Hello All,
After having researched all the various brands of Safety Harnesses, and reading lots of threads about it here on TG, I've decided I'd like to try a Rock Climbing Harness.
Could someone recommend a brand they like? Any info would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks, Paul
I have never used on for hunting but I used to climb in college. Black Diamond makes good climbing equipment at an affordable price. I would buy the cheapest one available.
I am sure you have done your research, but if you fall you will not be as stable using a climbing harness.
I was at one time a very active sport climber. i am also a certified tower climber. both have different types of requirements and equipment. and i would not recommend using a climbing harness to secure yourself to a tree for hunting.
the rear attachment for a hunting tree stand harness will allow for better recovery if you were to fall while on stand.
I use the Black Diamond Couloir. Light weight and has buckles on the leg straps for easy on and off.
http://blackdiamondequipment.com/en/climbing-harnesses/couloir-harness-BD651039_cfg.html?gclid=CjkKEQjwqsCcBRDt7_Gts5a91YYBEiQAm-wYEWxjwWn_r_YxzKx2RBziLCvBtISshUXwYGMRnyyRLeXw_wcB
Tim
take a look at "compliance in a can" harness. I have used them on roofs a lot and can be quite comfy. the also have the rear attach point. they also have a bungie tag line.
http://blackdiamondequipment.com/en/climbing-harnesses/vario-speed-harness-BD6500720000ALL1.html#start=25&sz=24
I used to do a lot of rock climbing too. The most dangerous fall we could take would be if we hit a ledge or the ground (obviously). However, the next most dangerous fall was one that was close to the belay, before enough rope was fed out to cushion the fall. The forces of stopping abruptly after 6' or so of freefall are severe enough to break bones and dislocate joints. All the falls you would be likely to take from a tree stand would be in this second danger category. All harnesses that I know of that are specifically designed for tree stands have built in screamers, meaning webbing that is sewn together in such a way that it rips apart when a hunter falls and cushions the impact. Climbing harnesses are designed for longer falls, where this isn't necessary because there is enough rope out to cushion the impact (unless you hit a ledge, of course), or your belayer is hopefully going to ease the brake on to accomplish the same purpose. So if you're going to use a climbing harness for hunting, be sure to buy a screamer and build it into the system, since it won't be an integral part of the climbing harness.
Thanks for all the help guys! There is a learning curve to this.
McDave-thanks for the info. I see what you mean: with more rope out, you have a cushioning effect. What I hope to do is keep a tight line between me and the tree, so that I don't fall any distance.
I hope!
ttt
I am not a climber, but I do have a bit of experience in the tree stand department. From my view, the two were designed for different purposes and should not be switched.
I believe all or most climbing belts have the goods in front, while tree stand harnesses have the goods in back, That is for a reason.
Unless you are using a tree sling style stand, the stuff in front is gonna be a pain, get in the way, and very soon you won't be wearing it.
My thoughts are. . use a tree stand safety harness when bow hunting, one designed for its intended use.
ChuckC
Metolius Safe Tech. All loops are weight baring.
I wound up ordering a rock-climbing harness called the Black Diamond Couloir that pybucks recommended. It weights 8 oz, and goes on in under 30 seconds.
http://blackdiamondequipment.com/en/climbing-harnesses/couloir-harness-BD651039_cfg.html?gclid=CjkKEQjwqsCcBRDt7_Gts5a91YYBEiQAm-wYEWxjwWn_r_YxzKx2RBziLCvBtISshUXwYGMRnyyRLeXw_wcB
With a rock-climbing harness, if you fall, you'll be facing the tree, instead of having your back to the tree.
And it is difficult to turn around ?
ChuckC
I found this youtube video of a guy using a climbing harness interesting.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yceXR7VK1Yc
you can use a basic treestand harness and achieve the no fall at all game. Your first ascents going to be the climbing rope to hang the rope with the prusik, after that run up and down with the Prusik . Have it high enough you can sleep standing, though I don't recommend it you get my point. I generally have mine high enough I can lean forward into it a little and come tight. Makes falling asleep no big deal or falling out, your arms will still be above the level of the platform.
