As soon as ski tours become serious, a climbing harness is often necessary. Whether abseiling down a couloir, walking on a short or long rope, ice climbing passages or using a via ferrata in winter: you always need a roping point on a climbing harness. Comfort in the harness plays a subordinate role in a touring harness, and ease of donning and doffing, as well as a small pack size and weight are much more important. In the overall package, the Black Diamond Couloir Harness is really convincing here.
There are a few touring harnesses, and also some useful ones, but the Black Diamond Couloir Harness was able to fully convince me personally. You get a sensible overall package at a very affordable price. First of all, there is the pack size. Stowed in the supplied transport bag, the harness is the size of an energy drink can and weighs just 230 grams.
Then the handling is really impressive. The leg loops are not designed as closed loops, but run in a W-shape directly through the rope loop and are only held on the leg with clips. Together with the rope loop, through which the upper strap must be threaded, the harness can be put on directly on the body very quickly in any situation and does not have to be climbed into anywhere. Ski boots and crampons can simply remain on your feet. (Tip: If you want to be even faster and more flexible here, cut away the rope loop and replace it with a Petzl Omni Triact-Lock carabiner)
The leg loops are held in place by adjustable elastic bands. The sitting comfort is thus - although of course limited - not bad at all. The flat, wide straps of the harness don't get in the way at all when worn under the hip belt of a backpack, and if you want, you can also wear the harness under your trousers without any problems. Two thin gear loops and four eyelets for ice screw holders round off the package. My absolute favorite harness for all skiing activities. But it's also usually in my backpack when climbing in summer. Who knows which beginner will want to climb a toprope...
