The quick answer: What’s new on the 2026 Petzl Sequoia? Petzl replaced the Sequoia SRT with the new Petzl Sequoia Plus and refreshed the standard Petzl Sequoia. The standard Sequoia now has a fixed grey forward D-ring with no removable pin, a rope bridge that comes stitched and capped from the factory, and a lighter, standard-size back pad. The Sequoia Plus keeps the pin-and-screw D-rings, adds a larger back pad, approves Petzl open-ended bridges, and has a built-in knee ascender bungee housing. Both share six better-spaced gear loops, new webbing slots for suspenders, and a fast buckle at the waist.

Petzl may have a bigger presence in the vertical sport and rope access world than in the arborist realm, but it sure doesn’t feel like it. Petzl gear has made its mark on professionals across multiple industries, from the smallest details to life-changing pieces of equipment. Everywhere we look, Petzl equipment is being put to work. This year (2026), Petzl unveiled its new lineup, and we were most excited to get our hands on the updated Petzl Sequoia and Petzl Sequoia Plus tree climbing harnesses! So what exactly has changed on the Sequoia harnesses? That’s what this blog is here to answer.

A Quick History of the Petzl Sequoia Harness

Since Petzl first released the Sequoia tree climbing harness back in the 2000s (it’s now on version four), arborists around the world can’t get enough of it! But if that’s the case, why are there four versions? Hear me out: going through different iterations isn’t necessarily a bad thing. If anything, it shows Petzl is listening to its customer base, adapting and improving to meet the demands of modern-day arborists. Pssst… as I write this, Petzl has finally graced the tree care world with its new midline mechanical tree climbing device, the Petzl Zig Zag Shift. This is HUGE!

2019: Enter the Petzl Sequoia & Sequoia SRT

At the time, the TreeMOTION Evo had already been released, and it was the newest hot commodity. That’s when Petzl said, “Here, hold my drink,” and dropped a metaphorical bomb with the release of the 2019 Petzl Sequoia and Sequoia SRT. These two harnesses were the next step toward the future of the climbing arborist. They didn’t just come to play; they came to pave the way!

The only downside? The “SRT” in Sequoia SRT. The name led many to believe it was for SRT climbers only, but that was not the case. The SRT version let users pair it with a Petzl TOP chest harness, with or without a CROLL; the CROLL makes it possible to ascend a stationary rope, much like in rope access. Not everyone who bought a Sequoia SRT paired a TOP harness with it, though. Plenty of climbers chose this version because they found its waist adjustment easier to undo than the buckle, and many said it stayed tighter to the waist. I didn’t believe these harnesses could get any better, but they did! (For a closer look at the previous pair, see our Petzl Sequoia & Sequoia SRT breakdown.)

What’s New on the 2026 Petzl Sequoia and Sequoia Plus?

Despite the original Sequoias being regarded as the best, one major concern kept coming up from multiple voices, both small and large: the integrity of the removable pin at the forward D-rings. It’s a bit comical, seeing as all of our equipment has a “point of failure,” especially when it is NOT INSPECTED (not to mention climbing from unrated anchors). We just have to do a better job of inspecting our gear on a regular basis.

Enough of that; let’s get down to brass tacks. Petzl has released the newly revamped Sequoia harnesses, and it has stopped producing the Sequoia SRT. In its place: the Petzl Sequoia Plus.

Petzl Sequoia: A Fixed D-Ring and the Lighter Build

The standard Petzl Sequoia did away with the gold-plated forward D-ring that contained the removable pin and introduced a grey forward D-ring that cannot be opened. Out of the package, the rope bridge is stitched and capped. When the time comes to replace that bridge, it must be cut off, and a Petzl-approved open-ended bridge may be used, as long as double overhand knots are tied as the stoppers. This version also kept the standard back pad size, making it the lighter of the two.

Petzl Sequoia Plus: More Back Support and a Built-In Knee Ascender Housing

The Petzl Sequoia Plus, in all sizes, now has a larger back pad profile, giving the user enhanced back support. The Plus continues with the pin-and-screw combo at the forward D-rings, and Petzl has now given the green light to use its open-ended bridges (and only its own) with the Plus harness, as long as the rope bridge is terminated per Petzl’s instructions. Last but not least, a knee ascender bungee housing has been integrated directly into the harness, removing the need to buy a separate component (aside from the actual knee ascender).

