5 Black Diamond Couloir Harness Review

Reviewer: Lizzie Mouse, Wiltshire   (17-2-2012)

Does what it says on the tin! Simple, light weight and low bulk to carry - which were my criteria.. Wouldn't be the harness of choice for a long day out climbing due to lack of padding and narrow webbing but perfect for ski touring. Easy to put on. Nice little bag to keep it tidy.

5 Black Diamond Couloir Harness Review

Reviewer: Ian Tupman, Ardrossan   (15-1-2012)

I wanted a lightweight harness for scrambling, winter mountaineering and ski touring and this is just the job. I can put it on in less than thirty seconds whilst wearing boots and crampons and when packed, it fits into the chest pocket in my jacket. The only improvement that I can suggest is interlocking buckles rather than having to double back the leg straps which is a bit of a faff with gloves on.

5 Black Diamond Couloir Harness Review

Reviewer: Paul Kutarski, Heswall   (12-12-2011)

This is the best minimalist harness that I have come across and is ideal for ski touring. It's light and very comfortable generally, though wouldn't be so comfortable to sit suspended in for long periods of time. For touring, I find the belay loop is a better setup than having to use a Carabiner to complete the harness as per my Alpine Bod. It also stacks away amazingly small.

5 Black Diamond Couloir Harness Review

Reviewer: andrew dines, Cheadle   (8-5-2011)

I bought this as a luxury item for ski-touring. Saves 250g over my Bod harness, packs down very small and also makes a considerable difference in terms of comfort and non-restrictiveness when skinning and skiing.

Basically it's a Bod with thinner webbing and smaller buckles so works exactly the same. Gear loops are pretty flimsy but as only really intended for carrying crevasse rescue kit they are perfectly adequate.

A really good bit of kit if you have the dosh for a dedicated rando harness.

5 Black Diamond Couloir Harness Review

Reviewer: Lorne Cameron, Glasgow/Chamonix   (11-3-2011)

Excellent product, which I use for ski touring and glacier travel. Minimalist design feels good to ski/tour in and doesn't interfere with your backpack/etc. Only two gear loops so if you like to carry a load of gear then you might have to improvise somewhere but that's enough for me to carry what I need (two items clipped to each loop and an ice screw/flute through one of the slots). Extremely small and light to pack in your bag (friends are always jealous when they see me pack it into its stuff sack). I would have preferred black too but can't complain about that too much.

5 Black Diamond Couloir Harness Review

Reviewer: Jeremy Coleman, Saffron Walden, Essex   (18-11-2010)

I bought this harness to replace my BD Bod, as I wanted a lighter harness with a lower pack size. When packed it is about a third the size of the Bod and my Medium/Large, came in at 246g, with the bag adding another 18g.

I only use harnesses for backcountry skiing security when crossing glaciers, rather than climbing, so I wanted a harness that can be put on without removing my skis/boots. The Couloir meets that requirement by having quick release leg loops.

You would not want to use this harness for serious climbing, due to its minimal support, but for its intended ski touring/backcountry use, it is perfect.

I would have preferred black to orange, but you can't have everything.