RRC Archives

I'm losing partners because of a stench that surrounds me when I climb. At first I just thought I was a bit ripe from sweating in the hot sun, but it turns out that the smell is coming from my harness. Ever left a wet towel in a gym bag in the back of your car for a week or so in the middle of summer? Imagine that, but worse. Anybody ever put a harness in the washing machine?

How old is it? If it's much over 3 years it may be a candidate for retirement. And if it's smelling, it may be breaking down (i.e.rotting), further evidence it should be retired.

Was this a problem with previous harnesses? If so, consider buying some 1" webbing and tying your own, or getting a munufactured harness with minimal padding. It may be that the foam padding in a manufactured harness is absorbing your sweat and causing the problem.

This is a new one on me. I've heard of nasty smelling climbing shoes, but never a harness. I would suggest that you call the company and see what they recommend. I would say that washing it in a mild soap and then letting it air dry would be okay. Baking soda worked really well on my mad rocks, so you may want to give that a try as well.

Losing climbing partners because of a stench? It sounds like they are a bunch of pansies anyway! I've had quite a few foul smelling climbing partners and they are some of my favorite people to climb and/or hang out with.

It's basically nylon and foam, so try a mild soap and water with a soft brush. here's a hint: when you're done climbing, instead of throwing it in your bag, leave it out until dry so the funk airs out.

I think as a whole...we climbers are a smelly bunch.

Wash the thing, air dry it...I can't imagine that it could do much, if any, harm. If it does, buy a new one.

use your partners socks for toilet paper the night before you climb. They won't notice the harness stench so much.

Taking a shower every once and a while will help too.

I would guess you could wash it like a climbing rope. Just put it in a mesh bag with a light detergent and rinse it twice, hang to dry (in the shade). I would check with the manufacturer first.