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rock_fencer
Mar 20, 2011, 4:10 PM
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So i went out for a day of multi-pitch cragging out at whitesides in NC. I pulled into the lot before my partner and was doing a one over on my gear and noticed that the lower tie in point (the one that holds your leg loops) on my Arcteryx fancy shmancy R-320 harness was worn to the orange indicator thingy. I've only had it for two years and have put it through its paces.
So its time for a new harness. I mostly do multipitch gear routes but aid as well on occasion. If you have experience with any of these models i'd like to hear it.
I'm a skinny guy with very little padding. The R-320 has been comfy enough, but at long hanging or stance belays it still comes up short i feel. I used to have a BD Momentum i climbed in for six years but it left me with bruises after long days hanging.
Misty Mountain:
Cadillac & Titan
BD:
Chaos
Big Gun
Arcteryx - 360a. its even wider and maybe more comfy.
Edit:
Yates:
??? never seen these guys in a store on the East coast
Cheers
T
(This post was edited by rock_fencer on Mar 20, 2011, 4:17 PM)
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moose_droppings
Mar 20, 2011, 5:08 PM
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rock_fencer wrote: So i went out for a day of multi-pitch cragging out at whitesides in NC. I pulled into the lot before my partner and was doing a one over on my gear and noticed that the lower tie in point (the one that holds your leg loops) on my Arcteryx fancy shmancy R-320 harness was worn to the orange indicator thingy. I've only had it for two years and have put it through its paces. So its time for a new harness. I mostly do multipitch gear routes but aid as well on occasion. If you have experience with any of these models i'd like to hear it. I'm a skinny guy with very little padding. The R-320 has been comfy enough, but at long hanging or stance belays it still comes up short i feel. I used to have a BD Momentum i climbed in for six years but it left me with bruises after long days hanging. Misty Mountain: Cadillac & Titan BD: Chaos Big Gun Arcteryx - 360a. its even wider and maybe more comfy. Edit: Yates: ??? never seen these guys in a store on the East coast Cheers T
I don't think you could go wrong with any of those. They are all good harnesses and will fit differently on different people. You really need to try them on to find the one that will work for you.
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rock_fencer
Mar 20, 2011, 5:25 PM
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i agree and i will. but im not going to go hand in a store for an hour and a half to see if the harness handles long hanging belays well. user input in this regard would be good. The yates and Titan for example have a really wide swami. wondering how this effects free climbing comfort.
T
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yodadave
Mar 20, 2011, 5:58 PM
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speaking as a skinny fella myself (29 inch waist)
I would go with either of the Mistys or the Big gun.
Arc stuff is sexy as hell but way too expensive to be replaced every other year.
BDEL keeps me unbruised but the Misty stuff is local, affordable and built to withstand a lot. My next harness will probably be a Caddy.
I currently use a BD Blizzard for its flexibility
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potreroed
Mar 20, 2011, 6:43 PM
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I've been using Yates big wall harnesses for years--not only for aid but for long multi-pitch free climbing and recommend them highly. Second choice would be the Cadillac.
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jo247
Mar 21, 2011, 8:18 PM
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the new Petzl Calidris !!!!!!!!!!!!!
it's fucking amazing! Breaths like crazy, and it's really comfortable !
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socalclimber
Mar 21, 2011, 9:02 PM
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I'll second the Yates Big Wall. It's a great harness.
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csproul
Mar 21, 2011, 9:21 PM
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Contrary to all the other NC Misty worshipers, I hate Misty harnesses. Nearly every one I have worn or have seen other people wear always ends up sitting lopsided, with the tie in point rotated to one hip and a gear loop right in the middle of the back. I'm not sure why this happens, but it seems to be a theme. Love my Misty pad though.
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jeepnphreak
Mar 21, 2011, 10:30 PM
Post #9 of 55
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I can personally like the misty mountain Cadillac.