Petzl Sequoia vs. Sequoia Plus at a Glance

Upgrades Both New Petzl Sequoia Models Share

Those are the key differences between the two, but we haven’t yet covered the changes the new Petzl Sequoia models share. Aesthetically (which may not matter to most, but is still worth mentioning), more of the iconic yellow pattern has been added along the back of the harness. On the leg pads, the yellow pattern used to be stitched onto the material; now it’s blended directly into the fabric. The changes that really matter are as follows:

• Fewer, better-placed gear loops. Soft gear loops have been reduced from nine to six. This is a good thing: it cleans up the look of the harness, but more importantly, the gear loops now have enough space to stay separate from any gear hanging on the harness. The previous models (2019–2025) placed gear loops right next to the gear attachment slots, which caused interference when trying to access the tool holder. I talked with a few industry peers and asked how they dealt with that, and they simply replied, “By cutting that gear loop off.” On the new Sequoia, Petzl moved the problem gear loop lower, freeing up the tool attachment slots for zero interference.

• New webbing slots for suspenders and knee ascenders. Small webbing slots have been integrated along the top of the harness. This is great for anyone who wants to attach suspenders like the Petzl SEQUOIA Shoulder Straps, since you’re no longer bound to buying one harness over the other. The webbing slots can also house tubing with bungee, like the KNEE ASCENT Mounting Kit, for a knee ascender configuration. (Still choosing an ascender? Compare options in our knee ascender guide.)

• A fast buckle at the waist. The waist buckle has been updated to the same fast buckle used on the leg pads, so you can clip and unclip with greater ease.

Petzl Sequoia FAQ

What is the difference between the Petzl Sequoia and the Petzl Sequoia Plus?

The 2026 Petzl Sequoia has a fixed grey forward D-ring with no removable pin, ships with a stitched and capped rope bridge, and keeps the standard-size back pad, making it the lighter of the two. The Petzl Sequoia Plus keeps the pin-and-screw forward D-rings, has a larger back pad for more support, is approved for Petzl open-ended bridges, and has a built-in knee ascender bungee housing.

Did Petzl discontinue the Sequoia SRT?

Yes. With the 2026 lineup, Petzl stopped producing the Sequoia SRT and replaced it with the Petzl Sequoia Plus.

Does the new Petzl Sequoia still have a removable pin on the D-rings?

The standard Petzl Sequoia does not. It now uses a grey forward D-ring that cannot be opened. The Petzl Sequoia Plus keeps the removable pin-and-screw combo at the forward D-rings.

Can I use an open-ended rope bridge on the 2026 Petzl Sequoia?

Yes, as long as it’s Petzl-approved. On the standard Sequoia, the stitched bridge must be cut off at replacement, and a Petzl-approved open-ended bridge may be used with double overhand knots as stoppers. On the Sequoia Plus, Petzl open-ended bridges are approved as long as the bridge is terminated per Petzl’s instructions.

How many gear loops does the new Petzl Sequoia have?

Six soft gear loops, down from nine on the 2019–2025 models. They are spaced so they no longer interfere with the tool attachment slots.

Which Petzl Sequoia harness should I buy?

If you want the lightest option and a forward D-ring that can’t be opened, go with the Petzl Sequoia. If you want more back support, an integrated knee ascender housing, or plan to add a chest harness for SRT, the Petzl Sequoia Plus is the better fit.

Final Thoughts: Is the 2026 Petzl Sequoia Worth It?

I haven’t climbed in the new harness for an extended period of time yet, but when I do, I plan on giving the Petzl Sequoia an honest, in-depth review. From what we’ve seen so far, Petzl did an excellent job upgrading the accessory and safety features on this harness. Retiring the removable pin on the standard Sequoia answers the biggest concern climbers raised, while the Sequoia Plus gives climbing arborists the extra back support and built-in features they’ve been asking for. Add in smarter gear loop placement, suspender-ready webbing slots, and a fast buckle at the waist, and it’s clear Petzl has been listening. Whether you’re a production climber looking to keep things light or a technical climber who wants every feature right at your hip, there’s a Petzl Sequoia built for the way you work. Shop the 2026 Petzl Sequoia and Sequoia Plus, stay tuned for our full field review, and if you’ve already gotten your hands on the new Sequoia or Sequoia Plus, we’d love to hear what you think!