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Black Diamond Primrose AL Harness - Women's - 2008 BCS

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Primrose AL Harness - Women's
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When you want quality but don't want to break the bank to get it, get the Black Diamond Women's Primrose AL Harness. With Black Diamond's bullhorn-shaped, well-padded waist-belt, this harness keeps you comfortable during projecting sessions and hanging belays. The Primrose AL Harness includes four molded gear loops to carry all the cams you need for a long crack pitch, and a full-strength haul loop provides a place to clip your tag line on multi-pitch routes.

Bottom Line: You don't need to go broke buying a harness. Get the quality you want with Black Diamond's Primrose AL Harness.

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Rating for this product: 4

Comfortable harness, runs a little large

By:
December 15, 2011

I'm 5'4" with a 31" waist and found the large harness to be too large, especially around my thighs. I think it's safe to size down if you're right at the cusp of one size or another.

Otherwise, I find this harness to be really comfortable. I like the gear loops, the padded legs loops, and the extra loops to hold down excess straps. I think it fits nicely at my waist in a really comfortable position relative to my leg loops.

The only other complaint I have is that it isn't breathable at all. Sweat definitely will accumulate under the harness.

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Rating for this product: 4

It works

By:
July 2, 2009

I got this for practically nothing on Steep and Cheap. I'm not a hardcore climber so it functions well for what I need it for. I wear a size ten in pants and the size ten Primrose fits perfect around my legs and hips. However, I have no hips and am described by my friends as a twig. If this is not you, order at least a size up.

It's not the easiest to adjust, which isn't necessarily a bad thing; who wants a harness with straps that don't stay put? I found it comfortable. Simple.

It did its job, I am still alive. So there's that. For the price I paid, it was an excellent deal. Decent harness for not too much cash.

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Rating for this product: 5

good harness

By:
November 1, 2010

I bought this harness for my sister. She loves it, and I was so impressed with it that I bought the men's version (Momentum AL) for myself. These harnesses are lightweight, durable, and very comfortable to hang in. As with many items in climbing (and life) I don't see the need to spend more money when this does the job perfectly.

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Rating for this product: 5

First harness, still going strong

By:
February 5, 2010

I purchased this harness in 2007, when I was just getting into climbing, and it seemed then like it would be adequate for what I needed then and in the next few years. A lot of other people I saw climbing had the same harness (or the men's equivalent), and it didn't cost an arm and a leg, so it seemed like a good choice. I was right.

The Primrose is comfortable to hang in. It's adjustable, which is pretty important to me, because as much as I'd like to think my weight is stable, it's not. The doubled-back buckles aren't fancy, but they're safe and they work. The gear loops are adequate. Quite frankly, it's perfect for a weekend warrior/evening climber.

I do find that the little strap below the belay loop slips, even when doubled back, and I have to tighten it every so often. The butt straps also slip.

After 3 years of use indoors and outdoors, and a year of rope rescue training, this harness is still in great shape. Other than the odd surface scuff and dirty mark, it practically looks brand new.

A great big thumbs up from me!

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Belayin'

By:
November 12, 2009

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Rating for this product: 5

It might not be about fashion, it is about safety and comfort

By:
June 17, 2009

The most important thing before buying this harness is to find out which is the right size for you. If you buy a very small one then of course it will only fit around the small of your waist and will seem like a funky fit.

I tried a couple of sizes and the S fit me perfectly, I am 5'7'' and normally wear size 5 for pants. There is enough room to adjust.

The padding is very comfy, easy to fit. I personally like the double back style buckle for safety reasons (if you climb cracks it is safer in case it gets stuck on the rock wall because it won't go loose).

It is not as pretty looking as other brands, but it has more features such as the plastic covered waist loops which make it easier to hook or unhook anything while climbing, a double leg to waist length adjuster, etc.

Considering the lower price, this harness gives more for its value and I totally recommend it to any level of climbers.

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Rating for this product: 5

The lady loves it...

By:
November 2, 2009

I just picked this up for my girlfriend after using the rentals in the gym for the past couple months. For the money, you can't go wrong with this one. Fits good and is comfortable. It doesn't have the fancy adjustments of higher end models but for her it's been "set it and forget it" - She hasn't had to make any adjustments after getting the fit right the first climb. Good value harness and does what it's supposed to do.

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Rating for this product: 5

Comfort and Value!

