Do-It-All Climbing Harness Gets Better: Petzl Adjama Review

The Petzl Adjama ($105) has been my everyday harness for years, and the latest version gives me the one thing I wanted more of — gear space.

Finding a harness that can comfortably transition from long trad routes to gym sessions and occasional alpine objectives isn’t easy. Lightweight sport models trim features to save grams, while big-wall and trad harnesses prioritize support and gear storage. The Petzl Luna is the women’s-specific counterpart to the Adjama, offering the same features with a fit shaped specifically for women.

I climbed in an older Adjama for several years before testing the latest version for about 6 months at my home crags in Colorado. I wore it over thick climbing pants and a base layer during late-winter and early-spring days, and then switched to lightweight shorts in summer. The updated harness keeps the adaptability and durable construction I liked in the previous model while adding noticeably more room for gear.

In short: The latest Petzl Adjama combines generous gear capacity, adjustable leg loops, and a supportive waistbelt in a design that moves easily between trad, multipitch, sport, and alpine climbing. Larger front loops and a fifth rear loop make it particularly useful for carrying a full rack. It isn’t the lightest or most cushioned option, but it handles a wide range of climbing remarkably well.

Looking for more options? Check out our guide to the Best Climbing Harnesses.

Petzl Adjama Review

From Sport Routes to Alpine Days

Few harnesses feel equally at home clipping bolts at the local sport crag, plugging cams on multipitch trad climbs, or heading into the alpine for a full day in the mountains.

The Adjama’s waistbelt strikes an effective balance between support and mobility. It feels substantial enough for hanging belays and projecting routes without becoming overly bulky on approaches or restrictive while climbing.

The adjustable fit also lets me move between seasons without changing harnesses. I wore it over thicker layers during cold days in late winter and early spring, and then cinched it down over lightweight shorts in summer.

Five Gear Loops Make a Difference

One of the most welcome updates is the addition of a fifth rear gear loop. Before getting the latest Adjama this winter, I’d used an older version as my everyday climbing harness for several years. The large fifth loop was the first thing I noticed when the new harness arrived.

It may seem like a small addition, but trad climbers will appreciate the extra organization. The rear loop provides a dedicated place for anchor material, gloves, a tagline, a nut tool, or an emergency layer while leaving the four primary loops open for protection.

I really dislike carrying an over-the-shoulder gear sling and almost always prefer to get everything onto my harness, even on full-day trad routes. When organization becomes increasingly important, having five usable loops helps prevent clutter and keeps equipment easier to access while leading.

Bigger Front Loops, Faster Access

The two extra-large rigid front gear loops are another useful update. The previous Adjama could comfortably hold about eight quickdraws across the front loops. The new version can easily accommodate 10 to 12.

Because they retain their shape even when heavily loaded, clipping and removing cams, quickdraws, or alpine draws is fast and intuitive. They stay open instead of collapsing against the harness, which becomes especially valuable when I’m pumped on lead or wearing gloves.

It’s one of those design changes I noticed immediately after switching from the softer, smaller loops on my older Adjama.

Adjustable & Droppable Leg Loops

Whether I was climbing in shorts, softshell pants, or heavier layers, dialing in a comfortable fit took only a few seconds. The adjustable leg loops give the Adjama significantly more seasonal range than a fixed-leg harness.

The droppable rear leg loops are equally useful. Nature calls don’t require removing the harness entirely, a convenience that alpine climbers, guides, and anyone spending hours on the wall will appreciate. It’s easy to overlook until you actually need it.

I tested a medium, which Petzl recommends for my 31-inch waist, but the Adjama ran slightly large. On most days, I had the waistbelt and leg loops cinched nearly as tight as they would go. The harness remained secure, but climbers between sizes should consider the smaller option.

Quality Construction

Like most Petzl equipment I’ve used, the Adjama feels exceptionally well constructed. My older harness has seen several years of hard use, including plenty of long trad routes and some off-width climbing that tends to tear up harnesses that aren’t up to the task.

I only have about 6 months of moderate use on the newest version, so I can’t make the same long-term durability claim yet. Still, its materials and overall construction inspire confidence, and I’ll continue testing it.

The harness also comes with a small storage pouch made from 100% recycled polyester. I initially assumed it would end up at the bottom of my climbing pack, never to be seen again. Instead, I found myself using it all the time to hold snacks or an extra layer on long routes and to keep my harness or other gear organized inside my pack.

Room for Improvement

The Adjama is supportive, but it isn’t the most cushioned harness available. Climbers who spend a lot of time at hanging belays or working routes may prefer a plusher option like the Misty Mountain Titan. I rarely noticed the difference during normal climbing, but the Titan feels softer during extended hangs.

The adjustable leg loops, extra buckle, and fifth gear loop also add weight. Climbers who almost exclusively clip bolts may prefer a lighter fixed-leg model like the Black Diamond Zone. The Adjama makes more sense for those who value range and gear capacity over minimal weight.

It also runs slightly large. My medium remained secure, but I had nearly maxed out the adjustments despite falling squarely within Petzl’s listed size range.

Petzl Adjama: Who Is It For?

The Adjama makes the most sense for trad, multipitch, and alpine climbers who need room for a full rack and the ability to adjust the fit around changing layers.

It’s also a strong option for climbers who divide their time among several disciplines and don’t want separate harnesses for sport, trad, and alpine objectives. The supportive waistbelt, excellent gear organization, and adjustable leg loops give it far more range than a stripped-down sport harness.

Pure sport climbers may prefer something lighter, while those expecting long hanging belays may want more padding. For everyone in between, the latest Adjama remains one of the most capable all-around harnesses I’ve used.