The times I climb a tree during hunting season, I do use the harness that came with my climber (cheap Summit harness). Well, a hunting accident hit close to home with my neighbor falling from a tree on a hunt in Kansas and shattering both legs from the knees down. He's had 2 surgeries so far and no telling how many more coming up. I want to get a better harness, that's easier to get on and off, thats more comfortable to wear. What recommendations does everyone have? I've looked at HSS, Muddy, and Summit so far (haven't looked at any in person, just online browsing)

HSS or Muddy

I have the muddy and it's quick and easy to put on. I would definitely recommend it with the rope style tether

Hard to beat hss. They have a harness for just about any style, plus an Alabama based company

I use the hss pro that has pockets. The pockets are enough to carry my stuff without using a pack of any sort.

Use a muddy. Easy to put on, light, doesn’t get in the way bow hunting

was using my hss ultralite yesterday, and after years of use it hit me that it really is light.

HSS is all I have ever used. Will not use a climber or lock on without it. Was rushing two years ago putting my Dad out and made it to the stand before realizing I left it in the truck. Just sat down and watched a road.

I have the HSS with the pockets. Love it. Makes it even easier when you get the rope tether thing

I've always used HSS and I get the deluxe model with all the pockets. I don't use a backpack so the pockets come in handy. I've gotten so used to it and with all the stuff I put in the pockets, I wear it even when I sit in a shooting house.

Don’t get anything that attaches between your shoulder blades. Get something that attaches in the front at the waist. A rock climbing harness is what you want. Self rescue is WAY easier with it attached in the front than between your shoulder blades. Suspension trauma caused by a rear attached harness can be just as dangerous as the fall.

I use a rock climbing harness as well

This. I recently had to replace mine and wish I had gone with the same model.

I have an HSS ultralight that is great. I use it more that the HSS pro I have

So, what’s the chance of upending your self in a rock climbing harness? Probably more folks are top heavy than bottom heavy.

Very, very low. You ain’t gonna fall out of it anyway. I’ve turned upside down in mine on purpose with no issues.

Have you ever seen videos of rock climbers falling in them? They’re falling way farther than you would in a hunting situation.

I don't climb anymore....bad knees and frequent leg cramps when climbing......but I've kept mine in case I'm going up a ladder stand...Hunters Safety Systems harness ... meets or exceeds safety standards and comfortable too.

https://huntersafetysystem.com/collections/harness-pre-load

How would a harness that attaches in the front work if you have your back to the tree?

It just wraps around to the tree or lifeline. Or you can put it over your shoulder, if you like. It works very well. I bowhunt and rifle hunt in mine and it’s never gotten in the way.

If anybody is on the fence about it, do a little test. IN A CONTROLLED ENVIRONMENT AND AT A SAFE HEIGHT, SAFELY hang from your regular safety harness and try to self rescue. Then do the same thing with a rock climbing harness that attaches in the front. You will see pretty quick how tough it is to do anything leaning slightly forward due to being attached between your shoulder blades versus attached in the front.

Then choose whichever one works best for you. Happy hunting and stay safe.