Orion 2019
Description
A very comfortable all-round harness with 3D-Vent Technology and adjustable leg loops for sport climbing and mountaineering.
3D-Vent Technology: unparalleled fit and wear comfort via 3D construction, optimal pressure distribution and maximum air permeability
15 mm Slide Block buckles allow the leg loops to be fully opened, i.e. for putting on while wearing crampons
1 Slide Block buckles at waistbelt allow full adjustment and for tie-in point and gear loops to be centred and aligned
Abrasion protector for extra durability at tie-in point
4 asymmetric fixed gear loops for perfect organisation
2 attachment options for ice screw clips
Retail price
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Weight (g) WeightIn 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. | 436 g S : 423 g / 14.9 oz |
| Fit | Unisex |
| Sizes | XS, S, M, L, XL |
Gear LoopsNumber of Gear LoopsGear loops are used to hold gear (quickdraws, cams, etc) onto your harness. 4 gear loops is most common. 
0 - 1 Gear LoopsMost often on full body harnesses or guide/gym style harnesses. 2-3 Gear LoopsMostly found on lighter harnesses made for [ski] mountaineering or high-end sport climbing where weight is a high priority. 4 - 5 Gear LoopsThe standard/most common number for climbing harnesses. Perfect for sport and trad. More Than 6 Gear LoopsDesigned for long multi-pitch and big wall climbing, found on harnesses made to hold the maximum amount of gear. Worth ConsideringOccasionally, 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.” | 4 Gear loops |
Ice Clip SlotsIce Clip SlotIce 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, 2 |
| Belay / Tie-In | One Loop |
| Waist Buckle Type | Quick Adjust |
| Leg Buckle Type | Quick Adjust |
| Drop Seat | Yes |
Haul LoopHaul LoopTrad 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. | Yes (14kN) |
| Certification | CE, EN |
| Size Chart | S (will fit the upper range of XS) |
No reviews yet.
After hearing the theory behind the design that makes this the “first women’s harness” I couldn’t help but agree that it has the most intentional lady-based design of any harness on the market. After hanging in the harness, playing with the buckles and feeling my back drop out when I opened a buckle while loaded, I was officially sold. There’s no other company that is approaching the subject of women’s hip angles in harness design. I find it easy to get behind any brand that’s willing to drive design from lots of objective data. It’s obvious Edelrid takes all the details to heart and makes design decisions based on facts.
Four asymmetrical gear loops are provided just where I like them, near the front and sides. The gear loops are stiff and stick out just enough to allow for easy gear clipping. Edelrid also added two ice clipper points for use in winter. The leg loop straps can be completely opened so you can put the harness on without the hassle of removing crampons. Though, in actual usage the straps are fairly difficult to get in and out of the buckles. The problem is caused by a hard plastic cap on the end of the straps that doesn’t fit very well through the buckles. The only other downside to this harness is the stiffness. It is very comfortable to wear, but it does not pack down as small as other, more supple harnesses. That said I would happy trade a little more bulk in my pack for a harness that I can more comfortably sit in on hanging belays.
Edelrid has done a fantastic job of re-thinking how a harness should be designed. The result is an incredibly comfortable Edelrid Orion harness that you can hang dog or climb long multi-pitch routes in without any worries.
In use, the benefits were striking. I could hang comfortably for hours in this harness, whether it's on a multi-pitch route, bolting a line with a ton of heavy equipment hanging off of it, or taking pictures and video. I especially enjoyed trad climbing in this harness since the stiff waist belt evenly distributed the weight of my rack.
The comfort does come at a sacrifice however. The Orion does not pack up into a small package when cramming it into a pack. The weight and bulk were slightly noticeable when committing to extreme high-steps or stemming into awkward corners. I would not recommend this harness to dedicated sport climbers but for anyone planning to spend some time hanging around, it comes highly recommended.
In terms of durability there is little evidence of wear, and the construction appears of the highest quality, tie-in points in particular are ‘beefy’ the leg loop section having a solid plastic protector which I’ve not seen before that makes threading ropes particularly easy and completely protects the webbing from wear. This beefiness and durability does incur a slight weight penalty with the Edelerid Orion tipping the scales at approximately 430 grams (M). The only negative point I’ve come across is the springy-ness of the Orion’s construction, this structure definitely aids comfort but it can make it a battle cramming it into the smaller sac!
Performance: “This is one of those unique pieces of gear that disappears from my mind because it just works so well,” one tester said. The Orion combines comfort, breathability, and function into one lightweight package. A four-inch-wide waistbelt—one of the widest in our test—distributes pressure evenly: “This harness cradled my midsection instead of trying to squeeze the life out of it,” another tester commented. Thin webbing straps on the outside are connected directly to the adjustment buckles, so when you tighten the buckle, you feel increased support across the entire span. But the width doesn’t come with weight or breathability penalties (the quarter-inch-thick foam has dozens of pencil eraser–sized perforations to cut mass and cool skin). Said one female tester, “This harness mimicked the shape of my legs and waist,” thanks to the 3D construction on the foam pieces, which were angled and cut to wrap around the body instead of simply lay against it. We tested mostly for sport climbing, and the four stiff, forward-angled gear loops “reloaded” the draws well. “The next draw is easy to grab with no fumbling,” a tester reported. Plastic lines the bottom tie-in point for added durability.
Cons: Pricey. And one tester found the adjustment buckles difficult to slide due to the tight overlap in the two-piece design. Minimalist sport climbers may find the wide waistbelt and leg loops bulky or clunky.
Conclusion: Innovative harness for everything from sport to ice, and for anyone who values comfort but doesn’t want to sacrifice utility—and doesn’t mind paying for it.
Light weight plus comfort is a tricky balance, but Edelrid got it right with the Orion. “Without a doubt, the most comfortable harness for the weight I’ve worn this year,” said one tester. At only 15.2 ounces, Edelrid’s cleverly designed waistbelt and leg loops mimic the shape of a real waist and legs, and the loops split off into five skinnier belts to distribute weight evenly. Our testers never felt the Orion digging into their bodies to create pressure points and hotspots, even when hangdogging on sport projects. The autodoubled- back buckles make adjustments quick and easy, and the four stiffened gear loops angle forward to eliminate fumbling when unclipping quickdraws. Although we primarily tested and loved the harness for sport climbing, the leg loops had a wide expansion range to accommodate warm layers for year-round outdoor use.
This video talks about Petzl Sama, Edelrid Orion and other harness, it starts talking about Orion at 10:24.
This video talks about other gear too, it starts talking about Orion harness at 1:58.