Arc'Teryx Launches New Ultralight Ski Mountaineering Harness

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The era of fast and light gear is far from over, but we’re certainly entering a phase where fast and light gear is getting really, really good. A major player in that game isn’t just another gear brand—it’s a new type of material. Over the past few years, ALUULA, a materials maker based in Victoria, BC has developed a series of ultra-strong, ultralight fabrics to use in all kinds of products, from packs, tents, sails, wings, to now even climbing harnesses. The fabrics are completely waterproof, stronger than steel by weight, and can be seam-welded, eliminating the need for stitching (the most common weak point in most outdoor gear). In many applications, it’s completely replaced Dyneema or other sailcloth materials.

Arc’teryx just released a climbing harness that’s made using an ALUULA fabric, the all-new Alpha SL Harness. Made specifically for technical ski mountaineering, it’s wildly light (just 76 grams) diaper-style harness, and sports some seriously cool features for those of us who like to go skiing with ropes. For comparison, the Arc’teryx Alpha SL harness is about half the weight of the similar Petzl Fly Harness, and slightly lighter than popular ultralight options from Blue Ice, Black Diamond, and CAMP.

However, it’s not just the weight (or lack thereof) that makes the Alpha SL stand out. This thing packs down to about the size of a small iPhone—I’m quite literally able to put it in the pocket of my ski pants without noticing that it’s in there. There’s also an innovative leg loop closure and adjustment system that should make putting this on in hairy positions while wearing gloves quite easy—though I would never recommend putting on a harness mid-line, its possible to put this on without taking off your skis. The harness features two full gear loops and two really sleek stretchy bands on the leg loops to tuck in an ice screw on each side for glacier travel.

Finally, it’s actually remarkably comfortable for an ultralight harness. I wouldn’t wear this at the crag or the climbing gym (though its fully strength-rated), but compared to other harnesses in this category, the wider hip belt and leg loops, plus the adjustable sizing really help to distribute weight evenly when hanging from an anchor or your rope. I haven’t actually taken this into the mountains yet, but have hung from a fixed point for a bit and it feels pretty darn good. I’m excited to take this into some technical terrain soon here.

Sure, at $180 it’s a bit more expensive than other ultralight harnesses, but like most anything from Arc’teryx, I’d put money on the fact that it’s going to outlast your other gear.