I do use a safety strap once I get into my stand.. however it's one that just goes around my stomach. From everything I've read these aren't great because if you do fall you'll end up upside down. Anyone have any recommendations for decent harnesses? I hear people talk about using harnesses while they are climbing up into their stand but I'm not quite sure how that would work. I use climbing sticks so I would need something that would work around the steps and not make the climb difficult. Also, what do you do when you get up to your stand? For me, this is where I have the most difficulty... climbing into the stand. Does the harness stay attached to the tree while you get in the stand?

One other quick question about hanging tree stands... I have a hard time trying to hold onto my tree stand and getting the chain around the tree and securely attached (when you're 5'2", the arms just don't reach long enough!)Cabelas has a gadget called the "stand hand" that looks like it may help... anybody have any experience with a gadget such as this? Thanks for your help.....happy hunting.

The Seat of the Pants harness can also be used as a climbing harness.
I would reckonmend this harness to any one.
I would rather be safe then sorry.

Ausie-Guy... what do you do with the strap when you get up to your stand and have to climb into the stand.... how does that work? I've never had a climbing harness so I'm a bit ignorant here.. just can't seem to picture how it would work with a hang-on stand. Thanks.

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Northern Badger,

SOTP has two clips at the mid section of the harness. What you do is, wrap a second strap around the tree and slip it to these clips. I think you need to apply a little pressure to the strap to keep it taught but now you can just go up the tree with this strap and not worry about the steps getting in the way. Ever seen those lumberjack contests where they race up the pole? It's that same concept. When you reach the top and before stepping onto your stand, you can attach the regular tether section to the tree. All of this is described in the SOTP manual that comes with the harness. The only drawback is, the harness doesn't come with that second strap. You gotta buy it seperately. At least that was the case when I got mine. Kinda stupid!

A better idea is to have a seperate rope hanging down and use one of those "doo-hickeys" that rock climbers use. You slide it along the rope as you go. Several people on this forum suggested that one and it sounds like a great idea.

-Mike

In my opinion, you have got to check out the "Hunter Safety System". The only reason that I've been making so much noise the past few weeks in the forums about this is because I bought one 4weeks ago, and it is awsome! It's a 5pt safety harness that has a hunting vest built around it. It takes me about as long to put it on as a tee-shirt. Just check it out before you make any final decisions @ http://www.huntersafetysystem.com You'll be very happy with it and never again enter the woods without being safe.

&quot;Measure twice, shoot once <img src=icon_smile_evil.gif border=0 align=middle>
http://www.hunting-pictures.com/memb...dex.html&quot;

Lacking the money for a better quality harness, I got my full harness from Walmart for about $25. I put it on before I climb and go up my climbing sticks emptyhanded, when I get to the stand , I then attach it to the tree, then pull up my gear. May not be as save as climbing with one attached, but at least I have it when i get up there. I would not use anything but a full harness. Walmarts is not the most comfortable either, but it will do till I get something better.

On the second question: climb your sticks with harness on and when you get to where you want your stand, attach your strap to tree and pull your stand up. Hook one leg behind a step for stablization and you have both hands free to hook your chain, just get it hooked, then you can adjust it as you need to tighten it. Also get a ratcheting strap to go from your stand platform and around the tree to stablize your stand. Good luck and Happy Hunting..<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>

The best of luck in all your hunting endeavors!!!

God Bless,
Dave

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote<font size=1 face='Verdana, Arial, Helvetica' id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>it's one that just goes around my stomach. <hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote></font id=quote><font face='Verdana, Arial, Helvetica' size=2 id=quote>

You should NEVER wear a safety belt around your stomach. If you only wear a single loop strap then you should wear it around your chest just below your armpits. I would highly recommend getting the SOTP harness or any other good full body harness.