Rock climbing harness as a safety system

[champcaller]

I'm by no means a seasoned bow hunter and this may have been posted before but thought I would share.

This year I switched to a Rock climbing harness instead of a four point as a safety system for a few reasons and after a couple hunts I won't be going back.

Rock climbers fall in these regularly. They are safer, lighter, more comfortable and more affordable. Here is the one I have.

http://m.ebay.com/itm/181511174229

Give one a try.

[missed mallards]

If you fall head first, how does it keep u from falling out?

I hunt from a guidos web. I'll try anything but can't understand how it keeps uou from falling out.

[Smoke68]

[champcaller]

Even a top heavy person can't flip over head first. One of the questions I had my self but it can't be done based on design and how it makes you "sit" while your hanging. This design also prevents injury from the sudden jerking stop if you fall. I've hung from mine and tried - couldn't flip.

I'm not a stickler about many things but I like to feel safe in a tree.

[country_20boy]

Champ, have you used it with a climbing belt yet to hang a lock-on and sticks? Wondering if it feels secure without any support from your shoulders?

[champcaller]

I've only used it with a climber and ladder but wouldn't think it'd be a problem.

[jdbuckshot]

I've been using that same harness for a while.

I love it. Does not interfere with bino's and changing cloths.

I lifted myself up with an electric hoist with my summit sop harness on,

And with the ABC rock harness on.

I felt much safer in the ABC rock climbing harness and was able to move and while suspended was in a "sitting position"

I felt like with the SOP harness like I was hanging from a coat hanger and near helpless and put much more stress on my legs etc.

I use a piece of of rock climbing rope with a Prussia knot to secure my self to the tree.



I use a differnt climbing belt - like line man use.

[mottlet]

I'll never wear a four point harness again. I like the idea of facing the tree if something happens, instead of being tied behind my head if I need to self rescue. And no worry about suspension trauma, they're designed to support your body weight. And as others have said, simply a TON more comfortable and easy to use.

[johndavid78]

Champ, I just happen to be looking for a new harness. How/what are you attached to? Tree, lifeline? Just very interested in giving this a try. Always used a HSS harness, and this sounds promising as an improved replacement. Thankfully, I've never had to experience a fall...

[champcaller]

I use the hunter safety system rope style tree strap.

It's long enough to wrap around big trees and has the self tightening prussik knot already tied in with a climbing grade caribiner.


http://m.basspro.com/Hunter-Safety-Syst ... 3D10202460

[ccope]

Does having your tree rope hooked in the front not get in the way when sitting in the stand?

[champcaller]

[ccope]

You've convinced me to give it a try. I hate dealing with the shoulder straps on my harness. Thanks for the tip.

[champcaller]

Good to hear - hopefully you will never have to really use it!

[jdbuckshot]

I put some new ratchet straps on a loc on stand Saturday morning after my hunt.

I literally just hung from the safety rope and re worked the straps - but it does not work as good as a lineman's style belt for hanging tree stands.

I do find that the linesman style belt works better because it hooks on both sides of you hips - keeps you more secure against the tree.

this is the linemans belt that I use - with a piece of rock climbing rope and prussic knot

http://www.diggerslist.com/sale/tools-h ... ON-/69117/

I have Kilen canvas bolt bag on it as well that I use to hold gear while working stands.