What safety harness do you use ?

Peckerwood · October 04, 2009, 04:00:00 PM

With archery season starting here in Pa. I am still fumbling with my safety harness again. I have been using a Seat of the Pants and I find them cumbersome and always in the way. I know the repercussions but I usually do not wear it.

Are there any harnesses out there that are easy to use and don't get in the way?

Bill

metsastaja · October 04, 2009, 04:09:00 PM

Lots of people going to the safety vests.. I tried one and found it too hot for Florida and cumbersome. I wear SOP and love it but that is just me.

goblism · October 04, 2009, 04:10:00 PM

the muddy/loggy bayou harnesses are pretty nice.

buks2hunt · October 04, 2009, 04:17:00 PM

Hunter Safety System, I was the same way. I picked one up this year and it is the bee's knee's. Comfortable, easy on, easy off, easy to hook up in the dark. It also doubles as a linemans type belt and is great for putting up stands. Kinda pricey but whats your life worth?

Bill

smokin joe · October 04, 2009, 04:21:00 PM

After many years with an old-style safety belt with one strap around the tree and one strap around my waist, I started using a Seat-of-Pants harness this year. I like it. It is quiet and comfortable -- an a lot better than the old belts.

Widowbender · October 04, 2009, 05:13:00 PM

I use the Seat-of-the-Pants harness and love it...My son has the Hunter's safety system (vest type)which is an awesome harness...They all have their good points and drawbacks...

BobW · October 04, 2009, 06:37:00 PM

SOP came with a climber - better than most "non-vest" types. (Just use one, regardless of if you "like" it or not - come back to your loved ones)......

Hatrick · October 04, 2009, 06:53:00 PM

I bought a Loggy Bayou "Transformer" safety harness a couple of years ago and really like it. Easy to get in and out of and does not get tangled. Can be worn underneath or over top of huntingt clothes. Problem is, I don't think they make them anymore.

hickstick · October 04, 2009, 07:18:00 PM

SOP for me. I have has several friends go to the vests only to switch back to the SOP.

it never tangles, and is easy to find inside and out, etc...and from 'unbiased' reports...its by far the most comfortable TO ACTUALLY hang from if you do happen to fall. The HSS vests where the worst for comfort in a fall due to the location and angle of groin straps. apparantly they've remodeled itand improved it but it still doesn't come close to the SOP for comfort.

michaelschwister · October 04, 2009, 07:42:00 PM

I have both the new SOP and the HSS vest. Both are nice, but I use the SOP all the time, The difference is the prussic rope that attches to the tree is the reason SOP is better. The harness has a friction belt that is harder to use and more restrictive.

acadian archer · October 04, 2009, 07:56:00 PM

I use the one that came with my Summit Bushmaste. works great

Oliverstacy · October 04, 2009, 08:02:00 PM

SOP...bought one in 2002 and love it!

Josh

frank bullitt · October 04, 2009, 08:21:00 PM

Anderson Tree Sling, since 1984. Very versatile. Good shootin, Steve

Biggie Hoffman · October 04, 2009, 08:40:00 PM

I boughht an HSS vest now that they have a "magnum" model. You can't buy it in a store you have to order it direct and it's a pain but the only one rated for 350#.

It's hot to wear but the alternative is worse.

wihill · October 05, 2009, 12:55:00 AM

I've got a couple, and like everyone already said they've each got their pluses and minuses.

Hunters Safety Systems Pro
+'s: incredibly easy to get into, lots of pockets to store stuff, the Pro has mesh which breathes much better than the standard.
-'s: Heavy - even heavier when you fill up those pockets, the buckles for the legs are inside which can cause them to "clack" together if your knees are knocking (unsure how the new Pro model is, hopefully they put the buckles on the outside of the legs).

Muddy Harness (an exact, more expensive copy of the old Loggy Bayou Transformer harness)
+'s: super light, well though out addons for your binocs, fits under bulky clothes well
-'s: not as quick to get into as the HSS, doesn't have the pockets to stash minor items, kinda no frills for the money you're putting out.

AFA hooking up to the tree, the system that LoneWolf uses (very similar to the Summit SOP system with the rope and Prussik) is the best for me, and works great with either of the above harnesses I own - not counting the freebie's that come with the stands.

jcprintz · October 05, 2009, 10:59:00 AM

SOP for the last 12 years. Haven't found anything better (at least for me)

October 05, 2009, 11:05:00 AM

Still using the Hide 'em Hunter--I like it. Can't stand the straps around my legs.

lpcjon2 · October 06, 2009, 09:42:00 AM

I use a climbing seat that i used when rock climbing it fits great and doesn't inter fear with any of my shooting. I also have a strap around the back of the harness to strap to the tree. I have fallen when rock climbing and never went upside down with this type of harness. It is really comfortable.

WildmanSC · October 06, 2009, 09:59:00 AM

I use the Grizzly vest. The leg straps go around my thighs rather than up between the legs. Just the thought of falling with a SOP, HSS or similar "safet" system with the lower straps coming up between the legs makes my jewels ache! :(

Bill

tcw · October 06, 2009, 12:01:00 PM

I also use a (rock) climbing harness. Put it on when I leave the vehicle, and tie into a loop in the back.

It is a lot quieter than the hunting harnesses I borrowed in the past.