Less than HALF the weight and space FTW!
by TheLinaBee on 10/10/2012Pros
uber lightweight
easy to adjust
works with alpine gear
Couloir 2016
Description
Packable to the size of a soup can that easily stows away in a jacket pocket, the superlight Couloir harness is designed to be the essential skiing and mountaineering harness. Quick-release leg loops allow fast and easy changes while wearing skis or crampons, and low-profile webbing construction allows it to wear comfortably under packs or over clothing. Two webbing gear loops, four Ice Clipper slots and a belay and haul loop complete the package.
-Fast drying nylon-webbing construction with traditional buckle
-Quick-release leg loops for easy on/off, even while wearing skis or crampons
-2 webbing gear loops and 4 Ice Clipper slots
-Low-profile and flat enough to be worn comfortably under a pack or clothing
-Packs down into a stuff sack small enough to fit into jacket pocket
-15 kN-rated belay and haul loops
Retail price
US$ 59.95
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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. | 230 g M-L : 230 g / 8 oz BD doesn't provide the weights for other sizes so we're working on gathering this info by hand, stay tuned! |
| 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.” | 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. | Yes, 4 |
| Belay / Tie-In | One Loop |
| Waist Buckle Type | Manual Doubleback |
| Leg Buckle Type | Clip |
| 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 (15kN) |
| Certification | CE, UIAA |
| Size Chart | S-M (will fit the upper range of XS) |
The Black Diamond Couloir harness is an essential piece of ski mountaineering gear. I haven’t seen many alpine harnesses that compare. I highly recommend picking one up. It comes in a nice burnt orange color (or black) so you’ll never lose it. It’s also a great stocking stuffer.
After that it's all gravy: two lie-flat gear loops, four ice clipper slots, offset buckle, haul and belay loops, and a reasonable price. All check. Oh, and one more thing: it only weighs freaking eight ounces! There are lighter harnesses out there - we've used most of them, and for race day or single day outings on vertical ice or rock we'll grab a specialty harness - but we only have eyes for the Couloir when it comes to expedition use. It really is that good. This holiday season do the mountaineer in your life a favor. If they don't have a Couloir in their closet, hook them up.
Alpine harnesses are the ninjas of the alpine world. They are ultra-light and compact and can remain hidden in the tiniest corner of a pack until the assault begins. Black Diamond's new Couloir Harness exemplifies what you want and need in an alpine harness. It weighs just 8 ounces and is as spare as a Zen garden. The snap-on, snap-off quick-release plastic fasteners on the leg loops make donning the harness simple even when you are wearing gloves and crampons. The legs adjust to fit anyone from a ballerina to a sumo wrestler. Like most alpine harnesses, the Couloir waist belt has scant padding and the leg straps are basic webbing, keeping the weight down and relying on winter clothing for cushion, if in fact it is ever needed. Two gear loops keep mountain necessities like screws and flukes at hand.
Ironically, the Couloir's closest competition might well be Black Diamond's own and highly popular Alpine Bod. I've worn both, and while fond of the Bod, now prefer the Couloir, which weighs 7 ounces less, is just as easy to get off and on, and has a very handy belay loop.
Coulior Harness Review
Couloir Harness Wearing Instruction
How to use Couloir, sizing precautions, warnings, care and maintenence with instructional pictures.