Any of you using the rock climbing harnesses for bowhunting?

[Hummer3T]

My harness as most only connects in the front, with this design you can sit in the harness and face what you need to while recovering.

[lt-m-grow]

Originally posted by meathead:
A climbing harness is all I use these days. So light and simple.

x 3  Switched last year and don't think I will ever go back to a hunters model.

Bought the harness last year that Kevin Dill posted earlier in the thread.  
   
Comfortable, light (a lot lighter than any hunter model I have used) easy to sit in - all day.  Out of the way.  

I use a long rope and gri-gri setup that tippit has posted before.  Just do a search .

I have had no issues with connecting in the front.  I simply route the tie-in at belt height, so under my left arm (I am right handed) and forget about it.  I don't notice it and I have shot 4 deer using it.  That is not a brag.  I just wanted to offer that it really is unnoticeable as you maneuver though different shot ops.

I also use the tail of the ascent/descent rope as my pull-up rope too.  One less thing to carry.

[Yohon]

Been using an Alpine bod harness for 2 years now. Recommend it highly!!!

[Bowwild]

I had never considered this route before. I have the typical hunter types (Spider, Gorrilla, etc.)and frankly, they bug me a bit.  They are bulky and have parts that can make noise. I paid 2-3 times as much for them as well compared to this rock climber harnesses.

I'm going to give this concept a try so I can remain safe with less bulk.

Another "find" thanks to this forum.
Thanks!

[DanielB89]

Originally posted by meathead:
A climbing harness is all I use these days. So light and simple.

I do the same. Love having my upper body completely free.

[Bowwild]

I just ordered the Alpine Bod. What do you folks use as tether from the harass front to the strap or rope around the tree?

[CoachBGriff]

I've been considering this ever since I did some recreational rock-climbing in a climbing gym.  I loved the idea of not having it attached above my head.

I probably will just wait until the harness I have wears out.  Then I'll replace with a rock climber!

Good luck.

[CoachBGriff]

Kevin - Great info!  Thanks for sharing!

[slowbowjoe]

The Alpine Bod, as I recall, has no front tie in point - it is intended that you tie your anchor line ("tether") around the belt and crotch strap, with a figure 8 knot. One rope, not one to another.

A full size locking carabiner is also sometimes used , connecting belt and crotch strap, as the tie in point for your (dynamic) rope, which ties into your anchor point.

[Kevin Dill]

Originally posted by Bowwild:
I just ordered the Alpine Bod. What do you folks use as tether from the harass front to the strap or rope around the tree?

I wish I knew the exact diameter, but I bought a new remnant piece of approx. 3/4" dynamic climbing rope from *bay. I tied a loop on the tree end which I simply whip around the tree and pass the other end through. The other end has an oval screw-gate carabiner (REI) which clips to the front attachment loop on my harness.

Some harnesses don't have an attachment loop per se, and you must tie directly to the belt or the loop which connects the belt to the thigh straps. I didn't think I'd like that as much, which did play a part in my harness choice.

I like the fact that I can pretty much add or remove upper body clothing without the hassles of an upper harness or strap going out my neck area. Guys should also be aware that rock harnesses MUST be worn relatively high...higher perhaps than your waist line. The belt should be near or above the iliac crest (big hip bone). You do this to keep the attachment point as high as possible and prevent a risk of inversion if a fall occurs.

[Bowwild]

This is the one I just ordered. Won't be here until next week (season starts in two days).

I liked the one Kevin pictured above but this one was on a bit better sale.  Now I'm hoping I didn't complicate things because it lacks the waist loop.

I know to stay away from the gear loops as they aren't strong enough. I was thinking simply around the waist belt on either side of the buckle?  I'll study the video posted at the beginning of this thread. I'm hoping I have something in all the restraint stuff I own that can be used as the harass/tree connection.

I like the idea of this as lighter and like Kevin mentioned, not impacting my upper body clothing as much as the hunter harnesses.

 

[slowbowjoe]

Roy, absolutely DO NOT tie into the waist belt alone! The harness will come with directions for proper use: be sure to read them, follow them exactly, and practice with the setup before you're up in a tree with it.

I climbed in that harness for years(still have it), as have many thousands of climbers over the years. It's stood the test of time, and extensive testing, research, and field use. It's good, and it works. You must do your part to use it as designed.

For a head start on proper use, see my previous post on this thread.

[Kevin Dill]

Depending on belt width and a few fitment particulars, you might be able to snap the waist belt and the thigh strap loop into a large carabiner, thus eliminating a need to tie into them each time.

[Yohon]

That's what I do with my Alpine, use a large biner to hook that loop to the waist belt and then my safety rope/prussic hooks to the biner. I'll see if I can get some pixs for you.

[Bowwild]

Thanks for the advice. I will read the instructions and I just now reread your post slobowjoe. I looked at the opening video again as well. I couldn't see the hook up in the video though.

Based upon my experience with this I may be buying these  for my son and grandson so I have to get it right.

[Yohon]

Here you go Bowwild....hope this helps some
 
I just hook my prussic into the locking biner and the main line goes around the tree.

[David M. Mathis]

I have a Black Diamond that I got last year and won't go back to my SOP. I velcroed a strong pound wise strap around the belt with loops on the end for use of a linemans belt going up the tree with my woodpecker drill.

[Bowwild]

Ok. This is very helpful!

I think I have all these items as parts of other vest systems already which will make it easy.

Thanks

[tracker12]

My Petzel arrived today.  Same one Kevin Uses.  Got it for 20% off and free two day shipping.  Will give it a try and see.  I needed one for some roof work and tree trimming anyway.

[Yohon]

Just another pix I took last night while I was hunting of another option on hooking up. I have a bunch of safety straps and I put it around the tree and use another biner to hook up with a section of the HSS safety rope to the other biner on the harness.