Black Diamond Solution Climbing Harness Review: The Best Gear Loops I Tested
A versatile and supportive harness for sport climbers who want one harness to do it all
November 9th, 2026
Home > Gear Reviews > Climbing Gear
Our verdict
The Black Diamond Solution is one of the most comfortable and supportive climbing harnesses on the market right now. It has thin padding but extra-wide leg loops, a belay loop that never gets snagged, and easy-to-use gear loops. It’s an excellent harness for sport climbing, top roping, and even trad climbing thanks to its versatile design.
I’ve been climbing for over a decade and have tested countless climbing harnesses. I even tested 15 climbing harnesses head-to-head for our guide to the best climbing harnesses. I tested the Black Diamond Solution harness while testing for that guide, where I climbed in it several times both indoors and outside, wore it around the house to judge comfort, fit, and mobility, and even hung in it for five minutes straight to gauge long-term hanging comfort. Since the original publication of that story, I’ve continued to climb in the Black Diamond Solution (after ordering a smaller size, more on that below).
My biggest gripe with this harness is that its leg loops aren’t adjustable, which can make putting it on faster, but lead to some discomfort if your harness doesn’t fit properly. However, if the fit is right, the Solution is one of the most comfortable and capable harnesses you can buy, which is why it’s our pick for the best sport climbing harness.
Black Diamond Solution
Men's
Women's
We create reader-supported, mission-driven, objective gear reviews independently selected by our editors. This story may contain affiliate links, which help fund our website. When you click on the links to purchase gear, we may get a commission — without costing you an extra cent. Thank you for supporting our work and mission of outdoor coverage for every body! Learn how we test.
Black Diamond Solution Climbing Harness specifications
Price: $100
Weight: 378 grams (men’s medium)
Sizing: Men’s XXS to XL, women’s XXS to L
Waist adjustment: One waist buckle
Leg loops: Elastic (non-adjustable)
Gear loops: 4 large thermoformed loops, plus 1 rear accessory loop
Ice clipper slots: No
Haul loop: Yes
Belay loop: Single seamless Infinity Belay Loop
Tie-in point wear indicators: No
Padding / construction: Contour Edge leg loops and waist band
Certifications: CE0082 and EN12277
Best for
Rope climbers looking for a do-it-all harness
Climbers who want an easy-on, easy-off harness
Sport climbers who want quick access to easy-to-use gear loops
Comparison table
| CLIMBING HARNESS | WEIGHT | MENS SIZES | WOMENS SIZES | GEAR LOOPS | ADJUSTABILITY | MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black Diamond Solution Men's Women's |
378 g (men's M) | XXS-XL | XXS-L | 5 | Waist buckle, elastic leg loops | $100 |
| Mammut Ophir 3 Slide 2.0 Men's Women's |
385 g (men's M) | XXS-XXL | XS-L | 4 | Waist buckle, leg buckles | $85 |
| Black Diamond Momentum Men's Women's |
350 g (men's M) | XS-XXL | XS-XL | 4 | Waist buckle, trakFIT leg-loop sliders | $75 |
| Petzl CORAX LT Men's Women's |
395 g (men's M) | XS-XL | XS-XL | 4 | Waist buckle, elastic leg loops | $70 |
| Arc’teryx AR-395a/AR-385a Men's Women's |
405 g (men's), 380 g (women's) | XS-XL | XS-XL | 4 | Waist buckle, leg buckles | $160 |
What we liked
Smooth closure buckle
Wide and supportive leg loops
Spacious and sturdy gear loops
Snag-free belay loop
What could be better
Leg loop adjustability for better fit
A bit expensive for beginners
A bit heavy for high-performance climbers
How we tested
To truly put the Black Diamond Solution harness through its paces, I conducted standardized tests at home and climbed while wearing it at gyms and outdoors. At home, I tried it on and compared its sizing and dimensions to other popular harnesses. I clipped and unclipped quickdraws from its gear loops, performed stretches to test mobility, and statically hung from a hangboard while wearing it for five minutes straight to test support and comfort.
In the field, I wore the Solution harness while climbing indoors and outdoors, paying careful attention to how long it took to put on and take off, comfort while climbing and while hanging, as well as how it performed while lead climbing and belaying.
I climbed in the Black Diamond Solution for several weeks and made sure to climb on top-rope, lead, and even auto-belays to see how comfortable it felt. Because I tested mostly during the summer, my climbing sessions included warm-weather and sun-soaked crags, and I made sure to hit the gym during rush hour to judge its breathability. I had other male climbers who wear the same size test it for fit and feel, and even ordered a women’s version and had female climbers test that one for fit and feel.
