A recall from climbing brand Petzl is as much advice as a warning: No matter which harness you have, make sure you know how to use it properly.
Petzl has created a redesign for 27,500 climbing harnesses to address a potential “fall hazard,” according to a recall filed with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The move comes after the brand was notified that it’s possible to “don the harness backwards and subsequently connect to the non-weight bearing leg loop elastic band.”
At least one person suffered serious injuries after taking a fall in one of the harnesses.
To help prevent that error, Petzl will redesign the affected harnesses so it’s easier for new users to attach the carabiner (or tie a rope) in the right place. Many climbing harnesses, including the three affected Petzl models, have the belay loop located in front and in a bright color to try and ensure correct usage.
In a safety alert later removed from the Petzl website, the company pointed to the importance of adequate supervision for people new to the sport.
“Climbing gyms and adventure parks manage activities that are inherently dangerous,” the company said. “They have seen significant expansion in recent years, attracting an ever-increasing number of customers. Some of these customers are new to vertical activities and have little or no experience with how to safely engage in these dangerous activities.”
Petzl Upgrades Safety Alert to Voluntary Recall
Initially, Petzl issued a safety alert instead of a recall, meaning the redesign was optional.
“Petzl is not issuing a recall because the product complies with all industry and legislative requirements, and Petzl does not believe there are any design or manufacturing defects,” the company said.
That changed Thursday afternoon. The updated webpage now calls the redesign an “important voluntary recall” affecting the brand’s Gym, Pandion, and Panji harnesses. However, the page retains educational information on how operators of climbing gyms and adventure parks can ensure they’re using the harnesses correctly.
Of the affected harnesses, 22,000 units were sold in the U.S. and 5,800 in Canada between January 2019 and May 2024. Affected products include the following models, depending on the serial number:
The harnesses were sold at outdoor retailers — including KarstSports, PeakTrading, Backcountry, OmniProGear, and Moosejaw — and priced between $60 and $70.
For more information on the recall or to initiate a repair, users can contact Petzl America.
In January, Petzl announced a safety problem with Grillon anchor systems sold between October 2023 and December 2023. An unknown number of the devices were sold with the rope incorrectly installed.
