chest harness

Chest harnesses for use with a Frog ascending system are generally very minimalist and they do not carry strength ratings. They are not designed to support the caver or catch lead falls. Their primary function is to attach to the top hole of a chest ascender to help keep it oriented and to help it advance up the rope during the stand portion of the sit-stand climbing cycle. Many cavers simply tie a loop of webbing that goes through the top hole of the chest ascender and is long enough to go over the caver’s head and around the back of their neck. Others tie a loop of webbing and make a basic figure-8 harness that is clipped in front with a carabiner or maillon to the top of the chest ascender. Many commercial options exist that range from very cheap and simple to nearly the cost of a seat harness. Some of these commercial models are equipped with gear loops that can be used for clipping rigging gear or some basic lead-climbing equipment.