previous experiences with lightweight ski touring harnesses, the Petzl Harness Tour Blue S/M has exceeded my expectations in terms of durability and ease of use. My old Black Diamond Couloir showed more wear after similar use, and the adjustment system on my Edelrid Loopo Lite was more cumbersome with gloves on. The Petzl Harness Tour Blue S/M offers a superior balance of lightweight design, durability, and user-friendliness.
Breaking Down the Features of Petzl Harness Tour Blue S/M
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Petzl
- Color: Blue
- Fabric/Material: Nylon, Polyester, Aluminum, Steel
- Application: Climbing, Ski Touring, Glacier Travel
- Gender: Unisex
- Weight: 0.5 lb (230 g)
- DOUBLEBACK Buckle: Easy to adjust, even with gloves.
- Two Gear Loops: For carrying and organizing climbing gear.
- Retainers with Silicone Interior: Located on each leg loop, designed for carrying ice screws.
- FRAME Technology: Central strap design for waistbelt and leg loops for comfort.
- Single Tie-in Point: Standard single point for rope attachment.
These specifications directly translate into real-world performance. The light weight is crucial for minimizing fatigue during long ski tours. The durable materials ensure that the harness can withstand the harsh conditions of mountaineering. The DOUBLEBACK buckle and adjustment webbing are a welcome feature when wearing gloves.
Performance & Functionality
The Petzl Harness Tour Blue S/M performs its intended job exceptionally well. It is comfortable to wear while walking or hanging, as promised. It allows for quick and easy donning and doffing with skis or crampons, which is the primary reason I chose it.
Its strengths lie in its lightweight design, ease of use, and durability. The only potential weakness is the limited gear carrying capacity, but this is a trade-off for the low weight and minimalist design.
The harness meets and largely exceeds my expectations. The DOUBLEBACK buckle system makes for a fast and easy on-and-off. It’s light, packable and durable; exactly what you want for ski mountaineering.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent. The materials are high-quality and the stitching is clean and robust. At only 0.5 lb, the harness is incredibly light, minimizing weight without sacrificing durability.
The Petzl Harness Tour Blue S/M is very user-friendly. There’s virtually no learning curve. The DOUBLEBACK buckle and adjustment webbing are intuitive and easy to operate, even with gloves on.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my experience, the Petzl Harness Tour Blue S/M should last for several seasons of regular use. The materials are durable, and the construction is solid.
Maintenance is simple and straightforward. Just wipe it down with a damp cloth to remove dirt and snow. Proper storage when not in use is important to prolong its life.
Accessories and Customization Options
The harness itself doesn’t come with any specific accessories beyond what is integrated into the design (gear loops, ice screw retainers). There are no customization options, such as adjustable leg loops, as this is a minimalist design.
The Petzl Harness Tour Blue S/M is compatible with standard climbing hardware, such as carabiners, ice screws, and rappel devices. It’s designed to work seamlessly with any standard climbing gear, so there’s no concern there.
Pros and Cons of Petzl Harness Tour Blue S/M
Pros
- Lightweight Design: Minimizes fatigue during long ski tours and climbs.
- Easy Donning/Doffing: Can be put on and taken off without removing skis or crampons, saving time and increasing safety.
- Durable Materials: Withstands harsh conditions and holds up well over time.
- User-Friendly Adjustment: DOUBLEBACK buckle system is easy to operate, even with gloves.
- Comfortable to Wear: FRAME Technology distributes weight evenly for comfortable use.
Cons
- Limited Gear Loops: Two gear loops may not be sufficient for carrying a full rack of ice screws.
- Non-Adjustable Leg Loops: May not fit perfectly for all body types.
Who Should Buy Petzl Harness Tour Blue S/M?
The Petzl Harness Tour Blue S/M is perfect for ski tourers, mountaineers, and glacier travelers who prioritize lightweight design, ease of use, and the ability to quickly don and doff a harness without removing skis or crampons. It is also an excellent choice for ski mountaineers, and those who engage in fast and light alpine ascents.
Those who need a harness with ample gear-carrying capacity, adjustable leg loops, or more robust features for technical climbing should consider a different model. This isn’t the right choice for rock climbers needing to carry a full rack of cams.
A lightweight locking carabiner is a must-have accessory for the Petzl Harness Tour Blue S/M. A small ice screw clipper for the leg loop is also helpful. No other modifications are necessary.
Conclusion on Petzl Harness Tour Blue S/M
The Petzl Harness Tour Blue S/M is an excellent harness for its intended purpose: ski touring and glacier travel. Its lightweight design, ease of use, and durable construction make it a standout product in its category. While it has a couple of minor limitations, its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses.
The price of $69.95 is more than justified given the performance and features offered. It is a worthwhile investment for anyone who values safety, efficiency, and comfort in the backcountry.
I would wholeheartedly recommend the Petzl Harness Tour Blue S/M to anyone looking for a lightweight, easy-to-use harness for ski touring, glacier travel, or mountaineering. Gear up, get out there, and enjoy the mountains!