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Harness - BD Alpine Bod or Couloir ?

PostPosted: Fri Dec 02, 2011 1:45 am
by sm0421
Hi, I want to buy a harness for Mt. Rainier, and in the future, Mt. Hood, Gannett Peak and Granite Peak. (and maybe Denali someday)

I researched a lot and actually tried them on, I really like the Couloir but heard many people say that the small buckle is not convenient for winter mountaineering.

Which one would you recommend?

Thanks,
Alex

Re: Harness - BD Alpine Bod or Couloir ?

PostPosted: Fri Dec 02, 2011 2:29 am
by Kai
Couloir.

Very good alpine harness. I have thick, fumbly fingers, and I can work the buckles just fine.

(I own an alpine bod too. It doesn't get used now except as a loaner.)

Re: Harness - BD Alpine Bod or Couloir ?

PostPosted: Sun Dec 04, 2011 2:02 am
by Autoxfil
Couloir. I have yet to meet anyone who has used both who doesn't think the Couloir is much better in every way. That's saying something, because the Alpine Bod is a classic.

It's much ligher, packs down to nothing, has a belay loop, is just as comfortable, not much more expensive... just better all around.

The weight alone will really matter on all those state highpoints you're after. Your Gannet pack will be too heavy no matter what you do, so learn to shave weight now... ounces really matter!

Re: Harness - BD Alpine Bod or Couloir ?

PostPosted: Sun Dec 04, 2011 5:42 am
by Mountainjeff
I have the Alpine BOD and love it, but the couloir seems like a more comfortable alternative that packs smaller than the BOD and is lighter

Re: Harness - BD Alpine Bod or Couloir ?

PostPosted: Sun Dec 04, 2011 10:13 pm
by sm0421
thank you guys! I purchased the Couloir from EMS this weekend and I love it! It's so light and packable.

Re: Harness - BD Alpine Bod or Couloir ?

PostPosted: Tue Dec 06, 2011 4:37 pm
by Hotoven
sm0421 wrote:thank you guys! I purchased the Couloir from EMS this weekend and I love it! It's so light and packable.


Ok sm0421, now that you have a harness will have to go climbing!

Re: Harness - BD Alpine Bod or Couloir ?

PostPosted: Tue Dec 06, 2011 9:48 pm
by Damien Gildea
Autoxfil wrote: I have yet to meet anyone who has used both who doesn't think the Couloir is much better in every way.


Hello Autoxfil, I don't believe we've met! I just don't like the Couloir. I really wanted to, if only because it's a nice orange color. But it just doesn't fit me properly. I'm a bit between sizes, so tried the S/M and M/L sizes, but the fit is terrible. Way too short in the front, like it's falling off me. I also think the buckle is too small, but I've never used it in winter with gloves because the fit is just unworkable. My Alpine Bod fits like a glove and isn't much heavier. The Couloir is a nice harness, but not for me.