I also tested the Black Diamond Solution harness alongside similar models from our Best Climbing Harnesses guide.
Performance in the field
Comfort
The Black Diamond Solution harness was one of the comfiest and most supportive harnesses our testers have tried. It doesn’t have thick, plush padding like some other options, and instead it relies on Black Diamond’s Contour Edge technology to keep you comfortable. This design features a more rigid band of material in the middle of the leg loops and waist belt, with softer, more flexible edges.
During testing, I noticed the Contour Edge as the waist belt and leg loops felt more supportive and malleable while climbing and hanging than others. Unlike some other harnesses where the entire leg loops are made of a stiffer material, the Black Diamond Solution immediately felt like it’d been broken in and was comfortable right out of the box.
Hanging comfort
To test hanging comfort, I wore the Solution harness and hung from my home hangboard for five minutes straight. The thing I noticed immediately, especially when comparing it to other harnesses, was how supportive the leg loops are. The material has just the right stiffness and is a lot wider than the loops of other harnesses I tried, which provided tons of surface area to spread out my weight. The waist belt felt similarly supportive, and its wide design held me up comfortably when I leaned back. I definitely got tired of hanging in some of the other harnesses and had to readjust my legs to prevent pinching and painful spots, but I never had these issues in the Solution.
Fit and adjustability
The adjustability of the Black Diamond Solution is its weakest point. I measured about 11 inches of potential waistbelt adjustment on the men’s medium, but its recommended waist size is about 30–33 inches. And, its leg loops only have elastic bands, no buckles. Buckles definitely make putting your harness on and taking it off a bit more time consuming, but for me, they’re almost a non-negotiable. Because I have small thighs, most harnesses without adjustable leg loops ride up into my crotch and hanging feels extremely uncomfortable. The leg loops on the Solution have some flexibility, but it’s just not enough to cover a wide range of body types.
If you have particularly small or thick thighs compared to your waist, it’s definitely best to take careful measurements and ideally try on any harness that doesn’t have adjustable leg loops, including the Solution. See our guide to checking climbing harness fit.
I first tested the Black Diamond Solution in a men’s medium, the same size as the other harnesses, but my thighs were swimming in space. I then tried a small, which fit my 28-inch waist well. However, some reviews on the product page say the harness felt a bit small. So, if you’re between sizes, check both waist and leg-loop measurements and try on both sizes. Choose the one whose waistband fits securely above your hips.
Climbing performance, freedom of movement
The Solution isn’t the slimmest of climbing harnesses, but it doesn’t really limit my freedom of movement at all. It’s not ultralight and its leg loops and waist belt have a wide, supportive design, so it’s not like you’re never going to feel this harness while you’re climbing. You probably will. But I was still able to easily and comfortably perform all the climbing moves I came across, from drop knees and heel hooks to stemming and high feet.
Gear loops and gear access
Besides the support, the gear loops might be the best feature of the Black Diamond Solution harness. They have tons of space and feature a rigid construction, which means they don’t wiggle around when you’re trying to clip or unclip your quickdraws. They’re the best gear loops I’ve tested on a harness, and their structure means you can kind of just push the gate of a quickdraw against the loop and it’ll basically rack itself.
The positioning of the loops was also comfortable, and I was easily able to stash all the quickdraws I needed for long, winding sport routes. There are four main gear loops, with two on each side, plus a fifth rear accessory loop. Black Diamond says there’s enough real estate to fit 15 quickdraws on each side, which means this harness is a great candidate for trad and multi-pitch climbing too.
Belaying
One of the big updates in this version of the Black Diamond Solution is its use of the brand’s “Infinity Belay Loop.” Unlike most other belay loops I’ve seen, there isn’t any overlapping material or stitching, which means the interior of the loop is completely smooth. This might not sound like a big deal, but that seam can get caught on your carabiner while belaying and can sometimes cause awkward pulling or tugging.
With this new Infinity Loop, that doesn’t happen. I belayed for other climbers around a dozen times in this harness, and the loop never got caught on anything. It might not seem like the most groundbreaking update, but after using it, I want this belay loop on every harness I use from now on.
Ventilation and heat management
The Black Diamond Solution harness doesn’t have a ton of ventilation compared to some other options I tested, but that doesn’t mean it was uncomfortable in hot weather. I climbed outdoors while wearing it during the summer multiple times and donned it during peak rush hour gym sessions, and I never felt abnormally hot. The design is wider than others, so there’s definitely more coverage, but the padding is also thinner and lighter than most, which means it doesn’t trap as much heat.
If you know you get sweaty in most harnesses and you need a highly breathable one, this probably isn’t the best for you, but for most people, the Solution’s moderate heat management will suffice.
