Last updated at 08/06/2026 21:09:57
Petzl ALTITUDE Harness - Lightweight, Compact Mountaineering and Ski Touring Harness
Free delivery
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Petzl Altitude - Climbing harness
Delivery $96.56
Petzl Altitude Mountaineering Harness (Size: L/XL)
Delivery $16.45
originally posted on skimo.co
I've used this for lightweight, long distance glacier traverses and for volunteer mountaineering rescue patrols. It's great for the light and long trips as it takes up no space in the pack. Easy enough to put on while wearing skis, and.. as a woman.. easy enough to pull down to pee. I brought this along on a 120 mile traverse through the Wrangells which required a 40+ lbs pack--so I was thankful for its light weight, but also importantly, the harness interfaced well with the hipbelt on my pack. I was still able to access the gear I needed while wearing the pack.The old version has smaller gear loops which can be a pain for organizing the glacier kit, but it works okay and I can always get what I need. That seems to be fixed in the newer version and should make gear ... MoreI've used this for lightweight, long distance glacier traverses and for volunteer mountaineering rescue patrols. It's great for the light and long trips as it takes up no space in the pack. Easy enough to put on while wearing skis, and.. as a woman.. easy enough to pull down to pee. I brought this along on a 120 mile traverse through the Wrangells which required a 40+ lbs pack--so I was thankful for its light weight, but also importantly, the harness interfaced well with the hipbelt on my pack. I was still able to access the gear I needed while wearing the pack.The old version has smaller gear loops which can be a pain for organizing the glacier kit, but it works okay and I can always get what I need. That seems to be fixed in the newer version and should make gear organization easier.
originally posted on skimo.co
This harness is remarkably more packable than my old BD Couloir, and feels more comfortable when skiing/wearing it. I really like that it has a proper belay loop. As someone who doesn’t often take their rope and harness skiing, I definitely appreciate the ease of use that comes with this configuration. Are there lighter harnesses out there? Of course. However, I think the useability of this harness is far greater than others in its weight class. Petzl is truly leading the industry in technical alpine gear for ski mountaineering right now (Gully ice axe, Irvis Crampons, RAD line, etc.)
originally posted on skimo.co
Bought it when I decided to do Rainier, and have since also skied Hood in it, and climbed a few glaciated peaks in the Alps. It's been great - lightweight, as comfortable as one can hope for under a heavy pack's waist belt, and easy on/off with skis/crampons on. On that note, and maybe its just me, but I can't shimmy it on/off - I have to undo the leg loops and primary double backed belt each time I take it on and off, same as I would with skis on my feet, even if I don't. Not a problem at all, unless your fingers aren't feeling dexterous.The ice screw loops on the leg loops are great, really where I want them to keep a screw out of my way. The harness' gear loops themselves aren't much to brag about, other than they're small enough to just ignore and use your ... MoreBought it when I decided to do Rainier, and have since also skied Hood in it, and climbed a few glaciated peaks in the Alps. It's been great - lightweight, as comfortable as one can hope for under a heavy pack's waist belt, and easy on/off with skis/crampons on. On that note, and maybe its just me, but I can't shimmy it on/off - I have to undo the leg loops and primary double backed belt each time I take it on and off, same as I would with skis on my feet, even if I don't. Not a problem at all, unless your fingers aren't feeling dexterous.The ice screw loops on the leg loops are great, really where I want them to keep a screw out of my way. The harness' gear loops themselves aren't much to brag about, other than they're small enough to just ignore and use your pack's gear loops.I've never tested its primary purpose, holding a fall... In crevasse rescue training I have had the leg buckles pop open, but they aren't truly part of the load bearing system anyway, so I still feel it's as safe a harness as you'll find for the weight.
