Review of CAMP Eldorado Harness
By Matt Smith

Over the last several years, canyoneering or canyoning has become increasingly more popular in the United States. European manufactureres have been making canyoning specific for some time, but only over the last two to three years has distribution in US stores been significant.

CAMP has been making quality technical equipment in Italy for over a century. Now that much of their product line is available in North America, I jumped at the chance to test some of their canyoneering gear.

The Eldorado is a rugged, functional harness built for abrasion and abuse.The PVC seat and sheath protects the harness from abrasion both on the seat and on around the steel mallion.

As one would expect, the basic harness features are all there from multiple gear loops, and fully adjustable straps to floating leg loops. What sets the Eldorado apart from other harnesses is the steel mallion rather than a belay loop, and the PVC seat. The mallion makes it possible to perform advanced ropework and rescue/self rescue techniques.

Similar to other PVC seats we have tested, the CAMP PVC seat (which can be purchased separately as the Coulotte) sustained only minimal wear even after several trips involving serious down-climbs and slides. A nice plus we haven't come across before is the PVC sheath over the mallion and the front of the harness. The sheath is actually very fuctional and did a great job protecting the front of the harness when I had to belly over chockstones or beached whale out of potholes.

Summary: The Eldorado is a great harness, especially for the money (around $60 online). I would recommend it for canyoneers of all skill levels

For more information contact:
C.A.M.P. USA
www.camp-usa.com
580 Burbank Street
Suite #150
Broomfield, Colorado 80020
1-877-421-CAMP
direct 303-465-9429
fax 303-465-9785

Matt Smith is the canyoneering specialist at GearReview.com.