Ease of use
The Black Diamond Solution is extremely easy to use. It retains its shape well and its leg loops and waist belt are different colors so you can tell them apart when you’re taking it out of your cramped crag bag or gym bag. The buckle on the waist belt is smooth and I was able to adjust it quickly and even loosen it with one hand. The leg loops aren’t adjustable, which means you won’t have to fiddle with buckles there and can just simply step into the harness.
Durability and wear
After climbing in the Black Diamond Solution for several weeks, I haven’t noticed any wear or abrasion. The Solution doesn’t have any built-in wear markers on the tie-in points or the belay loop (unlike some harnesses), so it’s really up to you to monitor the health of your harness. Keep an eye out for abrasions, UV damage, rips, holes, and other tears.
For a full list of things that can impact the longevity of your harness and tips on when you should retire it, check out guidance from Black Diamond here.
Features
Infinity Belay Loop
Black Diamond’s “Infinity Belay Loop” doesn’t have a seam, so it can easily move and shift while connected to a carabiner. The seam on traditional belay loops can sometimes get stuck on the tie-in points or a carabiner, but that issue is eliminated with this new style of belay loop.
Contour Edge leg loops and waist
Black Diamond’s Contour Edge technology is in the Solution’s leg loops and waist belt. The middle of the loops and belt have a more rigid material for excellent support, while the edges are softer and can better bend to your body while you’re climbing. We found this feature very comfortable, and it gave the harness a broken-in feel right out of the box.
Gear loops
The Solution has four well-sized, thermoformed gear loops that have a good amount of structure to them. The harness also has a fifth gear loop on the back for things like a tag line, water bottle, your approach shoes, and more.
Single waist buckle
The buckle on the waist of the Solution harness is smooth and easy to use. It auto-locks the adjustable webbing, so you don’t need to manually double-back it every time.
Adjustable, releasable elastic risers
Risers can help you customize the distance between the leg loops and the waist belt. The ones on the Solution are easily adjustable and you can even release them from the waist belt while wearing the harness (for instance if you need to use the bathroom while on a big wall).
What's new
This version of the Black Diamond Solution added the Infinity Belay Loop, Contour Edge leg loops and waist, and widened the gear loops. These updates make the harness more comfortable and versatile to use than its previous version.
Sustainability and corporate ethics
Black Diamond has a sustainability page and says it’s “committed to protecting the people and places we love.” It has put in place sustainability goals for 2030 including a 50% reduction in carbon emission intensity, 50% of products composed of preferred materials, improved product longevity, improvements to product circularity, and becoming a certified B-Corporation. Black Diamond also publishes an annual impact report, and you can see 2025’s report.
In terms of advocacy, Black Diamond says it’s committed to “conservation, equality, inclusion, and access causes—locally, regionally and globally—as well as philanthropic support to grassroots conservation and access-focused nonprofit groups.” You can read more about its advocacy efforts, conservation partners and more on the brand’s website.
FAQ
-
Yes, the Black Diamond Solution harness is a good investment for beginners. It’s a little expensive, but it’s comfortable, supportive, and has sturdy gear loops that make learning how to clip and unclip draws from your harness easy.
-
The Black Diamond Solution harness is great for nearly all styles of climbing, including sport, trad, and gym climbing. Its combination of comfort and support means you can hang on your projects, and its gear loops are spacious and easy to use, perfect for trad and multi-pitch climbs. The only style it isn’t ideal for is ice climbing, as it doesn’t have any ice clipper slots.
-
I found the Black Diamond Solution harness fit pretty true to size in the waist and a bit big in the legs. At least one review on the Black Diamond website said it fit a bit small in the waist. If you’re between sizes, check both waist and leg-loop measurements and try on both sizes. Choose the one whose waistband fits securely above your hips.
-
No, the Black Diamond Solution harness doesn’t have adjustable leg loops. There’s a bit of flexible elastic that helps them adjust to your thighs, but there’s no way to manually tighten or loosen them.
Similar climbing harnesses
Black Diamond Solution vs. Mammut Ophir 3 Slide 2.0
Weight: 385 grams (men’s medium)
Gear loops: 4
Adjustability: One waist buckle, one buckle on each leg loop
MSRP: $85
The Mammut Ophir 3 Slide is our pick for the best overall climbing harness (it has been updated to the Ophir 3 Slide 2.0). Its padding is thicker and more comfortable than that of the Solution, and it has adjustable leg loops so you can dial in the perfect fit. It’s cheaper than the Solution harness, but it’s also bulkier and a tad heavier, so high-performance climbers will probably notice it more than the Solution. However, if you want an all-around harness that can handle any climb and has adjustable leg loops, the Ophir 3 Slide is the best out there.
