School me on saftey harnesses. I'm in the market for a new one. I want to be able to put it on at the truck or cabin and walk to the woods. I'm looking for comfort and ease of use as well as quietness.
I like the Muddy, it's the one in my avatar, light weight, easy on and off and you can walk with it on comfortably.
Muddy Magnum Pro. Light. Simple. Under $40 on popular sites. . .
Dan in KS
A bunch of us went to a rock climbing harness. We figured if you're tied in right you'll only fall about one foot. It also leaves you facing the tree.
Rock climbing harness. Cheaper, safer, easier to put on, doesn't need a tether replaced after a fall, and doesn't rip you a new one from the jolt of a fall.
I worked at Seat-O-the Pants for a few years and tested all of them and wore them very briefly. They are fine until you fall out of the tree. You can smack your face into the tree, and it feels like getting kicked in the nads. Not to mention your legs lose circulation and fall off if you get stuck there too long. Seriously, full body harnesses are dangerous and I can't understand why they are still popular.
Think about it, a climber may fall several times in an afternoon and it's no big deal. You are just left sitting there, actually fairly comfortably. And no worries of your face smacking into the tree without your knees/legs actually taking some of the blow.
YMMV, and use what you feel most comfortable with. The one you don't wear for whatever reason is the only "bad" choice. :thumbsup:
I use a HSS ultralite because well, it is
The muddy is a good harness I wore one for years but have recently moved to a lone wolf, I like it's fasteners better and it includes a strap to take the load off your thighs in case of a fall, other harness may also have this I don't know. But the lone wolf is a more comfortable harness for me. In cold weather I wear a harness under my jacket with the tether out the back . I know a lot of construction workers working in high risk elevated areas wear a full harness that closely resemble our hunting harness the drawback I see in a rock climbing harness is you attach your rope to the front by the waist, I think I've read where users are modyfing to work better in a hunting situation
I use a Muddy and am extremely happy with it. Like Tater said easy on, easy off and very comfortable in the stand and walking/climbing.
rock climbing harness...comfy to wear and walk in. fully adjustable. keeps the line low. when or if you fall turns you towards tree and sits you down with weight on legs so easy to move and recover. very light. most have no metal parts...and ljke said above truly made to fall in. I always put on at truck or for walk and wear in...half the time I still have it on when I walk in house after hunt.
No matter what harness...consider using a Petzel GriGri 2 self belay devise to get yourself safely down to the ground by yourself if you fall. I used to have detailed post on Pow Wow but seems like it is lost. tippit
Picked up the hss ultra lite flex last year, so far I'm happy with it. Light, comfortable, easier to put on/take off than my old stock harnesses, doesn't get tangled in transport. Haven't hung from it for long periods of time yet though.
I have been thinking about a rock climbing harness for a while, just haven't got around to it. I think it makes a lot of sense.
We used to make them out of rope, and I have repelled in them, but I am sure a harness would be more comfortable for walking.
Got rid of my 30 pound stand and going to saddle hunter---automatic harness and 5 pounds
Thing about full body harnesses that construction crews wear, is they usually aren't working alone. So there is help available to get down after a fall. They likely won't be stuck there for long periods of time.
In the woods, you are on your own. Something I like to keep in mind
Quote from: MnFn on August 03, 2018, 10:04:30 AM
I have been thinking about a rock climbing harness for a while, just haven't got around to it. I think it makes a lot of sense.
We used to make them out of rope, and I have repelled in them, but I am sure a harness would be more comfortable for walking.
My ultralight setup is a piece of 1" tube webbing. I just tie it up into a harness when I get to the stand. Works great! And it will fit in the pocket of my Arrowmaster.
Quote from: limbshaker on August 03, 2018, 11:00:00 AM
Thing about full body harnesses that construction crews wear, is they usually aren't working alone. So there is help available to get down after a fall. They likely won't be stuck there for long periods of time.
In the woods, you are on your own. Something I like to keep in mind
good thought .. on the rock climbing harness how are you guys keeping the tree tether out of your way since it attaches in the front ?
I use an HSS body harness but I would not say I have a specific preference. I you guys are setting your tethers at the correct height you shouldn't be taking much of a fall if you slip from your stand. My harness is pulled tight at the sitting position, so if I were to fall even standing up there would be no slack to drop me before I leaned off the platform.
I've gone to a rock climbing harness, , way I have it set up I can't fall more than about 2 foot and will be facing the tree and close enough to climb back in the tree. Way way way more comfortable and light than the other harnesses I've used. Won't cut off the circulation like most of the other designs.
black diamond alpine bod, one of the few rock harnesses with leg straps. i love it! light and you can hang as long as you want without the risk of suspension trauma.
We use the HSS easy on and off comfortable and easy to use
I use a Hunter Safety System. It's comfortable, doesn't tangle like other harnesses I've used, and it even serves as an extra layer when it's cold. (Not much, but it's something.) I like it because it's like putting on a coat as opposed to trying to step through loops and find which loop is for what foot etc.
I have been using HSS but picked up a black diamond vario speed harness to try this year. If I hate it, at least it's small.
rock climbing harness and a tree stand wingman. light weight, quiet, easy on/off...
I have a HSS and like it...pick one, practice shooting with it on, and don't get off the ground without it
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I am following this because it is time for me to get a new harness. Thanks for starting this, Charlie.
Rock climbing harness. I think it's a Black Diamond.
Quote from: tippit on August 03, 2018, 09:26:32 AM
No matter what harness...consider using a Petzel GriGri 2 self belay devise to get yourself safely down to the ground by yourself if you fall. I used to have detailed post on Pow Wow but seems like it is lost. tippit
Jeff, I can't find your old thread either, but I remember the strong case you made for being able to make it on down to the ground after a treestand fall. With medical trouble, that has been on my mind for the past few seasons. I have carried an extra prusik hitch rope up with me as I climbed to my ladderstand with a lifeline rope, but wondered if I would have the strength to use it if needed.
Last night, I decided to adopt you as my Safety Guru after reading your latest reminder, and heed your admonition. I ordered a Grigri 2 I tripped across for about $20 less than the prices on the famous sites. I like my Muddy harness, but decided to spend my hunting budget for this Fall to get a Black Diamond Vario Speed Harness to go along with the Grigri 2.
I imagine there will be a bit of a learning curve as I figure the new system, but I suspect I will think of you and smile every time I put it on for a hunt. Thanks for an important reminder and all the great stuff you do for this trad bowhunting community. I really appreciate you! Thank you, my friend!
Soon to be safer,
Daryl
As far as keeping the tether out of the way with a rock climbing harness I just run it under my arm. I also wear it under my wool pants in the winter. No problems.
Thank you for all the suggestions, I will certainly investigate these options. It will give me some time to play with whatever I choose prior to season.
One question with the rock climbing harness, Is it easy to go Potty with one?
I can have my RC harness off in less than 30 seconds. So I'd say it comes off easy in those cases of emergency..
I am interested in the rock climbing harness, would someone mind posting a couple of pics in them?
http://www.blackdiamondequipment.com/en_CA/search?cgid=harnesses&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIyrG38rLX3AIVA9lkCh1QEgXyEAAYASAAEgIhhvD_BwE&rmsrc=1
This oughtta give you an idea. If you order one consider whether you will wear it outside your clothing or under it. It may make a diff on size. I've gone to wearing it under my pants so its easier to get into my pockets.
Went to the Black Diamond climbing harness and a prussic tether (like used by SOP harness) far easier to use and less restrictive, makes shooting to the hard right and behind the tree no problem. Much easier to carry/don/takeoff also
I have needed to move up on this for awhile. I am still using a belt with a rope and it is easy and portable but probably not as safe as I should have. I am getting on in years and facing the increasing likelihood of a slip or fall. I did buy a vest but found it clunky and cumbersome and left it home. I like the rock climbing harness idea a lot, but I am unclear as to how I tie myself up or in while I am in a tree stand.
Would someone dumb it down for me, and explain the technique of using one for tree stand hunting? My next step is to go to the source of all knowledge and look on YouTube
Steve
https://youtu.be/h5WNW3N_19o
https://youtu.be/YFLDpnEPvhA
There are two videos for you
100% rock climbing harness for me also most comfortable nothing on your shoulders and most comfortable to hang out of.
Great video, makes things a whole lot clearer.
Good Job!! I think I'm changing my way of thinking.
Just using a safety belt. I would like to start using the rock harness. Where does the tether attach? I have used the Treehopper for 20 years with no problems but can see that some added safety with the leg straps would be smart.
Treehopper - https://www.treehopperllc.com/shop/treehopper-3-in-1-climbing-belt/
The tether on my treehopper is about at the small of my back or hips if I'm moving around. I looks like rock harness attached in the front? Can you spin around?
I don't like full a harness hanging on my shoulders or the extra weight of them. And it seems odd that rock climbers are ok without shoulder straps. I assume a rock harness can connect to a lineman's rope easily?
Thanks,
Tedd
Quote from: Deertaker on August 05, 2018, 01:56:20 PM
I am interested in the rock climbing harness, would someone mind posting a couple of pics in them?
[attachment=1]
Black Diamond Alpine Bod--don't even know it's there.
On the black diamond bod harness can the gear loops be used for a lineman's rope ? If not how do you use one ? Also does the front attached rope not hinder some shot positions ?
HSS ultra light for all season except I use a "seat of the pants original" which has un-trimmed straps for late winter because it can easily go over all the heavy layers I'm wearing (I will also use the SOTP when I'm in a tree with a Ghillie on) ,,,, when its that cold the HSS vest pockets are useless I need warm wool jacket pockets with nothing blocking them.
now the HSS can be worn under everything but I have that lanyard strap coming up out of the back of my collar which causes a 10 degree draft down the back,,,, my setup if fully tested by me so I'll vote a 10 every time.
