Petzl Altitude Harness Review

Let’s Dive into Petzl Altitude Harness

The Petzl Altitude Harness is Petzl’s answer to the demands of lightweight ski touring and mountaineering. This harness is designed for those who count every gram and prioritize ease of use in challenging environments. Weighing in at a mere 0.37 lbs, it aims to be the ideal companion for adventures where minimizing weight and bulk is crucial.

My pursuit of the Petzl Altitude Harness stemmed from a recurring problem during ski mountaineering trips. Traditional harnesses, while robust, often felt cumbersome and time-consuming to put on and take off, especially while wearing skis or crampons on exposed terrain. I was searching for a streamlined, minimalist solution that wouldn’t compromise safety.

Upon unboxing, my initial impression was one of surprised lightness. The Petzl Altitude Harness felt incredibly airy, almost defying the expectation of a fully functional harness. The materials felt high-quality, with a noticeable focus on durability despite the weight savings.

Compared to my Black Diamond Couloir harness (a similar lightweight option) and my Edelrid Loopo Lite, the Petzl Altitude Harness seemed to strike a better balance between weight, comfort, and features. The Couloir felt a bit too minimal and lacked gear loops, while the Loopo Lite, while lighter, had a more complex design. The Altitude offered a simple, clean design with two gear loops, a significant plus for carrying essential gear.

I was genuinely excited, yet cautiously optimistic. Its minimalistic design intrigued me, but I wondered how it would perform under real-world conditions. Only time and testing would reveal its true potential.

Real-World Testing: Putting Petzl Altitude Harness to the Test

First Use Experience

My first real-world test of the Petzl Altitude Harness came during a ski mountaineering trip in the Wasatch Mountains. The conditions were typical for late winter – variable snow, some icy patches, and a biting wind. I used it during a roped glacier crossing and for a short, steep climb up a couloir.

The harness performed surprisingly well, even in less-than-ideal conditions. Putting it on while wearing skis was incredibly easy, thanks to its openable design. The DOUBLEBACK LIGHT buckle system was glove-friendly and intuitive.

There was a slight learning curve, specifically regarding load distribution. With such a minimalist design, proper adjustments are critical to avoid pressure points. But after some tweaking, I found it comfortable enough for extended wear.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of ski touring and mountaineering, the Petzl Altitude Harness has held up admirably. It has become my go-to choice for trips where weight and efficiency are paramount.

Durability has proven to be a strong suit. Despite the lightweight construction, there are no signs of significant wear and tear. The HMPE (high-modulus polyethylene) strands in the waistbelt and leg loops appear to be resistant to abrasion.

Maintenance is straightforward. The harness is easy to clean with mild soap and water, and it dries quickly. It outperforms my previous lightweight harness in terms of packability and ease of use.

Breaking Down the Features of Petzl Altitude Harness

Specifications

The Petzl Altitude Harness boasts the following key specifications:

• Manufacturer: Petzl.
• Fabric/Material: Nylon monofilament, polyester, high-modulus polyethylene, aluminum. The combination aims for low weight and high strength.
• Application: Mountaineering. This is its intended use, although ski touring falls neatly within this category.
• Gender: Unisex. The adjustable design accommodates a wide range of body types.
• Weight: 0.37 lb (165 g). This is the standout spec, highlighting its extreme lightweight nature.
• Can be donned with both feet on the ground while wearing skis or crampons
• DOUBLEBACK LIGHT buckle and fastening strap are easy to operate, even with gloves
• Comfortable to wear when walking or hanging
• Compact when stored in the pouch
• Extremely thin and flexible waistbelt and leg loops with WIREFRAME Technology: HMPE (high-modulus polyethylene) strands used in the waistbelt and leg loops provide optimal load distribution without the use of foam and the low weight and comfort of the harness make it practically unnoticeable when worn
• Streamlined design
• Single tie-in point
• Two gear loops for carrying and organizing gear
• Retainers with silicone interior on each leg loop, for carrying an ice screw

These specifications translate to a harness that prioritizes minimal weight and bulk without sacrificing essential functionality. The materials used are chosen for their strength-to-weight ratio and resistance to abrasion. The key is that this harness is designed to be unnoticeable until it’s needed.

Performance & Functionality

The Petzl Altitude Harness performs its primary function – providing a secure and reliable anchor point – exceptionally well. While it’s not as plush or comfortable as a traditional harness, it’s surprisingly comfortable for its weight.

Its strengths lie in its ease of use, lightweight design, and packability. The two gear loops are adequate for carrying essential climbing hardware. The single tie-in point keeps things simple and reduces weight.

The main weakness is the lack of padding. Extended hanging belays could become uncomfortable. It meets expectations for a specialized lightweight harness but isn’t a replacement for a more robust option.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Petzl Altitude Harness is a masterclass in minimalism. The materials are lightweight and durable, and the construction is clean and streamlined. The WIREFRAME Technology distributes load effectively without the need for bulky padding.

The harness is exceptionally user-friendly. The openable design makes it easy to put on and take off, even with skis or crampons. There is a slight learning curve with the adjustment system, but once dialed in, it’s comfortable and secure.

Durability & Maintenance

The Petzl Altitude Harness appears to be well-built and durable, despite its lightweight construction. The high-modulus polyethylene used in the waistbelt and leg loops is abrasion-resistant.

Maintenance is simple. Rinse with water after use and allow to air dry. Inspect regularly for signs of wear and tear. The harness should last for several seasons with proper care.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Petzl Altitude Harness is designed to be a standalone piece of gear. It doesn’t come with any specific accessories.

Customization options are limited due to its minimalist design. You could add small carabiners or slings to the gear loops, but there are no provisions for adding padding or other accessories. It is compatible with most standard-sized ice screw holders. The key to remember is the less you weigh it down, the better.

Pros and Cons of Petzl Altitude Harness

Who Should Buy Petzl Altitude Harness?

The Petzl Altitude Harness is perfect for:

• Ski mountaineers who prioritize weight savings and efficiency.
• Alpine climbers tackling fast and light ascents.
• Mountaineers needing a compact and easy-to-use harness for glacier travel.
• Anyone looking to minimize weight and bulk without sacrificing safety.

Who should skip this product? Climbers needing a harness for primarily rock climbing or frequent hanging belays should opt for a more comfortable, padded model. Those who prioritize extensive gear-carrying capacity might also find the Altitude’s two gear loops limiting.

Must-have accessories or modifications? A lightweight ice screw holder is a practical addition for glacier travel. Ensure you know how to properly fit and adjust the harness before heading out.

Conclusion on Petzl Altitude Harness

The Petzl Altitude Harness is a highly specialized piece of gear that excels in its intended purpose: providing a lightweight, packable, and easy-to-use harness for ski touring and mountaineering. It’s not a replacement for a more robust and comfortable harness, but it’s an outstanding option when weight and efficiency are paramount.

At $99.95, the price is justified by its high-quality construction, lightweight design, and specialized functionality. It’s an investment for serious ski mountaineers and alpine climbers.

I would personally recommend the Petzl Altitude Harness to anyone seeking a minimalist harness for fast and light adventures in the mountains. If you’re counting grams and prioritizing ease of use, this harness is a game-changer. So, ditch the bulk and embrace the freedom of the Petzl Altitude Harness on your next alpine adventure!