Detailed Description
The Alpha SL is Arc’teryx’s lightest harness, built for alpine climbing and ski mountaineering where every gram counts. It still keeps the essentials: two gear loops, adjustable leg loops that open fully so you can put it on over crampons or skis, and loops to carry emergency ice screws for crevasse rescue. As a Superlight piece it prioritises low weight and packability over long-term durability, so it’s best for objectives where weight matters most rather than daily cragging.
Features
- WARP Strength Fusion Technology™: laminated ALUULA composites and braided ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) are bonded into a low-profile, high-strength chassis. Arc’teryx notes ALUULA is stronger than steel by weight.
- Load distribution: weight is spread across the waist belt and leg loops for support while hanging and belaying.
- Braided rise: UHMWPE fibres are spliced together at the rise, then splayed and bonded into the chassis, adding strength without bulk.
- BraidLock™ leg loops: a glove-friendly “finger-trap” buckle loosens when unloaded and tightens under load, so you can adjust the fit over different layers. The tapered buckle passes easily through the loop to close it.
- Fully opening leg loops: wrap the harness around you without taking off crampons or skis.
- Two gear loops: semi-rigid, lightweight and secure.
- Ice screw loops: low-profile UHMWPE loops carry up to two emergency ice screws.
- Replaceable rear rise: adjustable with sliding knots, and replaceable to extend the harness’s life.
- PFAS compliant.
Specifications
- Weight: 76 g (2.7 oz), size 3, harness only; 78 g (2.8 oz) with stuff sack and packaging
- Sizes: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
- Gear loops: 2
- Ice screw loops: 2
- Body: ALUULA A175, 175 gsm, 100% polyethylene
- Contrast: ALUULA A86X, 86 gsm, 100% polyethylene
- Rise: braided UHMWPE
- Activity: alpine climbing, mountaineering
Care
- Surface clean only.
- Do not wash, tumble dry, bleach, dry clean or iron.
- May release plastic microfibres into the environment when washed.
Safety Information
A harness is life-safety equipment. Read the Arc’teryx Alpha SL Harness user manual before use, inspect it before every use, and retire it if it shows damage or wear.