3. How to inspect your harness

 

To ensure that your climbing harness still is safe after you have been using it for a number of years, or after a few big whippers, you should inspect it closely. Here are some guidelines on how to do this.

 

4. How old is your harness?

 

First up, how old is your harness? Each Wild Country harness has a batch label that shows when it was manufactured. You’ll find it under the waist belt strap.

 

The lifespan of a harness depends on a number of factors, and each harness should be assessed on an individual basis. However, generally speaking, products made of synthetic fibres, such as nylon or Dyneema® are subject to ageing, even if they are not used. This is why we declare a maximum lifespan or shelf life of 10 years from the date of production (even if a harness is not used).

5. When should you retire your harness?

 

Check your harness for signs of excessive wear, such as tearing, fraying and other damage to the tie-in loop or structural framework. If you see any of this, we recommend that you retire your harness immediately.

 

How often do you climb?

Climbers who train on a daily basis are obviously going to have to replace their harnesses sooner than those who only climb once a month.

 

Where do you climb?

Where you climb makes a difference too. Salty environments, like Scottish sea cliffs, sandy gritstone crags or the fine red dust of Utah’s desert towers can attack or grind into the material. Moreover, prolonged exposure to the sun’s UV rays can also degrade the structural materials in a harness.

 

6. How can you extend the life of your harness?

 

The easiest way to extend the life of your harness is to:

• keep it clean
• keep it dry
• and store it properly.

Treat your harness with respect – after all your life literally depends on it. Don’t chuck it down in the dirt at the base of the crag, or leave it lying in the back of the car with the sun shining on it.
We supply each Wild Country harnesses with a mesh storage bag – which is the ideal place to store it.
You can also help extend the lifespan of your harness by pulling out the rope out slower when you untie, instead of just yanking it through.

 

7. How to clean your harness?

 

To quickly remove dust and sand from you harness, you could use an air pump, (for example, the one you use for your sleep mat).
If you use compressed air, take care. It’s so powerful that you could easily cause damage. Keep a distance of least 30 cm between the air gun and your harness.

 

8. How to wash your harness

 

Like climbers, harnesses also benefit from a wash from time to time.

 

To give your harness some tender loving care, wash it by hand with:

• lukewarm water
• mild dishwashing detergent
• bucket (or sink)
• clean water

 

Firstly, don’t be tempted to put your harness in the washing machine!
Instead, fill a clean bucket with the lukewarm water (make sure it’s never been used for corrosive substances, such as bleach). Add a dash of mild dishwashing detergent (you don’t need much). Dunk the harness and move it gently in the warm water. If you’ve got steel buckles, try not to get them wet and dunk your harness bit by bit instead, keeping the buckles stay as dry as you can. Once you feel you’ve washed it enough, rinse your harness with clean water and hang it out to dry.

 

Never dry your harness in direct sunlight or over a heater. Instead, hang it in a nice, breezy spot. Make double sure that it really is 100% dry, before you store it away.

 

 

HOW TO LOOK AFTER YOUR HARNESS

Beta Talks series

 

9. Advanced inspection checklist

 

You might see each other every day and have shared many wonderful moments, but even with the best of care, your harness is going to get worn over time. Let’s face it, at some point, you will have to move on and go different ways .

 

These are our advanced inspection tips to help you make a detailed safety assessment of the main parts of your climbing harness:

 

.1 Waist belt and leg loops

 

Look for any:

• rip or hole in the webbing
• burnt, singed, or melted webbing
• torn threads
• heavily worn webbing
• faded, discoloured webbing

 

.2 Belay and tie-in loop

 

Some of our harnesses have a wear indicator in the tie-in loop (see the ⚠ label).
If you see red fibres sticking out of the tie-in loop, you know it’s time to replace your harness.

The other important points are the same as the waist belt, look for any:

• rip, hole or fraying in the webbing
• burnt, singed, or melted webbing
• torn threads
• heavily abraded webbing
• faded, discoloured webbing