Fall arrest systems are just another variation of safety harnesses. They’re meant to arrest a fall from a tree. Technically, they’re all the same. What works for a climbing tree stand will work for a ladder stand or a hang-on stand; however, some systems are more convenient and comfortable when used with the best climbing tree stand. These days, when you buy a new tree stand, you almost always get a new safety harness or fall arrest system with your purchase. However, you might have a preference for a specific brand because of comfort and fit, or you might need a new safety harness because your old one is no longer safe to use.
Safety harnesses are essential to safe tree stand hunting. Use one. Any of the following tree-stand safety harnesses are good choices.
Pro Series (HSS-600)
Hunter Safety System Pro Series Safety Vest and Harness This new model has sizes available to fit anywhere from a 32″ torso to a 60″ torso and has a 300-pound maximum weight limit. The Pro Series HSS-600 has pockets and straps for convenience and special features to eliminate noise, absorb the shock of a fall, and make it easy to recover from a fall. It comes in the Real tree APG camo pattern. The HSS-600 costs about $159.95 and includes a Lineman’s Climbing Strap which would cost $39.99 if purchased separately. See more info or buy the Hunter Safety System HSS-600 Pro Series Vest/Harness
Real tree Reversible (HSS-400)
This HSS-400 model Hunter Safety System is available in sizes S/M, L/XL, and 2X/3X, fitting torsos that range from 32″ to 60″, and has a 300-pound weight limit. The Real tree Reversible Hunter Safety System is good in any weather and meets hunter orange requirements in all states when reversed. It has the same features as you’ll find in every HSS harness but with the advantage of cross-season we arability. The Real tree reversible features “saddle-style” leg straps for less pressure on the crotch area and new “suspension relief” technology for extra safety in a fall and recovery. The HSS-600 costs about $139.95 and includes a Lineman’s Climbing Strap valued at $39.99 if purchased separately.
Mossy Oak Reversible (HSS-100)
The Mossy Oak Reversible Hunter Safety System and the Real-tree Reversible system are identical, except for the camo pattern. The Mossy Oak Reversible uses Mossy Oak’s Treestands pattern. Just like the Real-tree Reversible, the Mossy Oak Reversible meets hunter orange requirements in all states and features a range of adjustability that assures a perfect fit over bulky winter hunting gear. These harnesses have the same features as what you’ll find in all HSS harnesses, along with more comfortable cross-season wear. The Mossy Oak Reversible is also available in sizes S/M, L/XL, and 2X/3X, fitting torsos that range from 32″ to 60″, and has a 300-pound weight limit. The HSS-100 costs about $139.95 and includes a Lineman’s Climbing Strap valued at $39.99 if purchased separately.
Trees talker (HSS-700)
The Trees talker is an economical version of the full-featured Hunter Safety System models. Its proportioned size is good for traveling light, and it comes in a variety of sizes so it will fit most hunters. It’s just the ticket for traveling light and is offered in sizes that fit most hunters. The HSS-700 costs about $99.95 and comes with a free lineman’s climbing strap valued at $39.99 if bought separately. See more info or buy the Hunter Safety System Trees talker Safety Vest and Harness
Lil’ Trees talker (HSS-8)
Hunter Safety System Lil’ Trees talker Safety Vest and Harness for Youth0The Lil’ Trees talker by Hunter Safety System is meant for youth hunters. This model has a broad range of adjustments so it can be used for growing children who are from 50 pounds up to 120 pounds. With options to adjust for bulky winter clothing, the Lil’ Trees talker is also comfortable to wear all day. The Lil’ Trees talker is a TMA Certified youth model cost about $84.95 and is a must for any young hunter.