Just watched the video...shooting with that on looks like it would be a royal pain!
Getting hung up upside down would be another one. He shows it with no stand, imagine being stuck against that stand feet up LOL!
How long could you sit with a waste and leg belt on before you had issues if you needed help getting out? I'd think having the shoulders as well would be a big bonus.
Climbing harnesses are not designed to hang in for much more than a few minutes. If you fell and couldn't get back in the stand you could really mess up you legs. A climbing harness will slowly cut off circulation as you hang in it.
On a less dramatic note, it would drive me nuts having that rope in front of me while I tried to shoot...
QuoteOriginally posted by gringol:
Climbing harnesses are not designed to hang in for much more than a few minutes. If you fell and couldn't get back in the stand you could really mess up you legs. A climbing harness will slowly cut off circulation as you hang in it.
On a less dramatic note, it would drive me nuts having that rope in front of me while I tried to shoot...
Wow. I think if you did a little research, you would find every word of that is false.
I guess to each his own. I use the climbing harness and feel safer in the tree than I have with any treestand harness.
awbowman, what are you using to attach harness to the safety line/tree? I am looking at a couple options.
I use a strap on the tree. The kind that comes with a treestand harness. I take some 11mm rope (about 10') and tie a figure 8 knot on each end. This will make you an 8' or so length rope. One end goes through the strap and one in a lock gate Carabenier. Id say the strap is chest level. You will have to see what works for you. I'm only 5'-8". Taller may need more rope
I second pybucks recommendation of Black Diamond Couloir, I have one...
http://blackdiamondequipment.com/en/climbing-harnesses/couloir-harness-BD651039_cfg.html?gclid=CjkKEQjwqsCcBRDt7_Gts5a91YYBEiQAm-wYEWxjwWn_r_YxzKx2RBziLCvBtISshUXwYGMRnyyRLeXw_wcB
I used the Black Diamond Couloir all last season..really like the weight 8oz.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v71/Iflytrout/Pictures/CO_zpsd926da9f.jpg)
I've used climbing harnesses for years. No problem whatsoever shooting with it. I also rig it so I won't fall more than a few inches. And you'll notice...you are facing the tree which makes recovery a lot easier.
Thanks everyone for your help!
I found a source for complete rope systems, and prussic hitch ropes, made by a bowhunter.
http://safetreehunt.com/
I just ordered a Linemans belt/Climber stand setup, that will keep you attached to the tree the entire time.
I switched over from a fall restraint to the Black Diamond Momentum harness last year. It's weighs almost nothing and doesn't restrict my shooting from a treestand. If I fall, I can't go much over a foot before it tightens on me. I simply love it.
Make sure you tether in correctly instead of just hooking to your belay loop.
Check out this use of a climbing harness.
Sorry for the double post. Didn't see it posted earlier.
http://youtu.be/yceXR7VK1Yc
Here he is climbing with one stick and his harness
http://www.bayoubucks.com/forum/showthread.php?t=63409&highlight=harness&page=2
Notice how comfortable it is to hang with climbing harness. I know this guy and if it wasn't safe he wouldn't do it. He has practiced a lot to get his system down pat.
This is something I have been seriously contemplating myself as well. I have been using an SOP harness for years, and during the last couple of years have added a GriGri decender device as my attachment. It is a nice piece of equipment that allows you to lower yourself safely in the event of a fall without the need to climb back in your stand or use you steps. But it is designed to be used in front of you instead of behind your head as is necessary with a standard treestand harness.
I did a little playing last fall to see if having the rope in front of me would be a problem and I really don't think it would bother me at all. A climbing hamrness would put the GriGri in front of me where it belongs and I think would make an ultra safe set up. I do understand the need for a screemer to attach the harness and will look into an option for that.