It one of the best harnesses I have ever owned. Their custy service is tops. I have a belay loop caught and got shredded in a car door. The misty guys replace it in less than a week for just the cost of me shipping it.
the BD big gun is nice too I had one of these a while ago. Its comfortable for all day and the double belay loops are a great feature for mulit and aid
(This post was edited by jeepnphreak on Mar 21, 2011, 10:31 PM)
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jeepnphreak
Mar 21, 2011, 10:32 PM
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csproul wrote: Contrary to all the other NC Misty worshipers, I hate Misty harnesses. Nearly every one I have worn or have seen other people wear always ends up sitting lopsided, with the tie in point rotated to one hip and a gear loop right in the middle of the back. I'm not sure why this happens, but it seems to be a theme. Love my Misty pad though.
yer doing it wrong. I have had two misty harness now and I have never had that issue. So you are doing it wrong.
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csproul
Mar 22, 2011, 1:09 AM
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jeepnphreak wrote: csproul wrote: Contrary to all the other NC Misty worshipers, I hate Misty harnesses. Nearly every one I have worn or have seen other people wear always ends up sitting lopsided, with the tie in point rotated to one hip and a gear loop right in the middle of the back. I'm not sure why this happens, but it seems to be a theme. Love my Misty pad though. yer doing it wrong. I have had two misty harness now and I have never had that issue. So you are doing it wrong.
(This post was edited by csproul on Mar 22, 2011, 1:40 AM)
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currupt4130
Mar 22, 2011, 1:21 AM
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Misty harnesses don't do it for me.
My choice, Wild Country Syncro Ziplock
http://www.wildcountry.co.uk/Products/SyncroHarnesses/SyncroZiplock/
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tower_climber
Mar 22, 2011, 1:50 AM
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I'm with csproul on this one. I like Misty as a company and love the fact that they're based in NC. But I have not liked any of their harnesses that I've tried.
Check out the Metolius Waldo. I just bought one for inspections and maintenance of challenge courses, and it is GREAT for long hangs. I cannot speak to the free climbing performance, because courses and towers don't require much in the way of technical climbing. But it is super comfortable.
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chilli
Mar 22, 2011, 2:57 AM
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i gotta agree with currupt. i theoretically like misty, but the problem i had with the cadillac was that the webbing that they cut with the hot-knife on the waistband rubbed against my hip/stomach, and that was not kosher for long at all.
i also have to agree on the wild country harness. i have had the other one for a while now. i forget the name, but it has 5 gear loops instead of 7/9 and i get the whole multi-pitch rack on there fine. SUPER comfy. the only thing that took a little adjusting was the loop that goes around the webbing near the buckle of the leg-loops (just look at the buckles in the pic and you can see it). it kind of pt a littel extra pressure on the outside aspect of my thigh until i seated the adjustment a little better, so it's something to look out for i suppose.
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wallwombat
Mar 22, 2011, 3:14 AM
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I have the older Wild Country Synchro with 9 gear loops. I love it for multipitch and aid (which I don't do a lot of at the moment). Seems like massive overkill when climbing sport routes, so I was thinking of getting a lighter, trimmer harness to supplement the Synchro and to use as a spare.
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brokesomeribs
Mar 22, 2011, 4:55 AM
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chilli wrote: i gotta agree with currupt. i theoretically like misty, but the problem i had with the cadillac was that the webbing that they cut with the hot-knife on the waistband rubbed against my hip/stomach, and that was not kosher for long at all. i also have to agree on the wild country harness. i have had the other one for a while now. i forget the name, but it has 5 gear loops instead of 7/9 and i get the whole multi-pitch rack on there fine. SUPER comfy. the only thing that took a little adjusting was the loop that goes around the webbing near the buckle of the leg-loops (just look at the buckles in the pic and you can see it). it kind of pt a littel extra pressure on the outside aspect of my thigh until i seated the adjustment a little better, so it's something to look out for i suppose.
I'm 99% sure you're talking about the Syncro Ultralite (as opposed to the regular Syncro as pictured above). I actually just ordered a Syncro Ultralite maybe 2-3 days ago on closeout so I'm glad to hear you like it.
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bearbreeder
Mar 22, 2011, 5:19 AM
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talk to dead bird ... 2 years is pretty fast a time to wear out a harness IMO
they might do something for ya
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sp115
Mar 22, 2011, 11:52 AM
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bearbreeder wrote: talk to dead bird ... 2 years is pretty fast a time to wear out a harness IMO they might do something for ya
Yeah, I would definitely see what they say. Maybe you can get them to replace it with one of these:
http://arcteryx.com/...Climbing_Gear/B-360a
edit to add: I just noticed that it was already on your list...oh well I tried.
