ORIGINAL: buckmaster
I dont wear one going up or down either.
BUT, you cant tell me your going to hook a harness around a tree that has 5-10 limbs on the way up. That IMO would be more dangerous than just hanging on to the sticks.After straping around, unstraping, etc...Though, The Prusick style would be good for that situation, but I dont do that either. But Im always hooked at the top. I know it should be different.
The climbing systems work great. Also, there is such a thing as a second belt with quick disconnects.