Table of Contents
If you’re also in the market for a safety harness, make sure to check out our Best Climbing Sticks article that will help you get up to your spot!
Best safety hunting harnesses
Comparison Table: Best Tree Climbing Harness in 2021
Award | Hunting Harness | Specs |
|---|---|---|
Best on the Market |  | ✅ Scent-destroying technology ✅ All-season use ✅ Stash Pockets ✅ 5-year warranty |
Best Value Harness |  | Weight: 2.8 lbs ✅ Scent-destroying technology ✅ USB charging port ✅ Stash Pockets ✅ 5-year warranty |
Best Lightweight Harness |  | ✅ Mesh phone pocket ✅ Lightest on the market ✅ 5-year warranty |
Best Reversible Harness |  | Weight: 2.5 lbs ✅ All-season use ✅ Stash Pockets ✅ TMA Certified ✅ 5-year warranty |
Best for the Money |  | Weight Capacity: 300 lbs ✅ Quick-release buckles |
Best Budget Harness |  | Weight Capacity: 300 lbs ✅ Quick-release buckles |
Best Cheap Harness |  | Weight Capacity: 300 lbs |
Best Hunting Harness for Youth |  | Weight: 2 lbs ✅ Two storage pockets ✅ Scent-destroying technology |
Quick Links: Best Safety Hunting Harness
- Best on the market: Hunter Safety System Treestalker Harness
- Best value: Hunter Safety System Pro-Series Harness with Elimishield Scent Control
- Best lightweight harness: Hunter Safety System Ultra-Lite
- Best reversible: Hunter Reversible Vest Harness
- Best for the money: Summit Treestands Men’s Pro Safety Harness
- Best budget harness fitting big guys: Summit Treestands Men’s Sport Safety Harness
- Best cheap harness: Muddy Magnum Pro Harness
- Best harness for youth: Hunter Youth Tree-Stand Safety Harness
Best on the Market
Pros
- 100% Polyester
- All-season use
- Snug fit for extra safety
Cons
- Does not come with a carabiner
This Treestalker hunting harness by HSS is the best hang on stand on the market.
Have you ever wanted to buy one product and know it’ll last for as long as you can fit into it? The Treestalker is that kind of harness. It looks great, fits tight and securely, and is designed to last. This pro series vest has become the standard for the best harness on the market that hunters have grown to trust.
To begin, this harness vest is versatile for all seasons, so whether you’re hunting in hot or cold months, this is will great protection from the elements. The folks at HSS used smart fabrics that are thin and comfortable, yet strong and durable. This vest is a simple great choice.
Regarding safety, the whole purpose for why you’re wearing a harness, HSS created this patented hunting harness that eliminates the old straps that you see so many hunters wearing. This is because what happened were those straps became more of a liability to the hunters, as they’d trip up or get snagged on them while they were high in the tree. The Treestalker, however, doesn’t have dangling straps.
This hunting vest harness does have the saddle-style leg straps which fit over clothing. No matter whether you’re a bigger guy or not, the adjustable straps will fit to your liking.
Plus, at not additional cost, this vest comes with the Lineman’s climbing strap, adjustable tree strap, suspension relief/deer drag, and a 5 year warranty. I know that makes me feel safe.
What Makes This Harness Great
- Smart Fabrics keep you cool and dry all season long
- 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 - Tether is 1.25” thin and absorbs more shock than before; saddle-style leg straps adjust to fit over clothing
- Added accessories include, Lineman’s Climbing Strap, Adjustable Tree Strap, Suspension Relief/Deer Drag
Who’s This Harness Best For?
If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line safety harness that will do its job well and last for years, go with this Hunter Safety System Treestalker Harness.
Best Value Harness
Pros
- Scent-destroying elimishield fabric technology
- USB charging port
- Accessory straps plus eight convenient pockets
- Comfortable and lightweight
Cons
- No stash pockets on the inside
- USB charging port could come in handy, but could also does rub up against your hand, which is slightly irritating
This Treestalker hunting harness is the best hang on stand on the market.
