You’ve committed to climbing the Cirque of the Towers in the Winds. Twelve miles of hiking stand between you and the soaring granite walls and with a pack full of camping gear for three nights, a double rack split between you and your partner, and all the essentials for four days of adventure…every ounce counts.
So what harness do you bring?
Your gym harness? Too bulky and heavy. Your ultralight skimo harness? Too minimalist—nowhere to rack gear, and let’s be honest, rappelling in that for days sounds like a nightmare.
Enter the Petzl WHISPER—a harness that balances ultralight design with full functionality. Weighing just 170 grams (size M), it remains practically unnoticeable during movement while still providing the support and durability needed for demanding climbs. The WHISPER combines Matryx® technology with high-modulus polyethylene (HMPE) materials to create a shockingly breathable, lightweight, and ultra-compact harness that features the same racking capacity as your standard powerhouse harness.
Redefining lightweight performance, The Petzl WHISPER is the first-ever climbing harness to integrate Matryx® technology. This innovative fabric features a strategic weave that makes the harness exceptionally durable, breathable, and hydrophobic—shedding moisture to stay light in all conditions. Unlike traditional harnesses with a bulky four-layer construction, the WHISPER streamlines to just two layers: the weight-bearing layer using Matryx® fabric the inner comfort layer using soft fabric. The Matryx fabric is woven together using horizontal HMPE fibers for load distribution and strategically placed vertical fibers of various durable and water resistant materials to create flexible zones and comfort zones. The result? A harness that delivers unmatched support, freedom of movement, and minimal weight without sacrificing durability.
This durable, hydrophobic, and breathable design provides several key benefits for climbers:
- Abrasion Resistance – All of the combined fibers that make up the WHISPER are highly resistant to wear and tear from rock contact, gear friction, and repeated use in harsh environments. Equipping climbers with long-term confidence in the functionality and durability of this climbing harness, the WHISPER offers climbers a durable solution to lightweight climbing.
- Longer Lifespan in Harsh Environments – Moisture resistance helps extend the lifespan of the harness by preventing premature wear caused by repeated wet/dry cycles and reducing the risk of mildew or degradation.
- Comfort in Wet Conditions – A hydrophobic harness repels moisture, meaning it won’t absorb water during rain, snow, or humid conditions. This keeps it lightweight and prevents it from becoming waterlogged or freezing in alpine environments.
- Sweat Management in Hot Conditions – The harness allows noticeable airflow, helping to wick away sweat and prevent overheating in intense situations. This is especially useful on hot days on steep stone, or multi-pitch climbs where staying cool is key. Even if exposed to moisture, the harness dries rapidly, reducing discomfort and the risk of chafing during long climbs.
Despite its minimalist build, the WHISPER doesn’t compromise on organizational features. It comes in four sizes (XS, S, M, L) and features five full-size, fully-functional gear loops, giving you ample space for racking gear. It also includes 2 ice clipper slots, a reinforced belay loop, and “speed bumps” on the waist’s adjustment belt to keep it from slipping. Its ultra-compact nature makes it an easy addition to your pack—ideal for climbers who want maximum efficiency without extra bulk.
And when you finally reach the Cirque, staring up at the iconic walls of Pingora or Warbonnet Peak, you’ll be glad you didn’t haul in anything extra. The WHISPER gives you everything you need—and nothing you don’t—so you can focus on the climb, not your gear.
Whether you’re pushing for a fast-and-light ascent or gearing up for an extended alpine adventure, the WHISPER is built to move with you, not against you.