Petzl ALTITUDE Harness - Lightweight, Compact Mountaineering and Ski Touring Harness
Free delivery
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
Petzl Altitude - Climbing harness
Delivery $96.56
Petzl Altitude Mountaineering Harness (Size: L/XL)
Delivery $16.45
I've used this for lightweight, long distance glacier traverses and for volunteer mountaineering rescue patrols. It's great for the light and long trips as it takes up no space in the pack. Easy enough to put on while wearing skis, and.. as a woman.. easy enough to pull down to pee. I brought this along on a 120 mile traverse through the Wrangells which required a 40+ lbs pack--so I was thankful for its light weight, but also importantly, the harness interfaced well with the hipbelt on my pack. I was still able to access the gear I needed while wearing the pack.The old version has smaller gear loops which can be a pain for organizing the glacier kit, but it works okay and I can always get what I need. That seems to be fixed in the newer version and should make gear ... MoreI've used this for lightweight, long distance glacier traverses and for volunteer mountaineering rescue patrols. It's great for the light and long trips as it takes up no space in the pack. Easy enough to put on while wearing skis, and.. as a woman.. easy enough to pull down to pee. I brought this along on a 120 mile traverse through the Wrangells which required a 40+ lbs pack--so I was thankful for its light weight, but also importantly, the harness interfaced well with the hipbelt on my pack. I was still able to access the gear I needed while wearing the pack.The old version has smaller gear loops which can be a pain for organizing the glacier kit, but it works okay and I can always get what I need. That seems to be fixed in the newer version and should make gear organization easier.
This harness is remarkably more packable than my old BD Couloir, and feels more comfortable when skiing/wearing it. I really like that it has a proper belay loop. As someone who doesn’t often take their rope and harness skiing, I definitely appreciate the ease of use that comes with this configuration. Are there lighter harnesses out there? Of course. However, I think the useability of this harness is far greater than others in its weight class. Petzl is truly leading the industry in technical alpine gear for ski mountaineering right now (Gully ice axe, Irvis Crampons, RAD line, etc.)
Bought it when I decided to do Rainier, and have since also skied Hood in it, and climbed a few glaciated peaks in the Alps. It's been great - lightweight, as comfortable as one can hope for under a heavy pack's waist belt, and easy on/off with skis/crampons on. On that note, and maybe its just me, but I can't shimmy it on/off - I have to undo the leg loops and primary double backed belt each time I take it on and off, same as I would with skis on my feet, even if I don't. Not a problem at all, unless your fingers aren't feeling dexterous.The ice screw loops on the leg loops are great, really where I want them to keep a screw out of my way. The harness' gear loops themselves aren't much to brag about, other than they're small enough to just ignore and use your ... MoreBought it when I decided to do Rainier, and have since also skied Hood in it, and climbed a few glaciated peaks in the Alps. It's been great - lightweight, as comfortable as one can hope for under a heavy pack's waist belt, and easy on/off with skis/crampons on. On that note, and maybe its just me, but I can't shimmy it on/off - I have to undo the leg loops and primary double backed belt each time I take it on and off, same as I would with skis on my feet, even if I don't. Not a problem at all, unless your fingers aren't feeling dexterous.The ice screw loops on the leg loops are great, really where I want them to keep a screw out of my way. The harness' gear loops themselves aren't much to brag about, other than they're small enough to just ignore and use your pack's gear loops.I've never tested its primary purpose, holding a fall... In crevasse rescue training I have had the leg buckles pop open, but they aren't truly part of the load bearing system anyway, so I still feel it's as safe a harness as you'll find for the weight.
