Blue Ice Choucas Light mountaineering and ski-mountaineering harness
Best ultralight harness for fast-and-light ski mountaineers.
The Blue Ice Choucas Light is an incredibly lightweight ski-mountaineering harness, with a size S weighing in at just 84g! What's really cool about this harness is that you can put it on without taking off your skis or boots. It features a fully opening waist and leg loops, making it super practical. The secret to its lightness is the innovative closure system that uses two connection rings instead of a traditional metal buckle, yet it remains comfortable and functional, complete with two gear loops. It packs down incredibly small, about the size of a small headlamp, making it easy to carry anywhere.
$59.90
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
4
/ 453
#4 in Climbing Harnesses
Price vs Category Average
-27%
Below average
Brand
Blue Ice
/ Blue Ice
Who it's for
- Competitive ski-mountaineers needing minimal weight for fast ascents
- Alpine climbers needing quick transitions while wearing bulky gear
- Weight-conscious alpinists prioritizing durability and strength-to-weight ratio
Who should skip it
- Climbers spending significant time hanging in the harness
- Traditional multi-pitch climbers requiring organized, rigid gear racking
- Users needing versatile fit for changing seasonal clothing layers
Performance breakdown
Weight efficiency
At 84 grams, it is virtually imperceptible in your pack or on.
Donning speed
Fully opening loops allow for rapid transitions without removing skis or boots.
Packability
Compresses to the size of a headlamp, disappearing into any pocket.
Technical utility
Minimalist gear loops are sufficient for light alpine missions, not heavy rack.
Comfort under load
Stripped-down construction prioritizes weight savings over long-term hanging comfort.
Closure innovation
The buckle-free ring system is clever, secure, and impressively intuitive.
Key Specs
Brand
Blue Ice
Use
Mountaineering, Ski-mountaineering
Gender
Unisex
Technology
None
Waist Buckles
1
Leg Loops Regulation
Yes
Gear Loops
2
Carabiner slots
2
Know before you buy
The Choucas Light uses an innovative closure system featuring two connection rings. You thread the webbing through these rings to create a secure, adjustable loop that holds firm under tension while significantly reducing weight.
Yes, the waist belt and leg loops open completely. You can wrap the harness around your waist and step into the leg loops without needing to remove your boots or skis, which is a major advantage during transitions in cold or exposed terrain.
It is designed for weight-conscious missions, so it lacks the thick padding of a sport climbing harness. While it is surprisingly comfortable for its weight, it is best suited for ski mountaineering, glacier travel, and alpine routes where you are moving fast and light.
The two gear loops are minimalist and designed to hold essential items like ice screws or a few carabiners. They are not intended for heavy trad racks, but they are perfectly adequate for the specific alpine and ski-mountaineering tasks this harness is built for.
When fully packed, the harness is roughly the size of a small headlamp. It is designed to disappear into your pack or even a jacket pocket until you need it.
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