The X-350a is certainly an eye catching harness, it looks almost impossibly slight to stand up to the rigors of climbing and worryingly thin when you add winter adventures into the equation. Thankfully I was proved absolutely wrong on all counts - there's an immediate fascination when you first see the harness, it's almost impossible to not pick it up and marvel at the weight and construction (for me this came when I unwrapped it as a very surprising birthday present).

It is certainly one of the most comfortable harnesses I have ever worn; standing and walking around it's almost possible to forget you're wearing it. The drawback is that it's not the most comfortable harness to hang in - it's not uncomfortable, rather there are certainly more comfortable harnesses out there. However, that being said, it doesn't cut in unduly and taking falls in it is no more uncomfortable than any other harness. The gear loops are well placed and generously sized, able to take ample loads of gear with little difficulty.

The self locking buckles on the waist and leg loops are smooth to operate and stay locked, there is a discrete tuck away loop for the waist belt and it's all rather tidy. The only quibble I have heard from others is that the straps for the legs loops are a bit fiddly to unhook should you need access for *cough* calls of nature. I haven't had to use this feature yet, though looking at the back of the harness and trying myself I can see how this could be a problem. Understanding/brave friends may be required. The harness is easy to put on over multiple layers and is at home in summer or winter; I've had no difficulty getting this harness on over crampons and bulkier winter waterproof layers.

In a nutshell this harness is full of neat touches and thoughtful features that exemplify Arc'teryx products; the only drawback I can think of is the eye watering price*.

*having said that, having experienced one of their harnesses I can't say that I wouldn't pay the price to own another - I can always sell a kidney.