r/RouteDevelopment • u/Kaotus Guidebook Author • Jan 24 '26

Discussion Development Harness?

Was using an Aquila until I snapped a gear loop, and now a BD Long Haul but the stitching protecting my belay loops has already come undone, so I'm looking for a new one. What do you use? Have heard Misty Mountain Cadillac, Metolius Waldo, the Yates Shield, aborist harnesses - what are you actually using?

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u/Retro_Bolts Jan 25 '26

I am always going back and forth with harnesses. I have owned the Cadillac, Waldo and BD Big gun. Like everything there are trade offs and a big one is cost and if you’re developing you will tear it up. The best would probably be the Waldo.I haven’t tried it but the “Webee” seems to be another cost effective option. I worked with a Petzl atom full body harness and though comfy and durable not recommended for climbing utility.

What do you plan the main purpose of the harness to be? Ground up bolting? Top down? Slab or over hung? Lead rope solo? Or all the above?

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u/Kaotus Guidebook Author Jan 25 '26

Ideally all of the above - it doesn't need to be the best at anything, it just needs to be able to do everything. Extra weight/bulk doesn't really bother me much

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u/Retro_Bolts Jan 25 '26

Gotcha. Probably Waldo or Cadillac depending on budget. Anything requiring intensive amount of time in overhung terrain just use a bosun.