By:
November 6, 2008

I bought this harness recently as a second resort... But end up loving it and I saved money. It's more comfortable than the other styles that they have and it looks very good.

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Rating for this product: 4

The go-to Harness

By:
November 17, 2009

I've never worn this harness myself, but I work at a climbing gym and this is the go-to harness for the ladies. We have the whole array of sizes at the gym and the sizing does tend to be on the small side, like others have mentioned. After that is sorted out though I've never heard any complaints. Even some of the smaller framed guys will turn a blind eye to the lavender color and opt for this harness instead of a BD Momentum. Buy it if you're a weekender or just getting into the sport.

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Rating for this product: 5

Excellent harness!

By:
June 18, 2011

My hubby bought this for me as a gift. Having not tried it on first, I was leary that it wasn't going to fit. I was wrong! It fits great and is incredibly comfortable! I love it!

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Having Fun!

By:
February 15, 2009

very comfortable fit for a woman

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Rating for this product: 5

Two Thumbs Up

By:
March 16, 2010

Love this harness - first one I've ever bought. Plenty of gear loops, Fits to size (use a measuring tape). I see women at my gym with the same one - great buy and worth every penny.

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Rating for this product: 3

Stitches come apart in 4 months

By:
August 12, 2010

This was my first harness. I'm 5ft 4, 120 lb and I used a size S harness for indoor and outdoor top roping and sports climbing. I find this harness fit fine on small Asian female waist and the leg loop comfortable. The length of belay loop is adequate for female. (Mammut tends to run a bit on the short side comparing to BD Primrose.) This is indeed the most popular female harness in NYC metro area. Within 4 month of purchasing this harness I climbed on average one evening a week in the gym plus in totality two trips to the Gunks on top rope. I noticed that by the end of 4th month the stitches at the waist seam came apart. As a result it is retired and I will send it back to EMS / BD for replacement.

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Rating for this product: 4

Works for me

By:
July 15, 2010

I've had this harness for about a year now. I should have gotten a small, but the medium is working for me... 29" waist... obviously I didn't look closely enough at the size chart.

It's comfortable. It's easy to get it tangled and put a leg on up-side down, but if you check it, you're good to go.

The 4 gear loops provide lots of space for everything you need. It's great inside the gym. If I did more outdoor climbing, I'd want something lighter.

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Rating for this product: 5

I love this harness.

By:
June 16, 2010

I've been using this harness since I was in junior high and did a lot of indoor climbing and it's still in prime shape. It's easy to use, adjusts to my size perfectly and is amazingly comfortable. I don't use it a lot since I haven't gotten out as much in recent years, but I would definitely recommend this for anyone just starting. It's a good price and amazingly easy to use.

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Rating for this product: 3

Not Bad For Sport/Gym

By:
August 27, 2011

Being a beginner, I wanted something rated well and not pay an arm and a leg. This harness has performed well for the nine months I've used it, almost exclusively outdoors, mainly sport.

Now that I'm climbing multi pitch, I've noticed that when hanging for more than 5 min, my lower back really starts hurting. Also I've noticed that I have to re-adjust the leg loops as they seem to slip some (no I do not have the speed adjust, and yes I know how to buckle properly).

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Rating for this product: 5

Two Thumbs Up

By:
March 16, 2010

Love this harness - first one I've ever bought. Plenty of gear loops, Fits to size (use a measuring tape). I see women at my gym with the same one - great buy and worth every penny.

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Rating for this product: 3

Little room to expand the straps

By:
June 18, 2011

I liked this harness but had to return because I'm concerned it's just a little too small. I ordered an XS, which is what I typically wear. While I could get the harness on and fasten it securely, I had very little "room to grow" so to speak and felt that I'd be better with the next size up. btw I am 5'6" and about 118 lbs.

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Rating for this product: 5

Great harness!

By:
April 28, 2011

Great harness for beginning/average climber! It's extremely comfortable and easy to adjust. I got the small and I am 5'4'' 115 lbs and it needs to be tightened about all the way, probably could have gone with the XS but this one works great! Feels great around the waist, supportive but not too bulky. Great buy!

