How to Use a Tree Stand Harness System, Vest & Rope (Big Guys)

Bowhunting or hunting, in general, is safe when you choose to hunt from the ground. However, when you climb up a tree using a tree stand, multiple factors add to the safety. One is the tree stand, which is anchored firmly to the tree. Another thing that hunters must focus on is how to use a tree stand harness anchor.

When you are going to hunt, the first and foremost thing is to know how to use a tree stand harness. Safety can never be taken lightly, so the tree stand body harness needs to be perfectly in place. 

A tree stand harness system connects the bowhunter to the tree or tree stand harness lifeline. It uses a tether positioned on the back of the harness, right behind the neck. Always remain intact with the tree through your deer tree stand harness. This way, if you accidentally slip from a stand, you will not fall to the ground. Instead, if you happen to fall, the harness will hold you and protect you from serious injuries. 

Just as safety harnesses protect hunters from falling, the best tree stand umbrella is essential to protect from adverse weather conditions, i.e., strong rains and snow.

How to Use Tree Stand Harness System

Here are some tree stand harness instructions to put on the harness. First, ensure the tree stand safety harness straps are all loose. Then, take those straps and put them on like a backpack. Expert tree stand hunters know how to rappel with just a rope.

Your shoulders and waist should all be covered by the tree stand harness straps, or a tree stand safety harness vest. Also, double check whether the buckles are at the front or not. Once the harness is on, tighten the straps until it is snug.

The next thing to do is to attach the tether to a lifeline or a tree. This will keep you attached to the tree so you cannot fall. The straps of the tree stand harness setup should be attached tightly but not so tight that they bind or impede your motions. After your thigh straps are in place, your tree stand harness is ready to use. Besides, before going on a hunt, it is important to see if the tether is secure. 

Moreover, a safety harness requirement goes with any kind of tree stand. When using a ladder stand, additional safety gear is required. A climbing tree stand with a harness and tether should be used when ascending or descending the ladder. 

Use of a Tree Stand Harness Lifeline

The harness is designed to wrap over your thighs and torso, distributing pressure evenly across your body. Nevertheless, a lifeline extends from the hunter’s head and reaches the ground. It is also called a tree stand harness rope used to anchor. It is sometimes known as a “safe line,” which connects the tree’s bottom and top.

Moreover, hunters make use of a tree stand harness carabiner. It helps tie the tether with the lifeline. What it does is glide back and forth or up and down on the lifeline to keep the booth tree stand and ground connected.

A tether and harness, when used properly, can prevent dangerous falls. Even for hang on stands where best climbing sticks are used, safety harness should not be ignored.

A lifeline also comes with a tree stand safety harness prusik knot. This prusik knot moves along the tree stand safety harness rope freely as the hunter tries to ascend or descend the tree. It also tightens and stops instantaneously when the rope is pulled tight.

Bowhunters use a locking carabiner to secure the tether of their safety harness to the prusik knot while using a lifeline. When descending, the bowhunter follows the same procedure, slipping the knot downward before taking the next step. However, when your feet are not on the ground, it is not safe to let go of the lifeline. Hence, stay connected until you are back on the ground. 

Prevention From Falls

It is always a good idea to practice getting in and out of your stand before going on a hunt.  This will help you feel confident while being on a hunt. However, if you’re properly suspended in your harness after a fall and can reach your stand, resume hunting. If you can’t return to your stand or feel unsafe, descend the tree using your safety rope.

Falls from treestands can be fatal or debilitating. By taking proper safety precautions, you can prevent serious injuries. A fall from a ladder stand can be especially dangerous and cause serious injury. Therefore, when using a ladder stand, use additional safety gear and tether yourself to the stand. 

One good precaution is attaching the tether to the tree or lifeline before starting the hunt. This will keep you connected to the tree and safe in the stand. 

If you have fallen and your tether has broken, quickly grab hold of the tree trunk and pull yourself up. Pushing against the trunk using your feet will also help pull yourself up. But if you cannot get back onto the tree, your stand, or the ground, call for help immediately.

A Homemade Tree Stand Harness (DIY)

Although there are safety harnesses from various commercial manufacturers, some hunters prefer making harnesses themselves. However, how to put on a tree stand harness and make it yourself is not as hard as it seems. 

There are multiple reasons why hunters prefer a DIY tree stand harness. Moreover, in a DIY tree stand safety harness, hunters can customize it according to the comfort factor.

While some like homemade harnesses because they are much lighter, making them is not difficult. Just some simple steps can get you a perfect tree stand hanging harness.

Steps For DIY Tree Stand Safety Harness 

What You Need?

1. A cotton core along with a braided nylon rope
2. An industrial grade safety carabiner

Measure and cut the rope

Start with cutting a rope segment. For that, start with holding one end of the rope in the right hand, then take the free end in your left. Now, completely extend both hands and create a U shape with the rope. 

Leave a little slack at the bottom of that U shape to reach the feet. Now measure the length of the safety harness from one hand to the other and mark it.

Cut the rope where you previously marked. Take a lighter and heat both ends of the rope to prevent fraying.

Begin with the rope.

Take the rope that you took and fold its two ends over each other to divide it into two equal pieces. Then, take this loop and pass it between the legs to the front from the back. Now, take both the free ends of the loop around your thighs and bring them forward until they come across the loop of your torso.

Pull each end of the rope through the loop, making sure both ends are taut. Take both ends of the rope and wrap them around either side of your body, eventually meeting in the middle of your back. 

Cross both ends of the rope behind your back and under each other. It is time to draw both ends of the rope back in front of the stomach. Then, tie these ends together in a square knot. To increase the security a little more, you can tie both ends of the rope in a half hitch knot. This will help prevent rope ends from breaking out of the initial knots. Now, cut another 6 foot rope segment off the rope you brought. To prevent fraying, heat each end with a lighter once more.

Tie the end of the tether and carabiner

Now start tying a figure eight knot at one corner of the rope. Do not forget to leave a looped end so your tether will slide through. To keep the ends from pulling through, tie a safety knot below the figure eight knot. Then, tie the opposite sides of the ropes similarly; tie an eight figure knot and another safety knot to back it up. 

Tie it to the tree. 

Now that you have ascended to the stance, it is time to hook the tether to the tree. Remember to keep it above your head level. At the opposite ends, tug the carabiner-equipped end of your tether through the loop. Now pull slack from the tether and clip it at the back of your waist into the seat. However, hunters should always know that such homemade harnesses do not have shoulder straps. 

Conclusion 

Hunting from a treestand can be a great experience, but it is important always to put safety first. By having all the precautionary measures, hunters can successfully hunt without any mishap. Wearing a tree stand harness vest is the best way to prevent falls while hunting from a treestand.

In nutshell, hunters who don’t want to be as much mobile, yet concealed without tree stand (because of safety) look for ground blinds. It is better to know ground blind vs tree stand before buying one for your property.

Remember, safety must be your first consideration while hunting from a treestand. Therefore, make sure you have a tree stand harness with it. Also, keep your backpack loaded with safety accessories.

Frequently Asked Questions