Petzl Hirundos

This lightweight harness has been a top pick for serious sport climbers for the last few years, and the complete overhaul for 2015 boosted its versatility and comfort. “I opted for the Hirundos on everything from hangdogging my projects to all-day, dozen-pitch routes,” one tester said. This version gets extra cush and maintains a low weight and slim profile because of Petzl’s proprietary Fuseframe technology. Most harnesses have a webbing skeleton to provide strength with foam padding placed on top of that for comfort, but Fuseframe first shapes the foam to have special channels where the webbing will be placed. This means the webbing nests into the foam, keeping it slender and lightweight but still easy to wear all day. This technology also fuses the outer fabric with the foam to better distribute pressure and eliminate hot spots, which no testers experienced, even on 13-pitch days with 10 rappels. Designers also upped durability and cut ounces by using Dyneema (synthetic material that’s lighter and stronger than nylon) in the tie-in points and the belay loop. One obsessed-over feature was the drop-leg with extra-large, easy-to-operate plastic buckles, meaning testers (especially ladies!) had delightfully fast access when nature called. Tester note: Sizing ran small, so opt for one size up when ordering.