(This post was edited by sp115 on Mar 22, 2011, 12:01 PM)
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j_ung
Mar 22, 2011, 12:50 PM
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The Yates looks pretty awesome. I've been climbing for years in various Metolius Safe Techs, and I can't say enough good about them. I have pretty serious lower back issues and they suit me well. They're very adjustable. Plus the extra beef in the gear loops is reassuring for aid climbing, drilling, etc.
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airscape
Mar 22, 2011, 1:28 PM
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Petzl calidris or corax are pretty comfy.
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hyongx
Mar 22, 2011, 1:33 PM
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rock_fencer wrote: I used to have a BD Momentum i climbed in for six years but it left me with bruises after long days hanging. BD: Chaos Big Gun Cheers T
T,
I have the BD Chaos and think it's pretty nice. I too used to have Momentum that I had for ~5 yrs before the belay loop got rather frayed.
A year or two ago I got the Chaos and it has served well. Comfortable on big routes, long hangs etc. But I may have a different body type, so like everyone else says, try it on.
At first I was worried the gear loops would be too small, but that has never been an issue, even w/ good rack/runners etc.
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shoo
Mar 22, 2011, 1:54 PM
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I am honestly mystified as to how you could have worn out your harness in 2 years. I bought my dead bird harness 3 years ago and have proceeded to try to beat the shit out of it at every possible opportunity. I am constantly amazed at just how well mine has held up over the years, averaging 3ish days a week of hard use. Talk to dead bird. They may even replace it with the new version!
Honestly, the only thing that isn't good as new on my harness are the elastic straps for the leg loops. Otherwise, that thing has held up INSANELY well.
Looks like they have made quite a few minor, but very helpful, improvements on their most recent line, including better sized and positioned gear loops, a better drop seat clicky thing (technical term), and a few different shapes to the harness overall. If they made one that included all of the above plus ice clipper loops, I'd buy one in a second. Unfortunately, the only harness they make with those slots and 4 gear loops hasn't yet been upgraded.
While it's FAR more comfy than you would imagine, I agree that my 320 a bit of a pain for long hanging belays. I'm not yet sure how I feel about the big wall version. Seems a bit too much harness for me, but I don't do much (or any) aid, so ymmv. Also check out the R-300, as it has a bit of a wider belt, but not as wide as the B-360a
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csproul
Mar 22, 2011, 2:11 PM
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tower_climber wrote: I'm with csproul on this one. I like Misty as a company and love the fact that they're based in NC. But I have not liked any of their harnesses that I've tried. Check out the Metolius Waldo. I just bought one for inspections and maintenance of challenge courses, and it is GREAT for long hangs. I cannot speak to the free climbing performance, because courses and towers don't require much in the way of technical climbing. But it is super comfortable.
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rock_fencer
Mar 22, 2011, 2:17 PM
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thanks guys, really appreciate the suggestions. I had forgotten about Wild Country altogether.
I'll see what deadbird has to say, but i've done alot of climbing in 2+ years so not really sure its a manufacturer's problem
T
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tower_climber
Mar 22, 2011, 2:25 PM
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I made up for my ill-speaking by purchasing one of their rather expensive packs. Worth every cent.
I actually spoke to the Misty rep about what didn't fit me on their harnesses. He hinted that they have a prototype sport harness in the works right now that might work better. We'll see.
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currupt4130
Mar 22, 2011, 2:28 PM
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chilli wrote: i gotta agree with currupt. i theoretically like misty, but the problem i had with the cadillac was that the webbing that they cut with the hot-knife on the waistband rubbed against my hip/stomach, and that was not kosher for long at all. i also have to agree on the wild country harness. i have had the other one for a while now. i forget the name, but it has 5 gear loops instead of 7/9 and i get the whole multi-pitch rack on there fine. SUPER comfy. the only thing that took a little adjusting was the loop that goes around the webbing near the buckle of the leg-loops (just look at the buckles in the pic and you can see it). it kind of pt a littel extra pressure on the outside aspect of my thigh until i seated the adjustment a little better, so it's something to look out for i suppose.
I have the Elite Ziplock I think it's called. It has 5 gear loops and the one in the back has come in handy more times than I can count. It's great for carrying belay devices and cordalette. It makes for a great all around harness. Maybe not the best for long days hanging on aid though. The Syncro looks like it's better suited for that.
