Thrifty Climbing: Black Diamond Solution Harness Delivers on the Rock

What’s the difference between a $170 harness and a $70 harness? One costs $100 less.

Slender, lightweight, and super inexpensive: Black Diamond’s Solution harness offers a whole lot of bang for not a lot of buck.

Released in 2017, the Solution works as a sport, trad, and indoor climbing harness. It’s not the lightest or flashiest, but it’s comparable in performance to more expensive ultralight climbing harnesses.

The Solution integrates the same Fusion Comfort Technology in the hip loops as its costlier high-performance cousin, the BD Zone.

The harness impressed us after testing on outdoor and indoor walls. It stands up to abuse, doesn’t get in the way of grabbing gear quickly, and is comfortable. And on top of everything, it costs only $70.

Review: Black Diamond Solution

From steep limestone sport routes, to trad climbing Lake Superior’s north shore, the Solution served its purpose.

I organized my rack, reached for protection, and tied-in. The climb was comfortable, like a harness should be.

The waist and leg loops have a thin profile, fitting snugly around the body. I wore a size medium, with a 32″ inseam, and would say the harness ran smaller than I expected.

The four gear loops are “pressure-molded” and protrude away from the harness. I never struggled to reach gear pressed awkwardly against my body. On the back of the harness is a non-weight-rated loop, perfect for a carabiner and chalk bag.

The Solution is a step up from Black Diamond’s best-selling and most recognizable harness, the Momentum.

Fusion Comfort Technology

The Solution is able to provide a comfortable climbing experience without excessive padding thanks in part to Fusion Comfort Technology. Both the waistbelt and leg loops contain Fusion Comfort.

Moving toward the body inwards, the harness is constructed in layers. Furthest from the body are three bands of webbing to evenly distribute pressure. Then, an EVA foam insert provides support and comfort. Closest is soft, breathable mesh padding for added comfort. The whole package is wrapped in a tightly woven, durable stretch laminate.

From hangdogging tough sport routes to general use, I haven’t felt pressure points or experienced any tears or serious abrasions.

What You Don’t Get

No harness is perfect, and the Solution leaves some build components out that account for its low price-point. It doesn’t have adjustable leg loops, which are most often necessary with alpine/ice climbing, where bulky pants need adjustable leg openings. It also weighs 11.6 oz, 0.8 oz more than Black Diamond’s lightweight sport harness, the Zone.

Whether you need a gym climbing workhorse during the winter months, or just need an all-around climbing harness, consider the Black Diamond Solution.

Check Men’s Price at BackcountryCheck Women’s Price at REI