Posted: 12/2/2025 7:10:37 PM EDT
| Like the title says...I'm trying to find the best, most comfortable but functional option out there for a safety harness to use with a treestand. I want one that can be used underneath heavier jackets/bibs for colder weather where I hunt, but also functional on the outside during warmer archery season. I'm a little ashamed that I've hunted so long without one, but I've recently started looking into saddle hunting and it's kind of opening my eyes to the risks I've taken. |
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I've been using Hunter safety systems harness's for a long time. https://huntersafetysystem.com/collections/harness-pre-load |
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Originally Posted By bdicki: I've been using Hunter safety systems harness's for a long time. https://huntersafetysystem.com/collections/harness-pre-load HSS ultralight for me. Comfortable and easy off/on |
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Hunter Safety System X-1 I have been using this harness for tree stand hunting. I particularly like the quick release leg buckles for putting it on hassle free . |
"Freedom through Victory"
"Those who can ... do
Those who can't ... become site staff"
"Those who can ... do
Those who can't ... become site staff"
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I've been using the Shadow harness with a rope and prussic knot from Summit. https://www.animatedknots.com/prusik-knot |
| I'm split right now between the HSS X-1 and the Summit Pro. Both seem like they would be about to be used over my bibs and under my heavy coat for winter, but also on the outside of my lighter gear for archery. I like the simplicity of the X-1 and lower cost, but I also like the features and comfort that the Summit seems to offer, but at a higher price point. I don't usually like to skimp on safety stuff so I'm leaning slightly towards the summit. |
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I prefer a rock climbing harness. Check out some listed below. Dryad KillDeer XOP The Holiday |
| I have the Muddy Magnum, and while it works, I'm not a fan of it. Really don't like how the thin little leg straps go around my leg and how difficult they are to use. Planning on getting the HSS Ultralight. Would have bought it already for this deer season, but wifey said to put it on my Christmas list. |
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HSS Ultralight has been good for me for a lot of years. QD's on the legs, comfortable straps, doesn't get tangled up. I prefer to put the harness on under any bulky clothing. Usually over my pants, but under any bibs I happen to wear and under my coat. I've got buddies that use and like Muddy harnesses. I've never used one, but they look solid. If you're planning on sitting in a traditional tree stand I do not suggest using a rock climbing harness. Standing in a tree stand normally facing away from the tie in point (TIP) is a fall arrest situation not a fall prevention situation. Rock climbing harnesses are designed and built specifically to be facing the TIP at all times and not have any slack in the tether system. This is the exact opposite of a traditional tree stand hunting setup. When hunting from a saddle setup, where you're facing the TIP and not introducing slack in the tether at all, rock climbing harnesses are a great solution and work well. I do hunt out of a saddle in certain set ups. However, I use one of my back up tree specific saddles just because I already have it. I use a Petzl Sequoia doing climbing tree removals so while I'm absolutely comfortable being 100ft off the ground in a saddle and a rope, I do not use that harness style in a tree stand while hunting. If the tether set up properly you should be easily able to self rescue in a standard fall arrest harness...I've done it for practice numerous times. Of course have a suspension relief strap available, accessible, and know how to use it to prevent suspension trauma. However, keep your tether short and properly set and you shouldn't ever need it. The tether should have almost zero slack when you're sitting in the stand. So the only slack is when you stand up. |