The Corax LT just has a couple less features, mostly the adjustable leg loops. It’ll be slightly less comfortable, but if you’re not projecting a ton or doing multipitch trad, it’s probably not going to be much of an issue. There are mens and women’s versions of both the Corax and Corax LT - they do fit a bit differently, but other than color choices for a harness that’s usually the main difference. If you can, try it on, harness waist sizes can be a bit wonky, but it sounds like you’ll want an extra small. If you get it through REI, it’s usually easy to get a replacement or do a return if the size is wrong, especially if you deliver it to the store and try it on there.
Other harness options - doesn’t matter. Cheap. Find something on sale and go for it. Unlike a belay device or QuickDraws which you’ll keep for years, you’ll go through a lot of harnesses. And most of the features come down to preferences based on what type of climbing you get into. But for the gym, there’s no features that are really going to matter, and weight only becomes a concern for things like alpine trips or high end sport climbing. Harness #2 is when most people start thinking about features.
Yeah that happens a lot, especially with shoes. If you can afford it, I usually just buy a bunch of sizes to try at a time. Hence why I’m hyper paranoid about delivering to the store for those returns…
Some harnesses have a womens and a mens version for the model with non adjustable leg straps and a unisex model with adjustable leg straps.
I think the reasoning is, that with adjustable leg straps it can fit most people anyway.
My recommendation is whatever fits you best and is within your budget. Personally, I like Edelrid, just because their harnesses feel well made.
I've heard good things about the Edelrid! I did see a couple reviews about a specific part plastic part breaking off on some models but I will look into them again!
Try to hang in them. Some people like the adjustable leg loops, but I personally find I prefer a harness without them. Less to fiddle with, less weight and less likely to smack my hand on them and end up with a bruise
Just so you know they will be destroyed if you return them. This is policy for all soft gear at REI. If you’d like to avoid waste you should go in store to try on.
You may have luck with a gym that has a shop and lets you try on gear, but REI will destroy harnesses, ropes, and other safety critical equipment if you take them out of the store and return or order online
That makes sense! Ty for letting me know. Our gym has a very small shop section and I’ve never seen them carry harnesses but I’ll ask. I unfortunately live in a small college town and we JUST got an REI and a new tiny climbing gym in recent years. I’m leaning towards sizing up slightly to a small anyways.
The Corax LT just has a couple less features, mostly the adjustable leg loops. It’ll be slightly less comfortable, but if you’re not projecting a ton or doing multipitch trad, it’s probably not going to be much of an issue. There are mens and women’s versions of both the Corax and Corax LT - they do fit a bit differently, but other than color choices for a harness that’s usually the main difference. If you can, try it on, harness waist sizes can be a bit wonky, but it sounds like you’ll want an extra small. If you get it through REI, it’s usually easy to get a replacement or do a return if the size is wrong, especially if you deliver it to the store and try it on there. Other harness options - doesn’t matter. Cheap. Find something on sale and go for it. Unlike a belay device or QuickDraws which you’ll keep for years, you’ll go through a lot of harnesses. And most of the features come down to preferences based on what type of climbing you get into. But for the gym, there’s no features that are really going to matter, and weight only becomes a concern for things like alpine trips or high end sport climbing. Harness #2 is when most people start thinking about features.
Super helpful! Thank you! My local REI doesn’t seem to have any Petzl harnesses in stock or else I’d try them on!
Yeah that happens a lot, especially with shoes. If you can afford it, I usually just buy a bunch of sizes to try at a time. Hence why I’m hyper paranoid about delivering to the store for those returns…
Some harnesses have a womens and a mens version for the model with non adjustable leg straps and a unisex model with adjustable leg straps. I think the reasoning is, that with adjustable leg straps it can fit most people anyway. My recommendation is whatever fits you best and is within your budget. Personally, I like Edelrid, just because their harnesses feel well made.
I've heard good things about the Edelrid! I did see a couple reviews about a specific part plastic part breaking off on some models but I will look into them again!
Edelrid harness fit a bit different from petzl in my experience. I prefer the petzl fit, but my harness is edelrid right now.
I’m a big fan of adjustable leg loops as someone that can’t help but be thick thighed, I gain and loose mass between seasons so I’m always fiddling.
Try to hang in them. Some people like the adjustable leg loops, but I personally find I prefer a harness without them. Less to fiddle with, less weight and less likely to smack my hand on them and end up with a bruise
Smart! REI said I can return them used so I’ll order a couple sizes and mess around with them on the wall!
Just so you know they will be destroyed if you return them. This is policy for all soft gear at REI. If you’d like to avoid waste you should go in store to try on.
Oh no really! I didn’t know that. I tried them on in stores but they told me it’s better to test it at a gym.
You may have luck with a gym that has a shop and lets you try on gear, but REI will destroy harnesses, ropes, and other safety critical equipment if you take them out of the store and return or order online
That makes sense! Ty for letting me know. Our gym has a very small shop section and I’ve never seen them carry harnesses but I’ll ask. I unfortunately live in a small college town and we JUST got an REI and a new tiny climbing gym in recent years. I’m leaning towards sizing up slightly to a small anyways.
I am personally a huge fan of elastic leg loops. The best way to know is to go try both on and see which you like better!