Non adjustable harnesses
Product 2020
Woman, Man
With a sober and sleek design, the Fly was designed by Peztl for technical mountaineering and ski mountaineering. This modular harness goes on with your feet on the ground, the waistband and the two leg straps opening completely.
In the perpetual quest for lightness, the Fly is, to date, the lightest harness ever designed by Petzl. The Small indicates 121.3g, if you remove the foam padding, it goes down to 99.1g. It comes with two bags for each of these configurations.
The lap belt closes with a cord and a small piece of plastic that is inserted into a hole created by a sewn strap. To adjust it, simply slide it to the desired fit. This is a bit tough to do but once adjusted, it doesn’t budge. With gloves on, it takes good dexterity and a bit of practice to close this system easily.
The attachment is done on the two loops that line the belt. In terms of storage, the Petzl Fly has six separate spaces on the belt. This allows you to take more than what is strictly necessary but also to organize it properly. The two gear loops are ample and can store many dégaines. The four buckles clip onto a vertical axis and can only hold a few carabiners.
To install the thigh straps, those who have already rigged a kite will not be disoriented because it’s an identical system. For others, here are some explanations:
first, there is a color code to differentiate the two thighs. On one side, there is a tête d’alouette and on the other, three spaced out stop knots. When you have the right setting, just tighten the lark’s head against the knot. Even after being powered on, the system can easily be removed.
When we first used it, we were convinced when walking the movement and friction would open this adjustment system without a safety system. It never opened involuntary in all the different uses we tested it for (mountaineering, climbing, ski touring in couloirs). You end up gaining confidence in this equipment after extensive use, which at first glance is very minimalist.
Under each thigh two rubber bands allow you to attach a pin, a silicone reinforcement on the elastic stiffens it and prevents the pin from slipping. You can also adjust the position of the thighs with an elastic at the back. For precise and symmetrical adjustment the elastic contains visual marks.
When you put the harness on, you take time to align and connect the three parts so that none of it is twisted. At first it’s a bit unclear, but you soon get to it grips with it.
You must be careful, as always, to remember to attach all the closures and to tie up onto both points. It’s easy to remove the foam padding, just pull a small strap sewn onto them. They are reintegrated into the harness with the same ease.
Using the harness with foam padding pleased more than one user and covers a wide range of activities. The weight/comfort ratio is surprising, despite the thinness of the straps, it remains surprisingly comfortable when you are lifted up. For the test, we used it in rock climbing and despite many high tenacity polyethylene reinforced attachment points, we didn’t’ decide to take the shot. Without its foam padding, it is designed more for ski touring (but not only). During physical effort and well-adjusted, you don’t feel any discomfort when moving, it makes you wonder if you have forgotten it. Hanging with your feet dangling in the air, it is quickly uncomfortable and you don’t want the situation to drag on. When folded neatly into the small bag, it takes up almost as much space as a packet of tissues.
Due to its modular appearance, its lightness and its comfort, the Petzl Fly presents itself as a versatile harness with which you want to go out in the mountains. Its price is high (€95) but the quality is there.
We used this equipment over a long period of time
These are our thoughts after intensive use:
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