R320a
Description
Fully adjustable, all around Rock climbing harness constructed with a wider Warp Strength Technology® swami for ultimate comfort.
The most comfortable fully adjustable all around rock climbing harness available. New, wider Warp Strength Technology™ (WST™) swami belt and fully-adjustable conical leg loops provide supple comfort while hanging on the wall or belaying. A stronger tie-in point adds more strength to a critical area of the harness.
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. | 325 g |
| Fit | Men |
| 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. | No, 0 |
| 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 (0kN) |
| Certification | |
| Size Chart | XS |
No reviews yet.
Overall the harness is perfect for all types of rock climbing. Comfortable for long multi pitch routes and endless belays, quick to adjust when swapping between layers at cold sport crags, and plenty of space for a big rack of gear. It is pretty expensive but the old adage that you get what you pay for applies here – an awesome piece of kit.
So a great offering from Arc’teryx and a real improvement on the previous models. The wider waistbelt is very welcome and it will excel in all rock climbing situations. With the addition of a couple of ice clipper slots it would also replace the x-350a and be a most awesome all round harness.
After around 100 pitches of climbing in the last four months my R320 still looks fairly new which was my biggest concern. I’ll make sure to either comment here or write another post to discuss the long-term durability after I have had the harness for a year. The only two problems I have seen, on other R320’s, is that plastic part of the reversible gear loops can pop off. I added a piece of electrical tape to prevent this from happening. As well the attachment point for the haul loop on a friend’s harness is getting pretty worn after a year or so of climbing. I expect this is due to abrasion on the back of the harness from climbing chimneys and descending from alpine routes.
The R-320 is a great, innovative safety-seat. I've already spent dozens of hours in it, working moves, belaying the inept and jugging up free-hanging lines (the most unpleasant task of all). At times, I forgot I was testing the harness. It was so light, unobtrusive and comfortable, especially underneath a pack's hip belt, I caught myself double-checking to make sure it was still on.
The R-320 is a top-of-the-line, do-it-all harness. For cragging, it has all the features I'm looking for in a single, well-designed package. And it's light and small yet comfortable enough that it's my harness of choice for long days in the mountains. The technology alone deserves five stars; I expect other companies will follow suit in the coming years.
Pros: Extremely lightweight and packable for a full-strength, full-feature harness; new technology provides comfort and slim design; reversible gear loops; self-locking waist strap; belay loop changes color as it wears so you know when to replace; five sizes make a perfect fit easier to achieve; the best-looking harness on the market.
Cons: Expensive; creates pressure points on insides of legs when hanging for long periods; scrunching into pack can tangle the harness and unhook the dropseat; removing and reconnecting gear loops is annoying.
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