Rope is not a problem up front Whip. In fact I can actually lean out if I need. As long as there is no ice on the stand I feel 100% safe leaning
keep your tether as short as possible--what ever harness you use
I've hunted with a black diamond climbing harness for years. If you have a full strength haul loop in the back use it.
Girth hitch tubular webbing or a piece of cordelette to tree.
Carabiner to cordelette with another Carabiner from the cordelette to the full strength haul loop in the back. I use just enough cordelette so when I squat in the stand its snug. I've hung from the tree like this with no problems. I also put foam medical tape around the carabiners so it doesn't make much noise if it contacts my stand.
Just make sure the harness you have has the full strength haul loop in the back. If it doesn't have the full strength loop don't use it.
What McDave said is right about falling on a short rope. That's why I keep mine a little snug so if I fall it's not as an abrupt stop. Static rope doesn't stretch.
I'm curious, after watching that video again.
How easy is it to turn hard left (for a righty?) the way he's set up and still shoot. That ropes right under his pit.
They are light that is one thing I've noticed as well. Makes for a light weight system to fly with unlike my current setup.
I hate to take money from anyone but making a prusik is not hard at all.
QuoteOriginally posted by Josh Perdue:
Just make sure the harness you have has the full strength haul loop in the back. If it doesn't have the full strength loop don't use it.
What McDave said is right about falling on a short rope. That's why I keep mine a little snug so if I fall it's not as an abrupt stop. Static rope doesn't stretch.
IMO... tie in on the front--the idea is to end up facing the tree---
a short tether is exactly what you DO want-to avoid the condition mcdave is referring to--
I personally would NOT tie in with a prussic knot and always tie in directly harness to tree using a tether--NO carabiners or belay devises
allowing ONLY enough slack to sit or stand---
notice how the fella in the film keeps the tether above his waist--to my eye he never creates a "fall" situation-simple tipping on to his tether[no slack]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yceXR7VK1Yc
"IMO... tie in on the front--the idea is to end up facing the tree---a short tether is exactly what you DO want-to avoid the condition mcdave is referring to--
I personally would NOT tie in with a prussic knot and always tie in directly harness to tree using a tether--NO carabiners or belay devises
allowing ONLY enough slack to sit or stand---
notice how the fella in the film keeps the tether above his waist--to my eye he never creates a "fall" situation-simple tipping on to his tether[no slack]"
X2. Bamboo is spot on! Also, don't tether to your back haul loop whether it's full strength or not. Your harness is designed to be tied into from the front. Talk to a rock climbing instructor at your closest store and relay to him or her what you are trying to do. They will explain the safest setup.
Yep always tie up front
I just ordered a Black Diamond for myself.
Here is a link to a thread Tippit did about the GriGri device.
http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=110494
It allows you to safely lower yourself to the ground in the event of a fall or a stand failure. I like the device, but it is designed to be used in front of you rather than behind your head as is required with a standard hunting full body harness. I never really liked reaching behind me and feeling for the GriGri to operate it.
The Black Diamond harness will allow me to attach the GriGri in front and I think will be much easier to operate if needed. If you do decide to add one of these units make sure that you practice with it so that it will be second nature if the time ever comes that your life depends on it.
As a former rock climber and Amg climbing guide I know what I do works. I've tested it in the tree as well. It's always a good idea to have a locking carabiner as a link between the rope and you. Any type of fabric or rope to rope connection will cause heat and friction and can significantly weaken or cut your tether. Falling on an already taught rope and falling on 2-6ft of extra rope or tether are two different things. Go try it then tell me what you think.
Everyone's different and there are a lot of different ways to do it safely. Just do it safely and be careful.
Agree, I like locking gate caribieners. They may seem like a pain in the you know what but a life is worth a little extra time and effort.
