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Arcteryx M-270 climbing harness

M270

Rating

My vote: None ( 6 avg )

Description

Designed to be extremely light but exceptionally comfortable the M·270 is for performance focused ice and mixed climbers. Breaking from alpine tradition with streamlined features and wide-opening mesh leg loops to accommodate boots and extra layers for winter pursuits. Fifteen ice clipper slots and two large gear loops provide ample racking space.

Wear safety markers on tie-in points.

Retail price

US$ 125.00
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.

275 g

­
Fit Men
Sizes S, M, L, XL
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.”

2 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, 15
Belay / Tie-In One Loop
Waist Buckle Type Quick Adjust
Leg Buckle Type None (it stretches)
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.

Yes ­
Certification ­
Size Chart

XS
Waist : 66-74 cm / 26-29.1 in
Legs : 47-52 cm / 18.5-20.5 in
S
Waist : 72-79 cm / 28.3-31.1 in
Legs : 51-55 cm / 20-21.7 in
M
Waist : 78-86 cm / 30.7-33.9 in
Legs : 54-59 cm / 21.3-23.3 in
L
Waist : 86-96 cm / 33.9-37.8 in
Legs : 59-65 cm / 23.2-25.6 in
XL
Waist : 97-106 cm / 38.2-41.7 in
Legs : 62-69 cm / 24.4-27.2 in
(we converted centimeters to inches)

AVG RATING
6
( 6 avg )
Rating
6
( 6 avg )

M(make it again)270

Pros
Many ice clipper slots make fully-customized racking options
Only 30 grams more than the BD COULIAR
Packs down SUPER TINY
Wide leg loops make for comfy hanging belays
Has the integral gear loop adjustments
Cons
None that I’ve found
Familiarity
I’ve used it a ton
Disclaimer
I paid full retail for this, am NOT a sponsored climber, and only “curmudgeon” when companies quit making something amazing, eg. LaSportiva’s Gandalf approach shoe...

 

They don’t make harnesses this amazing anymore, it’s almost as if Deadbird thought:

“...if we stop making this, we’ll settle into a great little nichè of ‘gear-dweeb-history’!”

 

They don’t make harnesses this amazing anymore, it’s almost as if Deadbird thought:

“...if we stop making this, we’ll settle into a great little nichè of ‘gear-dweeb-history’!”

It’s actually quite perturbing, but alas I can see how such a specialized harness wouldn’t sell...

 

UK Climbing Gear Review no rating given just a review

Overall the M270 is a lovely but rather specialist bit of kit. Arcteryx's own description 'designed for performance-focused ice and mixed climbers' seems very fair; it won't be the difference between you getting up Tower Ridge or not, but for those pushing the harder grades, if it's racking system works for you, the M270's lithe strength makes it a very attractive choice. A winter-specific harness may seem a bit decadent to some, but then some of us spend a third or more of our climbing year in crampons, plus of course it will mean your summer harness will wear out less quickly!

Features of the M270 Harness

This video shows the advantages of using the M270 Harness, and explains all the useful features.