WITTY TITLE
by anonymous on 12/13/2019Pros
Incredibly light and packable
Familiarity
I’ve used it a bunch
Addax
Description
Comfortable and fully geared, here’s the world’s lightest crag climbing harness.
The new Addax is our take on the essential alpine crag harness. Extremely light, durable, and comfortable, this harness has all the critical features and not one ounce of fluff. With four gear loops and wide leg loops, this harness is built so well you can forget about it and focus on what matters – the climb.
- Comfortable padded waist belt and leg loops
- Full strength "magic ring" belay loop
- Adjustable and exchangeable rear elastic
- Materials: UHMW polyethylene, high tenacity PES, Aircraft-grade aluminum, acetal buckle, EVA foam
- Designed in Chamonix Mont-Blanc
Retail price
US$ 109.95
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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. | 139 g XS: 130 g / 4.6 oz
S: 139 g / 4.9 oz
M: 150 g / 5.3 oz L: 162 g / 5.7 oz XL: 174 g / 6.1 oz
(weight converted from grams to ounces) |
| 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 | None (it stretches) |
| Drop Seat | No |
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 |
| Certification | CE, EN, UIAA |
| Size Chart | XS
Waist: 63-76 cm / 24.8-29.9 in Legs: 44-51 cm / 17.3-20 in S
Waist: 68-81 cm / 26.8-31.9 in Legs: 48-55 cm / 18.9-21.7 in M Waist: 74-87 cm / 29.1-34.3 in Legs: 52-59 cm / 20.5-23.2 in L Waist: 81-94 cm / 31.9-37 in Legs: 57-64 cm / 22.4-25.2 in XL (will fit the lower range of XXL)
Waist: 90-103 cm / 35.4-40.6 in Legs: 63-70 cm / 24.8-27.6 in (we converted centimeters to inches) |
The Blue Ice Addax harness is ideal for alpine climbs that prioritize weight savings, making it the perfect choice for alpine climbs. Despite its minimalist design, it is remarkably durable, defying our expectations that this ultralight piece of gear would wear out faster than heavier alternatives. Thanks to a full-fledged set of features, it really is a four-season, jack-of-all-trades kind of harness. Yet, we firmly believe that the Addax excels in an alpine environment.
Blue Ice makes high-end mountaineering and alpine equipment, and I think the Addax shares more in common—in terms of look and feel—with a mountaineering harness than a beefy, beginner’s climbing harness. Putting the Addax on is a cinch via the standard pre-threaded aluminum speed buckle. One major plus is that the webbing stays put and doesn’t loosen up after wearing it—nothing is more annoying than constantly having to retighten your waistbelt, something I have to do more often than I should when testing all manner of harnesses. The leg loops are fixed, and, should you take the Addax out on winter fun, can accomodate a base layer and shell pants, or whatever it is you prefer. The Addax comes with two ice clippers on either side, and a tag-line loop in back.
Addax, Choucas Pro, Choucas Harnesses
Addax Harness
How to use Blue Ice Harness, sizing precautions, care and maintenence with instructional pictures.
A pictoral representation of UIAA-105 and EN-12277 standards for harnesses.
The UIAA equipment standard provides a baseline for equipment performance in a test lab under controlled conditions on new equipment. Although these test conditions are relevant to the conditions encountered climbing, conditions encountered at the crags and the condition of the equipment are equally important. This recommendation from the UIAA member federation The British Mountaineering Council (BMC) provides vital equipment information that is NOT explicitly addressed in the standard, particularly failure modes of the equipment and recommendations for the use, inspection, maintenance, and retirement of equipment.