Done right I believe that this system is better than a full body harness. Just MY opinion though
I hunt a lot out of a climber and the girth hitch to the tree allows you to "walk up the tree" as you climb so your always attached. As I'm climbing I attach to the front loop "belay loop" of my harness but switch to the haul loop once I'm settled in the tree.
So there's no confusion a full strength haul loop is much different than your gear loops on the sides of your harness.
I would suggest to anyone if your going to use a climbing harness for hunting that you cut all the gear loops off your harness so it's impossible to attach to one. One morning in the dark I caught myself connecting to a gear loop and that could have cost me.
A gri-gri is an awesome device if used properly.
Whatever system works best for you just make sure you practice it enough so it's second nature.
I cut the gear loops off too. They just get in the way for a treestand harness
So how are you guys tying in when you hang your stand and when climbing up the tree (talking about hang on not climbing stands) The climbing harness has a single connection point in the front...either the belay loop or tie in loops. Neither of those seem like they would work well with a lineman set up as you really need two conection points to make a lineman rope work correctly. I know you can tie a rope from your stand all the way to the ground and use a purssic knot but you have to get up there to hang the rope the first time and if you typically only hunt a tree one time like I do, that does you no good.
dark
use 2 locking carabiners one on each side of the main tie off --clipping to the main waist belt
Yea, that's what I do Mike. A homemade linemans's rope with a purrsic to adjust for tree size. Carabiner on each side. Then I'll set up the lifeline from tree to the bottom and tie off to there if I'm going to hunt the next day. If it's one sit, I'll tie off to tree
Thanks guys.
I ran tubular webbing through the waist belt of my Black Diamond Couloir. Tied loops at the ends. Loop my safety belt rope through my right side tubular loop and use caribiners on the left side loop and attach to prusik on climbing belt rope.
I hang loc ons with that setup. Once hung I stay hooked up with safety belt rope just beneath stand and take my tree safety rope which is hooked on my belt loop, off the belt and loop it around tree as high as I can reach above the stand. Then I connect my tether from the front of climbing harness to the prusik on tree safety rope and only then unhook my climbing belt rope and get into stand sliding prusik up as needed as I go . Reverse on way day.
Attached to tree at all times. I leave the tree safety rope on tree if going to hunt stand again and have made up a bunch of those for my loc-ons.
Tall Paul- tight to the tree is exactly what I do. I have no intention of free falling off a cliff like most applications attempt to address. I used a BD climbing harness for years and had it attached to the front- though I had it laced by velcro release straps around my hip to the back to keep it out of my way. If I were to lose my balance the rope pulled loose from the velcro straps. I now use a full body harness using basically the same concept. Like others mentioned, It is is taunt attached high on the tree. If I were to fall, I really would not "fall." I would be hanging with my feet less than 12-18" below the stand. (Besides the taunt hold on my back gives me a point of stability for leaning and shooting)
Good choice
Dan in KS
Ordered the black diamond..Gonna give it a try....
Hoyt - Do you have a picture of how you setup your Black Diamond Couloir as informed?
Is there a reason why you don't need shower straps?
I have seen guys usin these on the other big name archery forums before. But they was using them with climbing sticks and almost like guidos web kinda deal.them guys had some awesome set ups if you was into that kind of tree stand system.
I'm kinda curious how the fall goes when wearing a harness that only yours around your waist n leg? Thanks
QuoteOriginally posted by Zbone:
Hoyt - Do you have a picture of how you setup your Black Diamond Couloir as informed?
Zbone, I don't have any pictures of my setup, but cbigbear1 ...the guy on a couple of videos posted on this thread told me about the system I use. I just use a different model harness than him. Other than that everything is the same except maybe rope dia. sizes. Same tubular webbing run through the harness for climbing belt, etc.
You can see in the videos he has his climbing belt hanging from his right side and the tree safety rope attached to tree and tether, otherwise it would be hanging from his left side going up and down (except for getting in and out of stand).
