Indoor climbing gyms typically require specific climbing gear to use their facilities. Not having the correct gear will prevent climbers from using the gym’s full amenities. Climbing harnesses are common climbing equipment but are they required for indoor rock climbing?
A climbing harness is required to top rope and sport climb at indoor rock climbing gyms. Indoor bouldering does not require a harness. Climbers are able to bring their own UIAA certified climbing harness or rent one from the climbing gym.
This article addresses why some types of climbing require harnesses while others don’t. Climbing harnesses can be a worthwhile investment for certain people but aren’t for everyone. Read on to figure out if a climbing harness will be worth while for you to buy.
If you are interested in seeing what the current prices are for the most popular rock climbing harnesses, you can find them on Amazon by clicking here. Using the Amazon affiliate link above and/or other links in the article helps support this website.
When Climbing Harnesses Are and Are Not Required
If you are familiar with climbing gyms and want to know if a harnesses is worth it for you I recommend skipping to the next section : Cost of Renting vs Buying a Harness. But, if you are new to climbing gyms and wish to know more about their basics then this section is for you.
Indoor climbing gyms will typically offer both bouldering and top rope/sport climbing walls. Both of these options are discussed in further detail below.
Why Harnesses Are Not Required For Indoor Bouldering
If you only plan on bouldering when you are at the climbing gym you will not need to rent or buy a harness. As a general rule, bouldering walls will not have any clips or top ropes for you to use.
Bouldering walls are low enough that harnesses are not required for safety. The floor surrounding the bouldering wall will be padded and provide climbers with a soft landing.
If you are not comfortable with falling a maximum of 10 feet (15 foot wall minus 5 foot climber height) onto a heavily padded surface, down climbing is always an option. Typically, bouldering walls will have plenty of jugs to allow for easy down climbing after sending a route.
Why Harnesses Are Required for Top Roping and Sport Climbing
If you plan on doing ANY top roping or sport climbing you will need to have a harness. Climbing the walls without a harness is extremely dangerous. Although the floor will most likely be padded similar to the bouldering wall area, you will be falling from a much higher height. Without taking the proper safety precautions, falling from this height will most likely result in serious injury.
If you have never been to a climbing gym before, I recommend checking out an article I wrote linked here. It will walk you through exactly what to expect your first time at the climbing gym.
When it is Worth Buying a Climbing Harness vs Renting One
Climbing harnesses along with climbing shoes, chalk bags, and chalk are the most common equipment for newer climbers to own. These items are versatile and will allow climbers to participate in almost any climbing activity they would like. Climbers who want to top rope or sport climb that don’t own a harness will have to rent one.
Cost of Renting a Harness
Generally climbing gyms will offer rental climbing equipment such as shoes, harnesses, belay devices, and potentially even chalk bags. Most gyms will give a discounted rate for renting the equipment in a bundle but will charge more for just a single piece rental.
On average, climbing gyms will rent out equipment bundles between $5 and $10. Climbing harness rentals will typically comprise $2 to $3 of the bundle cost. To see a full breakdown of how much indoor climbing costs including hidden costs and equipment rentals check out my article linked here.
Cost of Buying a Harness
A decent beginner climbing harness will typically run between $60 to $80. Really cheap harnesses are typically low quality and will not last as long or be as comfortable. More expensive harnesses are typically geared towards more specific types of climbing and won’t be worth it for beginners.
To see how much climbing harnesses cost and the differences in the price points check out my article linked here.
It is important to note that the price of a harness does not reflect how safe it is to use. All harnesses must meet the safety standards laid out by the UIAA (International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation) as seen here.
When Climbing Harnesses Become Worth it
Using the numbers above we can calculate how long it will take to start saving money by having your own climbing harness. Using a typical harness rental cost of $2 to $3 and an average harness cost of $70 we find that it will take approximately 24 to 35 gym sessions to make your money back.
Now we should take into consideration how long harnesses last climbers. Harnesses typically will last between 3 and 5 years given average climbing frequency and proper treatment. Improper care and big falls have the potential to shorten this life span.
Purchasing a climbing harness is worth it if you plan on top roping or sport climbing in a gym 24 to 35 times within the next 3 to 5 years. If you only plan to boulder, purchasing a climbing harness won’t be worth your money.
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Benefits of Having Your Own Harness
In addition to avoiding rental costs, owning your own harness allows you to top rope and sport climb outside whenever you have the opportunity to go.
Although some of your climbing buddies may allow you to use their harness for a short period of time when going outside, you don’t want to be THAT person. Plus, owning your own harness will remove the hassle of having to readjust the waist and/or leg loops every time you switch.
Beginner climbing harnesses are also much more comfortable than the ones climbing gyms rent out. These harnesses make gym sessions a bit more relaxing and fun. You will never want to go back to those gym harnesses after you try out an actual climbing harness.
If you are wondering what type of climbing harness I recommend for beginners – check out my recommended gear page linked here. You want a climbing harness that optimizes both comfort and performance without breaking the bank.
The bottom line?
Climbing harnesses are required to top rope and sport climbing at indoor climbing gyms but are not required for bouldering. It will take between 24 and 35 indoor climbing sessions to offset the cost of buying your own climbing harness. Therefore, if you plan on being a frequent gym goer, purchasing a climbing harness will be a worthwhile investment. In addition, owning a climbing harness comes with many perks besides just saving money on rental gear.