Bogley

Alex · Joined: 27 Sep 2005 Posts: 2562 Location: SLC, UT

I am taking my harness back that I have dragged through Cheesebox stinky mud and on the sand walls of Leprechon. Got to love REI for that :)

jumar · Joined: 02 Dec 2005 Posts: 1779 Location: Lehi, UT

That's why I buy from REI too. I know if I'm not happy with what I bought, I can take 'em back.

stefan · Joined: 09 Jan 2006 Posts: 4656 Location: somewhere

so kazak, what did you get, and why are you returning it?

Alex · Joined: 27 Sep 2005 Posts: 2562 Location: SLC, UT

I am taking back Singing Rock Balance Harness $36.95 Item 722081, it felt like a good harness, but not for canyoneering. Ice sold me on his harness. According to him and my 50lbs backpack, the harness has padding which absorbs water and also it's harder to put on in the water/mud. I am going to go with the harness that Ice recommended (Black Diamond Alpine Bod Harness
$29.95 Item 699550)

PS: Sorry the links were too long to post here.

stefan · Joined: 09 Jan 2006 Posts: 4656 Location: somewhere

right on. yeah, i love the alpine bod too. try using tiny url if you want to post the links.

www.tinyurl.com

marc olivares · Joined: 19 Jun 2005 Posts: 614 Location: sugarhouse

if you ever plan on doing a canyon w/ The Emperor, i'd reconsider that Bod and get something w/ a belay loop...:D

and being a newb to sports that require harnesses, the belay loops will help you keep organized easier, just food for thought.

i have a bod too, but i use it as a spare for people who forget to bring their gear...lol

James_B_Wads2000 · Posted: Mon Aug 07, 2006 12:38 pm Post subject:

Kazak wrote: I am taking back Singing Rock Balance Harness $36.95 Item 722081, it felt like a good harness, but not for canyoneering. Ice sold me on his harness. According to him and my 50lbs backpack, the harness has padding which absorbs water and also it's harder to put on in the water/mud. I am going to go with the harness that Ice recommended (Black Diamond Alpine Bod Harness
$29.95 Item 699550)

PS: Sorry the links were too long to post here.

Again for those playing along at home:

Black Diamond Alpine Bod $29.95

Singing Rock Balance $36.95

James

Iceaxe · Joined: 07 Mar 2005 Posts: 7806 Location: Local Bordello

Yeah.... Tom hates a harness without the belay loop. :frustrated:

But the first time you go canyoneering and its 20 degrees outside and you are standing in two feet of mud and needing to put on your harness you will be sold on an Alpine Bod. :2thumbs:

The really funny part is Kazak asked the salesmen for and Alpine Bod and the salesman did a great job of "upgrading" him...... step over he son..... for just a few dollars more you get all this extra padding. :lol8:

:popcorn:

Alex · Joined: 27 Sep 2005 Posts: 2562 Location: SLC, UT

marc olivares wrote: i'd reconsider that Bod and get something w/ a belay loop...:D

Funny you mention it, cause Ice, me, rock and itchy had that conversation during one of our stops. I had the padded harness on with the belay loop, but I found that it was easier for me to rappel by hooking both loops into the beener and not using the belay loop. I am new to the sport, so I don't know what works best of course, but I rappeled 4 times last weekend and found not using the loop was easier for me to keep the belay device straight. Am I weird? :ne_nau:

rock_ski_cowboy · Joined: 21 Feb 2005 Posts: 442

Kazak wrote: Am I weird? :ne_nau:
No. Fussing over things that don't really matter that much is pretty standard for canyoneers! :haha: I'm wierd. I buy harnesses from ebay for 10 dollars, padded, unpadded, pink, whatever... cause canyoneering wears them out and I'm not hanging from it for long enough to really care how comfy it is. Interestingly enough, i have an alpine bod harness, and never use it, mostly because its the old style with the string gear loops and they've come off... now I can deal with no belay loop, but no gear loops? :nono:

I like the belay loop because i can have my clip-it sling attached to it, in addition to a couple biners for my atc... could be done on a bod, but i do like the loop.

Kyrell · Joined: 26 May 2005 Posts: 132 Location: Salt Lake City

I also have the Black Diamond Alpine Bod. I've had it for three years now and have used it in numerous canyons, tight narrows, water, blah,blah,blah. The thing is awesome. :2thumbs:
All of the other types I've owned eventually get destroyed...some on their maiden voyage. For me, "The Bod" was the answer. It's super easy to put on and incredibly rugged.

marc olivares · Joined: 19 Jun 2005 Posts: 614 Location: sugarhouse

Kazak wrote: ...I found that it was easier for me to rappel by hooking both loops into the beener and not using the belay loop. I am new to the sport, ....found not using the loop was easier for me to keep the belay device straight. Am i weird? ...

i totally understand what you mean, the belay loops tend to twist your devices into a wierd position on rappel. but w/ a bit of use, the loops will soften and loosen up making it easier for you to maintain comfortable control of your device.

everyone is a different and you're bound to hear a bunch of differing opinions. this is one of those areas that is best for you to work out yourself and do what's comfortable for you.
but for me, i like the belay loops for a couple of reasons
they are the strongest part of the harness, so uber safe to tie a safety onto
i like having my device a bit higher up so i can see it and make sure nothing gets sucked into it.
clipping onto loops is easy and fast, for rescue or general assistance, no fumbling w/ carabiners, or futzing w/ leg/waist looping etc... and i dont have to worry about fondling anyones jewels trying to clip onto their harness

i've used my Bod in a few canyons, but honestly i prefer to use my climbing harness because it's just more comfortable and has a loop.

guess the only real way to know what you want is to go more.
so whens the next trip? :mrgreen:

Alex · Joined: 27 Sep 2005 Posts: 2562 Location: SLC, UT

marc olivares wrote:
so whens the next trip? :mrgreen:

Heh I am sold on the sport, now I need to get my wife to sell on letting me go more often. I got a bright idea to bring her along for the camp outs and do the slots in AM then spend the rest of the afternoon hiking around with her. So I think my next trip will be down Zion. Ice kept saying all the cool spots outside of the regular Zion, so maybe I can convince more uutah victims (looks at rock, Ice and itchy) to put up with me again :haha:

PS: Well I bought the Bod harness, so we will see how that will do. Thank God I got it from REI, they are like free rental place :five:

PSS: ....Now which backpack to get...? :naughty:

marc olivares · Joined: 19 Jun 2005 Posts: 614 Location: sugarhouse

getting my wife hooked on canyoneering was the best thing i have ever done and if you can get some shots like this of her, she'll be buying you gear all the gear you want. :2thumbs: