Just an opinion question so you can't go wrong.
What safety harness do you prefer and why?
I'm in the market for a new one this year. :thumbsup:
I found myself in the same position between deer seasons 2 years ago. I had always worn a Hunter's Safety System vest and felt safe in it but like an idiot, I only attached to the tree once I got climbed up to height and then I also climbed down unattached. My vest was about 15 or so years old and I wanted to upgrade, a new vest or? I did some research, talked with some friends and decided to opt for a rock climbing harness and will honestly never go back to a vest. I'm comfortably attached from the time I leave the ground until I step back onto the ground. If I fall I'm facing the tree, can easily self rescue or can literally just hang out in the harness (I know because I did a lot of testing in the yard with the harness and my climber in the summer before the season started). Just like anything else, a rock climbing harness may not be ideal for you and the way you hunt but it works great for me. Best of luck in your quest and stay safe! :thumbsup:
I forgot to add that the harness I went with was the Black Diamond Alpine Bod, it was around $50. You can make a lifeline to go around the tree to attach to your harness but I bought one from Hunters Safety Systems with the pursic (sp?) knot already built in for $20. I'm an ok knot tier but not ok enough to trust my life with my knot tying abilities. :biglaugh:
I switched to a rock climbing harness last year also. Got the Black Diamond. I won't ever go back to my old harness. The rock climbing harness is way easier and lighter. I stay hooked up from the time I leave the ground.
I would much prefer the rock climbing version unfortunately they don't meet our state's WMA requirements of a full body harness.I guess falling off a cliff isn't as dangerous as falling out of a Summit :biglaugh:
And such as the black diamond aren't even made for old fat guys like me. :scared:
Look at a lone wolf harness, I've used SOP, muddy, and a few others and the lone wolf was the most comfortable and easiest to use . Im trying a rock climbing harness , the BD BOD , but not sure I'm gonna stick with it. Time will tell and BAK I agree I'm using a XL with a 38" waist , I guess there's not many fat rock climbers out there
I've always used Hunter Safety System harnesses and liked them. Comfortable and iij never had issues with tben getting all tangled up like other harnesses have on me.
I agree with the BD Alpine bod. I've been using it for 4 years and won't go back. It's especially nice in the early season because it's so much lighter/cooler than a full harness. I'm right handed and found that having the lifeline on my right side works best for maneuverability
I'm very happy with my Gorilla harness. Not as lightweight as the rock climbing style but very well-built, easy to adjust, etc. I wear it year round when I'm working on the roof or using a chain saw from an extension ladder leaned up against a tree.
Yeah. That's one thing I noticed is sizing on the rock climbing harness. I wear 34 pants and use an XL harness. If you're on the heavy side I don't know if there's one for you.
I'm happy with my HSS harness /vest. I like the pockets. I like that it is impossible to end up upside down if I fall. And I like that it is reversible to Fl. Orange. And most of all I like the buckles on the leg straps, they're like seat belt buckles. :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
I've had a seat o'the pants harness for a long time and it's been a dandy. I think it was made by summit. I use it when hunting and hanging new setups. It has buckles on each side that I hook a lineman's strap to so when I setup a stand I can lean back and use my hands for whatever need be. It's just a old school harness style but I haven't had a reason to get another one and I'm a gear nutt.