After watching the news on Christopher Reeves this morning, it reminded me as to how ones life can change instantly. His death got my wife and I talking about such injuries and the risk with stand hunting. I explained to her that I invested in a high quality harness (Seat of the Pants) and use it religously. I still find myself in situations where it is difficult to use until I get into the tree. For example, this weekend, I found a stout pine tree with many limbs, so I jumped upward and pulled myself up, climbing one branch at a time until i was 21 feet up. I then connected the harness before settling down on a limb.

The "ascender" referenced above may be similar to the model sold by Seat of the Pants. I forget their name, but it is basically a long rope with a sliding Prusiac knot used by rock and mountain climbers. The Prusiac knot slides up and down the rope (which needs to be afixed top and bottom of the tree) allowing you to be connected all the way up and down. I purchased this system for one of my lock on stands that is downright scarey to climb. I was not comfortable going up this tree without being attached at all times. It is a hairy climb but a good spot.