The Black Diamond Bod Harness is a great climbing harness to try out on your next adventure.
The Black Diamond brand is well known for their popular hiking harnesses. When it comes to the overall quality, craftsmanship, and care, it is no wonder why they are one of the leading harness brands on the market right now. Today, we are going to take an in depth look at one of their most popular climbing harnesses, the Black Diamond Bod Harness.
In our review of the Black Diamond Bod Harness, we are going to take a look at some of the top features and benefits this harness has to offer. If you find that this might not be the best harness for your needs, then no worries. At the end of our review, we have listed some of our favorite alternative harness that we are sure you will love. Let’s get started.
1. Design
When it comes to the overall design of this climbing harness, it is without a doubt one of the oldest models on the market. It features a simple design that is not flashy, yet is truly iconic. For any seasoned climber, distinguishing this climbing harness from all the rest comes easily.
Part of the fact that it has such an iconic design is because it is one of th most favorite harnesses of climbers everywhere. In fact, many gyms, and schools still favor using the Black Diamond Bod Harness because it simply is one of the best. This is because the harness is so durable and easy to use. Not only that but if you are a beginner climber, this is a great harness to learn on. It offers optimal support that will not only have you feeling safe, but you will give you a sense of security that is important when you are climbing.
2. Materials Used
The primary materials used in the Black Diamond Bod Harness is a durable nylon webbing. This nylon webbing will have you feeling nice and strapped in during your climb. The nylon webbing also offers durable support that is a must in any climbing harness. Along with the nylon webbing, the Black Diamond Bod Harness features a fleece padded waist belt that brings a whole new level of comfort to your climbing game.
3. Waist Belt
One of the standout features of the Black Diamond Bod Harness is the fleece padded waist belt. The fleece padded waist belt offers a durable amount of comfort over long stretches of time. What makes this one of the best harnesses to train on is the fact that it offers a rather natural feel when you strap into it. Again, for novice climbers, this comfort can take the edge off when you first climbing for the first time.
Along with the comfort, the waistband of the Black Diamond Bod Harness offers a large buckle. It is not a self-locking buckle. For some climbers, this may be a downfall for the Black Diamond Bod Harness because you do have to double back the harness. And of course, with double backing, this does mean that you will have to be certain that you are buckled in properly when you are doing your safety check before a climb. For some climbers, the lack of a self-locking buckle means that you will have to spend a couple moments longer to get into your harness.
Finally, the waistband does come in a range of sizes. You can find it in sizes ranging from XS to XL. Because of this range in size, you do not have the ability to freely pass this harness on from one climber to another. For a one size fits all harness, this would not be the best fit for you. Instead, you may want to opt for a harness like the Black Diamond Vario Speed Harness.
4. Leg Loops
The leg loops on the Black Diamond Bod Harness are constructed out of a thick and durable nylon webbing. When it comes to the standout feature of the leg loops, it is the fact that you can get in and out of them rather easily. The leg loops on the Black Diamond Bod Harness are super adjustable. This bodes well for a variety of climbers because you can easily adjust the leg loops so that they fit you perfectly.
The nylon webbing on the leg loops are very durable and have proven to withstand the test of time. The only downside that many travelers have with this harness is the fact that there may be some occasional discomfort in the groin area. This is mainly due to the fact that the leg loops do not extend out as most other leg loops do. As a result, your leg loops on the Black Diamond Bod Harness will apply a majority of the pressure near your groin area as opposed to your legs. However, this is not a big enough deal breaker for many outdoor enthusiasts.
5. Durability
Because of the thick and attention to craftsmanship, the Black Diamond Bod Harness is super durable. You do not have to worry about it failing you throughout your travels. Along with the durability, travelers are satisfied that this harness comes with adjustable gear loops. These gear loops are perfect for bringing along smaller personal effects such as a chalk bag. Finally, for a durable climbing harness, the Black Diamond Bod Harness is surprisingly light.
6. Ease of Use
Many travelers love the Black Diamond Bod Harness because it is a rather easy harness to strap into. Although it does take some time due to strap in to, it offers a nice and comfortable fit when you do start climbing with it. From novice climbers to experienced one, there has been a constant seal of approval with its practicality and versatility.
When it comes to the actual practicality of this harness, many climbers recommend this harness if you are going to be doing a lot of gym work. While it can easily be used outdoors, it was mainly designed to be used indoors. Along with that, it works super well as a training harness as well.
7. Price Point
The Black Diamond Bod Harness is priced at roughly just around $50. When it comes to the topic of a decent climbing harness, this is a rather fair price. You are sure to get a product that lasts for several years. With any climbing product that you may or may not use regularly, it is nice to know that you do not have to replace it every year.
