What is a Hunter Safety Harness?

Hey there, my fellow lady hunters! I hope you’re getting ready and looking forward to a successful hunting season.  Despite the thrill of the hunt, it’s crucial to keep safety a top priority.  

One often overlooked piece of gear is the hunter safety harness.

You may be thinking, “Isn’t a harness just for rock climbers and construction workers?” Nope, not anymore! The hunter safety harness has become a must-have for all hunters who value their safety and their lives (which, let’s be honest, should be all of us!).

I don’t know about you, but falling out of a tree stand is not my idea of a good time. If you survive, it might be a great story to tell your friends, but that’s where the fun ends and the risk of injury or worse begin.   

In this post, we’ll examine:

• Why a hunter safety harness is so important
• How to use a hunter safety harness
• When it’s time to replace a hunter safety harness

Don’t worry – It’s not nearly as complicated as it sounds. You wouldn’t go hunting without your bow, so don’t go climbing up your tree stand without your harness!

Why a Hunter Safety Harness is So Important

To put it bluntly, a hunter safety harness is crucial because it can save your life. Falls from tree stands or other high places are a leading cause of hunting accidents and fatalities. A hunter safety harness can prevent these accidents and give you peace of mind while hunting. 

When you’re 20 feet in the air, and that big buck comes in, you want to be focused on your shot, not worried about what happens if you slip or lose your balance–you’ll be strapped in, sitting safe and secure.

Different Types of Hunter Safety Harnesses:

Now that you know what hunter safety harnesses are and why they are so important, you will want to know the different types of hunter safety harnesses to find the one right for your needs.

Traditional Tree Stand Safety Harnesses

A traditional tree stand harness attaches to a tree strap just above your tree stand’s seat and has a convenient single attachment point.

A benefit of the traditional tree stand safety harnesses is that they are typically more lightweight and less bulky than other hunter safety harnesses, which can be more comfortable for extended use.

Full-body Safety Harnesses

I prefer the vest-style or full-body harness with multiple attachments for added safety.

A full-body harness features straps that securely wrap up for maximum safety, comfort, and protection:

• Over the shoulders
• Across the chest
• Around each leg 

A full-body safety harness provides maximum protection and support for the hunter. It has several attachment points that distribute weight evenly and reduce the risk of injury in case of a fall. 

Full-body harnesses are also typically more secure and offer greater flexibility in movement, which can be particularly useful for bow hunting.

Tree Saddles

I included tree saddles because some consider tree saddles a type of hunting harness. They’re designed to provide a comfortable and secure platform for the hunter to sit in while hunting from an elevated position. (Think of a swing hanging from a tree limb…similar to that.)

Tree saddles consist of a seat that wraps around the hip area and is attached to ropes or straps around the tree trunk, allowing the hunter to sit suspended in the air. It also has a small platform that attaches to the tree to rest your feet on.

Tree saddles are popular among hunters due to their:

• Lightweight, portable design
• The flexibility they offer users regarding hunting location and setup

I have practiced with my husband’s saddle in the backyard, and I’m not sure I’m ready to give up the secure feeling of my safety vest. I may need to practice more.

How to Use a Hunter Safety Harness

Using a hunter safety harness is simple and easy. 

I recommend adjusting the straps, practicing fastening the buckles, and wearing it a bit before heading out on a hunting trip.

• Adjust straps and buckles to ensure a proper fit.
• Practice using the carabiner or D-ring – by attaching yourself to a practice tree strap
• Ensure the harness is securely attached
• Double-check ALL straps and buckles are correctly adjusted

It’s also important to note some full-body harnesses have a built-in safety rope or lanyard that attaches to the tree. Make sure to check the instructions on your particular harness.

Materials and Construction of Hunter Safety Harnesses

Hunter safety harnesses are typically made of tough materials like nylon or polyester, designed to hold up to the wear and tear of hunting. The materials used in making these harnesses affect the strength and durability of the harness.

The safety harnesses include different components such as straps, buckles, and D-rings. Each one of these components helps make your harness safe and effective.

Regarding materials and construction, paying attention to the harness quality you are purchasing is essential! Remember, you’ll be wearing it 20′ in the air!

The harness you purchase should be designed for long-lasting use. It’s better to invest in a quality-made harness rather than going for a cheaper option that may need to be more durable.

When to Replace a Hunter Safety Harness

A hunter safety harness is an important piece of equipment, but it is NOT indestructible. Over time, the materials and components of the harness may weaken, and it may become less effective at keeping you safe. 

It would be best if you took the time to regularly inspect your harness for signs of wear and tear, such as: 

• Loose stitching
• Frayed straps
• Worn buckles

If you notice ANY issues, it is time to replace your harness.

Pro Tip:  Replacing your harness after a fall is also recommended, even if there are no visible signs of damage. A fall can weaken the materials and components of the harness, making it less effective in future uses.

Expiration Dates

Believe it or not, your harness has an expiration date. Many hunters, including myself, were not aware that hunter safety harnesses had expiration dates for a long time. The reason is that it can deteriorate over time, even if it is not being used.

The manufacturer typically determines the expiration date of a hunter safety harness. It is based on factors such as:

• Materials used
• Frequency of use
• Conditions in which it is stored

For example, a harness stored in a damp or hot environment may deteriorate faster than one stored in a cool, dry place.

While there is often no set expiration date for hunter safety harnesses, manufacturers suggest that hunters replace them approximately five years after purchase or sooner if the harness shows signs of wear or damage. 

Ask yourself two questions:

1. Do you remember when you bought your harness? 
2. Is it in good shape? 

Please check your harness right now and replace it if needed.  Your peace of mind is worth it!

Boy, I hated to give up my old harness. We sure had some good times together.

Wrapping Up

Besides your bow, a safety harness is the most important gear for any hunting trip. Let’s promise each other to prioritize safety while we’re out hunting. Inspect and replace our safety harness as needed, and ALWAYS wear it while hunting from a tree stand!

Let’s have a successful and safe hunting season!