Mammut Ophir 3 Slide 2.0
Men's
Women's
Black Diamond Solution vs. Black Diamond Momentum
Weight: 350 grams (men’s medium)
Gear loops: 4
Adjustability: Waist buckle, trakFIT leg-loop sliders
MSRP: $75
The Black Diamond Momentum is very lightweight and comes in at a great price, which is why it’s our pick for the best affordable climbing harness.
Its padding is thick and stiffer than others, so it isn’t as comfortable as the Ophir 3 Slide or the Solution. Its gear loops are stable, which makes clipping and unclipping easy, but they aren’t as spacious as the Solution’s. They’re perfect for climbers just learning how to sport climb. It has a little bit of adjustability on the leg loops, but not as much as the Mammut harness. If you’re okay with a downgrade in comfort and want to save a few bucks, this is an excellent option.
Black Diamond Momentum
Men's
Women's
Black Diamond Solution vs. Petzl CORAX LT
Weight: 395 grams (men’s medium)
Gear loops: 4
Adjustability: One waist buckle, flexible leg loops
MSRP: $70
The Petzl CORAX LT is a very close competitor to the Black Diamond Solution. The Petzl harness doesn’t have the Infinity Belay Loop or Contour Edges, but it’s still a fantastically comfortable and versatile harness.
Its padding felt more comfortable to me than the Solution, but the leg loops and waist belt aren’t as wide so they weren’t as supportive. This harness also doesn’t have adjustable leg loops, so folks with skinny or thick thighs compared to their waist might have some sizing issues, though its leg loops did fit smaller than the Solution’s. This harness is cheaper and its cushioning is more comfortable than the Solution’s, making it a great pick for all sorts of rope climbing, and it’s our favorite harness for gym climbing.
Petzl CORAX LT
Men's
Women's
Black Diamond Solution vs. Arc’teryx AR-395a (Men’s)/AR-385a (Women’s)
Weight: 405 grams (men’s), 380 grams (women’s)
Gear loops: 4
Adjustability: One waist buckle, one buckle on each leg loop
MSRP: $160
If you’re in need of a fully-featured harness, the Arc’teryx AR-395a/AR-385a is the one to splurge on. It’s our pick for the best trad climbing harness because it has stiff, easy-to-use gear loops that can stash tons of draws, cams, and slings. Plus, its thin padding is comfortable, supportive, and lightweight to keep you comfortable for hours on end.
It also has adjustable leg loops so they won’t ride up while hanging on your project and four ice clipper slots so you can take it ice climbing too. It’s by far the most versatile and equipped harness I tested, but it comes at a hefty price.
Arc’teryx AR-395a/AR-385a
Men's
Women's
Should I buy the Black Diamond Solution Harness?
Buy if:
You want a versatile harness for top-roping and sport climbing indoors and outside
You want tons of support and hanging comfort
You climb outdoors often and need gear loops that are easy to use
Skip if:
You mostly rope climb indoors and you don’t need sturdy gear loops
Your thighs are particularly skinny or thick compared to your waist
You don’t want to spend $100 on a harness
Where to buy the Black Diamond Solution Harness
The Black Diamond Solution Harness is popular, so you have options when it comes to retailers. Here are the pros of each retailer.
REI Co-op
Pros: Lifetime membership is a $30 one-time fee and offers 10% member rewards on eligible full-price items, a 1-year satisfaction guarantee, free shipping, member coupons, 20% off bike and snow shop services, and more.
Backcountry
Pros: Gearhead chat customer service is excellent. Summit Club+ $49/year and offers 10% cash back, free 2-day shipping on orders over $150, free 365-day returns on unused gear, a 20% off birthday offer, and more.
Black Diamond
You can sometimes find more options (such as sizes or colors) when purchasing directly from the manufacturer.
Advice on where to buy
In general for gear, we recommend purchasing from a place with easy or free returns, like REI.
Why you should trust us / About the author
This guide’s author, Kai Burkhardt, has been climbing for over a decade. He prefers bouldering, but often goes rope climbing with his friends at the gym and outdoors in the Front Range of Colorado. Burkhardt has worked at multiple climbing gyms in the past and has taught classes introducing climbers to both top-roping and lead climbing.
For this review, Burkhardt performed standardized tests on the Black Diamond Solution harness and climbed in it indoors at his local gyms and outside at crags like Clear Creek Canyon for several weeks. He compared the men’s Solution harness in a size medium to other medium harnesses, but because the leg loops were too big, he also got a small men’s Solution for more testing and climbing. He also got the women’s Solution harness and had female climbers try it on and test it for fit, comfort, sizing, and more.
