Arc Teryx Vapor

Review Date
March 7, 2003

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Visitors rate this review
1.00 of 5, 1 votes

Reviewed by: curtie11(Unregistered User) ,  Climber , from Omaha, NE USA

Price Paid:  $100.00 at moosejaw.com

Summary:
I purchased the Vapor fitted about 2 months ago. Once you get the right fit, it's a great harness. Extremely comfortable both climbing and hanging. This thing is extremely light too, you can hardly even feel it on you. It tends to get a bit hot from the fitted leg loops because they are elastic and fit tight. If you don't want them to feel "tight", I would order a medium waste and x-large leg loops, don't worry it won't be to big. The gear loops are a bit weird as they are webbing stuff covered with plastic...this makes them kind of "floppy" and maybe hard to easily clip things on. Bottom line, I really like this harness, but will order x-large leg loops next time.

Customer Service:
I have somewhat mixed feelings. It was a MAJOR pain in the butt to get this harness. I started with the medium, but the leg loops were way to small. So I exchanged for a fitted with medium waste and large leg loops...much better. I think i may call up arcteryx and see if I can purchase just an x-large set of leg loops which shouldn't be a problem. Bottom line, if you want this harness in a popular size, order it 2 months before you really want it, b/c no one can keep it in stock, and you have to wait to get it factory direct. Moosejaw is a great retailer however, and very helpful.

Similar Products Used:
Black Diamond Momentum (sucks)

Review Date
March 1, 2003

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: meme_mutation(Unregistered User) ,  Climber , from Murrell's Inlet, SC USA

Price Paid:  $100.00 at either REI in Cary,

Summary:
I've owned this Arc'Tyrex harness for about 9 years, since '94 or '95 and it's still the best available. Not to mention that it still looks brand new, except Arc'tyrex has changed the pattern on the webbing - and my gear loops are seriously scuffed. I still have full confidence in my Vapor, as there's hardly a frayed piece of nylon on the whole thing. As one reviewer mentioned, the buckle just gets easier to thread with use. So, it softens a little, but I'm feeling like my harness is just getting 'broken in'. The padding, elastic, and minimalist desgin were space-age to me, at the time. If you could fall in my previous REI harness, with huge yellow (seat belt) webbing - you might understand my excitement. All in all, I know the $100 or so that I paid many years ago would have been gone regardless... but the purchase I made is still serving me well. Even though I live at the coast now, and rarely get out to climb, the Vapor is geared up and hanging by my door, in case I have to rappel from my 3rd story condo in a fire or something. That way, my harness, my rope, my shoes, and my most expensive gear (like the grigri) will all be safe.

Customer Service:
never needed customer service... the Vapor is idiot-proof and bomb-proof.

Similar Products Used:
used various harnesses, I've owned a "generic" REI model and tied my own. The Arc'tyrex Vapor is hardly "similar" to any I've owned.

Review Date
April 12, 2001

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Visitors rate this review
4.00 of 5, 1 votes

Reviewed by: Mara Kurka(Unregistered User) ,  Climber , from Pittsburgh, PA USA

Price Paid:  $100.00 at EMS

Summary:
Wonderful harness. My only complaint is that the hauser works on a turnbuckle system that doesn't allow enough leverage to complete the moves that the old Fonzi configuration made so easy. Foot placement, sight lines, fingerholds and breath control are still left up to the climber, which can be risky if experience is an issue. Still and all, a great harness.

Similar Products Used:
None

Review Date
January 11, 2001

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Matthew(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Albuquerque

Price Paid:  $100.00 at Mountain Gear

Summary:
Best harness available, period. Light super comfortable, and very simple. No bells and whistles. Unsurpassed build quality. I'll agree with a lower review, though: the waist fits pretty large so make sure you try this one on.

Customer Service:
No experience with Arc'Teryx

Similar Products Used:
Petzl, yates.

Review Date
December 21, 2000

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Chris(Unregistered User) ,  Climber , from Stevensville, MD, USA

Price Paid:  $80.00 at Hudson Trail, Annapolis

Summary:
THE harness for all concerned - incredible comfort, weight, and the elasticized leg loops are a thing of beauty.
Please note: Jennifer's review below is misleading: the waist closes with a nice sturdy strap you double back, like every harness. It has velcro only to keep it in place while you are threading. It is entirely trustworthy :)

Bottom line: buy one right now.

Customer Service:
Not the kind of product that would ever need to be returned: rock f'in solid. Arc'teryx is king.

Similar Products Used:
Petzl, BD, ABC (crap)