Hunting from a tree stand is always a good idea as you get a bird’s eye view of your surroundings. Nonetheless, tree stands can also be dangerous. In fact, more hunters end up in the emergency room due to tree stand related accidents than firearm-related accidents.
According to statistics, 55% of tree stand injuries result in spinal injuries. Moreover half of all accidents reported are tree stand related. Firearm related accidents account for only 29 percent of all injuries. Also, most tree stand injuries accumulate bills of up to $50,000.
Glenn Artis
Outdoor Ever
This is saying a lot. But more importantly, it shows you just how important a trees stand harness is. The best treestand harness will keep you from falling in case you slip while climbing up a tree to your tree stand.
The best hunting safety harness will make your climb into the tree stand safer. Also, it will not interfere with your aiming. Also, these harnesses are usually comfortable and are easy to put on. With that being said, let’s look at what makes a good hunting safety harness.
Afterward, we are going to review our top 7 picks. In the reviews, we have included what we liked and disliked about each of the seven.
How We Select The Best Treestand Harnesses
In our quest to bring you the best safety harness, there are several things we looked at. The main things we considered in our selection criteria are;
The material
A safety harness is something that should be able to support your entire body as you climb. As such, it should be made from high-quality material. Also, the stitching should be top-notch. This is an important factor that we considered when making our selection.
Ease Of Use
Of equal importance is how comfortable the harness is to put on and take off. Ideally, it shouldn’t take you hours to put on the harness or take off. Therefore, another critical factor to consider is how easy a harness is to use.
All year round us
Another thing we considered is how each harness faired in different weather conditions. Since we have no control over the weather, we all need a harness that can withstand harsh conditions. Because sometimes you will have to go hunting in the rain, or snow.
Accessories
A safety harness in and itself is a great accessory to have. But what is even better is an accessory that comes packaged with other accessories. The best hunting safety harness will come bundled with additional accessories. Such as carabiners, climbing rope, deer drag, etc.
Comfort
A harness is not something you wear as you climb up a tree and take it off when you get to your stand. You will have it on during the entirety of your tree stand hunt. Therefore, it needs to be comfortable. Any sort of discomfort will be frustrating and interfere with your concentration.
Weight
The weights of harnesses vary by a pound or two. Thus, another essential thing to consider is how much the harness weighs. You don’t want a harness whose weight will be an additional burden on you, especially if you have a lot of gear you are taking on your hunt.
Durability
A safety harness is not a guarantee that you will not slip and fall. Rather it protects you from injuries in case of a fall. That being said, it should be durable enough to withstand the occasional sudden shocks and forces.
Weight Capacity
We all don’t weigh the same. And the harness that can support me might not support you. As such, find a harness that matches your weight capacity. Also, it is important to factor in the weight of your gear.
TMA certification
The Treestand Manufacturer’s Association has certain standards that all tree stand harnesses should meet. The best safety harnesses for the money are those that meet and even exceed these safety standards.
The Best Hunting Safety Harness
Hunter Safety System X-1 Treestand Hunting Harness
- Secure and Safe: No dangerous dangling straps or confusing weave-through buckles, ensuring your safety throughout your hunting adventures
- Featherlight Comfort: Experience phenomenal comfort with this incredibly lightweight harness, weighing in at only 2.5 pounds, allowing you to enjoy all-day comfort and mobility
- All-Season Versatility: Suitable for year-round use, easily worn over lightweight clothes or underneath cold-weather gear, adapting to any hunting condition
- Complete Package: Comes with essential accessories, including a Primary Treestrap, Suspension Relief Strap, Safe-Use Instructions, and a helpful DVD guide
- Unmatched Warranty: Rest assured with a 5-year warranty, the strongest in the industry, providing peace of mind and confidence in your hunting equipment
Last update on 2023-09-09
The Hunter Safety System X-1 is one of our favorite safety harnesses, hence why we picked it as number one. There are a lot of things we loved about this harness, but there are also some few things we didn’t like. Firstly here is what we liked.
What We Liked
Weighing 2.5 pounds this harness is a bit heavier than the safety harness we get with most tree stands. And there is a perfectly good reason for this. This harness comes fitted with rubber-coated steel buckles.
These steel buckles are among the main reasons why we love this harness. Something else we liked is that it did really well in our ease of use test. Putting it on is as easy as putting on a vest, clipping the chest and strapping each leg strap on like a seat belt.
This harness comes in 4 different size variants, with the larges being the 4x/5x version that can support weights of between 300 to 400 pounds. The overall construction and stitching are top-notch.
What we didn’t like
Now to what we didn’t like about this harness. The shoulder straps seem to rustle when you move and produce a lot of unwanted noise. When we compared it to some other cheaper options, it was louder.
To address this problem, you can wear it under a fleeced or hooded sweatshirt. However, this might not work in warm weather.
Verdict
The overall verdict is that this is one of the best safety harnesses for the money. Because despite its minor drawbacks it has a lot to offer.