He hangs his loc ons same way as I described. He told me how. Bout the only difference is I loop my ropes up couple, three times to shorted them up while walking in and out.
Bringing this back up...
I recently bought a Petzl Pandion harness for some of my tree-stand situations. Specifically, it's going to Alaska with me for use in boreal spruce while moose hunting. I needed something light and quick. I did a lot of homework and found that I didn't want a 'normal' rock harness which has padded belt and extra gear loops. If you think about it, most rock-climbing is done in warm weather and minimal clothing. I needed a low-profile unit which would be easy to fit and wear over the top of somewhat heavier hunting clothes. I found that a harness designed for alpine skiing and mountaineering was better suited for me. They are designed without padding and are much easier to walk in, carry and put on.
I went to a couple REI stores and tried 6 harnesses. None of them was right for what I wanted, but the Couloir by BD was close. The buckle was a bummer, so I ordered a Petzl Pandion. I also bought 30' of Blue Water dynamic rope (30%+ stretch/elongation in a fall) and a small, strong screwgate carabiner. I think I'm set.
(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g13/dillbilly/petz.jpg) (http://s52.photobucket.com/user/dillbilly/media/petz.jpg.html)
I have looked and did a little reading on this on some other forums. I am still pretty confused on the whole thing. But I really am interested in trying this out.
Can one of you who is really knowledge On this write up a post explaining what is needed how to rig and hook up properly and give names and definitions of the gear?? I know I'm sorry it's allot to ask. but I would like to learn. Thanks
As a note make sure you get a harness with easy adjustable legs and waist. easy adjusts are usually identified with a thumb imprint on bottom side of adjustment tabs.
http://www.mec.ca/shop/adjustable/50271/?h=10+50019+50270
[/qb][/QUOTE]
I personally would NOT tie in with a prussic knot and always tie in directly harness to tree using a tether--NO carabiners or belay devises
allowing ONLY enough slack to sit or stand---
notice how the fella in the film keeps the tether above his waist--to my eye he never creates a "fall" situation-simple tipping on to his tether[no slack]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yceXR7VK1Yc [/qb][/QUOTE]I am curious what the reason is for not tying in with a prussic knot? I used a Black Diamond harness last year and really liked it. I connected to the tree with a rope around the tree with a prussic knot attached to a carabiner on my harness. I could easily adjust the tension if I was standing or sitting to always keep slack out of my tether. I just don't want to be doing something that I shouldn't.
I think the general thinking is that every device which must work in a fall also presents an opportunity for it to fail. More things = more failure odds. Tying directly to tree and harness is obviously the safest method. I suspect most rock climbers wouldn't trust their lives to a prussic hitch, but I'm not a rock climber.
correct kevin..
..a prussic hitch is an easy knot to tie--that being said its easy to screw up too-especially in the dark-another drawback is you have to take one hand off the tree to slide it up
an ascender will always be easier[safer] to use
these seem well suited-and over #5000
http://www.gibbsproducts.com/arborist_models/default.html
with any self belay the secret is to keep lanyards[body lines]as short as possible and above your waist--and your tree line tight
I figure I'm one of the majority who does not use a fixed safety line extending from ground to stand. I climb to my stand and then tie/clip in to a rope secured to the tree. If I have an unplanned exit, the harness (in this case a rock harness) will stop my fall. I don't need a belay device or ascender, as I have no long fixed rope to navigate. I know that a long fixed line is the ultimate safe way to go, but some things are too much weight and aggravation when going ultralight.
One unique thing about rock harnesses is their front attachment. You have to figure how this works with your bowshot, and whether it's an issue having the rope drape over your shoulder or around your side. Also, some harnesses have a more simple loop attachment such as the Pandion I pictured...others require a rope or carabiner to 'catch' (encircle) the main belt and leg belt where they meet. All harnesses are not created equal, and a recreational padded harness for use on a big wall might be ill-suited for a tree hunter.
