#5 on this list
Long Haul
Black Diamond
The Black Diamond Long Haul is built specifically for prolonged vertical days, aid climbing, and big-wall ascents where standard harnesses become unbearable. Stemming from the heritage of classic wall rigs, the Long Haul prioritizes surface area, load distribution, and structural padding above all else. At 22 ounces, it is significantly heavier than cragging harnesses, but that mass translates directly into thick, supportive materials designed to keep your hips and thighs comfortable through hours of sitting at hanging belays. Testers note that the Long Haul delivers exceptional support across the lower back thanks to an extra-wide, contoured waistbelt and robust leg loops. It is constructed with lightweight, highly durable materials that resist the severe abrasion common to hauling, chimneying, and wall logistics. The harness features five molded gear loops with immense racking real estate, along with an integrated rated haul loop capable of handling tagline and haul-bag attachments safely. For standard single-pitch sport or gym climbing, the Long Haul is complete overkill. Its sheer size and rigid padding make it stiff and noticeable while walking along approaches or attempting technical footwork that demands maximum hip flexion. However, for multi-pitch traditionalists, aid climbers, and route developers who carry heavy hardware and spend their days hanging, it is one of the most capable harnesses available. **Highlights** - Extra-wide waistbelt and leg loops engineered specifically for sustained hanging comfort - Five oversized, molded gear loops easily accommodate massive traditional or aid racks - Rated haul loop designed for secure tagline management and gear trailing - Heavy-duty, abrasion-resistant materials built for rough rock and big-wall hauling - Dual-buckle waist adjustment ensures centered tie-in points over varying layers **Watch-outs** - Substantial 22-ounce weight makes it impractical for standard gym or sport climbing - Stiff, wide construction restricts natural hip mobility during technical movement
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#6 on this list
Safe Tech Waldo
Metolius
The Metolius Safe Tech Waldo is an uncompromising, industrial-strength harness purpose-built for big walls, aid routes, and long-term route construction. Weighing around 30 ounces, it makes zero concessions to the fast-and-light crowd, choosing instead to deliver maximum padding, redundant safety construction, and broad surface area. Testers and big-wall veterans regard it as a gold standard when you expect to spend hours dangling in aiders or hanging at gear anchors on El Capitan. What sets the Waldo apart is Metolius's Safe Tech construction, where every component—including all gear loops and the belay loop—is engineered to withstand a full structural load. This eliminates the catastrophic hazard of clipping into a non-rated gear loop at a crowded, chaotic hanging anchor. The harness incorporates massive, dual-layer closed-cell foam around the hips and thighs, spreading loads wide to prevent pressure points and numbness during all-day aid ascents. The limitations of the Waldo are tied strictly to its extreme weight and purpose. At nearly two pounds, it is hot, bulky, and cumbersome. Approaching a cliff with the Waldo in your pack consumes substantial space, and walking or climbing easy free pitches feels noticeably restricted by the thick, rigid leg loops. For its intended niche, however, it provides unmatched security and hanging comfort. **Highlights** - Safe Tech design ensures all gear loops and components meet structural strength ratings - Massive, thick-gauge foam padding eliminates pressure points on multi-hour hangs - Dual belay loops provide exceptional organization at complex hanging belays - High-volume gear loops carry full double or triple racks with ease - Reinforced, ultra-durable outer shell resists severe rock abrasion and chimneying **Watch-outs** - Extremely heavy at approximately 30 ounces - Very warm and stiff, restricting agile movement on technical free climbs
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Specs side by side
| Spec | Long Haul | Safe Tech Waldo |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 22 oz (624 g) | 30.1 oz (853 g) |
| Harness Category | Big wall and aid climbing | — |
| Gear Loops | 5 molded rigid loops | Structural full-strength rating |
| Waist Adjustment | Dual pre-threaded speed buckles | — |
| Haul Loop | Rated full-strength loop | — |
| Approximate MSRP | $180 | — |
| Primary Purpose | — | Big wall aid climbing and route prep |
| Belay Loops | — | Dual structural belay loops |
| Price | — | Around $150 |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Long Haul
- Wide contoured waist and dense foam eliminate pressure points during hanging belays
- Five rigid gear loops easily manage massive aid racks and hardware systems
- Rated haul loop offers full-strength security for trailing lines and gear
- Dual waist buckles keep tie-in loops centered over diverse layering setups
- Substantial 22-ounce weight makes it impractical for standard sport and gym climbing
- Stiff, bulky construction restricts hip mobility on technical free-climbing moves
- Thick foam retains heat during warm-weather climbing sessions
Safe Tech Waldo
- Every component and gear loop is engineered to full structural strength
- Exceptional padding and surface area eliminate numbness during long hangs
- Dual belay loops simplify complex rigging and anchor management
- Heavy-duty construction withstands brutal rock abrasion and chimneying
- Heavy 30.1-ounce weight makes it impractical for regular free climbing
- Bulky, stiff profile restricts agile leg movement and takes up pack space
- Dense, broad foam retains noticeable heat in warm weather
Prices change constantly — the figure shown is the last verified catalog price, and the buy buttons always go to the current listing.