S220 LT
Description
Lightweight, supple, super thin harness with conical shaped, Vapor mesh leg loops and Warp Strength® Technology swami; Our lightest Sport climbing harness.
Minimalists looking for the ultimate in featherweight design and superb fit will appreciate the performance margin gained with this incredibly thin, supple harness. Our lightest Sport Climbing harness sheds more weight, and adds a fresh shape in the swami which is constructed using Warp Strength® Technology (WST®). Lightweight, breathable conical shaped, Vapor Mesh leg loops constructed with a unidirectional mesh provide bridging support in one direction and total flexibility in the other. A strong thermo-formed tie-in point adds strength to a critical area.
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. | 225 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.” | 2 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 | None (it stretches) |
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. | No (0kN) |
Certification | |
Size Chart | XS |
No reviews yet.
An excellent sport climbing harness with good comfort and construction. It is quite expensive and perhaps could be harder wearing but it is also extremely light. The lack of rear gear loops means it is really only for single-pitch sport climbing, as soon as you want to put something else on your harness, you will need more gear loops.
When the S240 came out in 2009, I was immediately impressed by its relative weightlessness and surprising back support considering it lacked the padding I’m accustomed to seeing in most harnesses. The latter feature owes to Arc’Teryx’s Warp Strength Technology, which takes the “warp,” or longitudinal, fibers of the swami’s webbing and fans them out, almost like a hammock, to be supportive at every point of the harness’ waist. My only complaint of the S240 was its leg loops, which consistently made my legs go numb while I held my handgogging partner’s weight, or was bolting a route.
The S220 LT is 220 grams (7.75 ounces), 20 grams lighter than the S240. Of course I don’t notice 20 grams, but thanks to an included mesh pouch the S220 LT packs down to about the size of a notebook. There is always a nook in my overflowing crag pack where I can fit this rig, making it the most compact harness I’ve tested.
The neon orange, yellow, and green of the Arc’teryx S220 LT will be the first thing to catch your eye, but its light weight (9.4 oz) will hold your attention longer. Our testers initially were skeptical of its seemingly flimsy material, but after wearing they agreed that, despite the super-thin waist belt, it was quite comfortable. One even commented, “It was almost as comfortable as my much heavier and more padded harness.” Arc’teryx credits its so-called Warp Strength Technology, which is designed to allow the harness to contour to and support the climber’s body without extra padding. The non-adjustable leg loops are made of Vapor Mesh fabric, and two polyurethane gear loops were added for forward racking. Some testers weren’t as impressed with the leg loops: Two guys stated they were “quite painful to belay in—for men, at least,” and “they tend to ride up and dig into your legs.” (You can try adjusting the elastic straps to ratchet the fit better.) Testers also noted that having only two gear loops made for difficult organization. Overall, this harness was praised for its light weight, packable size, and comfort on sport climbs. Said one tester: “It does exactly what it is designed to.”
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