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rock_fencer
Mar 22, 2011, 2:28 PM
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i dont even own tri-cams !
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granite_grrl
Mar 22, 2011, 4:30 PM
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It's not about how much you climb that really wears out a harness, but rather if you do things like consistantly falling when you're out sport climbing. Things like bolting can be really hard on a harness too.
I wore through the protective layer on my tie-in points quite a while ago. I replace it by wrapping athletic tape around the tie-in points to continue to protect the structural stuff. I have had to change out the athletic tape a few times, but it has prevented any wear on the structural stuff.
I think I have gotten almost 4 season out of mine (and I also have a seperate harness I use for ice climbing too), but I'm really stretching it out and plan on retiring it this year.
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rock_fencer
Mar 22, 2011, 4:45 PM
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contacted dead bird and waiting to hear back. Until then i'll hand stitch a new piece of webbing around it.
@ Granite_grrl - just havent fallen a bunch on it at all and i dont clip bolts to often. Hanging belays are going to be the only real wear i've put on it. Even aid, i usually try to be on the ladders and not hanging on the harness.
T
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l3uddy789
Mar 22, 2011, 4:59 PM
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1. GO to REI and buy all the good harnesses they have.
2. Go on a climbing trip with some buddies.
3. Try all the different harnesses
4. Return they ones you don't want.
5. Enjoy your new harness
6. if your REI is small ignore all the steps
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rock_fencer
Mar 22, 2011, 5:40 PM
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l3uddy789 wrote: 1. GO to REI and buy all the good harnesses they have. 2. Go on a climbing trip with some buddies. 3. Try all the different harnesses 4. Return they ones you don't want. 5. Enjoy your new harness 6. if your REI is small ignore all the steps
I'm not bringing six different harnesses on a multipitch climb. I've got a good gear shop about an hour and a half away i'll hit up this weekend.
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rsd212
Mar 22, 2011, 5:40 PM
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l3uddy789 wrote: 1. GO to REI and buy all the good harnesses they have. 2. Go on a climbing trip with some buddies. 3. Try all the different harnesses 4. Return they ones you don't want. 5. Enjoy your new harness 6. if your REI is small ignore all the steps
Thats quite a dick move there. Last I checked, REI doesn't re-sell returned harnesses, they destroy them.
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bearbreeder
Mar 22, 2011, 6:22 PM
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just buy the harness from rei if dead bird doest take care of you ...
that way youll never worry about a worn out harness again ...
i bought my dead bird at mec .. and have already returned it due to the drop seat wearing out .... much easier than going through dead bird
(This post was edited by bearbreeder on Mar 22, 2011, 6:26 PM)
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shoo
Mar 22, 2011, 6:25 PM
Post #34 of 55
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l3uddy789 wrote: 1. GO to REI and buy all the good harnesses they have. 2. Go on a climbing trip with some buddies. 3. Try all the different harnesses 4. Return they ones you don't want. 5. Enjoy your new harness 6. if your REI is small ignore all the steps
You're an ass.
REI destroys returned life-critical goods. REI has a fantastic return policy. Please don't take advantage of it and ruin it for everyone else who isn't a douchebag.
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rock_fencer
Mar 23, 2011, 3:30 PM
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so i contacted arcteryx through their warranty/repair and included a picture of the harness. They sent me back a generall warranty/repair email asking me to ship my harness out to them. Not going 3-4 weeks without a harness.
Just going to go get a new harness then maybe ship it out.
T
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rtwilli4
Mar 23, 2011, 3:42 PM
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csproul wrote: Contrary to all the other NC Misty worshipers, I hate Misty harnesses. Nearly every one I have worn or have seen other people wear always ends up sitting lopsided, with the tie in point rotated to one hip and a gear loop right in the middle of the back. I'm not sure why this happens, but it seems to be a theme. Love my Misty pad though.
It's because people fit them wrong. The harnesses seem to be designed with a large range and most people buy them too small. Simple as that.
Misty does custom sizing for free. If you need M legs and a L waist to keep the gear loops centered then they will make that harness for you and send it to you fast at no extra charge. They aren't the only company that does this but I'll take this as an opportunity to say that Misty Mountain makes the best harnesses in the world and if you don't like them then you are CRAZY!
