Hunter Safety System

Chavo · November 5, 2011, 08:36 PM

Not sure this is the right section anyhow here goes.
I've been hunting for years without them, been in some questionable stands too.

I finished the states hunters ed coarse this weekend just so I could hunt with my brother in law down at the base. It had a whole section on tree stand safety. It got me thinking if I'm not nervous the whole time I may have a better hunt. Plus I have a son now who I would like to come home to. Have you guys ever used any of the harnesses out there? I was looking on amazon but is it just the harness or does it come with everything? Season comes in next week and if I'm going to get it here by then I need to order it now. Maybe I would be better off going to a sporting goods stores. just seems like you can find allot better deals online.

highvel · November 5, 2011, 09:47 PM

I use them and like how they fit, the buckles work a lot better than the old thread thru design IMHO, the pro system is pretty expensive though!
They have everything you need not to make a unexpected speedy descent. Just remember to hook up to the tree!

Nathan · November 6, 2011, 10:34 AM

I hate harnesses, but HSS has been easy for me to use.

Chavo · November 6, 2011, 11:47 AM

i hate them too well never used them actually but why not use one?

Pahoo · November 6, 2011, 12:33 PM

I use to make my own stands, many years ago and one cold day, +5 DegF., while climbing onto one, I asked myself; "How old are you? Climbed back down and hunted out of my ground blind. The last time I was in a stand, I used one like these that were later found to be unsafe. Every year each state documents deer stand accidents and there too many hunters who have been found dead, at the base of their trees. I personally do not care for them but they do save lives and that's a fact. .....

Be Safe !!!

Nathan · November 6, 2011, 12:47 PM

Quote:

....I personally do not care for them but they do save lives and that's a fact. .....

Can't argue with that, especially when you climb to 20 ft. I built a better tree strap system from climbing rope. Works well and is more adjustable. Now I need to build something for climbing back into the stand!

Chavo · November 6, 2011, 01:23 PM

I'm going to go to a sports good store today. I need to know if it comes with everything or if I have to buy more.

Pahoo · November 6, 2011, 02:43 PM

Chavo
Just make sure it's not one that had a previous recall. I wish I could remember that make a model. By now, they should all meet a safety standard. Perhaps you could even google it. ...

be Safe !!!

highvel · November 6, 2011, 03:09 PM

The HSS Pro comes with the harness, tree strap, a secondary tree strap.
Everything you need to climb because you have a lineman's configuration to use while climbing and then switch over when you get situated to a safety harness with shock absorbing strap.
Oh and a video to explain how to use it!
I accidentally tested mine years ago and am sure glad I had it on, I don't know if I would have bounced well from about 25 feet and I wont climb without one anymore

GURU1911 · November 6, 2011, 06:18 PM

I RETIRED FROM A 32 YEAR CAREER AS A PROFESSIONAL SAFETY, HEALTH, & HYGIENE ENGINEER. TAUGHT THOUSANDS OF WORKERS FROM COAST TO COAST TO VOID THE "BIG FALL" AT ALL COSTS.

THE HUMAN BODY WILL ALWAYS ATTEMPT TO FALL HEAD-FIRST. TOTAL FALL DISTANCE IS MEASURED FROM THE TOP OF YOUR HEAD, NOT THE SOLES OF YOUR FEET. IMPACT WITH THE GROUND OR CONCRETE IS MEASURED IN "POUNDS PER SQUARE INCH"---FROM 10' OFF THE GROUND, A 200 POUND PERSON WILL IMPACT WITH APPROXIMATELY 2000 POUNDS PER SQUARE INCH.

QUESTION: THINK YOUR HEAD & NECK CAN HANDLE THAT MUCH FORCE, MR. "I DON'T NEED NO STINKING FALL HARNESS" !!!! PROMISE YOU WILL DIE, BE A VEG, OR A QUAD-PARA FOR THE REMAINDER OF YOUR LIFE.

