Choosing among climbing harnesses, ropes & quickdraws can look like a price decision, but these two harnesses serve very different purposes. The Skaha Harness is a new women's XL option described for single- and multi-pitch climbs. The Vintage Metolius is a used harness that is 25 years old and is not claimed to be safe for climbing. For climbing use, the Skaha is the straightforward choice; for a display piece, the Metolius has the clearer fit.
Quick verdict
Choose the Skaha Harness if you need the option with a new condition, a defined women's fit, and features described for longer climbing outings. Choose the Vintage Metolius Climbing Harness only for its vintage appearance or display potential, not as an equal climbing alternative. The listed price spread is $48.26, but the larger difference is the intended use and condition.
At a glance
| Product | Listed price | Condition | Key distinction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skaha Harness | USD 76.75 | New | Women's XL; four gear loops; described for single- and multi-pitch climbs |
| Vintage Metolius Climbing Harness | USD 28.49 | Used | 25 years old; presented as a possible display piece and not claimed safe for climbing |
Where each product wins
- Skaha Harness: Wins for a shopper seeking a new harness with a clearly stated women's XL fit, breathable and lightweight construction, and four gear loops.
- Vintage Metolius Climbing Harness: Wins for a narrower display-oriented use case, thanks to its black-and-red vintage styling and explicit display-piece potential.
Product notes
Skaha Harness - Women's XL
The Skaha Harness makes the practical case for climbing use. It is listed in new condition and described as a breathable, lightweight harness for single- and multi-pitch climbs, with a streamlined profile and four gear loops. The Lampyre/Boxcar colorway, original mesh storage bag, and tags also give the package a defined presentation. Its limitation is fit specificity: this is a women's XL with listed measurements of a 91-98 cm waist and 66-72 cm thighs. Shoppers outside those ranges should not assume the stated size will work. At USD 76.75, it also costs $48.26 more than the Vintage Metolius, so its reason to choose is the new condition and climbing-focused description rather than a lower entry price.
Vintage Metolius Climbing Harness
The Vintage Metolius Climbing Harness has a clear niche as a black-and-red vintage piece for display. Its title connects it with rock climbing gear and bouldering, while the description presents it as a possible display item if it is not considered safe for climbing. The decisive limitation is its age and condition: it is 25 years old, used, and not claimed to be safe for climbing. That makes it a poor match for someone looking for a harness to use on a climb, regardless of its USD 28.49 price. The lower cost is therefore relevant to a display-oriented purchase, but it should not be treated as evidence that this harness is a climbing-ready substitute for the new Skaha.
Final choice by use case
- For single- or multi-pitch climbing: Choose the Skaha Harness, whose description directly covers those uses and identifies it as new.
- For a defined women's XL fit: Choose the Skaha Harness, using its listed waist and thigh measurements as the deciding reference.
- For a vintage display piece: Choose the Vintage Metolius Climbing Harness, which is explicitly presented as suitable for that role if not used for climbing.
- For the safer decision between these two listed options: The Skaha is the more appropriate choice because the Metolius is 25 years old and not claimed safe for climbing.
