Blue Ice Choucas mountaineering and ski-mountaineering harness
Best ultralight harness for fast-and-light mountaineers and ski tourers.
The Blue Ice Choucas is a super lightweight harness designed for light mountaineering and ski-mountaineering. This updated version, the IV, is even lighter than its predecessors, weighing in at just 142g! The entire structure, including the waist belt and leg loops, is made from Dyneema tapes. The variable width construction ensures a comfortable fit despite its minimal weight, and the slightly raised waistband enhances comfort. It features four gear loops, two slots for ice screw clips, and two additional slots on the leg loops. The adjustable leg loops have aluminum buckles, allowing you to easily put the harness on or take it off, even with skis or crampons on. Plus, it packs down incredibly small, fitting into a pouch the size of a fist!
$59.90
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
94
/ 453
#94 in Climbing Harnesses
Price vs Category Average
-27%
Below average
Brand
Blue Ice
/ Blue Ice
Who it's for
- Weight-conscious alpinists tackling long, demanding mountain missions
- Ski mountaineers needing quick transitions without removing gear
- Minimalists prioritizing space-saving gear for fast-and-light adventures
Who should skip it
- Climbers spending significant time hanging in their harness
- Traditional climbers requiring space for extensive gear racks
- Users seeking maximum durability and precise, customizable fit
Performance breakdown
Weight Efficiency
At 142g, it disappears into your pack without sacrificing essential functionality.
Packability
Collapses down to the size of a fist for effortless storage.
Technical Accessibility
Aluminum buckles allow for quick transitions while wearing skis or crampons.
Gear Organization
Four gear loops and dedicated ice screw slots handle technical alpine racks.
Long-term Comfort
Minimalist Dyneema construction prioritizes weight savings over all-day hanging comfort.
Durability
High-strength Dyneema tapes offer impressive resilience despite the ultra-light profile.
Key Specs
Brand
Blue Ice
Gender
Unisex
Technology
None
Waist Buckles
1
Leg Loops Regulation
Yes
Gear Loops
4
Carabiner slots
4
Certification
CE EN 12277/C
Know before you buy
Yes. The Choucas features adjustable leg loops with aluminum buckles, which allow you to open the harness completely and step into it without removing your skis or crampons.
It is designed for weight-conscious missions, not all-day cragging. While the variable width construction and raised waistband offer surprising support for its minimal profile, it lacks the padding found in traditional sport climbing harnesses.
Despite its minimalist build, it is surprisingly capable. It includes four gear loops and two slots specifically for ice screw clippers, plus two additional slots on the leg loops for extra organization.
It is incredibly compact. When not in use, the entire harness packs down into a pouch roughly the size of a fist, making it easy to stow inside a small ski pack or even a jacket pocket.
Dyneema is exceptionally strong relative to its weight, allowing Blue Ice to create a harness that weighs only 142g without sacrificing safety or structural integrity.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.