This pro series vest has become the standard for the best harness on the market that hunters have grown to trust.
Within the package includes the straps that you need, so most of the accessories are included in the deal. Unfortunately, a caribeaner is not included.
On the plus side, this newly released vest is a lighterweight than the HSS previous model. What you’re going to love is that there are multiple stash pockets on this vest. It’s nice to be able to put your things right in your vest, such as your phone and other safety accessories without worrying that it will fall out.
One of the most talked about feature on this vest is the USB port that comes right onto the vest. Simply get a portable power bank, plug the USB into the charger, and with this feature, you never have to worry about having your phone running out of battery. This comes in handy when it’s cold.
What Makes This Harness Great
- Every fiber of the harness treated with new scent-destroying elimishield technology that is heat-fused into the fabric and will control scent for the life of the harness
- Includes new charging USB port – Connect a Compatible USB Battery pack (not included) to charge your devices anywhere
- Keep yourself organized in the stand: dual binocular/accessory straps plus eight convenient pockets to store all your gear
- Comfortable and lightweight: 40% lighter thanks to new, lightweight fabrics and ventilating mesh
- Included accessories: Lineman’s climbing belt, adjustable tree strap, suspension relief strap/Deer drag
Who’s This Harness Best For?
If you’re the guy who forgets to charge his phone over night and would like the reassurance of having batteries while you’re hunting, this Treestalker Pro by HSS’ charging USB port could be your savior. The vest itself is high quality and feels great. Check it out here.
Best Lightweight Harness
Pros
- Sleek, easy to use and carry, very lightweight
- Nice padded straps
- Secure mesh phone pocket
- 5-year warranty
Cons
- Doesn't include carabiner
- Front buckel will rattle
This Ultra-lite from Hunter Safety System is the best lightweight hunting harness in the industry.
The leg straps go around your legs easily and fit tight for safety. The tree strap, which is what you work up and down the tree and you go up or down is easy to put around the tree.
The suspension wrap can also be used as a deer drag, which is a smart design. When you have this wrap attached to your back with the carabiner, you can use the end to wrap around the deer and drag the game you get. One quick and unfortunate note, this safety harness does not come with a carabiner, so make sure you have one at home or add one one if you purchase this harness.
One thing to keep in mind about this harness and the other two harnesses listed above that come from Hunter Safety System, they only do safety equipment, and that’s why HSS is the most trusted hunting harness company.
There are no loose cords, cables, or webbing, which makes it more clean and compact when you’re wearing this harness. The tether on this harness is designed to break away and in the event you fall out of a tree stand. This harness is extremely safe, and HSS has thought of everything. This company does nothing but make safety equipment for hunters, and they’re making some amazing innovations.
What Makes This Harness Great
- Comfortable: padded hexagons provide comfort and maximum flexibility in the stand
- Ability to wear this over thin layers in warming weather and to wear this harness under your jacket in colder weather
- Super light at only 1.25” upper-body webbing. This also has shock absorbing tether and waist buckle reduces weight and bulk
- Patented HSS design eliminates dangerous dangling straps and weave-through buckles; includes a secure mesh cell phone pocket
- 5 year warranty – feel safe!
Who’s This Harness Best For?
Perfect for the minimal hunter that wants to wear as least as possible, and best for the hunter who likes to put your harness on under your jacket, this is the best harness for you. Make sure you stay safe when you’re up in the tree, and this Ultra-lite will do it!
Best Reversible Harness
Pros
- Meets TMA Industry Standards of Excellence
- All-seasons hunting harness
- Realtree Xtra Camo on one side and Hunter Orange reversed
- Lightweight 1.25” upper-body webbing
- Eight large pockets and clips for accessories
- 5-year warrant
Cons
- Build so durable it can become too warm at times
This reversible vest offers Realtree Xtra camo on one side and brushed tricot hunter orange on the reverse. But it doesn’t only give the looks you want, it has great features too. This vest is extremely lightweight. It has a 1.25” upper-body webbing, shock absorbing tether and waist buckle reduces weight and bulk.