WITHOUT GETTING INTO A LOT OF HEAVY MATH & PHYSICS, HERE IS A QUICK & EASY FORMULA TO REMEMBER: 'BODY WEIGHT x TOTAL FALL DISTANCE = YOUR SPLAT FACTOR IN POUNDS PER SQUARE INCH.

GURU1911

Chavo · November 6, 2011, 06:43 PM

well none of the local sporting good stores carried them, apparently their only for "*****" as my buddies say.

Chavo · November 6, 2011, 06:44 PM

high do you have a link,? I would like to get it here before saturday so I can get it all adjusted

highvel · November 6, 2011, 07:42 PM

Bass Pro,Gander Mountain and Dicks all carry them.

Chavo · November 6, 2011, 08:19 PM

maybe I'll leave early for work tomorrow

Chavo · November 6, 2011, 08:28 PM

I'm 5'10 185-190 what size you think I would need?

highvel · November 6, 2011, 11:35 PM

It tells you on the box.

Doyle · November 7, 2011, 06:48 PM

I've got one. I wish I had spent the extra money and gotten the reversible one so I could use it on WMAs that require orange. The only thing I don't like about it is that it is hot during archery season. Since I bought it, another brand came out that also uses buckles but doesn't have the vest. That type would be a little cooler.

lefteye · November 8, 2011, 10:40 PM

I use the HSS Ultra Lite Safety Harness. It is comfortable, very easy to put on, and has terrific leg/hip straps with strong, easy, steel buckles. I've been using a safety harness for over 20 years and will not hunt from a tree stand without one. The HSS vest systems use the same basic harness and buckles. There are other good brands available, e.g., Gorilla, Muddy and Summit. I tried a Summit - it was very good and comfortable, but I didn't like the paratrooper type buckles.

Brian Pfleuger · November 8, 2011, 11:04 PM

Never climb a tree without a harness. It's simple. If you do, you're a fool. We've all been foolish before, the key is to *stop* being foolish.

The HSS harnesses work just dandy. I don't like the tree strap itself so I use the one that came with my Lone Wolf stand. However, I much prefer the HSS vest to the Lone Wolf tangled up pile of straps and buckles. So, it's the HSS vest with the LW tree strap.

I think I paid $79 for my HSS. Cheap way to insure that I get home to my wife and kids.

Climb 25-30 feet up a tree and have your stand slip just a few inches... then tell me you don't feel the need for safety straps!

plumbercrack · November 9, 2011, 06:01 PM

I'm not sure of the cost but would a standard safety harness from a construction site work? Not being a specialty item and available probably at Home Depot might save you some money.

Cowboy_mo · November 9, 2011, 08:00 PM

I have 2 of the "full body harness" which come with the purchase of a good tree stand and one of the HSS "vest harness". I really like the leg buckles on the vest system because they are easy to buckle (like the seat belt in your car) but the harness systems are lighter although a bit more difficult to put on and buckle. So, I use the harness systems in warmer weather when bow hunting and the vest system when the temps cool.

I used to climb grain bins for a living and I can tell you that "this old boy" ain't leaving the ground without a safety system.

Guru's description of fall impact and the resulting injuries is absolutely SPOT ON!!!!!!!!

Chavo · November 10, 2011, 01:08 AM

left eye I picked the one up you were talking about today for 89.99. Haven't had a chance to get it out of the package yet.

bamaranger · November 10, 2011, 01:45 AM

I have one and absolutely can recommend it. Mine's the pro I guess, mesh vest, etc. I climb high, and am a big guy, and a fall would be very bad news.

I went for years w/ just a belt, now I know better.
All loose harness systems were a hassle. The HSS is a breeze on and off, and even all snapped up, no trouble to walk with.

The pockets are great for all accessories. I also keep a phone(shamefully) a whistle, light and superknife in the pockets.

If I cannot recover to the stand, the phone is my lifeline.

