When comparing climbing harnesses, ropes & quickdraws, the key decision is often fit and intended use: do you want a regular-fit half-body harness with wider belt and leg-loop details, or a women's XL harness with specific measurements for single- and multi-pitch climbing? These two options are close in price, so matching the harness to your body and plans matters more than choosing by cost alone.
Quick verdict
The Thicken harness is the fit-and-adjustment choice, with a regular-fit half-body design and a broad list of climbing and work-at-height applications. The Arc'teryx Skaha is the more specifically women-focused option, with an XL designation and a climbing profile aimed at single- and multi-pitch use. Start with fit, then use the price gap as a tiebreaker.
At-a-glance comparison
| Product | Price | Fit or format cue | Main use cue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thicken Climbing Harness | USD 79.95 | Regular fit; half-body harness | Climbing, rappelling, caving, arborist, tower and roof work |
| Arc'teryx Skaha Harness | USD 76.75 | Women's XL | Single- and multi-pitch climbs |
Where each harness wins
Thicken Climbing Harness
The Thicken wins on the breadth of its named applications. Its description covers rock climbing, rappelling, caving, arborist work, tower work and roof work, making that range the clearest reason to consider it. It also highlights a wider waist belt, wider leg loops, double-thickened straps and adjustable waist and leg belts.
Arc'teryx Skaha Harness
The Arc'teryx Skaha wins for a more climbing-specific setup. It is described as lightweight and breathable, with a streamlined profile and four gear loops, while its intended use centers on single- and multi-pitch climbs. The Lampyre/Boxcar colorway and included mesh storage bag and tags add distinctive details without changing the main fit decision.
Product notes
Thicken Climbing Harness
The Thicken Climbing Harness suits shoppers who want a black polyester harness with a regular-fit, half-body format and clearly described adjustment features. Its waist and leg belts are designed to adjust with the buckle, while the wider waist belt and leg loops with double-thickened straps are concrete reasons to choose it. The limitation is that its fit is identified simply as Regular, rather than the women's XL designation and measurement range associated with Arc'teryx Skaha. At USD 79.95, it is also the higher-priced choice here, so its strongest case is the combination of adjustment details and the broad list of named climbing and work applications-not the price.
Arc'teryx Skaha Harness
The Arc'teryx Skaha Harness is a focused choice for women shopping for the listed XL size. Its stated waist range is 36-38.5 inches, with a thigh range of 26-28 inches, giving fit-focused shoppers concrete reference points. A reason to choose it is the included original mesh storage bag and tags, alongside the harness's lightweight and breathable description. The limitation is sizing specificity: the women's XL designation and those measurements need to align with the wearer. The Lampyre/Boxcar colorway is also a defined visual choice rather than the plain black finish of the Thicken harness.
Final choice by use case
- Choose Thicken for a harness spanning climbing, rappelling, caving, arborist work, tower work or roof work, especially if its wider waist-and-leg setup and adjustment details match what you want.
- Choose Arc'teryx Skaha for single- or multi-pitch climbing when the stated women's XL measurements fit your needs and the lightweight, breathable profile appeals to you.
- If both fit your plans equally, Arc'teryx Skaha costs USD 3.20 less: USD 76.75 compared with USD 79.95.
