Describes with words and helpful photos, how to protect your harness.
Aquila 2017
Description
With adjustable leg loops, the AQUILA harness is a high-end model ideal for technical and alpine climbing. The FUSEFRAME Technology construction produces a slim, clean, lightweight design that offers excellent comfort. This harness is equipped with four equipment loops that allow optimal organization of equipment, and has DoubleBack HD tightening buckles for quick adjustment of waistbelt and leg loops.
Description
Optimized weight and comfort:
- clean design of the FUSEFRAME Technology construction offers excellent weight distribution and minimizes pressure points
- thermo-formed foam allows incorporation of strength elements into the layer of foam and thus avoids having pressure points on the yokes
- compact, lightweight waistbelt in thin foam
- no compression points or friction zones on the waistbelt because there are no crossing seams
- fabric fused with the foam for better weight-bearing over the entire harness
- very flexible leg loop attachment bridges for more comfortable walking and climbing
- adjustable leg loops remain adjusted without impeding movement
Easy adjustment:
- DoubleBack HD buckles in forged aluminum have a slim, rounded design that offers good grip and fluid glide of the webbing for easy and quick adjustment and tightening of the waistbelt and leg loops
- retainers for webbing
Complete equipment:
- reinforced tie-in points in high-tenacity polyethylene for improved resistance to wear from rope friction
- four equipment loops: two high-capacity rigid ones in front for quick and easy access to equipment and two flexible ones in the rear to avoid creating pressure points with a backpack
- two integrated CARITOOL tool holder slots
Rear loop for haul rope
Two rear elastics on detachable buckles to avoid crossing leg loops when donning harness
Eco-designed harness, made with Bluesign fabric, which respects the objectives of optimizing resource productivity, consumer safety, professional hygiene and security, and of reducing air emissions and water pollution
Specifications
Material(s): nylon, polyester, EVA, polyurethane, aluminum, high-tenacity polyethylene
Retail price
US$ 129.95
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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. | 345 g XS : 310 g / 10.9 oz |
| Fit | Unisex |
| Sizes | XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL |
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 |
| Certification | CE, EN, UIAA |
| Size Chart | XS |
No reviews yet.
As a total package, the Aquila is the best all-around harness that I’ve worn in quite some time. It’s not perfect, but if Petzl makes some minor adjustments to the stability of the leg straps, this could be a difficult harness to top. In its current incarnation, the Aquila is everything you need to climb year round, and nothing you don’t. On top of all that, it packs down easily and has held up well. If your climbing is summer-only, you could probably slim your harness down even further and skip the adjustable leg loops by getting something like the Petzl Hirundos or Black Diamond Chaos. And there are lighter and simpler harnesses for winter use. But for those looking for one harness to use year round, the Petzl Aquila is one of my favorite on the market.
Both of these harnesses are light-weight minimalist harnesses and are not meant for extended hanging. That said, comfort was still a top priority in design, and you’ll see that in the wider padded areas and also in the placements of the stitching. The design also incorporates features that provide a more natural range of motion. These harnesses will be best suited for sport climbing at the crag.
Choose this for any bolt-clipping you might do, as well as gym climbing and redpointing single-pitch trad climbs. It’s not as minimalist as many sport-specific rigs, but it’s way easier to wear for long hours.
The Aquila has adjustable leg loops, which can come in handy on multi-pitch routes and in the mountains. Although I primarily sport climbed in the Aquila, I found the buckles on the leg loops to loosen up on me quite easily, which was annoying. I ended up tying knots in the webbing to keep the leg loops at one length. If you’re just planning on sport climbing or gym climbing, I’d recommend checking out the Hirundos before the Aquila.
But if you’re a mixed medium master looking for one harness that can go sport climbing occasionally, and put in many more days in the mountains and on long multi-pitch routes, the Aquila is a solid and comfortable performer.
Details of Hirundos and Aquila Harness
Justin Roth talks about the features of Petal's latest Hirundos and Aquila harness.
Petzl Hirundos & Aquila
No voice but shows all the features with climbing
Watch a tour of Petzl's facilities as they explain all the testing involved
Warning: This video is dubbed in English. If you're getting antsy, skip to section 7:40-8:15 for one of the most interesting parts, where they show a hardware specific camera inspection.