The feeling of safety is real with this harness, as it has been tried and tested by the Treestand Manufacturer’s Association (TMA) and was given the A.OK to be put onto the market.
Next, let’s talk about utility. With four pockets on each side for a total of eight pockets, you’ll be sure to find a place to carry your phone, gadgets and other tools right by your side.
What Makes This Harness Great
- 4-season vest: Reversible harness offers Realtree Xtra Camo on one side and brushed tricot Hunter Orange on the reverse
- Lightweight: 1.25” upper-body webbing, shock absorbing tether and waist buckle reduces weight and bulk, weighs only 2.5 lbs!
- Stash pockets: Eight large pockets and clips for binoculaurs; smart fabrics keep you comfortable all season long and deadly quiet in any temperature
- Included accessories: Lineman’s Climbing Strap, Adjustable Tree Strap, Suspension Relief/Deer Drag, Instructional DVD, and Safe-Use Instructions
- 5-year warranty: don’t feel bad to give it a shot!
Who’s This Harness Best For?
Simple, comfortable, and extremely safe, the Reversible hunting harness by HSS is a great pick!
Best for the Money
Pros
- High-performance tether and bungee tether line
- Lineman’s climbing rope included
- Quick-lock buckles and comfort-engineered padded shoulder straps
- Holds up to 300 lbs
- 28" to 35" Waist Size
Cons
- Can't find a con with this model- great overall harness
This Pro harness by HSS is the best for the money hunting harness.
This high-performance harness has tether that takes shock in case you fall. The quick lock buckles makes it super easy and convienent to use.
Plus, the military-style Molle system is what attracts most hunters to it. This way, you can add accessories to your pack.
For the big guys, this handles body weights of up to 300 pounds. This means that with the adjustable leg straps, this is that kind of harness that you can keep for years because you won’t grow out of it!
What Makes This Harness Great
- Comes with 8-foot Lineman’s rope
- Designed with high-performance tether
- Comfortable shoulder straps
- Quick lock buckles makes using this harness extremely quick and easy
- Molle system for accessories
Who’s This Harness Best For?
As the editor’s choice, this best for the money harness is the ideal for nearly every hunter. Whether you’re an average-sized guy or a bigger guy, the adjustable straps will keep to you no matter your size. Plus, with the 300-pound weight limit, it will support the bigger gentlemen as well. All in all, this harness will keep you up there enjoying the hunt, safely.
Best Budget for Big Guys
Pros
- High-performance tether
- Included Lineman’s climbing rope
- Quick-lock buckles & Comfort-engineered padded shoulder straps
- Holds up to 300 lbs
- 35" to 46" Waist Size
Cons
- Does not include the locking carabiner
- Leg strap buckles are located too far back on the waist to be easily buckled
- Pro-tip: This harness is measured on the big size, so buy one size smaller than you would think to
This Pro harness by HSS is the best for the money hunting harness.
Summit’s Sport Safety Harness delivers a secure fit and supreme comfort and functionality, with padded shoulder straps, a performance tether and quick-lock buckles.
An included lineman’s climbing rope ensures safe tree climbing while installing your tree stand, safe line or any other elevated hunting equipment. What you’ll feel assured knowing is that this vest exceeded the standards put in place by the Treestand
Manufacturers’ Association (TMA).
A completely adjustable full-body Fall Arrest Harness System ensures a secure and comfortable fit. Also tangle-resistant, Summit harnesses are easy to put on, even in the dark. An included lineman’s climbing rope lets you quickly hook up to and maintain continuous
contact with your tree.
Next, let’s talk comfort. The convenient slides make it easy to adjust every strap, for the perfect fit that never binds, pulls or otherwise impedes your movement. The material used to make this harness is durable and lightweight, so you’ll forget you even have it on. This harness can easily be worn over or under your hunting clothing—a handy feature in cold weather.
Never been seen! This vest eliminates the detection of sound with an ultra-quiet design features, such as the rubberized quick-lock buckles.