X3 on the Muddy.
Tajue I'm the same in that I've tested my muddy and current lone wolf and am comfortable in them and fully trust them. The rock harness looks interesting but I've asked twice how the front attached rope works out in all shooting positions so far no answer but it really seems like it would be a issue. Also that good video wasn't exactly apples and apples in that the full harness had way to much slack in the tether. When I sit down I want to be able to feel it slightly tug with the rope as high as possible on the tree above you. It's hard to give up something that works
Dave it attaches to the loop in the front, can go under your arm and attach to a tree line.
You use a carabiner to attach the safety line to the belt and the lop that comes up from your crotch to the belt. Also, the gear holders are useless for lineman's belt-- too weak. I cut them off, installed 2 heavy duty nylon attachment points.
Dave,
I do not use a lineman's belt with my climbing harness except when very low in the tree. I use the safety rope wrapped around the tree and attached to the front of the harness like I would when in stand. I slide it up the tree as I climb, using the prusiac to adjust the length as needed as I climb. I carry two ropes so that I can use one to attach above a limb when I come to one and remove the lower strap before continuing up. The point is to be 100% attached to the tree at all times. Also if you fall and cannot access the steps below you. You can lower yourself with the two straps by alternating your weight between them and sliding them down the tree. Always facing the tree in a fall is good. Youtube has several good instructional videos for using a climbing harness in treestands.
When in the stand the rope comes from the tree, at just above waist level under my arm, and around my right side (right handed shooter) to the front attachment loop. I leave enough slack so I can rotate to the left as far as needed for possible shots. Rotate right for shots to the right the rope will never be in your way. This gives plenty of slack to go from sitting to standing.
Some harness have side straps that are rated to take your weight if you are going to use it with a lineman's rope and will be marked to show that. Side equipment straps will not have a listed weight rating. as mentioned before do not use them to climb.
So Here is something that maybe someone can help us with. I purchased a Viper climbing tree stand a number of years ago and it cam with a rope system to put around the tree and use as you climb and also then to tie to when you are in the stand. it was quite and worked really well.
A number of years ago I was not able to find it and then had to use other ones with the metal buckles and are have that metal sound and clinging as you are climbing the tree.
My question is can some one show us a YouTube or pictures or anything to make our own? hopefully you know what I am trying to describe. I am sure it would help me and a lot of other people on here too!
Quote from: Dave Lay on August 07, 2018, 04:10:07 PM
On the black diamond bod harness can the gear loops be used for a lineman's rope ? If not how do you use one ? Also does the front attached rope not hinder some shot positions ?
Dave....No the gear loops are not load rated on the Black Diamond, or most other harnesses (although you can find a few). I use a Black Diamond harness and when climbing I connect a carabiner on each side of the the main waist belt between the front of the gear loops and where the leg strap connects to the main belt....the linemans rope goes around the tree and connects to each biner...quick, simple and works really well. When I get to my stand height I have a second rope that I use as my tree strap to attach me the tree and I hook into that before taking the linemans off.
Because the connection point on a rock climbing harness is at waist level instead of neck level like a typical hunting safety harness your tree strap can be lower as well. The rope simply sits to your side and doesn't interfere with shooting in the least. I was hesitant at first too as it just seemed it would be in the way but after using it you don't even notice it being there.
Quote from: Deertaker on August 10, 2018, 09:37:27 AM
So Here is something that maybe someone can help us with. I purchased a Viper climbing tree stand a number of years ago and it cam with a rope system to put around the tree and use as you climb and also then to tie to when you are in the stand. it was quite and worked really well.
A number of years ago I was not able to find it and then had to use other ones with the metal buckles and are have that metal sound and clinging as you are climbing the tree.
My question is can some one show us a YouTube or pictures or anything to make our own? hopefully you know what I am trying to describe. I am sure it would help me and a lot of other people on here too!
You're looking for a rope style lineman's belt I believe? I don't think I've ever seen one that doesn't use at least one climbing carabiner though.
It kinda had the carabiner, I think the Carabiner was on the safety harness.
I just googled it, and this is what I found. Any tips on making one?
[attachment=1]
Sure, but hunters safety system sells one for around $20, likely cheaper than you can buy the ropes for.
The main rope is 10-12mm static climbing rope, the loop that slides along it is a prussic knot that, if I remember correctly, is made from 2mm smaller climbing rope than the main line. So if the main line is 10mm, use 8mm for the prussic knot. One end of the line is an overhand loop knot, the other is a simple overhand knot to keep the prussic knot from sliding off when not in use.
Hopefully this is what you're looking for.
Thanks! will have to check that out. I think with the picture and your description I will have enough if I wanted to try and make one too!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mwmlprswFI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G934-k4rqPk
I use an HSS and keep my suspension relief strap handy and practice using it.