Thanks to Kristoffer over at We're Not Scared I was able to take the Cougar for a test drive over the past few days and needless to say I was impressed with the results.
My original intention was to take this harness out of the box and run it fully stock for a bit, but the fact that the Cougar is virtually identical to the Glide made me alter the plan a bit and set this sucker up exactly like the Glide that I have been using since I switched from the Sierra Moreno Ultralight. To say that the Cougar is similar to the Glide would be a HUGE understatement. It is so similar that my guess is that either Weaver has a deal with Buckingham or the the Glide's patents have expired. The whole rope bridge attachment and adustment is exactly identical to the Glide with a slight deviation in hardware. The leg loop attachments are in the same exact spot and set up just like the Glide ,though the ISC clips are far superior to the clips on the Glide in my opinion. The biggest difference that a Glide user will feel with this harness is using the standard Weaver waist belt vs. the Glide's waist belt. I for one had to stitch my Glide's waist belt so it wouldn't float on me, so the Weaver waist belt was actually a step up for me.
One thing to mention right off the bat is that this harness is definitely sized bigger than most other harnesses. I wear a medium Glide and that is what I got the Cougar in, but I would be much better served with a small Cougar as I had plenty of extra waist belt (was using the very last hole on the belt) which kind of got in the way a bit. For some climbers it may be similar to buying the smaller upper assembly for a Sierra Moreno and the larger lower assembly. I believe you will have that option with the Cougar. The fit was comfy but certainly would have been a bit better if properly sized with the small harness.
The weight of the Cougar was something that I had heard a ton about but since I am used to using a Glide the weight wasn't even noticeable. I do wear suspenders (Buckingham retrofit elastic) which helps immensely but my guess is that if you are used to a Butterfly or other Weaver harness you will most likely feel a bit more weight with this harness. The huge back pad on the Cougar is super comfortable and is even a bit bigger than the back pad on the Glide.
One issue I had with the Cougar was the length of the rope bridge. I prefer a smaller bridge in length and this one may have been a bit longer due to the medium size, but the bridge length is certainly something that you can modify. The set up for the bridge is identical to the Glide, except that the diameter of cord used for the Cougar is somewhat smaller than the Ultratech used for the Glide. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but the rubber grommets (?) that are on the Glide to protect the splices are also present on the Cougar but they tend to move around a bit due to the smaller diameter cord on the bridge. Again, this is something that can be modified.
Speaking of modifications, one of the biggest reasons that I loved (and still do) the Glide is that the whole harness is fully modular and really most any piece can be replaced or modified to get you the perfect fit. The exact same ability to modify and replace are present in the Cougar.
So, with a ton of excitement (just ask the Limbwalkers) I set up the Cougar with the suspenders and the two floating rings that I like to use on my Glide. Once I put it on I had a hard time telling the difference between the Cougar and my Glide. The weight was the same and negligeable (again probably due to the suspenders). I had the same rings I was used to tying into in the same spot I am used to seeing them. I had the same accessory carabiners in the same spot I was used to seeing them and I had similar gear loops to what I was used to on the Glide. There is a slight difference in the gear loops and in the chainsaw rings, but not too much different. Personally I like the shorter chainsaw holding set up on the Glide, but again this can be modified.
My first climb on the Cougar was a little awkward partly due to the large size of the harness (and the higher height of the bridge) and partly due to the driving rain and super slippery Red Maple that the Magic Marmot and myself found ourselves in. Once I got dialed in the harness felt terrific. Seriously, I had a hard time telling the difference between the Glide and the Cougar. It moved around the tree just exactly like I am used to and didn't give me any problems with finding gear on the accessory carabiners or using the chainsaw attachments.
Subsequent climbs just confirmed that this harness is virtually identical to the Glide in weight and function. Is it as light and functional as a Treemotion? Probably not. Is it as light, ergonomic, and fuctional as the Treeflex? Probably not. Is it super durable, fully modular, and an excellent value for the money? I would suggest yes.
This just might be the harness for all of the guys currently wearing Weaver harnesses and who refuse to shell out more than $ 250.00 on any harness. I can guarantee that this sucker is a far cry more comfortable than what you are currently using in that price range. For those who like the modularity, durable construction, and feel of a Glide the Cougar is your dream come true. Just remember...it is sized quite large so order one size down from what you are used to.
****this is all just my opinion and may not relate to your experience on this harness but that is what makes this field great, we are all different and none of us are right....****
pics to come soon !!!!