What Makes This Harness Great
- Comes with 8-foot Lineman’s rope
- Tether with stretch in it, in case you experience a fall
- Designed with high-performance tether
- Comfortable shoulder straps
- Quick lock buckles makes using this harness extremely quick and easy
- Molle system for accessories
- Handles weights up to 300 pounds, made with the big guys in mind!
Who’s This Harness Best For?
The Sport was given its name because it truly is a sport. This is a lightweight harness by the best manufacturers in the business- Hunter’s Safety System. The tether gives stretch in case of a fall, and the materials are great in any hunting conditions. HSS’ Sport harness is an overall great pick.
Best Cheap Harness
Pros
- Light Weight Padded Nylon
- Cam Leg buckles
- Magnum Harness, Lineman's Belt, Tree Strap, Suspension Relief Strap
- One Size Fits Most
- Weight rating: 300 lbs
Cons
- Does not include the carabiner
- Doesn't include Lineman's rope
The Muddy Magnum Pro is the best cheap tree climbing harness on the market.
If your eyes lit up with you saw Best Cheap Harness, that probably means you’re on a budget that won’t break the bank, but will stop an accident. If that’s the case, this Magnum Pro is definitely the right harness for you.
The good: For extra comfort during long sits, this Magnum Pro is made of lightweight padded nylon with padded shoulders. This torso straps make a quick, quiet and easy harness.
This rugged tether reduces chances of a fall or injury. This harness is rated for up to 300 pounds, making it a well-versatile tree harness.
The bad: Although the commercial above states that the Magnum Pro is suppose to come with a Lineman’s strap, it doesn’t. Furthermore, there have also been instances where recent purchasers took a second look at the stitching of the harness and realized that it wasn’t sewn together well. I don’t know about you, but that makes me nervous.
Although this will more than likely be fine, when it comes to sitting 20 feet in the air in my tree stand, I’d prefer to spend the extra $50 and go with a Hunter’s Safety System harness.
What Makes This Harness Great
- Made of lightweight, padded nylon
- Comfortable
- Easy-cinch torso straps
- Leg buckets with no metal-to-metal contact
- Tether reduces chance of injury
- Comes with tree strap and suspension relief strap
- Weighted up to 300 pounds
Who’s This Harness Best For?
The Sport was given its name because it truly is a sport. This is a lightweight harness by the best manufacturers in the business- Hunter’s Safety System. The tether gives stretch in case of a fall, and the materials are great in any hunting conditions. HSS’ Sport harness is an overall great pick.
Best Youth Harness
Pros
- Lightweight at 2 lbs
- Comfortable for child- and WORKS!
- Hunt Scent Control Technology
- Two storage pockets
- Trim Fit for better mobility
Cons
- Suspension Relief Strap can be too big for very little youth
The Hunter Safety System’s Lil Tree Stalker is the Best Youth Harness.
If you plan to get your young person started in the outdoors, the first you to do is insure their safety when you’re putting them in the stand. This Lil Treestalker is the perfect fit for children, while it provides total safety for the child.
The same attention to detail from HSS’ adult models was used when designing their youth model.
There are silent-like buckles, and is extremely lightweight. This offers premium safety, plus comfort. There are also two pockets right in the front, so the little ones can put their accessories into too. Give them a tool or accessory and ask them for it, and they’ll be super happy to help.
When it comes to getting a harness for children, there is no other model I recommend than this. There’s just nothing even remotely as important to the safety of our children and this vest gives us that piece of mind.
What Makes This Harness Great
- Lightweight – Weighs in at only 2 pounds; Patented design eliminates dangerous dangling straps and weave-through buckles
- Material and fit are comfortable for a child
- ElimiShield Hunt Scent Control Technology – Heat fused into the fabric and good for the life of the harness
- Two pockets for access to essential gear when on stand; Silent Leg Buckles are stronger and lighter then previous models
- Trim Fit for less bulk and better mobility; Quiet fabrics remain stealthy-quiet even when the temperature drops
Who’s This Harness Best For?
Best for the kids under 100 lbs, who plan to learn the ways of hunting from the stand.