I trad climb in the Caddy and spot climb in the Turbo. Except I got them to make my turbo black (no extra charge) because I don't like the red.
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shockabuku
Mar 23, 2011, 4:04 PM
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rtwilli4 wrote: csproul wrote: Contrary to all the other NC Misty worshipers, I hate Misty harnesses. Nearly every one I have worn or have seen other people wear always ends up sitting lopsided, with the tie in point rotated to one hip and a gear loop right in the middle of the back. I'm not sure why this happens, but it seems to be a theme. Love my Misty pad though. It's because people fit them wrong. The harnesses seem to be designed with a large range and most people buy them too small. Simple as that. Misty does custom sizing for free. If you need M legs and a L waist to keep the gear loops centered then they will make that harness for you and send it to you fast at no extra charge. They aren't the only company that does this but I'll take this as an opportunity to say that Misty Mountain makes the best harnesses in the world and if you don't like them then you are CRAZY! I trad climb in the Caddy and spot climb in the Turbo. Except I got them to make my turbo black (no extra charge) because I don't like the red.
When I climb at the spot I don't wear a harness.
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rtwilli4
Mar 23, 2011, 4:10 PM
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shockabuku wrote: rtwilli4 wrote: csproul wrote: Contrary to all the other NC Misty worshipers, I hate Misty harnesses. Nearly every one I have worn or have seen other people wear always ends up sitting lopsided, with the tie in point rotated to one hip and a gear loop right in the middle of the back. I'm not sure why this happens, but it seems to be a theme. Love my Misty pad though. It's because people fit them wrong. The harnesses seem to be designed with a large range and most people buy them too small. Simple as that. Misty does custom sizing for free. If you need M legs and a L waist to keep the gear loops centered then they will make that harness for you and send it to you fast at no extra charge. They aren't the only company that does this but I'll take this as an opportunity to say that Misty Mountain makes the best harnesses in the world and if you don't like them then you are CRAZY! I trad climb in the Caddy and spot climb in the Turbo. Except I got them to make my turbo black (no extra charge) because I don't like the red. When I climb at the spot I don't wear a harness.
Touche.
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bearbreeder
Mar 23, 2011, 4:47 PM
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rock_fencer wrote: so i contacted arcteryx through their warranty/repair and included a picture of the harness. They sent me back a generall warranty/repair email asking me to ship my harness out to them. Not going 3-4 weeks without a harness. Just going to go get a new harness then maybe ship it out. T
which IMO is why people should buy their harnesses from mec/rei if they are going to pay full price
instant swap
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tks
Mar 23, 2011, 6:26 PM
Post #40 of 55
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rtwilli4 wrote: csproul wrote: Contrary to all the other NC Misty worshipers, I hate Misty harnesses. Nearly every one I have worn or have seen other people wear always ends up sitting lopsided, with the tie in point rotated to one hip and a gear loop right in the middle of the back. I'm not sure why this happens, but it seems to be a theme. Love my Misty pad though. It's because people fit them wrong. The harnesses seem to be designed with a large range and most people buy them too small. Simple as that. Misty does custom sizing for free. If you need M legs and a L waist to keep the gear loops centered then they will make that harness for you and send it to you fast at no extra charge. They aren't the only company that does this but I'll take this as an opportunity to say that Misty Mountain makes the best harnesses in the world and if you don't like them then you are CRAZY! I trad climb in the Caddy and spot climb in the Turbo. Except I got them to make my turbo black (no extra charge) because I don't like the red.
I love the Misty Caddy. But, I'm not skinny at all...
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chilli
Mar 23, 2011, 7:45 PM
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currupt4130 wrote: I have the Elite Ziplock I think it's called. It has 5 gear loops and the one in the back has come in handy more times than I can count. It's great for carrying belay devices and cordalette. It makes for a great all around harness. Maybe not the best for long days hanging on aid though. The Syncro looks like it's better suited for that.
that's the one!! i probably could have just gotten my lazy ass up to look at the harness when i made the original post (and then forgot about it) and that would've saved the guesswork. i've had it for a few years, and i agree with you on all points. it's a GREAT super-comfy all around harness. and that rear gear loop takes my belay device(s) and cordalette as well, along w/ anything miscellaneous or a big cam if i gotta lug one around. everything else goes on the four regular gear loops (plenty of room for multi-pitch rack + some). occasionally i use the little accessory loop with a 'biner through it, which is pretty handy.
i don't do big walls, so couldn't give any input there.