Hunter Safety System Pro-Series Harness with Elimishield Scent Control Technology, Large/X-Large
- Premium All-Season Harness: The new Pro-Series is a premium, all-season harness that combines the latest technology in tree stand safety with classic features
- Lightweight: Thanks to lightweight fabrics and ventilating mesh, the Pro-Series is 40% lighter than previous models, providing hunters with enhanced comfort
- Comfortable Fit: Hunters will appreciate the comfortable fit and low-profile design of the Pro-Series harness, ensuring freedom of movement while staying safe
- Convenient Pockets: Eight convenient pockets and bino/range finder straps keep hunting essentials within reach, offering easy access to necessary equipment
- Fan Favorite: The Pro-Series harness is a fan favorite among hunters, known for its quality, durability, and reliable performance in the field
Last update on 2023-09-10
We recently bought the Hunter Safety System Pro-Series Harness with to see how it compared to some of the other offerings on the market. Inside the box, you get the ProSeries Harness, an adjustable tree strap, suspension relief strap and a linesman climbing strap. Here is what we think about this harness.
What We Liked
At first glance, it looks a lot like the old school vests used in the past. But at closer inspection and it is clear there is nothing old school about this harness. We are big fans of the elimishield scent control technology it comes with.
In our experience, there aren’t many harnesses that come equipped with a scent control technology. Thus, this was a big plus in our eyes. The makers of this harness went all out in making it much lighter than its predecessor.
This they achieved using a combination of lightweight fabrics and ventilating mesh lining. Which brings us to the other thing we like about it. Thanks to this mesh lining, it is cooler and much more comfortable, especially during warm weather.
Apart from being cooler and comfortable, it is also very practical. There are 8 pockets where you can store your gloves, rangefinder, and other essentials. On top of this, it comes with a built-in USB port which you can use to connect your USB devices to a battery pack.
What we didn’t like
One thing we believe can be improved is the sizing. It comes in three size options, which are a bit limiting, especially for people of a large build. Some users have complained of this harness not fitting them.
Verdict
Nevertheless, given its plethora of features, we believe this is one of the best harnesses out there. It adds more value over and beyond, protecting you from a fall. The 8 pockets give you extra storage space while the built-in USB port helps make sure your phone doesn’t run out of power.
Summit Treestands Men’s Sports Safety Harness
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The simplicity of the Treestand safety harness is there for everyone to see. Also, it is very comfortable and keeps you protected on a tree stand. It comes with shoulder straps for added support and comfort.
What We Liked
There is a lot we loved about this safety harness, but one thing we liked a lot is the fact that it comes with the linesman climbing rope. This is an additional accessory that makes accessing your tree stand easy. It also comes in handy when installing the tree stand.
The padded shoulder straps also scored highly in our books. These straps are comfortable and give it an added layer of support and comfort. The quick lock buckles make it easy to put off and take off.
In regards to its construction, we are big fans of the materials used. It feels very well made, and all the padding is heavy-duty. And so is the linesman climbing rope it comes with.
What we didn’t like
In our view, the leg straps could use some improving. These straps are a pain to adjust due to the placement of the buckles. The leg buckles are far back, and it is difficult to reach them with both hands. In essence, we found the leg buckles to be more complicated than they need to be.
Verdict
The issue with the leg buckle though an annoyance was not that much big of a deal. As such, we wouldn’t pass out on this harness just because of that. It is an excellent piece of equipment that is built using high-quality materials.
BIG GAME Ez-On Basic Safety Harness
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The BIG GAME Ez-On Basic Safety Harness is another that is designed for ease of use and comfort. It comes with a padded shoulder strap, and you also get a linesman climbing rope as part of the package.
What We Liked
This safety harness blends in well with your surrounding atop a tree thanks to its camouflage color scheme. Thus, it can be part of your overall camouflage, which is always a good thing. Included with this harness is a built-in deer drag.
This deer drag feature can be used for hauling a carcass back to your car or even dragging your equipment. One of the many things we liked about it is how lightweight it is. Weighing 2 pounds, it is lighter than most other products on the market.
One other thing we that made us include this harness on our list is how affordable it is. Compared to other options, it is quite affordable. Furthermore, it is easy to put on and take off. You can adjust the height of the torso with the included buckle.
What we didn’t like
This harness though lightweight and packed with useful features, is not for everyone. Overall it is quite small and might not be a good option for people of a large build. In particular, it might not be ideal for people weighing 300 pounds or more.
Verdict
While it might not be for everyone, it is a great choice for hunters looking for an affordable yet durable safety harness. In particular women and youth. It is one of the best safety harnesses for Women.
Hunter Safety System Ultra-Lite Tree Stand Safety Harness, Realtree
- UNMATCHED COMFORT: Individual, padded hexagons provide comfort and maximum flexibility in the stand
- VERSATILE: Trim design gives a snug fit without compromising movement
- ULTRA LIGHTWEIGHT: 1.25” upper-body webbing, shock absorbing tether and waist buckle reduces weight and bulk
- TRIED, TESTED, AND PROVEN: Patented HSS design eliminates dangerous dangling straps and weave-through buckles; includes a secure mesh cell phone pocket
- 5 YEAR WARRANTY: Strongest in the industry
Last update on 2023-09-10
Here is another safety harness that is more than just a safety harness. This Hunter Safety System Ultra-Lite Tree Stand Safety Harness, Realtree has some useful features. Some of which you will not get with other similar products.
