Altitude 2019
Description
Ultra-lightweight mountaineering / ski harness, dons with feet on the ground.
Designed with WIREFRAME Technology construction, the ALTITUDE harness is built for mountaineering and skiing. Ultra-light, its design makes it easy to don, even when wearing skis or crampons.
Description
Ultra-light and compact:
- minimal bulk, when packed in its bag.
Can be donned while wearing skis or crampons:
- dons with feet on the ground.
- the DoubleBack Light buckle and tightening strap are easy to operate, even with gloves.
Optimal simplicity and accessorization:
- four equipment loops totally integrated into the harness to minimize interference when wearing a backpack.
- each leg loop has a keeper with siliconized interior, for positioning an ice screw.
- streamlined design with waistbelt and leg loops using WIREFRAME Technology construction.
Specifications
Color(s): orange/white
Material(s): nylon monofilament, polyester, high-modulus polyethylene, aluminum.
Harness comes in a protective carry bag.
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. | 150 g S/M : 150 g / 5.3 oz |
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. | No |
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 | S/M (will fit the upper range of XS) |
As with all ski/mountaineering harness the Petzl Altitude can be put it on (and taken off) while wearing skis or crampons. The Altitude accomplishes this in a similar fashion to other such ski/mountaineering harnesses where the leg loops have plastic buckles to hold them in place and the waist strap is fed through the belay loop before going through a buckle. To secure the waist belt in place the nylon strap is fed through a large buckle, hard to feed while wearing gloves but simple and effective. The nylon waist strap does not have any wear protection which may limit the lifespan of the harness.
The stats and features are impressive, but it is actually the way such a light harness can offer such incredible comfort and superb performance that makes the Altitiude stand out. The ultra thin unpadded Dyneema waist belt and leg loops look like they would be uncomfortable, but infact they are great. The Dyneema is also stiff enough to keep its shape and they are broad enough to spread the load. The thin tape also means the harness sits unnoticeably under a rucksack. The low absorbent fabric also ensures the harness absorbs minimal water which is perfect in winter conditions, it is easy to get on or off when wearing crampons and it packs up (storage bag supplied) really small. It has everything really!
Petzl has done it again, leading the industry with the first harness to incorporate Dyneema into an ultra-lightweight, full strength harness. Weighing in at only 150 grams (5.29 ounces), the Altitude harness is the lightest in the world. You can bet you’ll see others follow suit in the coming years to catch up to Petzl’s innovation. Currently other’s in it’s class weigh in at 215 to 260 g. (9.17 oz).