Hunting Forum

Things have changed alot over the years about what is exceptable for tree stand harnesses.  My daughter just finished her Hunter Education course here in Michigan and they were quite detailed about what is exceptable or "recommended".  What does everyone use?  Some of the harnesses that come with some stands are crazy to put on after they have been in a heap or bag. It gets way frustrating when I'm in a hurry, trying to get it on and out in the woods or trying to put one on one of my kids.  The vest type can be pretty expensive, but look awesome.  Anybody got any thoughts?

I bought a vest type 4 years ago from Hunter Safety Systems. Best thing I ever did. Best feature I found is that you can walk with the vest on and the leg straps don't slide down and hamper your leg movement. Second it is quiet and comfortable. If the straps get all tangled up from storing or transport just grab the shock absorber part and shake, it is real easy to see what straps should go where. Even after not using it for a year it's a no brainer how to put on. Just be sure to get the proper size. Before I had the vest I used to leave my harness in the tree stand attached to the tree so is was hanging there ready to put on once I was up [not the smartest thing to do]. 100$ isn't too much compared to the alternatives.

Thanks for the reply. Someday I would like to get a vest type. There's less strapping to fool with and just looks safer! Good luck with your hunting season this year!!

It's an investment to insure you "all" will have a future in hunting. There's no price tag on that.

The harness that come with the treestands are ok, I use them for loaners but I use a colored marking pen to identify the straps (Right shoulder, Left shoulder,same with legs and tree strap). It helps when putting it on, and any is better than none. These aren't the most comfortable, but they are full body and will keep you upright and from hitting the ground. As with any harness, put it on before going to the stand and hook it to a tree overhead but at ground level and lift your legs to get the feeling you'd experience if you fell. This will help deter you from falling lol, it aint comfortable.

I still have the "Seat-O-The-Pants" harness that came with my climber. I like it once it is on, but getting it on at 5am while I am trying to go hunting cen be a pain in the behind. I will not go up the tree without it though.

I have looked a the vest type, but I just can't make myself let go of $100 for convenience.

I use the harness that came with my API stand. One thing make sure the straps that go between your legs are snug loose and you sing soprano. Mine have the shoulder straps marked right and left. I put mine on a cloths hanger one of those metal ones with the alligator clips on it. I clip it onto the shoulder straps so it doesn't get tangled.

I bought mine last year when everything went on clearence regular price was 100.00 and bought it for 35.00 I usually wait until the season is over and I know what I`m going to need next year so I buy it the year before. I maybe a cheap..s but is the only time when I can get them cheap.

I also use a HSS and don't go into a treestand without a harness. If you mare concerned about price figure what it's worth not being crippled by fall from a stand .

the HSS is great for dragging deer out of the woods also. No more tired backs like you get from dragging horns or legs. It is nice to not worry bout falling out of tree when I fall asleep lol ! It is well worth the money, had one for several years.

I have the HHS Vest and it is my go to harness, I have a few others that are acceptable but not as comfortable.

I use the Gorilla G 30 I think is the model but anyhow it is well worth the money.  I think they run around 150 but they are light, tough, and take about 15 seconds to put on.  There are a few different straps that just snap into place and you are ready to go.  You can put it on in the dark which I really like.  I know it costs a little more than most would want to spend but I would think it would last you for ever.  I on year 2 and it is still like brand new and I hunt in a tree all of the time so quick and easy but safe is nice.

I used the HSS vest...$100 easy to use, quiet and it will save your life

I just use the one that came with the tree stand

Not to be smart. Buy a ground blind and hunt with her. Imagine that you are with her when she arrows her first deer. Would be great father daughter bonding time. Did it with my son. He shot a doe and I will always remember. That was 16 yars ago.

Joe Termite

i used a retractable lanyard on my stands have a pull cord to bring the claspe to me on the ground

Vests!

Vests are great for maneuvering to and from the tree, dragging a deer, and staying upright in the event of a fall.

More falls occur during ascent and descent!

One slick trick I did with my tree-strap to ensure protection at all times is I secured one end to the outside of the upper belt in a fashion that allows me to have something around the tree if the belt or stand should fail while climbing or stationary; it moves with the upper part of the climber (some people climb and descend without  fall protection).

I use 10 feet of the 1/2" tubular nylon (1,500 LB rated capacity), the short end forms an end of the line bowline, the long end passes through the bowline and is secured to my harness (sometimes a climbing seat, but usually I form an end of the line bowline or an Australian harness/wrap around my upper torso).

My point is that whatever you use, please make sure there is an anchor in place (around the tree-trunk) at all times in the stand.

If interested, IM me and I will send pictures.

Ground blinds are awesome. I use them during gun season, but some of them are just too small to use during bow season