Petzl TOP CROLL Chest Harness

The Petzl TOP CROLL is a chest harness with an integrated CROLL ventral ascender, built for efficient single-rope ascent. Tree climbers add it to a saddle to keep upright and keep the rope close on long SRS climbs.

On the ascent

On a long single-rope ascent, a chest ascender keeps the rope tight to your body and lets you stand and sit with your legs doing the work. The TOP CROLL builds the CROLL into a chest harness, so it stays in the right place without extra parts.

Paired with a foot ascender or knee ascender system, it makes long, open climbs much less tiring.

The TOP CROLL is a common first step for climbers moving from footlocking or hitch climbing to a dedicated single-rope ascent system. It pairs well with a foot ascender and a knee or hand ascender, and many climbers add it to a saddle they already own. Check that it fits comfortably over the clothing you wear on the job and that it does not interfere with a saw lanyard or gear on your bridge. Practice converting from ascent to work mode low to the ground before you use it on a big climb.

Fit and inspection

Adjust it so the ascender sits close to your chest and the harness stays snug. Connect it to your saddle as Petzl describes, and practice the system low to the ground.

Inspect the ascender teeth, cam, frame and harness webbing before every climb, and retire it when worn. The ascender is only used for ascent, not as a work positioning device. Saddles are life support, so use one within the maker's instructions and ANSI Z133 practice, inspect it before every climb and get trained. See more saddle parts and shoulder harnesses.