Black Diamond Alpine Bod Harness

The Alpine Bod is lightweight and packs away easily so your more likely to bring it. I use it for glacier travel and ski mountaineering. It's easy to get on and off. I've added my own gear loops which makes it much more functional.

I have used this style for any years. Light and simple, the way I like things. Quick to get on fits nicely over ski pants or under them to keep a clean look. Used it from ice climbing to skiing. I wear a medium over baggy clothes. If your spending more time hanging on ropes and such you probably want to go with something more designed for that. My use has been more for walking around cornices for safety to get to a ski entrance or if one were to fall into a crevice on glacier travel while heli skiing.

Bought a couple of these for my son and I to do the via ferrata down in Telluride and used them on the glaciers of Mt. Rainier. Packs light and small.

I bought mine several years ago for use in adventure races (carry it in a pack all day, put it on for one rappel, put it back in the pack). This would be an ideal use, along with mountaineering where you need to rope up but don't expect to fall or weight the rope often. For these types of activities it's perfect as it's light weight, packable, and goes on and off quickly.

For the beginner out there, please keep in mind that this is NOT comfortable to sport climb or toprope, and lots of gyms won't be comfortable with you using it there (they may even have a policy against any harness lacking a belay loop). For a more general purpose inexpensive harness, see Black Diamond Momentum AL.

Technically speaking, it's a good harness. Easy to take on and off with boots/crampons/skis, and bomber foolproof protection. Lightweight and cheap too, but anyone who says it's comfortable has never whipped on lead or sat through a 2 hour hanging belay in this thing. No matter how well fitted it is, it doesn't do an effective job of distributing load. And if you are male and you take a 20 footer in this thing, your balls are going to be up in your throat.

Very easy to put on. Not to heavy and packs well. Not the harness you want to me hanging in for a long time though. So if you plan to be hanging a lot - find another one. Great for glacier travelling or ski mountaineering because of how easy it is to put on.

Thsi is an old design that has been around awhile. There are lighter harnesses that are easier to use for the same customer now. Still few harnesses at this price point.

I've been using this harness for years for indoor and outdoor rock climbing and mountaineering. I've tried others but keep coming back! I find it plenty comfortable for a day of climbing and I like this style better than the full leg loops which I always fidget with and never quite feel right. I also LOVE that it's easy to put on while keeping both feet on the ground - way important when you're perched on an icy slope trying to get your harness on - and it's fast to adjust for different layers. I have a 24" waist and small hips and the XS fits well. I find that many other brands don't go small enough to make me feel secure when I'm just in one layer. Great harness!

i bought this harness to use for lift evacs and off-trail rescues since it is small, light, and will fit into my patrol pack.

Great lightweight harness for ski mountaineering,and ski touring!
This actually a harness you would bring on extended ski traverses!
Does not meet the standards if you are trying to pass the acmg ski guide course!
No belay loop!

I'd never wear this harness myself, but I'm always glad I have it in my kit. I use this to get new climbers comfortable with putting on their own gear (it's pretty idiot-proof, easy to put on, and all the attachment points are easy to see) and for top-roping.

Happy trails!

It does the job it was designed for: simple, cheap, lightweight harness (although there are much lighter harnesses now that have a more modern design) for general mountaineering and especially while wearing skis and crampons (since you can take it on and off with ease). Good right?

Well, as a guy, let's just say it isn't the most comfortable harness I have ever used. I get an instant surge of pain when I put my weight on this harness, no matter how I fit it! Since it was my first one, I didn't even realize that it was uncomfortable until I tried a modern style padded harness and immediately felt the difference. No wincing anymore!

It is now my lender...

If you are spending more time going vertical, you might want a different harness. For non-vertical glacial travel this rocks. Light and simple, the way BD markets it. Fits well over layers.

