Petzl Niagara & Canyon Harnesses
By Matt Smith

When I started exploring technical slot canyons, my gear consisted of the least expensive and most versatile product that would do the trick. My harness was a fully adjustable stripped down version and was somewhat uncomfortable. Since then my horizons have expanded to include products designed specifically for canyoneering. Two such products are the Petzl Canyon and Petzl Niagara harnesses. We have used these two harnesses extensively over the last year, and think we have found what sets them apart from the rest.

Petzl Canyon
The most unique feature of the Canyon is the protective vinyl seat that has affectionately come to be known as the "baboon butt". The vinyl seat protects the harness from abrasion while sliding, scrambling or bushwhacking your way through a canyon. Not only does it protect your harness, but when used over a wet or dry suit, it will protect that investment as well. I have to admit that the baboon butt looks pretty stupid. The first trip, the seat is a bit uncomfortable and stiff, especially when walking, but after a few uses, it loosens up and I hardly notice it anymore. You certainly aren't going to win any canyon fashion shows in this baby. But if you're going for functionality, there is nothing better. After a year of moderate use, the seat shows only minor wear (and the dry suits we have been testing show even less!).

Rather than having the traditional rappel/belay loop, the Canyon is fitted with a rounded steel mallion. This makes it possible to clip additional items onto your harness easily, even while hanging on the rope. The mallion also facilitates various advanced rope techniques that go beyond the scope of this review.

Other nice features are the auto-locking buckle on the waist belt as well as the adjustable risers on the seat and leg loops. With the auto-locking buckle there is no more fiddling with cold hands trying to get the strap doubled back through. With a good sharp yank you can cinch the waist and off you go. One caution, the auto-lock buckles tend to loosen up a bit if the harness is worn while hiking, particularly when the harness is new, or if the webbing is wet, so make sure and check at each drop before clipping into the rope.

The two gear loops are large and stiff. I found them easy to use, even while wearing neoprene gloves. The oversized plastic tubing over the gear loop keeps it rigid, making it easy to get your gear on and off even in tricky situations.

Summary: For about $89, this is hands down the best canyon-specific harness I have tried. It is a little bulky to pack, and a little heavier due to the vinyl seat, but I found it well worth the inconvenience on both counts.

Petzl Niagara
While the Niagara is marketed with the Canyon as a canyoneering harness, I found it to be somewhat less functional. Part of this is due to the fact that the Niagara is designed as a client harness, and so lacks many of the features found on the Canyon that would be more useful to guides and experienced canyoneers.

The Niagara has auto-locking buckles on the leg loops with a standard buckle for the waist belt. As with the Canyon, we found the auto-locking buckles loosened slightly after walking in the harness. The loosening was more noticeable on the Niagara's leg loops than on the waist belt of the Canyon, probably due to the additional movement.

A single reinforced tie-in is located front and center in the harness. The extra layer of webbing adds to the durability, but also serves to keep the loop upright and open. This makes it easier to attach your gear. The Niagara has only one gear loop, which is usually enough for the recreational canyoneer.

Summary: You can find the Niagara online for around $60. It is smaller and lighter than the Canyon, and more easily adjustable. It is better suited to less experienced canyoneers, or canyoneers who descend less technical canyons.

Matt Smith has gone through a 12-step program and no longer feels self conscious about his 'baboon butt'.

For more information, contact:
Petzl America
Freeport Center Building M-7<br>P.O. Box 160447
Clearfield, UT 84016
877-807-3805
info@petzl.com