The Recall Desk
HighCPSC·98080·Announced 1998-03-12

Misty Mountain Threadworks Recalls Climbing Harnesses Due to Webbing Tear Risk

Misty Mountain Threadworks is recalling about 5,000 climbing harnesses because incorrect attachment can cause the elastic webbing to tear, potentially leading to a fall.

What this means for you

Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a risk-of-harm product (climbing harness) where injury has not yet been reported, but the hazard (fall due to webbing tear) is significant and has occurred in at least three incidents.

Plain-English summary

Misty Mountain Threadworks Inc. of Banner Elk, N.C., is recalling approximately 5,000 climbing harnesses with a front entry sleeve system in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The affected models are the Arete, Finesse, Quantum, and Cadillac Big Wall. These harnesses feature black nylon webbing with various additional color and design combinations, and the tag reads "Misty Mountain Threadworks." A label on the harness indicates the manufacture date, which ranges from August 1996 through September 1997.

The recall is due to a design issue where, if the harness is attached incorrectly, the climber's swami belt can be held by only a small piece of elastic behind the sleeve. This creates a dangerous situation where the belay/rappel loop can tear through the elastic webbing, potentially causing the climber to flip backwards and possibly resulting in injury. The company is aware of at least three incidents where climbers ripped the elastic webbing, but no injuries have been reported.

The recalled harnesses were sold from August 1996 through March 1998 for approximately $42 to $80, depending on the model. They were distributed through outdoor and climbing shops, climbing gear catalogs, and directly by Misty Mountain Threadworks. Climbers who possess a Misty Mountain Threadworks harness with a front entry sleeve should stop using it immediately and return it to the manufacturer for repair. The harness will be repaired and returned promptly. Consumers can send the harness to Misty Mountain Threadworks at 718 Burma Road, Banner Elk, NC 28604, or call (704) 963-6688 for more information.

The recalled product

Product
Misty Mountain Threadworks climbing harnesses
Manufacturer
Misty Mountain Threadworks
Category
Consumer Product — Climbing Equipment
Hazard

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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