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l3uddy789
Mar 23, 2011, 11:02 PM
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shoo wrote: l3uddy789 wrote: 1. GO to REI and buy all the good harnesses they have. 2. Go on a climbing trip with some buddies. 3. Try all the different harnesses 4. Return they ones you don't want. 5. Enjoy your new harness 6. if your REI is small ignore all the steps You're an ass. REI destroys returned life-critical goods. REI has a fantastic return policy. Please don't take advantage of it and ruin it for everyone else who isn't a douchebag.
My bad I didn't know REI wouldn't resell the harness if it was very lightly used. I wouldn't have suggested it if I had known this.
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iron106
Mar 24, 2011, 2:31 AM
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currupt4130 wrote: Misty harnesses don't do it for me. My choice, Wild Country Syncro Ziplock http://www.wildcountry.co.uk/Products/SyncroHarnesses/SyncroZiplock/ [image]http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/bentgatemountaineering_2150_30435407[/image]
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tower_climber
Mar 24, 2011, 4:05 AM
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rtwilli4 wrote: It's because people fit them wrong. The harnesses seem to be designed with a large range and most people buy them too small. Simple as that.
I'd disagree. I just was not happy with the sizing of the harnesses. I have climbed in all of their harnesses at various demo events. If a harness doesn't feel like a good fit in the first 15 minutes or so of climbing and hanging I'll look at something else.
To be fair, the harnesses I've tried may fit better given some time to break them in. But given the fact that my Singing Rock harness felt comfortable right off the bat and is still comfortable today I'll go with that.
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rtwilli4
Mar 24, 2011, 12:32 PM
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For sure you have to go with what harness fits the best. I love Misty Mountain because they have great build quality, they are simple and low profile, and they are from my home state, NC. It's a small company that does good things and has great customer service and I like supporting them.
That said, their harnesses fit me perfectly. If they didn't, I'd have to look elsewhere. But after Petzl, Black Diamond, Madrock and Mammut... Misty harnesses fit me the best and have been the most comfy by a long shot.
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justroberto
Mar 24, 2011, 1:54 PM
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tower_climber wrote: I actually spoke to the Misty rep about what didn't fit me on their harnesses. He hinted that they have a prototype sport harness in the works right now that might work better. We'll see.
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justroberto
Mar 24, 2011, 2:09 PM
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rtwilli4 wrote: csproul wrote: Contrary to all the other NC Misty worshipers, I hate Misty harnesses. Nearly every one I have worn or have seen other people wear always ends up sitting lopsided, with the tie in point rotated to one hip and a gear loop right in the middle of the back. I'm not sure why this happens, but it seems to be a theme. Love my Misty pad though. It's because people fit them wrong. The harnesses seem to be designed with a large range and most people buy them too small. Simple as that. Misty does custom sizing for free. If you need M legs and a L waist to keep the gear loops centered then they will make that harness for you and send it to you fast at no extra charge.
I didn't know they did that, which may have been my problem, but I doubt that they'd size me as a large waist - a large might wrap around me twice!
Otherwise, that thing is super-comfy, and truck, to boot. Were I to consider buying another, I guess I'd get it sized by them, but my days in Ashevegas are pretty few and far between.
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rock_fencer
Mar 24, 2011, 5:51 PM
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did you fit into a small? I've got a similar waist, and have the same problem with my dead/bird too.
I'm definatly going to make sure that the rack sits more forward on the new purchase whatever it may be.
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justroberto
Mar 24, 2011, 6:54 PM
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rock_fencer wrote: did you fit into a small? I've got a similar waist, and have the same problem with my dead/bird too. I'm definatly going to make sure that the rack sits more forward on the new purchase whatever it may be.
Well, in order to get the gear loops where I wanted them I'd have to go up to a large, not down to a small. A buddy with a slightly larger waist than me got the large, and it works for him. I think that 31/32" is some in-between region where nothing really works well, but like rtwilli said, getting it sized by Misty would be the way to go if you're at a crossover point on their sizing chart. If you are and can't get custom sized by them, I recommend getting the larger of the two.
