Climber/ safety harness question

[Swamphunter]

I currently have the Summit Cobra XLS climber. I love it but have not used it yet. I am going to be using it for the first time this week. Here's my question. The safety harness and rigging that came with it looks like a real pain in the butt. Can I used just a regular safety belt with this climber and be fine? The harness has so many belts and loose ends, it looks very confusing. I asked for the vest with the harness built in for Xmas and will have that next year probably, but for this year would like to just use a safety belt. What do ya's think?
(Content of this message by no means has intent to create liability on the part of the poster. I hereby take full responsibilty for my actions and will hold no one accountable for their opinions on this matter.)

[NY911Bowhunter]

Ask a fireman to explain it to you!

[billygoat]

the harness is actually very easy to use, once you get use to it. You have 2 leg straps and a waist strap, then you have the tree strap which should attach to a prusic knot. The strap actually allows for alot of freedom while in the stand and you can ascend and descend the tree w/ the harness and rig applied... I have really grown to love mine... I did however shorten the leg straps so I didn't have so much extra strap flopping against my leg. Best of luck.

[Chrud]

The harness is simple to use. Pick it up by the back tether (with the hook deal) and you'll see. Watch the DVD/video and do as it says. Wear the harness and slide the rope up as you climb.

[HuntingInMaine]

[ QUOTE ]
found a simpler way by buying the Hunters' Safety System vest this year. Simple to use and superior fall restraint protection.

[/ QUOTE ]

I couldn't agree more! I also bought one of their harnesses this year and am very happy, couldn't be easier to use and I feel very safe when using it.

[Tominator]

i have the same harnes, and to be honest, have not even taken it out of the bag. i use an ameristep lineman's harness.

about this time of year, i am sick and tired of strapping myself in and untangling that mess of a harness, but like i told the landowner of a tract of land that i hunt "i've beaten cancer too many times to have a fall out of a tree kill me."

wear a harness would be my advice. you might not get a second chance.

[Swamphunter]

[ QUOTE ]
wear a harness would be my advice. you might not get a second chance.


[/ QUOTE ]

Oh, don't get me wrong, I had EVERY intention of wearing a safety belt... just thought ,aybe the harness was overkill. I stressed to my wife about the vest type harness for next year! Thanks guys

[tedicast]

I use the Seat-O-The-Pants harness that came with my Summit, and it really isn't that confusing...I am in mine in a matter of seconds. Everyonce in a while something gets twisted, and you end up swearing at it for a minute or so...lol.
The thing i love about it is how it holds you straight up... I use my harness, with a summit life line in one of my stands. climbing down, about 2 feet off the ground, I stepped off the tree step. I was held perfectly upright, and it wasn't even uncomfortable. Its a good feeling knowing that if for some reason I do fall, I will end up upright.