What Travelers Are Saying About the Black Diamond BOD Harness
Customers who have purchased this climbing harness are pleased with it for several reasons. For starters, it is one of the most dependable and reliable climbing harnesses out on the market right now. The Black Diamond Brand is known for their reputability. When it comes to the Black Diamond Bod Harness, there is no exception. Finally, this harness is a real big hit whit climbing gyms and other climbing group schools. This climbing harness is perfect newbies who are going on the ropes for the very first time.
Alternative Rock Climbing Harnesses That May Be a Better Fit
If you find that these harnesses are not the best fit for you, then try out some of these following harnesses that are just as great. From extreme durability to absolute comfort, we have something to fit your needs.
1. Petzl Sama Climbing Harness
The Petzl Sama Climbing Harness is a great climbing harness for several reasons. For starters, it tops plenty of other climbing harnesses when it comes to fashion. The Petzl Sama Climbing Harness is easily one of the best looking climbing harnesses on the market right now.
Its stylish appeal is not the only winning factor of this climbing harness. When it comes to comfort, it offers some of the best padding around. Both the waist belt and the leg loops are cushioned with an ample amount of mesh padding. This mesh padding not only offers optimal comfort. But you can still get a great range of motion all at the same time. When it comes to the waist belt, the padding can be found in all the edges. This means that you will not have the strain of the buckle pushing against your skin for any undue friction.
Some of the keys specks of the Petzl Sama Climbing Harness include ENDOFRAME technology. This unique technology allows for optimal weight distribution when you are climbing.
Along with that, you can expect to find two rigid equipment loops in the front. These loops offer easy clipping and unclipping of quickdraws. There are also two rear equipment loops. These rear loops are flexible and are perfect for bringing gear to the front if you are carrying a backpack. Novice and professional climbers alike are sure to love the Petzl Sama Climbing Harness
2. The Black Diamond Chaos Harness
Credit: Black Diamond
Another one of the best climbing harnesses on the market right now is the Black Diamond Chaos Harness. The Black Diamond Chaos Harness offers a lot more when it comes to comfort and durability. For starters, the primary feature of the climbing harness is the abrasion resistant shell. This shell offers a soft padded 3D mesh interior that brings your level of comfort when climbing to a whole new level. This mesh padding also makes this harness a great choice in terms of ventilation and breathability.
Along with the comfort, there is plenty of practicality. You will find four pressure molded gear loops on this climbing harness. These loops are perfect for holding small personal items such as your camera, a small pack or chalk bag, and other smaller devices that you may carry with you. Many climbers call this one of the best climbing harnesses on the market right now. This is no surprise as this climbing harness is one of the lightest climbing harnesses to take along with you on any adventure.
Finally, a primary feature of this climbing harness is the fact that it was built to withstand long and enduring hikes and climbs. If you are planning a rigorous adventure, then this climbing harness is the perfect one to bring along with you. For durability, dependability, and safety, the Black Diamond Chaos Harness is a great purchase to go with.
Petzl Aquila Climbing Harness
Credit: Petzl USA
One of the most comfortable climing harness on the market right now is the Petzl Aquila Climbing Harness. This is a great harness for so many reasons. For starters, the Petzl Aquila Climbing Harness features everything that a climber would want in terms of comfort. The padding is super ample and perfect for allowing you to stay comfortable throughout your climb. As far as your comfort goes, you will be glad to know that both the waist and the leg loops feature a wonderful fit due to the mesh padding. This mesh padding is perfect for the climber who values being well supported during a climb.
In addition, the practicality is pretty awesome. There are four gear loops that will easily support any small personal effects such as a chalk bag that you bring with you. More specifically, there are two rear equipment loops that are great for bringing along your gear if ease of access is a priority. Finally, there are two rigid equipment loops in the front that make easy clipping and unclipping of quickdraws.
Lastly, one of the best selling point so the Petzl Aquila Climbing Harness is the fact that it looks really good. It features a unique and modern look. For climbers who are not keen on the rugged outdoorsy look of many harnesses, the Petzl Aquila Climbing Harness delivers in terms of fashion.
Finally, other specs of the Petzl Aquila Climbing Harness include a wide waist belt that adapts to a range of body types. This is perfect for climbers who have a wider build. This wide waist belt also offers a great fit for better weight distribution. Speaking of the weight distribution, you will find FUSEFRAME technology that offers a comfortable range of movement with minimum weight. Lastly, climbers love this harness because of its dependability. The abrasion resistant exterior fabric and durable material of polyester and nylon make this one of the best climbing harnesses to bring along with you on your next outing.
Final Thoughts
You do not have to spend an arm and a let to get a great climbing harness. The brand Black Diamond has shown this time and time again. If you are looking for a classic climbing harness that has successfully withstood the test of time, then this the Black Diamond Bod is a great climbing harness to start with. To get your hands on your own Black Diamond Bod Harness, click below.
Related Article: Best Climbing Harnesses for Your Next Adventure
