Petzl

Fly Alpine Harness

Lacks features for woman ski mountaineer

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Size Bought:

S

Height:

5' 2"

Weight:

120

I love the idea of the harness, with the stretchy waistband to accomodate heavy breathing during high output activities. Unfortunately, it lacks a few features that would make it perfect for a woman ski mountaineer. The biggest issue is it is very difficult to go pee wearing this harness. I know some women mountaineers use a funnel, but that requires pants and baselayers to have a fly (which mine don't have). The biggest issue is how difficult it is to reattach the elastic sliding toggle at the waist when hands are cold. In order for the harness to fit properly, you have to wear it true to size. And that sliding toggle is just so hard to do during transitions. The other feature lacking is a clip on the back where the leg loop elastic attaches. If it had a clip in the back, it would be much easier to have a quick transition to pee. I've used this harness on two high-altitude ski mountaineering expeditions that involve extensive glacier travel. Staying adequately hydrated at high altitude is positively correlated with performance and frostbite avoidance. With hydration comes the need to pee. Unfortunately, I won't be using this harness again because of the lack of features with women in mind. It doesn't seem like this harness was tested by women athletes. I'd love to see companies test on athletes of all genders, especially for their highest performing, lightest weight gear.