Hard to review the harness performance itself, because I cannot use it. Mostly here to say: the size chart is reeeeally off. I'd been looking for a ski mountaineering harness this fall in prep for the spring ski season, but was a little nervous based on how skimo brands/sizes tend to size things (for skinny folks). I am a 5'4" size 10 woman, think athletic mountain biking thighs, so my thighs tend to be the pinch point in sizing. I chose the Petzl Altitude, size XL, because its size chart had the roomiest thigh size by FAR vs. similar Black Diamond or CAMP harnesses (up to 31 in per leg!). This should have fit with tons of room to spare. Instead, it is no where close to fitting, and my partner's MEDIUM Black Diamond Couloir UL harness is closer to being the right ... MoreHard to review the harness performance itself, because I cannot use it. Mostly here to say: the size chart is reeeeally off. I'd been looking for a ski mountaineering harness this fall in prep for the spring ski season, but was a little nervous based on how skimo brands/sizes tend to size things (for skinny folks). I am a 5'4" size 10 woman, think athletic mountain biking thighs, so my thighs tend to be the pinch point in sizing. I chose the Petzl Altitude, size XL, because its size chart had the roomiest thigh size by FAR vs. similar Black Diamond or CAMP harnesses (up to 31 in per leg!). This should have fit with tons of room to spare. Instead, it is no where close to fitting, and my partner's MEDIUM Black Diamond Couloir UL harness is closer to being the right fit. Weird.Anywho: if it fit, I'm sure it would've rocked. But since the return policy on harnesses is a no-go, figured I should spread my experience around to save a fellow thicc ski sister the $$$. On to find a different harness for glacier travel!
If it is backcountry skiing, alpine or mountaineering this lightweight harness is a must. Easy to don no matter the activity with both feet on the ground. It is lightweight and fully functional. Light enough to stow in your pack when needed. I have used this mostly for group activities where one size fits all without having to remove gear such as ski’s, crampons or snowshoes. You will be totally satisfied with this harness. Practical, Functional and Light. I found it very easy to don without having to remove gloves. 150 grams (5.5 oz.) I love the wireframe technology. Comfortable that you forget that it is there.
This harness is an excellent tool for ski mountaineering. The materials allow it to pack down to be roughly the size of a 12 oz soda can, and it is light enough to leave in the pack "just in case". The configuration of the leg loops, waist belt and belay loop allow you to put on the harness without ever picking up your feet or trying to fit boots through the leg loops. This is great for putting on the harness when you are already wearing skis or crampons.
Petzl is the only brand of climbing harness I've ever owned including sport, rescue, and tactical models. In the past four months I have purchased four replacement Petzl harnesses, two of them from REI including this one. EVERY harness I have ever purchased has been the largest size available, again including this one. The waist belt is at least 8 inches too small. The leg loops are way too small. Every other harness fit/fits.
This shouldn't be considered if you're looking for a climbing harness. This is designed to be lightweight, used for glacier and mountaineering purposes where a fall is the last thing you are expecting. This will save your life but it wont be comfortable while you hang in it.I did two hanging raps and by the time I touched the ground on the second one, I was glad they were finished. Felt like I was flossing my butt cheeks.If you're going to be on a mountain side where the terrain is less than vertical or if you need something light for glacier travel this is a crazy light and compact harness. If you are pushing grades in the vertical world, take a pass on this harness
This has become my go to harness for sub-technical mountaineering and ski adventures. This harnesses isn't particularly comfy to sit in for long periods of time, but it's not aid climbing harness. Where it excels is dashing up skin tracks, booting up couloires, and crossing icefields.While the gear loops are basically useless, I have yet to wear this harness without a pack that didn't have gear loops, and since this harness sits comfortable under a well cinched pack with nothing but a tshirt between it and skin, I don't consider this an issue. I'm also not using much gear since this isn't a technical climbing harness (see the Sitta for that). The icescrew leg mount is the best thing since sliced bread though, and really demonstrates won't a perfect tool this is ... MoreThis has become my go to harness for sub-technical mountaineering and ski adventures. This harnesses isn't particularly comfy to sit in for long periods of time, but it's not aid climbing harness. Where it excels is dashing up skin tracks, booting up couloires, and crossing icefields.While the gear loops are basically useless, I have yet to wear this harness without a pack that didn't have gear loops, and since this harness sits comfortable under a well cinched pack with nothing but a tshirt between it and skin, I don't consider this an issue. I'm also not using much gear since this isn't a technical climbing harness (see the Sitta for that). The icescrew leg mount is the best thing since sliced bread though, and really demonstrates won't a perfect tool this is for mountaineering.It packs up small, though the stuff sack is spacious and accommodates my Revolver, tibloc, micro traction, 120cm sling, Attache biner, Ange L, hollowblock, and Spirit locker.All in all this is an awesome little harness that is a joy to use.