Elkins45 · November 10, 2011, 03:54 PM

I actually watched the DVD that came with my ladder stand and I learned something I hadn't thought of. They recommended keeping a couple of screw in tree steps in the vest pocket so you can use them to help you climb back into the tree. That seems like very sound advice to me.

plumbercrack · November 10, 2011, 09:29 PM

I checked Home Depot and their harness, like a parachute harness runs around $80.00. It is osha approved and is the same one we wear for construction.

November 5, 2011, 08:36 PM	#1
Chavo Member Join Date: September 30, 2011 Location: Indiana Posts: 63	Hunter Safety System Not sure this is the right section anyhow here goes. I've been hunting for years without them, been in some questionable stands too. I finished the states hunters ed coarse this weekend just so I could hunt with my brother in law down at the base. It had a whole section on tree stand safety. It got me thinking if I'm not nervous the whole time I may have a better hunt. Plus I have a son now who I would like to come home to. Have you guys ever used any of the harnesses out there? I was looking on amazon but is it just the harness or does it come with everything? Season comes in next week and if I'm going to get it here by then I need to order it now. Maybe I would be better off going to a sporting goods stores. just seems like you can find allot better deals online.

November 5, 2011, 09:47 PM	#2
highvel Senior Member Join Date: January 21, 2010 Location: Powhatan VA Posts: 633	I use them and like how they fit, the buckles work a lot better than the old thread thru design IMHO, the pro system is pretty expensive though! They have everything you need not to make a unexpected speedy descent. Just remember to hook up to the tree! __________________ Do not argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level and beat you with experience.--Mark Twain "I have opinions of my own 'strong opinions' but I don't always agree with them."--George Bush

November 6, 2011, 12:33 PM	#5
Pahoo Senior Member Join Date: February 16, 2006 Location: IOWA Posts: 8,783	Hard to fight, "in the name of Love or Safety" I use to make my own stands, many years ago and one cold day, +5 DegF., while climbing onto one, I asked myself; "How old are you? Climbed back down and hunted out of my ground blind. The last time I was in a stand, I used one like these that were later found to be unsafe. Every year each state documents deer stand accidents and there too many hunters who have been found dead, at the base of their trees. I personally do not care for them but they do save lives and that's a fact. ..... Be Safe !!! __________________ 'Fundamental truths' are easy to recognize because they are verified daily through simple observation and thus, require no testing.

November 6, 2011, 02:43 PM	#8
Pahoo Senior Member Join Date: February 16, 2006 Location: IOWA Posts: 8,783	Good idea Chavo Just make sure it's not one that had a previous recall. I wish I could remember that make a model. By now, they should all meet a safety standard. Perhaps you could even google it. ... be Safe !!! __________________ 'Fundamental truths' are easy to recognize because they are verified daily through simple observation and thus, require no testing.

November 6, 2011, 03:09 PM	#9
highvel Senior Member Join Date: January 21, 2010 Location: Powhatan VA Posts: 633	The HSS Pro comes with the harness, tree strap, a secondary tree strap. Everything you need to climb because you have a lineman's configuration to use while climbing and then switch over when you get situated to a safety harness with shock absorbing strap. Oh and a video to explain how to use it! I accidentally tested mine years ago and am sure glad I had it on, I don't know if I would have bounced well from about 25 feet and I wont climb without one anymore __________________ Do not argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level and beat you with experience.--Mark Twain "I have opinions of my own 'strong opinions' but I don't always agree with them."--George Bush

November 6, 2011, 10:34 AM	#3
Nathan Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 2001 Posts: 6,328	I hate harnesses, but HSS has been easy for me to use.

November 6, 2011, 11:47 AM	#4
Chavo Member Join Date: September 30, 2011 Location: Indiana Posts: 63	i hate them too well never used them actually but why not use one?

November 6, 2011, 01:23 PM	#7
Chavo Member Join Date: September 30, 2011 Location: Indiana Posts: 63	I'm going to go to a sports good store today. I need to know if it comes with everything or if I have to buy more.