What We Liked
The first we loved about this harness is the mesh phone pocket. Taking your cell phone on a hunt can be a nightmare when you don’t know where to store it. With this cell phone storage, you can store your phone in your harness.
In regards to weight, we found it to be one of the lightest on the market. Overall, it weighs 2 pounds, which is standard for most lightweight harnesses. As with some of the other products on the list, you get a linesman rope with this harness.
This harness is designed to make it easy for you to stand on a tree stand without dangling. And the suspension relief system adds security to this harness.
What we didn’t like
Where this harness underperforms is in regards to the size. It is quite big and may feel a bit oversize for some hunters. A quick look at some online reviews reveals that it tends to get worn out relatively quicker than some of the other options on the market.
Verdict
The drawbacks highlighted above is what has earned this harness a relatively lower position on our list. However, this is not to say it’s a lousy harness. Far from it has many of the features you would expect from the best Treestand Harness.
Hunter Safety System Treestalker Safety Harness
- VERSATILE ENOUGH FOR ALL-SEASON USE: Smart Fabrics keep you cool and dry all season long
- STAY COMFORTABLE AND SAFE THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE HUNT: Right Fit™ zones are designed to keep vest snug and eliminate unnecessary bulk while Patented HSS design eliminates dangerous dangling straps and weave-through buckles
- INCREDIBLE COMFORT MEETS TIME-TESTED SAFETY: Tether is 1.25” thin and absorbs more shock than before; saddle-style leg straps adjust to fit over clothing
- INCLUDED ACCESSORIES: Lineman's Climbing Strap, Adjustable Tree Strap, Suspension Relief/Deer Drag, Instructional DVD and Safe-Use Instructions
- 5 YEAR WARRANTY: Strongest in the industry
Last update on 2023-09-10
The Hunter Safety System Treestalker Safety Harness looks more like a safety vest than a safety harness. But this is one of the things we loved about it. Its unique design means it comes with additional and unique features.
What We Liked
Thanks to its vest-like design, it can be used all season long, which is always a plus in our books. Additionally, it is very comfortable, and it is tight in all the right places. The leg straps can be adjusted to fit over clothing, which is another thing we put a tick on.
It comes fitted with a 1.25-inch tether designed for shock absorption. We were pleased with how much shock it can absorb. Thus it can handle and support your body in case of a fall. Meaning it is a durable harness.
What we didn’t like
Compared to other harnesses on the list, we felt this was a bit expensive. The price of this harness starts at $103 and can cost as much as $129. Also, weighing 4 pounds, it is heavier than most other products on the market.
Verdict
This harness is built for quality. It is one of the best out there and proves it with its durability, comfort, and accessories. While it is heavier than most other products, its accessories are well worth it.
Summit Treestands Women’s Pro Safety Harness
- Premium safety harness sized specifically for a woman’s body
- High-performance tether, bungee tether line and lineman’s climbing rope
- Quick-lock buckles and comfort-engineered padded shoulder straps
- Holds up to 300 lbs
- 25" to 28" Waist Size
Last update on 2023-09-10
The Summit Treestands Women’s Pro Safety Harness comes in two versions, for men, and women. For purposes of this article, we decided to go with the women’s version. Both harnesses are very much similar though.
What We Liked
The first thing we liked is that this harness is specifically designed to fit women. It has a waist size of between 28 inches and 35 inches. This is enough to fit most body types. As with the other offerings on the list, you get a linesman climbing rope with this harness.
Padded shoulders and the military-inspired attachment system code-named Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment offers sufficient support. It can support persons of up to 300 pounds. However, it comes in several size variations to fit different people.
A torso strap cinches the harness to your torso. This gives you extra support and comes with slides for easy adjusting of the straps. This makes it very flexible and adjustable and will not interfere with the hunt.
What we didn’t like
When carrying the harness, the buckles tend to make some noise, which we found to be an annoyance. Also, the end buckles do not snap together. Thus we were not all that impressed with the buckle system of this harness.
Verdict
If you are looking for one of the best safety harnesses for Women, this is it. It comes with a plethora of useful features and is designed to fit a woman’s body. It is also available in different sizes, meaning you will find one to fit you.
Conclusion
A safety harness should never be considered a luxury. With more people ending up in the emergency rooms due to tree stand related accidents, you should invest in one. The best hunting safety harness is a necessary piece of equipment to have with you when going hunting.
About The Author:
Lake Streeter, A Gun enthusiast, and loves to hunt in the middle of the wood. Always check the latest hunting gears out in the market and try to share his honest opinion with the audience in OUTDOOR EVER.