Kevin - Have you tried the safety rope between you legs?
Umm...no. I don't think that would work very well if a guy would fall.
The Petzl Pandion seems ideal for hunters. I tried many and ended up with one I really like. I'll use a good carabiner for clipping in and out of the safety line, but that's mainly because I don't want to deal with hand-tied knots in the dark or when it's really cold.
QuoteOriginally posted by Kevin Dill:
Bringing this back up...
I recently bought a Petzl Pandion harness for some of my tree-stand situations. Specifically, it's going to Alaska with me for use in boreal spruce while moose hunting. I needed something light and quick. I did a lot of homework and found that I didn't want a 'normal' rock harness which has padded belt and extra gear loops. If you think about it, most rock-climbing is done in warm weather and minimal clothing. I needed a low-profile unit which would be easy to fit and wear over the top of somewhat heavier hunting clothes. I found that a harness designed for alpine skiing and mountaineering was better suited for me. They are designed without padding and are much easier to walk in, carry and put on.
I went to a couple REI stores and tried 6 harnesses. None of them was right for what I wanted, but the Couloir by BD was close. The buckle was a bummer, so I ordered a Petzl Pandion. I also bought 30' of Blue Water dynamic rope (30%+ stretch/elongation in a fall) and a small, strong screwgate carabiner. I think I'm set.
(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g13/dillbilly/petz.jpg) (http://s52.photobucket.com/user/dillbilly/media/petz.jpg.html)
My brother just did something very similar excep he bought the Petzl Adjama. I think i'm going this route also
Wl tell us how you rig it all up?
Anyone?
I'm not into complexity. I tie a length of dynamic rope into the tree and add a carabiner to the end. Once up in the tree I snap the biner to the front tie-in loop on the harness. I either drape the rope over my shoulder or under my armpit. The front tie-in causes no issues and I like it. When climbing or hanging a stand, I can use the front tie-in loop along with a loop of rope around the tree. The harness allows me to sit in it when my legs need a rest. I looked at the Adjama harness but didn't care for the extra padding and hardware.
The nice things about a rock harness for me:
Light physical weight. Easy to put on. No hassles with adapting to heavy jacket or coat. Very inexpensive comparatively. Ability to hang/sit in the harness as needed. Front tie-in positions you toward tree in a fall-arrest. Easy to rig as climbing harness with lineman's rope.
I should add that I don't care much for pre-rigged ropes, prussic loops and heavy steel carabiners. I much prefer a length of good dynamic rope and a high quality alloy carabiner from a climbing company. I recently used my rig in the backcountry of Alaska and it served me perfectly.
Lots of knowledgeable info here, my friends. I used to be an avid rock climber, also a (licensed) climbing guide in the Adirondacks.
I don't use a tree stand myself. if I did: yes, I'd use a rock climbing harness. I'd anchor to my full strength haul loop in back, with no slack while sitting. If rigged securely, you simply can't "fall" below the stand. Backing up the anchor with a second, both equal tension, is safer still, and standard practice for climbers.
Climbing rope is "dynamic" - as McDave has pointed out, it has some stretch to it, intentionally. The longer the length of rope to your anchor, the bore stretch you'll get. Typical elongation, is about 6-8%, I believe (it's been a while). "Static" rope has little to no give. Webbing or cordelette have no stretch. I might use either climbing rope or webbing/cordelette to anchor.
One note about anchoring in front, when you're facing away from the tree: Look at that video - the guy gets spun around to face the tree. He catches himself with foot and hand. That's without a bow in hand, in shorts, sneakers, t-shirt, in an anticipated fall. What if it were cold, lots of clothes, boots on, holding a bow with a broad head nocked on the string?
One of the scariest moments during my climbing days (my early days, I'd like to note!):
I was sitting on a ledge, anchor line running from my front loop to a solidly placed anchor behind me, belaying my partner below up a pitch.
