I just had a friend who fell 18' out of his homemade treestand. He shattered his right wrist and broke his left wrist. Plus his 4 year old son was still in the stand. To me, its not worth the risk of seriously injuring yourself. I have on occassion forgotten my harness and I never go above 8'. Its better to be safe then sorry. I hope I never have to use them, but if I do, its worth the hassle of using them.