Safety belt- rock climbers

[jax]

Why do  rock climbers only wear half a harness? We bowhunters wear one around our shoulders. Was wondering why

[tippit]

It is easier to manuver with the climbing rope infront of you.  You can handle the rope with both hands as in belaying.  As Bowhunters, it would be very difficult to shoot a bow with the rope infront of you...tippit

[jax]

But couldn't they  wear the shoulder harness  and still attach the rope at the waste?

[Knotter]

no real need for the chest harness as the sit harness does the job.  

the other issue with a full body is the mobility limitations when climbing and if you fall.

[Kentucky Jeff]

When you rock climb you typically face the surface you are climbing.  When you hunt from a treestand you typically face away from the surface your climbed (and are attached to).   Hence your attachment point faces toward the surface in both situations.  Also, as mentioned it might be a bit odd to have the rope running up in front of you if you were hunting.

[Jock Whisky]

Several of us use rock climbing harnesses. We have no trouble shooting.  
I find them easier to get in and out of, they don't compress your clothes (insulation) on cold days and if you fall you end up facing the tree and your steps.
Overall I like them.

JW

[jax]

That is what I was thinking whiskey

[rnickl]

A top harness will help keep you upright after a fall.  
It's not a big deal for a rock climber because he/she is facing the rock and you can also anticipate when you're about to pop off a rock and go flying, which gives you a second to prepare for a  fall.

A hunter is more likely to fall unexpectedly and be facing the wrong direction to stop themselves from smacking in to a tree.  Any extra control like a top harness to set you upright will be a help, especially for folks that don't climb and aren't used falling like that.

[waknstak IL]

I've kinda wondered the same thing. I used to rappel Australian style (facing the ground)and attached the carribiner to the rear of the harness. I am not sure why it wouldn't work for deer hunting. That said every dedicated fall restraint device I've used had a tether that attached between the shoulder blades so there must be a reason why is is safer.

[maxplan]

I have used a Black Diamond rock climbing harness for a long time. I installed the attachment rope and a caribener(sp)to the front loop and when I'm in the tree I tuck the attachment rope in my belt off to my right side. If I fall the rope comes to the front. Climbers do not always stay in perfect position either. I put the belt on under my outer pants and it does not bind my legs or annoy me when I walk. Very simple.

[TDHunter]

I also use a rock climbing harness and just tuck the strap into the back so it's out of the way. I connect it to the tree at waist height so I never have to worry about it obstructing my limb if Im shooting behind the tree. Works great.

[KSdan]

I have a different view on this-

The safety harness shift in treestand hunting came as a result of liability. They applied industrial equipment to the hunting world to solve a problem.  I have no doubt that harnesses save people.  But the current design where people face away from the tree causes a DANGEROUS predicament and causes death.  I think the climbing harness with the rope tucked at the back or with breakaway velcro are much safer.

With that said- I was using a climbing harness up until last year.  I have been trying a new system that I have really liked though:  The harness/tether is shorter and tied quite high above my head.  This way I cannot even fall. I can actually lean out against the harness and rest or gain stability.  It would be impossible to fall off my stand.  

My 2c
Dan in KS