November 6, 2011, 06:18 PM	#10
GURU1911 Senior Member Join Date: December 22, 2010 Location: SEALY, THE REPUBLIC OF TEXAS Posts: 501	Falls from elevated locations I RETIRED FROM A 32 YEAR CAREER AS A PROFESSIONAL SAFETY, HEALTH, & HYGIENE ENGINEER. TAUGHT THOUSANDS OF WORKERS FROM COAST TO COAST TO VOID THE "BIG FALL" AT ALL COSTS. THE HUMAN BODY WILL ALWAYS ATTEMPT TO FALL HEAD-FIRST. TOTAL FALL DISTANCE IS MEASURED FROM THE TOP OF YOUR HEAD, NOT THE SOLES OF YOUR FEET. IMPACT WITH THE GROUND OR CONCRETE IS MEASURED IN "POUNDS PER SQUARE INCH"---FROM 10' OFF THE GROUND, A 200 POUND PERSON WILL IMPACT WITH APPROXIMATELY 2000 POUNDS PER SQUARE INCH. QUESTION: THINK YOUR HEAD & NECK CAN HANDLE THAT MUCH FORCE, MR. "I DON'T NEED NO STINKING FALL HARNESS" !!!! PROMISE YOU WILL DIE, BE A VEG, OR A QUAD-PARA FOR THE REMAINDER OF YOUR LIFE. WITHOUT GETTING INTO A LOT OF HEAVY MATH & PHYSICS, HERE IS A QUICK & EASY FORMULA TO REMEMBER: 'BODY WEIGHT x TOTAL FALL DISTANCE = YOUR SPLAT FACTOR IN POUNDS PER SQUARE INCH. GURU1911 __________________ NRA LIFE MEMBER (1984) & PRESIDENT: S.W. LA. R&P CLUB, LAKE CHARLES, LOUISIANA (1994-1999) METALLIC CARTRIDGE RELOADER (1977) & GENTILE CHRISTIAN ZIONIST INFIDEL !!! "THERE AIN'T TOO MANY THINGS THAT YOU CAN'T FIX, WITH $500 DOLLARS OR A .30-06"

November 6, 2011, 06:43 PM	#11
Chavo Member Join Date: September 30, 2011 Location: Indiana Posts: 63	well none of the local sporting good stores carried them, apparently their only for "*****" as my buddies say.

November 6, 2011, 06:44 PM	#12
Chavo Member Join Date: September 30, 2011 Location: Indiana Posts: 63	high do you have a link,? I would like to get it here before saturday so I can get it all adjusted

November 6, 2011, 07:42 PM	#13
highvel Senior Member Join Date: January 21, 2010 Location: Powhatan VA Posts: 633	Bass Pro,Gander Mountain and Dicks all carry them. __________________ Do not argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level and beat you with experience.--Mark Twain "I have opinions of my own 'strong opinions' but I don't always agree with them."--George Bush

November 6, 2011, 08:19 PM	#14
Chavo Member Join Date: September 30, 2011 Location: Indiana Posts: 63	maybe I'll leave early for work tomorrow

November 6, 2011, 08:28 PM	#15
Chavo Member Join Date: September 30, 2011 Location: Indiana Posts: 63	I'm 5'10 185-190 what size you think I would need?

November 6, 2011, 11:35 PM	#16
highvel Senior Member Join Date: January 21, 2010 Location: Powhatan VA Posts: 633	It tells you on the box. __________________ Do not argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level and beat you with experience.--Mark Twain "I have opinions of my own 'strong opinions' but I don't always agree with them."--George Bush

November 7, 2011, 06:48 PM	#17
Doyle Senior Member Join Date: June 20, 2007 Location: Rainbow City, Alabama Posts: 7,167	I've got one. I wish I had spent the extra money and gotten the reversible one so I could use it on WMAs that require orange. The only thing I don't like about it is that it is hot during archery season. Since I bought it, another brand came out that also uses buckles but doesn't have the vest. That type would be a little cooler.

