How to use Blue Ice Harness, sizing precautions, care and maintenence with instructional pictures.
Choucas
Description
With its classic design and essential features, the Choucas is the reference harness built for all the alpinists and skiers.
The Choucas harness changed the standard for alpine style harnesses. This new version is even lighter, more comfortable with its wider variable-width waist belt and can carry more gear with its four true gear loops. Convenient, it can be put on with skis or crampons already in place with its openable leg loops. The ice screw keepers on the leg loops (BLUE ICE invention) hold two screws in place and accessible. Finally, its new safety speed buckle allows a perfect adjustment, even with gloves. More than ever, the Choucas remains the ultimate alpine harness for classic routes, expeditions, and glacier travel.
- Comfortable variable-width waist belt and leg loops
- Two ice screw slots on waist belt
- Two ice screw keepers on leg loops
- Glove-friendly waist speed buckle
- Full strength "magic ring" belay loop
- Adjustable and replaceable rear elastic
- Materials: UHMW polyethylene, high tenacity PES, Aircraft-grade aluminum, acetal buckles, polyamide monofilament
- Designed in Chamonix Mont-Blanc
Retail price
US$ 69.95
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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. | 148 g S: 142 g / 5.0 oz
M: 148 g / 5.2 oz L: 154 g / 5.4 oz XL: 160 g / 5.6 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, 4 |
| Belay / Tie-In | One Loop |
| Waist Buckle Type | Quick Adjust |
| Leg Buckle Type | Clip |
| 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 / 26.7-31.8 in Legs: 48-55 cm / 18.8-21.6 in M Waist: 74-87 cm / 29.1-34.2 in Legs: 52-59 cm / 20.4-23.2 in L Waist: 81-94 cm / 31.8-37 in Legs: 57-64 cm / 22.4-25.1 in XL (will fit the lower range of XXL)
Waist: 90-103 cm / 35.4-40.5 in Legs: 63-70 cm / 24.8-27.5 in (we converted centimeters to inches) |
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Addax, Choucas Pro, Choucas Harnesses
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.