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tower_climber
Mar 24, 2011, 11:27 PM
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I agree. I love Misty as a company and I buy from them whenever I can. I recommend Misty programming harnesses to all the challenge course programs I evaluate. I think their cragging packs are terrific. And their harnesses are definitely high-quality builds. They just don't fit me. It happens.
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rtwilli4
Mar 25, 2011, 12:14 AM
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justroberto wrote: rock_fencer wrote: did you fit into a small? I've got a similar waist, and have the same problem with my dead/bird too. I'm definatly going to make sure that the rack sits more forward on the new purchase whatever it may be. Well, in order to get the gear loops where I wanted them I'd have to go up to a large, not down to a small. A buddy with a slightly larger waist than me got the large, and it works for him. I think that 31/32" is some in-between region where nothing really works well, but like rtwilli said, getting it sized by Misty would be the way to go if you're at a crossover point on their sizing chart. If you are and can't get custom sized by them, I recommend getting the larger of the two.
I didn't mean to mislead anyone into thinking that they will make a one off harness. They aren't going to create a new size waist for you.
What they will do is make a harness with a large waist and medium legs, or any combination. I have a 31" waist and a L waist and M legs is how I got the gear loops to be centered on my Turbo. This was important because the legs on this harness are fixed.
For a Caddy or a Titan you have two waist buckles so it's easy to center the gear loops. I have a M Caddy.
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grimbo
Mar 25, 2011, 5:06 PM
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Hey all, I just caught on to this and wanted to point a few things out. First off, harnesses are kinda like shoes, you have to try them on to get the correct fit, and correct fit is the most important aspect of buying a new harness. Some brands are going to fit you better than other brands, just like shoes, and when you find something that fits then stick with it. If a Misty Mtn. harness dosn’t fit you right, then by all means find something that does. Regarding Misty Mtn. harnesses, our sizes increase by 3 inch increments in the waist and 2 inch increments in the legs. The waist pad on a size medium is 29 inches long, so the waist is designed to fit a 29 to 32 inch waist. When fitted correctly, the ends of the waist pad should be no more than 3 inches apart. When the pad ends are right at 2 inches apart, the gear loops will line up symmetrical on both sides. The most common problem I see with people fitting their harness is that they will assume their pant size is the same as their waist size and buy the harness too small. This opens the ends of the waist padding past the 3 inch maximum it was designed for and makes their gear loops on the right side sit too far back. I think this is what “csproul” is seeing when he says the gear loops sit off to the side and "rtwill4” is correct in saying that the harnesses are fitted too small. We try to make as broad a range as possible, but if you make the range too big, the gear loop positioning gets thrown too far back. We try to work with our customers to get them sized correctly by offering different sized waist and legs if they need it. We are also willing to work with anyone who is unhappy with any of our products. I am not sure what the problem “chilli” is having with the webbing rub on his Cadillac, but if he will send me a picture I may be able to offer a suggestion. Also, I learned a long time ago that no matter how hard I try to make it perfect for everybody, somebody is just not going to like it. Let me know if you have any questions, suggestions or complaints about any of our products, my e-mail is mg@mistymountain.com.
rock fencer- if you are still trying to choose between the Cadillac and Titan, go with the Cadillac. The Titan is really thick and wide and primarily intended for big walling. The Cadillac is a bit thinner and makes for a better multi pitch free climbing harness.
Thanks all, now I gotta go fix a sewing machine.
Mike Grimm
MMT
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mr.tastycakes
Mar 25, 2011, 6:42 PM
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Thanks for posting. It's nice to hear from the manufacturers behind the gear.
Quick question: do you distribute to any brick and mortar stores in or around NYC? It's time for a new harness for me, and I'd like to try on the Caddy.
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rock_fencer
Mar 28, 2011, 12:10 AM
Post #54 of 55
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thanks for responding grimbo.
round one of hangs reinforced my view that BD harnesses just arent for me. The caddy was comfy but wide. the intrepid was more narrow and sat about the same.
Still think the deadbird is more comfy. trying to track down a gear shop within 2-3 hrs of upstate sc that has wild country too
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grimbo
Mar 29, 2011, 4:01 PM
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The closest store that would carry our gear is probably Rock and Snow in New Paltz. Also, IME in North Conway, NH has our stuff as well.
Thanks
Mike
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