PETZL AVEN T2 Caving Sit Harness

Made by PETZL, the French manufacturer based in Crolles, Isère, specialising in vertical progression gear, the AVEN caving harness is a sit harness designed for long underground explorations. The wide waistbelt and leg loops, padded with closed-cell foam that does not absorb water, deliver proven comfort under suspension and during progression. The lowered attachment points optimise rope ascents, while the thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) reinforcements on the leg loops resist abrasion against wet cave rock.

How to choose your size

The PETZL AVEN harness is available in two sizes. The choice is based on two morphological criteria: waist circumference and leg loop circumference, measured while standing relaxed.

In case of overlap (waist circumference between 80 and 85 cm), choose the size that places your measurements in the middle of the adjustment range rather than at the extremes — final fit will be more stable and comfortable under prolonged suspension.

Alternative: AVEN or SUPERAVANTI?

The PETZL SUPERAVANTI (reference C012AA, 410-450 g depending on size, 4 gear loops, waistbelt without foam padding) is the lighter alternative within the PETZL Sport caving range. The AVEN prioritises comfort under prolonged suspension — closed-cell foam-padded waistbelt and leg loops, 6 gear loops — and is intended for long technical explorations involving heavy gear loads. The SUPERAVANTI focuses on weight savings (up to 70 g lighter depending on size) and is preferable for shorter outings or sport caving where rapid progression is valued. Both models share the same PETZL technical user manual and the same CE EN 12277 certification.

Technical specifications

• Manufacturer reference: C013AA01 (Size 2)
• Weight: 520 g
• Waist circumference: 80-102 cm
• Leg loop circumference: 52-72 cm
• Black safety stitching (visual identification of Size 2)
• Materials: high-modulus polyethylene (HMPE), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), steel, closed-cell foam
• 6 gear loops (3 per side)
• 2 slots for CARITOOL tool holders
• HMPE loop for tethering a tackle bag
• Rear buckle with anti-wear protection webbing
• Attachment points positioned low to optimise rope ascents
• Colour: orange / black

Recommended uses

Cave exploration and rigging, rope descents and ascents in underground environments, prolonged vertical progression in wet caves. The low attachment points and the dedicated rear HMPE loop for tackle bag tethering are specifically designed for technical caving practice.

Key strengths

• Closed-cell foam on the waistbelt: all-day comfort with no water absorption in wet caves
• TPU reinforcements on leg loops: increased abrasion resistance against rock
• Low-positioned attachment points: more efficient rope ascents (reduced energy expenditure)
• Six gear loops + two CARITOOL slots: complete organisation of rigging and progression gear
• Coloured safety stitching (yellow on Size 1, black on Size 2) for immediate visual identification of harness size

Periodic inspection and service life

The PETZL AVEN caving harness is a personal protective equipment (PPE) of Category III. It must be visually inspected before each use by the user and undergo a thorough examination by a competent person at a frequency defined by local regulations or manufacturer recommendations (typically at least every 12 months). The precise inspection procedures, retirement criteria and service life are detailed in the technical user manual provided by PETZL — reading it is essential before any use.

For further information on French regulations covering PPE for caving, canyoning and vertical activities: see the French Caving Federation — Progression equipment and PPE (federal recommendations and NF S72-701 standard).

Warranty and certifications

Official documentation

• Official PETZL product page (international, EN)
• Technical user manual SUPERAVANTI / AVEN (PDF, multilingual)
• EU Declaration of Conformity (PDF)