He fell (this places the weight of the fall on your tie in point). The fall yanked me, spun me around, and smacked my face on solid rock. I held the belay, and managed to get things back together, with the help of a third partner on the ledge with me.
If I had hit harder, and/or lose the grip of my belay hand, my partner could have died.
Something to consider about your tie-in and anchor system.
Don't want to be too heavy here my friends, and certainly not preaching, just adding some real world experience to the thread.
For me, it's no slack in the system and force of fall in line with the anchor.
Be careful out there!
With this harness, could i incoorporate it into my live wire self lowering system... seems alot easier than my current harness...
Greg,
Not sure, but I assume you could make it work.
This entire thread makes me a bit crazy. I remember the early 1980s when only a few of us used a 'figure 8' safety belt to connect ourselves to a tree. No harness...no ropes...nothing else. I think 8 out of 10 guys used no safety equipment. Static lines and self-lowering systems didn't exist. Despite this, it wasn't like hundreds of hunters were dropping like acorns and breaking their necks each weekend. After nearly 40 years of treestand hunting, I've never exited my stand in an unplanned fashion even once. I simply adhere to good safety principles and keep my gear in good shape. I purposely decline the use of a static safety line or lowering system or self-rescue setup. Maybe I could slightly lower my risk, but I know it can never be eliminated totally by any equipment. I have been known to drive without a seatbelt, and my hilltop house has no lightning rod either. You can still die with airbags deployed. What I'm suggesting is that guys should know their equipment and the odds they'll fall. Those odds are very low, and become extremely low based on your safety practices. Adding more gear might help, but then again it might be more of a mental thing than a real-world benefit. BE SAFE.
QuoteOriginally posted by RedShaft:
Wl tell us how you rig it all up?
Here are a couple pics from the backyard. I tried it this weekend and it was easy and comfy. I don't have a pic of the harness, but it looks like the one above. I bought the ropes and caribiners from an outdoor store. If I recall, the red is a 10mm rope and the blue is 7mm.
The other thing to note is that I shortened the blue rope to about 1/3 of that length. It is tied to the red rope using a Schwabisch knot....that means it will bite into the rope preventing a fall, but I can also slide it up and down the rope (much like a Prusik) PLUS I can descend with that knot in an emergency.
Another thing to note is that I hunt from ladder stands. I have 3 or 4 on one property and 6 on another. This system allows me to attach to each tree fast and easy. I position the rope so that I'll only "fall" about 1' at most. Using the rock harness I should be facing the tree and able to climb back up or descend down.
The one flaw is that I am not tied off while climbing the ladder into the stand. These are all 15' ladders. I keep a close eye on all the ratchet straps, etc. Not perfect I know.
I'm open to ideas if anyone has suggestions.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-k0rlbeGLG7k/VCl0xmzjm4I/AAAAAAAAEwA/kbAI1lRBXrk/s800/image.jpg)
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Ilxalc53lOA/VCl0xnY0woI/AAAAAAAAEwE/MWrN8cip3HY/s800/image.jpg)
I've used a climbing harness for years and find I'm starting to migrate the other direction now that there are some serious fall restraint systems being built for hunting. In the beginning I trusted the climbing harness over cheap strap harness, or even worse - loop belt. I used a static rope tied into a loop that I would wrap around the tree and then feed one end through the loop and clip into my biner. I would slide the rope up to be tight when I sat down. I even would sometimes use the harness as a sling stand sometimes where a regular hangon stand wouldn't work and successfully shot deer from it.
What has me second guessing this setup is my thoughts of what would happen in a fall. Slowbowjoe's story alludes to some of my thoughts. A lot of rock climbing falls are you facing the rock and falling straight down. It would seem a lot of tree stand falls are with you facing away from the tree. What damage will be done being whipped around? What if the rope is under one arm? What about falling asleep and out of the stand? What about a fall where your center of gravity is perpendicular to the tree, would you get crack-back?