Great basic and surprisingly comfortable harness! I have climbed in a BD Bod harness for the past few years and recently "upgraded" to a BD AL Momentum when I needed to retire the old Bod harness for safety. Mine is a little bit different (Bod not Alpine Bod) in that it has a little bit of padding around the waist belt and has a belay loop. Anyway, this harness was everything I needed and nothing I didn't. I'm a bit surprised to report that the first couple uses of my BD AL Momentum has actually been LESS comfortable than the Bod (likely due to less width in leg loops. Anyway, either of these harnesses are great and with important gear that is weight bearing/life-dependant like a harness, the difference in price should be viewed in my opinion as trivial. Get the one that feels right for you. Surprised to see the Seth Morrison review from a few days ago! If he's using it then, hey, how bad can it be! I would have thought they would have had him decked in some super bells and whistles harness at 3-4 times the price of this one. Love your work Seth! Keep it up and be safe!

The Alpine Bod harness is a jack of all trades. I use it for alpine, trad, and sport. Perfectly comfortable and light. Everything you need, nothing you don’t.

I bring this harness along when I an not sure that I really need to bring one. It's great for taking on and off several times throughout the day. I have never felt limited by this harness when I have used it for its intended purposes.

Be sure you buy the Alpine Bod Harness and not the heavier Alpine Harness. Why? Read on!

The Alpine Bod can be put on without removing your skis or crampons, while standing in a sketchy place. This feature and the light weight make it best for traditional mountaineering and peak bagging. Most alpine harnesses are carried in the pack most of the time.

Lastly, the buckle system is BD bomber, the gear loops and haul loop are strong enough for reasonable use.

See why this is the best:
http://www.traditionalmountaineering.org/FAQ_Alpine%20Harness.htm
--trad_guy

Intro level harness; would not recommend for lead, or for any route that has an increased potential for falls and need for (self)rescue.

This thing rocks for throwing in your backpack for a day of backcountry riding, or as an extra harness. With no padding it's not so good for a day at the gym. For anything like that you need a padded harness.

Great for backcountry skiing, summits, and it's light and good on glaciated terrain. It can be put on over bibs or taken off easily with the quick release leg clips. Great for changing conditions and environments. Also I keep it in my pack along with a short rope when with others on some peaks as a backup option in case someone needs to be secured.

great for glacier travel or if you need to run a quick pitch out on some alpine ice but for anything more...go padded...most dont weigh any more (some less)...this is just great on long slogs when you may need to layer up or down in a hurry or in a spot where unroping would be suicide...a worty peice of gear to add to the arsenal

This harness is pretty good. it is lightweight and simple. it is easy to take on and off. it doesn't have may gear loops or a belay loop but this makes it easier to take on and off.

I've used this harness for about 8 years, for everything from search & rescue to rapelling to climbing to ropes courses. It is really adjustable and I use it for groups and it fits most people (from youth to larger adults). The only downside is lack of padding (so it is not super-comfortable for long use) and the rise not being adjustable (which means group use is more limited). However, it is durable, simple to use, and light-weight. If you're looking for a no-frills, easily adjustable harness, this is a great one!

I use this harness exclusivily for ice climbing. The front of the harness lacks a belay loop...which is really nice for putting it on with crampons on..but the harness is a bit floppy once on so I have a biner holding the belt and loop together. I love the gear loops they are perfect. I have a set of Petzl ice clippers in between them and that's enough. i have taken small falls in this and been top rope lowered...no more of my (Do I have to be PG and just say "male parts")being uncomfortably yanked about. I find that the padded harnesses move around on slick ice climbing pants more than the basic broad webbing of this harness. Really all you need for the alpine ice.

I use this harness exclusivily for ice climbing. The front of the harness lacks a belay loop...which is really nice for putting it on with crampons on..but the harness is a bit floppy once on so I have a biner holding the belt and loop together. I love the gear loops they are perfect. I have a set of Petzl ice clippers in between them and that's enough. i have taken small falls in this and been top rope lowered...no more of my (Do I have to be PG and just say "male parts")being uncomfortably yanked about. I find that the padded harnesses move around on slick ice climbing pants more than the basic broad webbing of this harness. Really all you need for the alpine ice.

The lightweight compact design allows it to fit in any patrol pack. It's a breeze to put on without removing your skis, snowshoes, or crampons. It is very durable and pretty comfortable. It will take you confidently through that chair evac or over-the-side rescue. Besides that, you can't beat the price.

