I'm now intrigued with the rock climbing harnesses. But the obvious question is, why would a manufacturer like HSS keep producing hunting harness when it would seem cheaper & easier to produce their version of a rock climbing harness, if it's really that much better & safer? I don't understand the disconnect. Doesn't make business sense.
Treestand harness question
- Thread starter Nsghunter
- Start date
I use my saddle sometimes too. Similar to the rock climbing harness in practice and you can pull double duty with it
TNDeerGuy
Well-Known Member
Because it is a business that they have cornered and convinced millions they HAVE to use this. All they have done is take standard OSHA approved full-body harnesses and made them camo and charge an exorbitant amount for a simple design. When they make millions, and have the market covered, why switch? It's all about the $$$. I'm not saying the HSS style is not safe, because it is, but rock climbing harness are built to take the same load shock (but repeatedly compared to HSS style), rock climbing harnesses don't require you to get into suspension straps ASAP, and rock climbing harnesses you will always face the tree after a fall, or can easily get back into position.
Tennessee Lead
Well-Known Member
Can't recommend The Dryad Killdeer enough. Absolutely love mine and I've been in a RC Harness a few years now. I didn't think I would find anything else I liked better until the killdeer. It's such a smaller profile and the ability to put it on like a belt versus stepping into it with boots on is so nice.
The lineman loops built into it would be very beneficial hanging stands as well.
The lineman loops built into it would be very beneficial hanging stands as well.
I tried the free ones and I had to get to my parking spot 30 minutes early to untangle the mess! 
My HSS doesn't get tangled up in storage, takes seconds to put on, and is comfortable.
My HSS doesn't get tangled up in storage, takes seconds to put on, and is comfortable.
infoman jr.
Well-Known Member
Yep I use the Alpine Bod.
infoman jr.
Well-Known Member
I used the HSS Reversible harness for years. I liked that it doubled as an orange vest for gun season, and the side pockets were great for storing a rangefinder and reloads for my muzzleloader. The downside is it was heavy, and adding and removing clothing layers was tedious. With a rock climbing harness, I can leave the harness on while adding or removing upper body layers, and I slip my insulated pants on over the harness and run the tether rope out of the fly.
Stayinthewoods
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Aug 18, 2020
- Messages
- 53
For me it's well worth the price for the convenience. I have a HSS (I forget the model) that is basically just a vest with the harness built into it. There's no untwisting it, stepping through loops,, trying to pack it so it don't tangle,, etc.. I literally put it on like a vest, buckle the legs and I'm on my way. One side is camo for bow season. It's reversible and the other side is orange for rifle/muzzleloader season.
In my eyes, the convenience of it is priceless. I'm on my tenth season with it.
If I'm hunting on a day where I think I may shed layers I just put it on over my base layer.
Think of it this way.... it may cost you a little up front, but then it's done. You don't have to buy one ever again unless you put on or lose a bunch of weight.... or if you actually start to fall. They advise replacing them if they are strained I believe... I could be wrong.
In my eyes, the convenience of it is priceless. I'm on my tenth season with it.
If I'm hunting on a day where I think I may shed layers I just put it on over my base layer.
Think of it this way.... it may cost you a little up front, but then it's done. You don't have to buy one ever again unless you put on or lose a bunch of weight.... or if you actually start to fall. They advise replacing them if they are strained I believe... I could be wrong.
TheLBLman
Well-Known Member
Might be time to consider replacing it?
TNDeerGuy
Well-Known Member
HSS and TMA recommends replacing them every 5 years, or if a load has been placed on it, or it shows signs of wear
I will tell you the free harness that comes with a stand is only a little better than nothing. If you ever do fall and need it. Cheap harness's can still hurt you. They can leave you hanging without a good way to get down. They can Bust your Nuts . Wear it till you can get one that fits your budget. Too often they are difficult to get on, uncomfortable, bulky. You really need to go to a good Sporting goods store and try a few on. Think about what you might be wearing.
Suspension Trauma -- Occupational Health & Safety
Those writing fall protection plans must understand the hazards of harness hang syndrome in fall protection.
ohsonline.com
Nsghunter
Well-Known Member
When I hunt I typically hunt with my back to the tree. It seems if the strap is at my hips in the front, that would cause issues with the strap going around towards my back.
Also, it seems if I fell, then i would snap around upon decent to facing the tree.
The attachment facing the tree makes sense when I am facing the tree to hunt though
Nsghunter
Well-Known Member
I always wear my free harness just wondering what he benefits were to the ones you have to buy.
We've met before and don't live far apart if you ever wanna try a rock climbing harness we can meet up abs I'll show you how I wear mine
I like the Muddy harnesses. They are pretty lightweight and have the straps you can use to stand on if you are hanging from a tree to keep circulation flowing. Not tried any of the others mentioned which I'm sure are good as well.
I like mine as well no problems whatsoeverI tried the free ones and I had to get to my parking spot 30 minutes early to untangle the mess!
