The Best Tree Stand Harnesses of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
BY Herschel Smith
1 year, 7 months ago
This is an extremely easy to use rock climbing harness that easily carries and supports hunters in a seated position after an arrested fall. The Black Diamond Zone is designed with the idea that users (climbers) are expected to fall in this harness. It is also designed for self-rescue, since rock climbers are often not easily accessible to rescuers. One of the reasons that full-body safety harnesses are recommended often for hunters is that it would be impossible for a hunter to fall out of a full-body harness if all the straps are fastened properly. Properly worn, the rock climbing harness provides almost as much security. Remember that rock climbers, unlike deer hunters, plan to fall and may be in unusual postures when they do so and count on these harnesses for survival.
Although the front attachment of the tether for rock harnesses could get in the way, the big advantage of this attachment point is that self-rescue becomes far easier after an arrested fall. Since this is a “sit” harness, hanging in these harnesses is much more comfortable than the full-body harness. Because you sit in this harness while suspended, unlike hanging in a full-body harness, the risk of suspension trauma is low.
He goes on to discuss traditional fall-arrest harnesses with a lanyard on the back of the system. Don’t do that.
You’re incapable of self-rescue, and the system will cut the flow of blood to your legs, potentially causing loss of limbs. Don’t be tethered to your back side.
Do it the right way. Use rock climbing gear. Dump the old, traditional ways of doing things. All you need to purchase is the harness from Black Diamond, a legitimate carabiner, and a tree tether. Replace the tree tether if it gets worn.
On May 15, 2023 at 4:56 am, jrg said:
I remember back in the Bad Ol’ Days when a rope loop around the tree at chest level was considered good enough. Plenty of tree stand hunters found dead that way.
On May 15, 2023 at 9:05 am, Levi Garrett said:
I like the idea of the Black Diamond harness from the article. I don’t know how it would work for archery hunting though. Seems like the front side hookup would hinder you from drawing a bow. I’ve been using the older harness style system that tethers to your back, and I’d like to get some updated gear. As you said, that style will cut off your blood flow if you sit there long enough. I always carry a pocket knife in my pants in the event I fall out of my stand and am hanging suspended. Pretty much all the trees on which I use my climbing stand are able to be bear-hugged. In the event of a fall, I planned on flipping toward the tree, bear hugging it, cutting my tether rope with said knife, and sliding down the 15 or so feet down the tree. Easier said than done, and it would probably as uncomfortable as all get out.
On May 15, 2023 at 9:09 am, Herschel Smith said:
My sons saddle hunt. For that you’d have to have front tether.
On May 17, 2023 at 9:09 pm, Cancemi Mark said:
“Saddle hunting” has become a very efficient and safe way to hunt from an elevated position in a tree. I have a “Latitude” saddle and it is exceedingly comfortable. The way you ascend and descend depends on how you’re most adept/comfortable. Great options for getting in and out of trees safely.
On May 19, 2023 at 11:38 am, Daniel Smith said:
The reason for the continued push for traditional harnesses is because of “certified”. I’ve had numerous conversations with the manufacturers of these explaining this exact thing to them. The “certified” companies have yet to change with how hunting is changing and being more mobile and aggressive style tactics. It’s a huge money grabbing scheme because in the end, there technically is no cert process and it’s not government regulated. All white noise by old hunters who don’t want to change a thought process because they get rich off some archaic idea
On May 19, 2023 at 11:44 am, Daniel Smith said:
@Cancemi Mark. Latitude outdoors is legit! Recently I chose to try out their knee pads instead of using “one more thing” to have to strap to a tree. Plan on packing my knee pads in with me on my long all day hunts in the mtns. Anything close by to my home I’ll just wear them in. Should check out their carbon fiber sticks. Freaking awesome! I run a Tethrd predator platform with a cruzr saddle and latitudes carbon sticks (4 of them with 14” aiders). Should also check out “Hang Free”. I use that company for all my 3d printed bow hanger and gear hangers and stuff. They purchase directly from “The Amsteel Guy” for all their mods. Next 3 months are going to be the longest of my life hahaha
On May 19, 2023 at 3:14 pm, PGF said:
Hmm, I’d be interested to see a post on saddle hunting, new gear, and techniques. I know several younger folks who are much more aggressive in how they hunt than the old timers “sitting around swapping lies” for fun.
On May 20, 2023 at 12:56 am, Bobby Nations said:
“In the event of a fall, I planned on flipping toward the tree”
@Levi Garrett, that’s surprisingly more difficult than you might imagine. OSHA harnesses are designed to be used on jobsites where there will other folks around to help rescue you.