Climbing trees is one of the most exhilarating activities, so long as you have the right equipment for it. It’s only enjoyable, nonetheless, if you know your safety is guaranteed.
You need to find the best tree-climbing harness that ensures your safety before embarking on your adventure. This isn’t a decision you can take lightly, or you’ll be risking losing your life. Don’t worry though; we’ve got you!
Our Top Picks
Whether you’re a beginner or a professional tree-climber, there’s something for you on this list. Let’s check it out.
Hunter Safety System’s X-1 Bowhunter
One of the best-selling tree-climbing harnesses, Hunter Safety System’s X-1 Bowhunter is a go-to for a lot of people.
The best thing about X-1 is that its buckles aren’t a nuisance. You don’t need to waste your time figuring out where a buckle is supposed to go and how; you simply buckle-up!
The weather shouldn’t be an issue if you have the X-1. It fits underneath cold-weather gear just as easily as it does over lightweight clothes.
X-1 Bowhunter is all-inclusive when it comes to accessories. It comes with a primary tree-strap, suspension relief strap, instructions on safety and use, as well as a DVD. It saves you the hassle of looking for accessories that fit it.
This harness is certified by the Treestand Manufacturer’s Association. It meets all of the safety regulations, making it a reliable product.
Things We Like
Comfortable
Weighs 2.5 lbs only
No loose straps
5-Year warranty
Budget-friendly
Things We Don’t
Noisy buckles
Black Diamond’s Momentum
Momentum is exceptionally comfortable when it comes to tree harnesses. It’s minimal, yet effective. Don’t let its small size fool you. It can keep you safe.
Momentum’s belt buckle is quite simple to use. This way, you don’t waste time fumbling with straps and buckles. It’s pre-threaded and adjustable, making it efficient and time-saving.
Your comfort is prioritized with the Dual Core Construction. Two bands are specifically designed to provide you with the support you need without pressure points, all while maintaining your comfort.
Momentum has CLPE foam on the inside and an abrasion-resistant nylon shell. Not only are they there to provide comfort, but also to ensure you have all the versatility you might need.
With TrakFIT Technology in place, all you need to do to put the harness on is slide in your legs and adjust the size. Even adjusting the size is easier, since it automatically fits itself to your leg when you slide the adjuster.
Things We Like
Adjustable rear elastic riser
Four pressure-molded gear loops
Quick-drying lining
Perfect for hot weather
Budget-friendly
Weighs 0.66 lbs
Things We Don’t
Not very durable
Rides up when climbing
Hunter Safety System’s Ultra-Lite Realtree
This is another impressive harness from Hunter Safety. As the name suggests, Realtree is ultra-light. It weighs 2 lbs only, making it one of the lightest and most versatile harnesses available.
The mesh upper body makes it comfortable yet versatile. It allows you to move while keeping you safe.
There’s no need to worry about loose straps that might snag on tree branches when it comes to this harness because there are none! It’s all strapped uptight.
This harness comes with a climbing strap, tree strap, suspension relief, instructions, and a DVD on safety and usage.
Things We Like
Camouflage design
Comfortable
High durability
5-year warranty
Things We Don’t
No carabineer included
Oumers’s Climbing Harness
Oumers’s harness is ideal for beginners. It’s quite affordable, so it’s a great option if you’re still trying out climbing trees. Although it’s on the lower price end, it’s still remarkably durable.
Oumers’s harness is equipped with a reinforced buckle that holds you tight. It can bear your weight without breaking or accidentally coming undone.
The belt has reinforced loops that can support you through your climbing. Oumers’s harness is comfortable, thanks to its breathable mesh lining.
Things We Like
One size fits all
Easily adjustable belt
Ideal for hot weather
Things We Don’t
Not ideal for long periods of suspension
Weanas’s Climbing Harness
Ideal for rock-climbing, mountain-climbing, and tree-climbing, Weanas’s harness can do it all. It’s low-priced, but CE (Certified Equipment) certified.
While some harnesses might have limited usage based on age or gender, Weanas’s climbing harness doesn’t. You can buy one and share it with your whole family, and it’ll fit.
Weanas’s loop is highly durable. It’s reinforced and can take your weight, as well as keep you safe.
Things We Like
Easy to operate and adjust
Premium Manganese steel buckles
Ideal for hot weather
Things We Don’t
Not padded
Things to Consider before Buying a Tree Climbing Harness
Here are some factors that can help you determine your choice easily.
Comfort
You’re going to be wearing it for a long time in the air, where nothing could relieve you from discomfort. You need to make sure the harness you choose has what it takes to prevent that. Comfort is your priority.
If you live somewhere where it’s often hot, you should bear in mind whether the harness you’re choosing will make you hot or not. Look for something that has straps, rather than the ones that are vest-like.
If you want to go for the vest-like harnesses, since having pockets is quite convenient, make sure they’re made of fabric that doesn’t restrict your movement. Mesh is a great option; it doesn’t restrict your movement and doesn’t make you hot.
Always go for harnesses that are padded. Some have memory foam, which is perfect.
Gender
The most important thing you need to pay attention to is whether or not the harness is the right gender. A lot of harnesses aren’t unisex, so be careful before you buy one. Black Diamond’s Momentum, for instance, has a model for men and another for women.
If you’d like to save some extra money, you can buy a one-size-fits-all harness. This way, you can share it with your family, rather than getting several harnesses.
Certification
A harness is something that’s there to save your life. Choosing one that’s patented makes it less of a risk.
Best Harness Brands
So, who does it best? Find out some of the best harness brands out there.
Hunter Safety System
What’s now one of the leading harness manufacturers, started out in 2001 after an accident almost claimed the life of its founder. John Wynder saved thousands of lives by creating the Hunter Safety System.
Black Diamond
Black Diamond started in a backyard in 1957. What started out as forged-climbing gear eventually became best-selling climbing gear. Black Diamond is now dominating the markets of skiing, climbing and trekking gear.
Oumers
While Oumers isn’t a high-profile company, it’s dominating the harness market nonetheless. Oumers’s harnesses are exceptional, so it’s definitely a top competitor in the harness market.
Weanas
Weanas Sports and Outdoor Recreation have some of the best outdoor gear on the market. They’ve moved beyond selling camping accessories to climbing and cycling gear as well.
FAQs
What do you need to climb trees?
Popular Mechanics suggests these 6 items:
Harness
Rope
Helmet
Gloves
Leg Ascender
Throw Weights
Are tree-climbing harnesses expensive?
Not all of them; there are some best-selling harnesses at very affordable prices.
How can I be safe when tree-climbing?
You need to pay attention to the weather conditions, condition of the tree you’re climbing, and always stay on the rope. Here’s a more detailed list of safety guidelines provided by Tree Climbers International.
Which trees are safe to climb?
You need to find a large tree to be sure it can bear your weight. Tree Climbers International states that a branch should be at least 6” thick. This way you can secure your rope around it. You’re looking for a tree that has a diameter around 18” or more.
Make sure it’s a healthy tree, free of any surrounding hazards and clear of animals.
Does climbing trees damage them?
Yes, mostly because of climbing spikes. To avoid this, you can use a branch saver.
What It Comes Down To
You need to decide exactly how you’ll be using your harness, which will facilitate your choice.
If you’re a beginner and you’re still unsure whether you’ll be tree-climbing regularly, then Oumers’s harness might be your best fit. It’s affordable and gets the job done.
You might also go with it if you like the option of having a family-shared harness. It’s made to fit everyone as well as reliable.
If tree-climbing is your passion, however, you might want to invest in Hunter Safety System’s Ultra-Lite Realtree. It’s tough, comfortable, and it won’t hold you down.