I compared the measurements of this harness to the one I currently have (which fits with a lot of margin). But I could barely get this one over my hips. So I’m not sure if they just list the measurements wrong. Other than that I don’t have feedback on this product as I won’t be able to use it.
Petzl Altitude - Climbing Harness
Petzl Altitude Climbing harness (L/XL, white/blue) - The Altitude climbing harness by Petzl is best suited for demanding Alpine areas. Its low weight mean it can be taken anywhere - no matter how light you’re trying to pack. Its size when packed away in its stuff sack is also incredibly small. The leg loops are fitted with a quick-release fastening. This means they can be opened quickly and easily, making it easy to tighten the belt while both legs are still on the floor and in ski boots. The robust rope loop provides a safe anchorage point.In addition, the minimalistic and lightweight gear loops can be used to transport important equipment that you need for an Alpine adventure. The robust materials cope well with use in Alpine terrain and ensure that the harness is worn safely and comfortably. In addition to the many technical features, the harness also looks great. It fits perfectly with an ambitious ski touring outfit.
Petzl Altitude Climbing harness (L/XL, white/blue) - The Altitude climbing harness by Petzl is best suited for demanding Alpine areas. Its low weight mean it can be taken anywhere - no matter how light you’re trying to pack. Its size when packed away in its stuff sack is also incredibly small. The leg loops are fitted with a quick-release fastening. This means they can be opened quickly and easily, making it easy to tighten the belt while both legs are still on the floor and in ski boots. The robust rope loop provides a safe anchorage point.In addition, the minimalistic and lightweight gear loops can be used to transport important equipment that you need for an Alpine adventure. The robust materials cope well with use in Alpine terrain and ensure that the harness is worn safely and comfortably. In addition to the many technical features, the harness also looks great. It fits perfectly with an ambitious ski touring outfit.
Petzl Altitude Climbing harness (L/XL, white/blue) - The Altitude climbing harness by Petzl is best suited for demanding Alpine areas. Its low weight mean it can be taken anywhere - no matter how light you’re trying to pack. Its size when packed away in its stuff sack is also incredibly small. The leg loops are fitted with a quick-release fastening. This means they can be opened quickly and easily, making it easy to tighten the belt while both legs are still on the floor and in ski boots. The robust rope loop provides a safe anchorage point.In addition, the minimalistic and lightweight gear loops can be used to transport important equipment that you need for an Alpine adventure. The robust materials cope well with use in Alpine terrain and ensure that the harness is worn safely and comfortably. In addition to the many technical features, the harness also looks great. It fits perfectly with an ambitious ski touring outfit.
Petzl Altitude Climbing harness (L/XL, white/blue) - The Altitude climbing harness by Petzl is best suited for demanding Alpine areas. Its low weight mean it can be taken anywhere - no matter how light you’re trying to pack. Its size when packed away in its stuff sack is also incredibly small. The leg loops are fitted with a quick-release fastening. This means they can be opened quickly and easily, making it easy to tighten the belt while both legs are still on the floor and in ski boots. The robust rope loop provides a safe anchorage point.In addition, the minimalistic and lightweight gear loops can be used to transport important equipment that you need for an Alpine adventure. The robust materials cope well with use in Alpine terrain and ensure that the harness is worn safely and comfortably. In addition to the many technical features, the harness also looks great. It fits perfectly with an ambitious ski touring outfit.
in 3 offers
The lowest price for Petzl Altitude - Climbing Harness right now is $109.50 at Snowcountry.eu, compared across 3 retailers.
The all-time low was $85.06 on 12 Mar 2026 — today's price is 29% above the lowest ever. It has been notably cheaper before — worth setting a price alert.
Prices last updated 8 June 2026.