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Rating for this product: 2

Not a good fit

By:
January 20, 2009

I tried the harness on as soon as it arrived in the mail and was immediately disappointed in the fit. I am a size four 5'3'' woman, but I ordered a size six to allow room for adjustment, however, even with a bigger size there was no room for adjustment. It only fits around the small of my waist and not comfortably right above my hips where I like it. Also, when the waist is adjusted, the support behind the sacrum shifts off center on the back. It looks as if it should be made for a child. I would not recommend this harness to women.

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1 Comment Last Comment: January 7, 2012 by:

By:
January 7, 2012

I have this harness an it is great.
I wear a size 2 in everything and have an XS, and if I were any smaller it would be too big.
It fits like a glove and you're only supposed to order it within three inches of your waist size, so I think elise Zanotti just needed a bigger size.

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Rating for this product: 5

Love it

By:
November 13, 2008

I've never had a problem with the way my Primrose fits me. It's always been comfy whether I'm walking around, climbing, hanging or being jerked while on lead belay.

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Rating for this product: 5

Great, comfortable harness!

By:
May 10, 2010

I recently got into climbing with my boyfriend and purchased this harness because I was tired of borrowing his friends. I'm about 5'7'' and 115 pounds. I wear a size 25 (size 0 or 1) in pants. I got an extra small, and it fits perfectly. If I was any bigger though (or if I had any hips) it would be too small. There isn't much room for loosening. I would suggest ordering a size up if you have any curves. The orchid color is so pretty and girly. It's super comfortable too! Great buy for the money.

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Rating for this product: 5

Beginner

By:
March 29, 2010

This is a great harness if you are a beginner. It is easy to adjust, comfortable, and well made. I imagine I'll want to upgrade later if I stick with climbing, but I have no complaints about this harness.

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Rating for this product: 4

You already know (even if you don't)

By:
March 31, 2010

This Harness is by far the most popular girls harness I've seen. I've been to the gym 6 times this past two weeks and have seen about 19 different ladies wearing it all at various levels of skill. It's got to be popular for a reason... Plain and simple It's a good versatile harness at an affordable price! I would recommend it to anyone.

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Rating for this product: 5

BD primrose harness

By:
March 15, 2010

i love this harness, its my first one but is really comfortable and completely adjustable.i am 5'3" 115lbs,sz.5 and i went for the medium (which i could have probally worn a small, but the medium fits fine fully tightened). backcountry staff is great and wonderful as far as returns if you dont like your climbing gear.

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Rating for this product: 5

Great Product

By:
January 14, 2010

Bought this harness after reading reviews from around the web. Definitely a great harness and very comfortable. Have been using it for over a month now and can't say but good things about it. Great harness if you're just getting into it or want to get more serious about climbing.

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Rating for this product: 3

Fits waist, not hips

By:
May 7, 2009

I agree w/ some of the other reviews here - if you don't mind wearing a harness high over your waist, this is a good harness for a good price. If you prefer your harness a bit lower, look elsewhere or get a bigger size.

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Rating for this product: 3

Funny Fit

By: Backcountry.com Employee
September 16, 2008

I bought this harness for the price, it reasonable. But in all truth, its uncomfortable, it fits weird over my hips and pulls down in the front. It may just be me but the front of the harness seems to be short causing it to dig into my stomach.

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Rating for this product: 4

Black Diamond Primrose AL Harness - Women's

By: Backcountry.com Employee
October 7, 2009

Black Diamond Primrose AL Harness - Women's This harness has worked well Not for girls without hips but it has definitely worked for me. Tightening straps aren't as easy as I would like and I make sure to double check everything before I go up. But it is easy, light and cheap.

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Change me.

Out of Stock

Item: BLD0292

2008 Model No Longer Available

But don't stress, we have the latest model in stock.

Black Diamond Primrose AL Harness - Women's

Black Diamond Primrose AL Harness - Women's

Research other out-of-stock versions:

Comfortable harness, runs a little large

4 star rating

By: ale5064344 December 15, 2011

I'm 5'4" with a 31" waist and found the large harness to be too large, especially around my thighs. I think it's safe to size down more...

It works

4 star rating

By: Sara Gress July 2, 2009

I got this for practically nothing on Steep and Cheap. I'm not a hardcore climber so it functions well for what I need it for. I wear a size ten in more...

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Material:
100% nylon 
Padding:
closed-cell foam 
Adjustable Leg Loops:
, waist, legs 
Gear Loops:
Haul Loop:
yes 
Weight:
13 oz 
Recommended Use:
rock climbing 
Manufacturer Warranty:
1 year