Can we talk about the cost of decent climbing gear these days?

I spent $260 on a new saddle last month after my old one started fraying at the buckles. Figured I could patch it up but the shop guy said it wasn't worth the risk... so I bit the bullet. The new one has better padding and it saved my hips on a 5-hour prune job. Has anyone else had a piece of gear fail on them when they least expected it?

2 comments

2 Comments

jamesm481mo agoMost Upvoted

Yep. Old harness frayed mid-climb. Scary stuff.

josephbutler1mo ago

Get a new one every 3 years max, even if it looks fine. I had a harness that looked perfect on the outside but the inner webbing was basically dust. Fraying is just the first sign sometimes. Always check the stitching around the tie-in points and the belay loop too, those are the first to go. Better to spend the money than end up in the hospital.