I wore this harness for a week in AK while heil-boarding glaciated terrain. It is super light and adjustable so I didn't even feel like I had a harness on while riding. The leg clips make it easy to get in and out of in my snowboard gear. I haven't actually used this for climbing/mountaineering yet but it seems as though it will perform as well as my indoor harness. Since I wear snowboard gear with it I'm not worried about the harness being less padded than others. As others have stated, don't forget an extra carabiner or webbing to use as a belay loop. I'm female, 5'4", 135 and got a medium, which is almost too big with layers for me but it works.

This is a great harness. Simple and easy to put on for the early alpine starts.

The Alpine Bod Harness is Great! Dollar per gram, I do not think you can beat it. We use it to teach Explorer Scouts. It has good comfort and safety!

the XS size is not cut the same as the S, has only two gear loops and is much less comfortable. I returned it. I'm hoping to try on the CAMP Coral instead for a ski mountaineering and alpine ice climbing harness

It stores compact and is lightweight. Easy to apply over heavy bulky clothing and ski boots (no stepping through thanks to buckles on thigh straps).

The alpine bod's strengths are that it can be easily put on and taken off while dressed in winter gear—especially crampons—and it's cheap. The leg loops never get twisted around, and you can stay clipped into the waist loop but get out of the leg loops when nature calls. This is a utilitarian harness with gear loops and a haul loop that is surprisingly comfortable. I use mine at the climbing gym, but would go for something more substantial if I had to climb a big wall and spend a lot of time hanging.

i bought 2; one for me and one for my wife. they fit great and are fairly comfortable for the low price.

Simple and clean design. Not so comfortable when not worn over layers of clothing but still is one of the best for alpine climbs...

I started rock climbing fairly recently and bought this for my first harness. I really like it and can't see myself buying a different one unless this one wears out. I use it primarily for simpler, single-pitch routes and have had no issues with safety, durability, or comfort. I think the best thing about this harness is that it is also very versatile. I'm a "gear junkie" with way more hobbies than I can afford. Its nice having a harness that can be used for rock-climbing, mountaineering, scrambling, via ferrata, etc. If you're a hardcore rockclimber with a little extra cash, you may want to experiment with some fancier harnesses. If you need something simple, affordable, and functional, be confident that this harness will do the job great.

I bought this harness because it was cheap, but I find it pretty uncomfortable, personally I recommend that you spend an extra $10 US and get a nice comfortable harness like the Momentum because that is what I am going to do.

El Harness Black Diamond Alpine Bod cumple estrictamente con su trabajo ni mas menos, es comodo para decensos rapidos, en la mochila no pesa ni ocupa espacio. Es confiable y muy economico, facil de usar es un producto recomendable.

I just used this harness yesterday and I could not have asked for anything more. It’s extremely strong and there’s plenty of room for all of your gear. Buy this harness.

The mountaineering harness of choice, lightweight and not to frilly. Great price too.

I am 5'10" and in reasonable shape.
I thought I needed a X-Large for the winter clothing - there was no need so I exchanged for Large.
I tried it for wall climbing and used it for ice climbing at the Ouray ice festival. Good and reliable, easy to put on and very light weight, easy to carry ice tools and ice ax if you do not carry a pack.

This is a great harness for glacier travel, general mountaineering, rappelling, and canyoneering. This harness is light, packable, and very durable. The buckles on the leg loops make this very easy to put on - you won't need to pick up your feet to do it.

However, I don't recommend using this for general rock climbing (other than top-roping), due to the lack of padding.

The Alpine Bod Harness is the perfect harness for me for mountaineering. It is simple to get into with crampons and other gear on. It is light. It is safe. It is comfortable enough. Great piece of gear!

Great price and functions as it should, spend a little more cash if confort is super important or if you are going to be hanging for a while.

My buddy who climbed Everest twice told me everyone uses this harness. I have about six of them for the family, and haven't found a better or more practical harness. Plus, last year's model is basically the same as this year and can be had for about half the price of the new one.

I used mine in Alaska twice heliboarding and so I bought one for my brother for an upcoming trip back to the Chugach. You don't even feel it on until you need it, then it fits right even over multiple layers. Thanks for the advice, Doug

Light weight, comfortable.