Arc’teryx drops a new stripped-down sport climbing harness that prioritizes precision fit and clean design without sacrificing support.
Lightweight Feel, All-Day Comfort
The new Lithos SL harness from Arc’teryx feels minimal but supportive in all the right ways. There’s no extra bulk around the waist, and the Warp Strength Technology spreads the load out evenly so that nothing digs in. On longer projecting sessions, it almost disappears, staying comfortable without the pressure points that can show up in other lightweight harnesses.
On longer projecting sessions, it almost disappears, staying comfortable without the pressure points that can show up in other lightweight harnesses.
The overall design focuses on the essentials. The two gear loops are rigid and snap-fit onto the harness, which keeps the interior clean and stitch-free. It keeps everything in place and organized, making clipping quickdraws effortless. The harness feels built for sport climbing.
A Smarter Fit System for Real Bodies
The biggest change is the new fit system. The Lithos SL offers six waist sizes, each paired with two leg-loop options. Those of us with thick thighs know the struggle of choosing between leg loops that dig in or a waist that doesn’t feel secure enough. The ability to tune your size based on your individual proportions makes a noticeable difference, and keeps the harness super comfortable without limiting mobility.
It’s clear that the design has been heavily tested and refined. “This is our most tested harness we have ever developed, both through accelerated wear testing in a lab setting as well as real world wear testing with our athletes,” says Mike Foley, Arc’teryx Senior Designer of Hard Goods and Equipment.
Tested by Premier Rock Athletes
It was developed in close collaboration with Arc’teryx athletes, including Jonathan Siegrist and Alannah Yip. Siegrist is one of the most accomplished sport climbers of his generation, known for his relentless approach to projecting and a long list of first ascents around the world. His experience working punishing routes makes him a natural fit for testing a harness designed for comfort under repeated falls and hangs.
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Yip, meanwhile, is a key figure in Canadian climbing, representing the country at the highest levels of competition, including the Olympics. With a background that blends disciplines, her input helps ensure the harness balances freedom of movement with the security needed for high-performance climbing. Both athletes’ feedback and fall data helped inform the new fit system and structural platform.
The Lithos SL harness is the ideal choice for sport climbing. It’s lightweight, comfy and the new fit system is a meaningful upgrade. It’s a focused harness that gets the important details right. –Bronwyn Biro
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