Climbing belts

[Gutpile]

Who uses em? I have one that looks like the line-man's type belt. Its a Strap that goes around my waist, with a heavy rope that goes around tree, I have adjust the length of the rope as needed very easily. It can be detached on one side quickly if I need to work around a limb.

It is really nice when I am installing a fixed stand because I dont have to tie up one of my arms to hold onto the tree. It then doubles as my safety harness.

I am thinking of upgrading since it is not a full body harness, and I know that those are the best for supporting your weight when you fall.

[MoBowman]

I use mine when I'am not in my climber. Several years ago I bought some new screw-in's and was working my way up a tree when the screw-in I was standing on broke. Slapped the tree on my way down and broke 3 ribs. Scary thought laying in the woods unable to breath. Luckly I was only about 8-10 foot up. Climbing belt is a major part of my pack now.


MoBowman ```--------->

[Altonite]

It scares me thinking about one of them breaking and my nut sack getting hung on one of those steps. Even with a harness on your going to fall a little ways. Couple of years ago one broke on me, step grabbed my shirt as I fell pulled it up over my head before my safety belt pulled me up against the tree.

[coyotewhacker]

I went to a full body harness last year, and don't regret it a bit. It is not a "hunting specific" harness, but rather one similar to what construction workers and window washers use. It's got OSHA tags on it, and for the first time I feel comfortable when up in the stand when wearing it. It's also real useful when hanging a fixed position tree stand....you can use the heavy safety strap around the tree as a climbing aid and adjust it in or out to get the right amount of lean while getting the stand locked to the tree. None of the previous safety belts were able to do that. The newest generation of vest type safety harnesses look like they combine all the best features, and you don't have to step through all sorts of web straps to put one on.
Just wish they weren't so danged expensive. Then again, how much is your life worth, or how much is is worth to be able to slip, fall, and be able to hunt again tomorrow? When you look at it that way, they seem pretty reasonable.

[Center Punch]

Anyone remember that body harnes that also allowed you to climb and sit in it so you could use it as a stand? Cost was about $120 or something? Someone posted it up on one of the Old Cafe's I think?

Anyone remember it and know where a person could take a closer look?

[Gutpile]

MIke, I do remember seeing that thing...TO be honest it looks like an absolutely horrible idea and strong discourage anyone from trying it.

Seems like it would be insanely uncomfortable after a couple of hours and very unstable while shooting, and difficult to remain still in. The belt that I have also allows me to quickly adjust the "amount of lean" I need very quickly, It was a bout $30 - $40 a few years back...definitely not cheap.

[Center Punch]

I understand where you're coming from Kurt, but I saw the video and liked what I saw. I'd like to try it out for myself and would buy it and return it if I didn't like it.

I recently damaged my climber while topping a tree and I would like to have a nice light replacement.

I already use a body harness and love the security of it. Seat-O-the-Pants...I think is how it's spelled.

[Gutpile]

Hey whatever floats your boat...lemme know how it goes....

[Center Punch]

now if I could only find that link...

[Gutpile]

Dude I just read your post about cutting the tree down...I strongly encourage you to just buy a decent ground blind and call it quits.

Remember, if your truck gets stuck, do not use your safety strap as a tow strap...it will get all muddy and you will get the mud on you when you put it on.

[Center Punch]

Thanks for your concern. I do have a ground blind and I use it all time.

You might think seriously about getting a body harness. you can use them like a lineman's climber as well.

[Gutpile]

I am, but this belt is really cool, the rope that is the climbing aid, goes through a D right that is on a strap that is on the tree, so I need very little slack in the rope for full mobility, if I were to fall I would fall all of about 6 inches.

I know if I had to sit there for 3 hours that with just the waist belt I might be in trouble, but I almost NEVER hunt alone, so thats not a big issue. Plus I am pretty agile still and could likely right myself.