People Also Ask
Why do you need a tree stand harness?
A tree stand harness is a necessity when bow hunting from a tree stand. The harness is the piece of equipment that you tie to your chest and loop straps around your legs and then clip to the tree to insure your safety in case you fall. The function of the harness is to catch you, and therefore to reduce the risk of tree-stand hunting
What's the important of using a hunting harness?
When hunting from heights beyond 10 feet, your safety is vitally important. Remember, the harness is the equipment that will prevent you from falling to the ground. Using a harness allows you to hang instead of fall, in the case of an accident with your stand.
Falling from the tree stand is one of the main ways hunters experience accidents. Hunting without a safety harness, and falling, will almost certainly cause injury, and therefore, it’s crucial to always hunt from above safely.
Safety harness warnings
- Always read and understand the manufacturer’s warnings, expiration date, and instructions
- Practice using the body harness on the ground before going up in the tree
- Make sure the length of the harness tether is minimized at all times
- Never allow the tether strap to get under your chin or around your neck
- Before you go up in the tree, make sure you have a plan if an accident does occur
- Make sure you have your cell phone on, and only hunt where you have reception
- It is wise to use the buddy system when hunting from a climbing tree stand to ensure you both stay safe
- If an accident does happen, do not panic
How do you attach a safety harness to a tree?
Create a system and follow the directions of your particular safety harness when attaching the harness to a tree. Here are general steps to attach a safety harness to a tree:
- At ground level pass the tree strap behind BOTH chest straps of your safety harness
- Wrap the tree strap around the tree ONLY ONCE making sure the strap is not twisted
- Secure the tree strap using the slide adjuster
- Adjust the length of the tree strap so that you can lean back slightly while climbing
- Before you step up to begin climbing, tug on the tree strap to ensure it is properly secured.
- As you climb continue to raise the height of your tree strap after each step you take, each time leaning back slightly to put some pressure on the tree strap so it does not slip
- Always climb ABOVE your treestand and step DOWN onto the platform of your treestand
- Once you reach your treestand, attach the tree strap tether
How to attach a hunting harness to a tree
How do you maintain a tree stand harness?
Keeping your tree stand harness working properly requires easy maintenance. Remember to keep the harness inside. Remember to keep an eye out for stitching that maybe coming undone.
How long does a tree stand harness last?
Five years is the typical amount of time suggested by the Treestand Manufacturer’s Association (TMA).
What to look for in a tree stand harness?
Although it is general practice to use tree stand harnesses, with so many options, it’s important to know what to look for before buying your next harness. This way, you can find the best model for your needs. Remember to look at the following specs:
- Weight of harness: Depending on your hunting style, whether you’re a runner-and-gunner kind of hunter, or one who goes back to the same spot each time, adding or subtracting a few pounds from you pack will make a big difference. Make sure to check that the weight of the harness works for what you’re looking to do
- Weight capacity of harness: Most men’s adult harnesses have a weight capacity of 300 pounds; however, this isn’t always the case for each harness. Likewise, make sure that the weight capacity fits you
- Color: Some hunters will only use camo and some will only use hunter orange. Pick the color that you’re most comfortable wearing
- Price: With so many options on the market, the hunting harnesses come in a wide range of prices. When it comes to harnesses, I tend to choose one on a higher price point
- Accessories: Do you like pockets? How many? Do you need the USB charger, because some include those too. Think about what you’d like to carry around with you, and what you wouldn’t and find a good match
- Vest vs. straps: With hunting tree stand harnesses, there are two main types of harnesses. There’s the vest and there are the straps. Each offer different benefits. If you’re a hunter who enjoys cold-weather hunting, go with a vest. If you live in a warmer climate, it might be wise, due to sweat scent, to go with the strap harness
- Warranty: The Hunter’s Safety System harnesses all come with a 5-year warranty, but this isn’t always the case in the bow hunting industry. Personally, I feel rest assured that I can send it back with no questions asked, but other hunters might feel different
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Best safety hunting harnesses
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