HSS Ultra Lite (HSS-300)
Hunter Safety System Ultra Light Safety Vest and Harness0The HSS Ultra Lite is a revolutionary approach to harness construction that gives you a structured, comfortable, lightweight system with many of the premium Hunter Safety System products. The ULTRA-LITE harness design is identical to premium HSS vest products, featuring the comfort, adjustability and safety of every Hunter Safety System product, but with no confusion, no untangling, no unexpected twists and turns like those associated with traditional safety vests. The Ultra-Lite model comes with padded chest, shoulder, and back straps and new super-quiet, rubber-coated leg strap buckles that are stronger and smaller than previous styles. The HSS Ultra Lite’s structured design comes out of a day pack or bag ready to wear and adjusts to accommodate early season and bulky, cold season clothing. The UltraLite is compatible with all Hunter Safety System accessories, fits sizes L/XL (150 to 275 pounds), and costs about $99.95. See more info or buy the Hunter Safety System Ultra Light Safety Vest and Harness
Rescue One CDS II
Rescue One CDS II Tree Stand Safety Harness The Rescue One Controlled Descent System full-body harness is not only a fall arrest system. This system helps prevent suspension trauma by allowing for a “controlled descent” where you lower yourself to the ground after a fall. You can lower yourself from up to 30 feet by pulling down on the Brake Strap. You control the speed of your descent. Unlike most tree stand safety systems, the Rescue One CDS doesn’t require you to purchase the lineman’s safety rope, suspension relief strap, and anchor strap separately. The system includes those items, along with a comprehensive set of instructions on DVD, making it easy to learn how to put the harness on correctly and easily. The Rescue One CDS is lightweight and well-built, doesn’t tangle, and keeps you upright after a fall. The Rescue One CDS fits sizes M/XL with 300-pound weight capacity and costs about $199.99. See more info or buy the Rescue One CDS II Tree Stand Safety Harness (Just choose your size from the menu.)
Big Boys Rescue One CDS
Designed especially for larger hunters, the Big Boys Rescue One CDS (Controlled Descent System) has a maximum weight of 400 pounds! That’s a hundred pounds higher than the standard system, and it means you don’t have to sacrifice the safety and convenience that comes with the Rescue One Controlled Descent System. The Big Boys Rescue One CDS fits sizes 2XL/4XL with 400-pound weight capacity and costs about $239.99. See more info or buy the Big Boys Rescue One CDS Tree Stand Safety Harness (Just choose your size from the menu.)
Seat-O-The-Pants Original
The Seat-O-The-Pants Original safety harness comes in small, medium, and large sizes. Small fits waist sizes 25 to 28. Medium fits waist sizes 28 to 35. Large fits waist sizes 35 to 46. All have a 300-pound weight limit. It doesn’t matter if you’re wearing many or just a few layers of hunting clothes since the harness is customizable with adjustable straps at both the leg and shoulder. Pressure causes the adjustable safety line’s Prusik (Prussic) knot to cinch tight. (More about Prusik knots, also watch an animation of a Prusik knot.)
Seat-O-The-Pants Fastback
The Seat-O-The-Pants Fastback by Summit is a lightweight safety system that’s made to give tree stand hunters more freedom of movement while staying safe in a tree stand. The Fast Back’s fabric back panel is lightweight, while the shoulder, waist, and leg straps have been streamlined to be less bulky. The Fastbacks harness can be worn over or under hunting clothes. The Fast-Back also includes a suspension relief device. See more info or buy the Seat-O-The-Pants Fastbacks safety harness
Seat-O-The-Pants Fastback Deluxe
Seat-O-The-Pants Fastback Deluxe safety harness Summit’s Seat-O-The-Pants FastBack Deluxe model safety harness has the same features as the regular Fastback model, but with wider belt design, a mesh back, and two side pouches for carrying hunting accessories. See more info or buy the Seat-O-The-Pants Fast-Back Deluxe safety harness
Other safety harnesses
There are other brands and types of safety harness available for tree stand hunters if the Hunter Safety System and the Seat-O-The-Pants harnesses don’t meet your needs. Any safety harness you use should be TMA certified.