Edelrid Orion

Performance: “This is one of those unique pieces of gear that disappears from my mind because it just works so well,” one tester said. The Orion combines comfort, breathability, and function into one lightweight package. A four-inch-wide waistbelt—one of the widest in our test—distributes pressure evenly: “This harness cradled my midsection instead of trying to squeeze the life out of it,” another tester commented. Thin webbing straps on the outside are connected directly to the adjustment buckles, so when you tighten the buckle, you feel increased support across the entire span. But the width doesn’t come with weight or breathability penalties (the quarter-inch-thick foam has dozens of pencil eraser–sized perforations to cut mass and cool skin). Said one female tester, “This harness mimicked the shape of my legs and waist,” thanks to the 3D construction on the foam pieces, which were angled and cut to wrap around the body instead of simply lay against it. We tested mostly for sport climbing, and the four stiff, forward-angled gear loops “reloaded” the draws well. “The next draw is easy to grab with no fumbling,” a tester reported. Plastic lines the bottom tie-in point for added durability.
Cons: Pricey. And one tester found the adjustment buckles difficult to slide due to the tight overlap in the two-piece design. Minimalist sport climbers may find the wide waistbelt and leg loops bulky or clunky.
Conclusion: Innovative harness for everything from sport to ice, and for anyone who values comfort but doesn’t want to sacrifice utility—and doesn’t mind paying for it.