November 8, 2011, 10:40 PM	#18
lefteye Senior Member Join Date: January 30, 2006 Posts: 1,433	I use the HSS Ultra Lite Safety Harness. It is comfortable, very easy to put on, and has terrific leg/hip straps with strong, easy, steel buckles. I've been using a safety harness for over 20 years and will not hunt from a tree stand without one. The HSS vest systems use the same basic harness and buckles. There are other good brands available, e.g., Gorilla, Muddy and Summit. I tried a Summit - it was very good and comfortable, but I didn't like the paratrooper type buckles. __________________ Vietnam Veteran ('69-'70) NRA Life Member RMEF Life Member

November 8, 2011, 11:04 PM	#19
Brian Pfleuger Moderator Emeritus Join Date: June 25, 2008 Location: Austin, CO Posts: 19,578	Never climb a tree without a harness. It's simple. If you do, you're a fool. We've all been foolish before, the key is to stop being foolish. The HSS harnesses work just dandy. I don't like the tree strap itself so I use the one that came with my Lone Wolf stand. However, I much prefer the HSS vest to the Lone Wolf tangled up pile of straps and buckles. So, it's the HSS vest with the LW tree strap. I think I paid $79 for my HSS. Cheap way to insure that I get home to my wife and kids. Climb 25-30 feet up a tree and have your stand slip just a few inches... then tell me you don't feel the need for safety straps!

November 9, 2011, 06:01 PM	#20
plumbercrack Member Join Date: October 21, 2011 Location: Las Vegas, NV Posts: 98	I'm not sure of the cost but would a standard safety harness from a construction site work? Not being a specialty item and available probably at Home Depot might save you some money.

November 9, 2011, 08:00 PM	#21
Cowboy_mo Senior Member Join Date: June 23, 2010 Location: Missouri Posts: 1,039	I have 2 of the "full body harness" which come with the purchase of a good tree stand and one of the HSS "vest harness". I really like the leg buckles on the vest system because they are easy to buckle (like the seat belt in your car) but the harness systems are lighter although a bit more difficult to put on and buckle. So, I use the harness systems in warmer weather when bow hunting and the vest system when the temps cool. I used to climb grain bins for a living and I can tell you that "this old boy" ain't leaving the ground without a safety system. Guru's description of fall impact and the resulting injuries is absolutely SPOT ON!!!!!!!!

November 10, 2011, 01:08 AM	#22
Chavo Member Join Date: September 30, 2011 Location: Indiana Posts: 63	left eye I picked the one up you were talking about today for 89.99. Haven't had a chance to get it out of the package yet.

November 10, 2011, 01:45 AM	#23
bamaranger Senior Member Join Date: October 9, 2009 Location: North Alabama Posts: 8,303	HSS vest I have one and absolutely can recommend it. Mine's the pro I guess, mesh vest, etc. I climb high, and am a big guy, and a fall would be very bad news. I went for years w/ just a belt, now I know better. All loose harness systems were a hassle. The HSS is a breeze on and off, and even all snapped up, no trouble to walk with. The pockets are great for all accessories. I also keep a phone(shamefully) a whistle, light and superknife in the pockets. If I cannot recover to the stand, the phone is my lifeline.

November 10, 2011, 03:54 PM	#24
Elkins45 Senior Member Join Date: February 24, 2010 Posts: 498	I actually watched the DVD that came with my ladder stand and I learned something I hadn't thought of. They recommended keeping a couple of screw in tree steps in the vest pocket so you can use them to help you climb back into the tree. That seems like very sound advice to me.

November 10, 2011, 09:29 PM	#25
plumbercrack Member Join Date: October 21, 2011 Location: Las Vegas, NV Posts: 98	I checked Home Depot and their harness, like a parachute harness runs around $80.00. It is osha approved and is the same one we wear for construction.