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Arc'teryx AR 385a Harness
  • Arc'teryx AR 385a Harness
  • Arc'teryx AR 385a Harness
  • Arc'teryx AR 385a Harness
  • Arc'teryx AR 385a Harness
  • Arc'teryx AR 385a Harness
  • Arc'teryx AR 385a Harness
  • Arc'teryx AR 385a Harness
  • Arc'teryx AR 385a Harness

AR 385a

Rating

My vote: None ( 5.1 avg )

Description

Versatility and performance come together in an exceptionally comfortable harness that is made to specifically fit women who climb rock, ice and alpine routes. Adjustable leg loops allow for a precise fit that tailors the harness to your size and accommodates variable layers needed when using one harness for all disciplines of climbing. The longer belay loop accommodates a women’s differential between waist and leg loops. Arc’teryx Warp Strength Technology™ equally distributes weight across the swami for enduring comfort. Burly™ Double Weave material is strong and flexible, laminated elastic webbing in the adjustable leg loops extends rebound life and the easy access drop legs allow for bathroom breaks without taking the harness off. The waistband is constructed with a softer edge to eliminate cutting and binding. The AR-385a elevates performance, comfort and versatility.

Warp Strength Technology™ Advantage: WST™ differs from traditional harness construction in that the load is evenly distributed across the entire width of the harness structure rather than loading a single, narrow strip of webbing in the centre or running edge binding, both of which tend to concentrate the pressure of the harness making them less comfortable. Warp Strength Technology™ cradles the body and the load is universally dispersed from edge to edge. This construction method provides a high degree of support and this new generation of harnesses are more comfortable over time and usage than ever before. The waistbelt and leg loops now include thin reinforcements that help keep the load distributed more evenly across their width and the edges have been softened for a smoother transition. All resulting in a WST™ harnesses that are durable, ultra compact, comfortably supple and light weight.

Retail price

US$ 160.00

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Weight (g)

Weight

In grams, the weight, as stated by the manufacturer/brand.

If there are differences in weight (due to multiple sizes or optional accessories) we'll list them here.

The default weight is the middle-most size, often this is size M.

385 g

­
Fit Women
Sizes XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL
Gear Loops

Number of Gear Loops

Gear loops are used to hold gear (quickdraws, cams, etc) onto your harness. 4 gear loops is most common.

0 - 1 Gear Loops

Most often on full body harnesses or guide/gym style harnesses.

2-3 Gear Loops

Mostly found on lighter harnesses made for [ski] mountaineering or high-end sport climbing where weight is a high priority.

4 - 5 Gear Loops

The standard/most common number for climbing harnesses. Perfect for sport and trad.

More Than 6 Gear Loops

Designed for long multi-pitch and big wall climbing, found on harnesses made to hold the maximum amount of gear.

Worth Considering

Occasionally, the number of gear loops will change on a harness model depending on the size. There could be 7 gear loops for the med/large but only 5 gear loops for the xsmall/small. In this case we list the highest number for the filters, and then write an explanation on the product page like, “Size S/XS can only fit 5 gear loops.”

5 Gear loops
Ice Clip Slots

Ice Clip Slot

Ice clipper slots are made to fit a carabiner that holds ice screws. These slots are generally only used by ice climbers but there is no disadvantage to having them on your harness.

Less than 40% of harnesses will have ice clipper slots. And those harnesses will usually have 2 or 4 slots, often located next to, or between, the gear loops.

Yes, 4
Belay / Tie-In One Loop
Waist Buckle Type Quick Adjust
Leg Buckle Type Quick Adjust
Drop Seat Yes
Haul Loop

Haul Loop

Trad climbers often look for a haul loop as they're intended to haul a rope (second line) or pack (while you climb the chimney).

A haul loop can also hold shoes or other accessories. Although not the intended use, it is also commonly used to hold a chalk bag.

No ­
Certification ­
Size Chart
XS
Waist : 64-69 cm / 25-27 in
Legs : 52-56 cm / 20.5-22 in
S
Waist : 69-74 cm / 27-29 in
Legs : 55-59 cm / 21.5-23 in
M
Waist : 74-81 cm / 29-32 in
Legs : 58-62 cm / 23-24.5 in
L
Waist : 82-91 cm / 32.5-36 in
Legs : 62-66 cm / 24.5-26 in
XL (will fit the lower range of XXL)
Waist : 92-100 cm / 36-39.5 in
Legs : 67-71 cm / 26.5-28 in

No reviews yet.

Outdoor Gear Lab Gear Review rating 4/5

The new AR-385a from Arc'teryx is an impressive piece of engineering, and you're sure to get many compliments and questions about its design when wearing it. While we really liked many aspects of this harness, it didn't quite measure up to some of the other models that we tested. It's designed to be an all-around do-it-all harness, and while it does have all the necessary components to fit that slot, we just couldn't get past how uncomfortable the leg loops were while hanging. We found the all-around Camp Supernova much nicer to hang in, and it cost a lot less than this harness to boot. That said, if you're looking for a compact option for alpine missions, then this is still a good pick.

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The UIAA equipment standard provides a baseline for equipment performance in a test lab under controlled conditions on new equipment. Although these test conditions are relevant to the conditions encountered climbing, conditions encountered at the crags and the condition of the equipment are equally important. This recommendation from the UIAA member federation The British Mountaineering Council (BMC) provides vital equipment information that is NOT explicitly addressed in the standard, particularly failure modes of the equipment and recommendations for the use, inspection, maintenance, and retirement of equipment.