What is the strength of a harness?

• A. 3,000 pounds
• B. 5,000 pounds
• C. 7,000 pounds
• D. 9,000 pounds

Answer: (B)

A harness is rated for the amount of force it can safely resist in a fall. The standard rating used in rope courses and climbing PPE is about 5,000 pounds, which corresponds to roughly 22 kN. This isn’t about how much a person weighs; it’s about the peak forces that can occur during a fall and ensuring the harness can handle those forces without failing. Having a 5,000-pound rating provides a safe margin when paired with ropes, anchors, and connectors designed to work within the same safety level. A 3,000-pound rating would be under-rated for typical fall dynamics, while 7,000 or 9,000 pounds exceed common equipment specifications and aren’t necessary for standard rope-course use.