Tree climbing is an amazing to see the world from an entirely new perspective and master a very exhilarating sport that is closely connected with nature. For both recreational climbers and arborists, getting the right tree climbing harness is essential for safety. We’ve been up in the trees countless times, and having a harness that is safe and comfortable makes all the difference. If you’re looking to pick up tree climbing as a hobby or embark on a profession in tree cutting, check out our list of best tree climbing harnesses that can ensure comfort, reliablity and safety while you scale those high trees.
What is the Best Tree Climbing Harness?
Below you’ll find the list of the top 6 Best Tree Climbing Harness. We compiled this list from tree climbing harnesses we have used, asked others about, and researched further to give you the best possible roundup. With many years of experience with harness for tree climbing you can be assured that this article will give you what you’re looking for.
We also wrote a buying guide and answered some of the frequently asked questions (FAQs) at the end of this article.
1. Eleven Guns Tree Climbing Protect Waist Safety Belts and Harness
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Number of Gear Loops: 2 Adjustable leg loops: Yes User Weight Capacity: 660 lbs |
The Eleven Guns Tree Climbing Harness is a study, half body climbing harness that is rated for loads of up to 300 kg (660lbs).
The thick waist loop ensures optimal weight distribution and provides for comfortable use even on long days. The 2 gear loops are metal d-rings instead of traditional nylon, making it ideal for strapping yourself to a tree. The harness comes in one size, with adjustable waist and leg buckles.
Waist loops can be adjusted to 70-130cm/27.5”-51.2”
Leg loops can be adjusted to 46-70cm/18.1”-27.5”
The harness is made of tough polyester and is ideal for caving, rock climbing, and tree climbing.
Pros
- Wide belt supports the lower back
- Leg loops are comfortable even after long use
- Gear loops are metal D-rings not nylon
Cons
- Only 2 leg loops
- Only one size with adjustable waist and leg rings
2. SOB Half Body Safety Harness
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| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 3.26 pounds (1.48 kg) Number of Gear Loops: 4 Adjustable leg loops: Yes User Weight Capacity: 220 lbs |
The SOB half body harness is a breathable harness made of tough polyester. The 4 gear loops provide plenty of space for attachments.
The aluminium alloy buckles can be fixed onto a lanyard, keeping the climber’s weight evenly distributed. The wide waist loop allows for comfortable load bearing.
This harness has the CE EN358 EN831 certification, has a maximum weight of 220 lbs and is rated to 23kn.
The waist loops can be adjusted from 33.5″ to 49.2″ while the leg loops can be adjusted from 23.6″ to 29.5″.
This harness is ideal for tree climbing, rescue gear, working at heights, rappelling and construction.
Pros
- Rated to 23kn
- Breathable material cuts down on sweat absorption
- 4 gear loops provide plenty of room for attachments
Cons
- Not as durable as other harnesses
- Sizes run smaller than usual and could be uncomfortable for larger waists
- Leg loops squeezes groin and might be uncomfortable for long days
3. Petzl Pro Sequoia SRT Harness
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| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Number of Gear Loops: 2 large, 7 small Adjustable leg loops: Yes User Weight Capacity: 308 lbs |
A top quality harness, the Petzl Pro Sequoia SRT Harness is built for comfort with a wide waist loop and thick foam padding makes long periods of suspension comfortable.
The waist loop is a self-locking buckle for easy adjustment and the leg loops are easy to adjust even with gloves. All buckles are double back, limiting the risk of accidental loosening or unfastening.
The nine gear loops provide for easy organization of tools while two retainers allow for a carabiner holding a chainsaw or handsaw. The attachment bridge makes it easy to move sideways while the side attachment points lets the arborist follow the orientation of the lanyard. The 3 sizes available allow for:
Size 0: Waist 25″ – 31″, Leg 17″ – 23″
Size 1: Waist 28″ – 36″, Leg 18″ – 24″
Size 2: Waist 32″ – 47″, Leg 20″ – 25 inches
Pros
- Excellent comfort
- Multiple sizes
- Plenty of gear loops, each rated to hold 10kg
Cons
- Straps loosen up after prolonged use
4. YXGOOD Treestand Harness and Tree Working Safety Belt
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 3 pounds (1.36 kg) Number of Gear Loops: 5 Adjustable leg loops: Yes User Weight Capacity: 330 lbs |
The YXGOOD Treestand Harness is a sturdy workhorse with padded waist and leg loops made of breathable foam.
It is double-stitched, with round, smooth steel side rings. The 5 gear loops make it easy to carry tools and equipment.
The waist loop can accommodate 85 to 120cm (33″ to 47″), while the leg loops range is 60 to 75cm (23″ – 29″)
Made of tough polyester, the rings are steel and carbon alloys and the waist and leg loops are padded with foam.
Made in China and not rated, it might not suit the serious professional arborist but nevertheless is a good introduction to tree climbing.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Breathable and sweat wicking
- Even weight distribution
Cons
- Won’t fit a small waist of less than 28″
- No certification
- Narrow legs
5. Teufelberger Tree Motion Harness
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| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Number of Gear Loops: 2 main loops, multiple smaller ones Adjustable leg loops: Yes User Weight Capacity: 264 lbs |
The treeMOTION harness is Teufelberger’s flagship harness and a favorite of many arborists. Headquartered in Austria, Teufelberger has been providing the arborist community with high-quality gear since 1790. The treeMOTION harness fits 30″ to 36″ hip circumference and 20.5″ to 26″ thigh loops. It is rated for a load of 264 lbs.
One of the most popular tree climbing harnesses in the world, it was designed specifically for arborists and combines comfort, safety and functionality.
The harness has new UV resistant seams that deal with the intense sun exposure in Australia.
It’s pricier than most other harnesses but the professional, high quality construction is well worth the investment.
Pros
- Designed specifically for arborists
- Made by veterans
- Made in Austria
Cons
- Narrow range of sizes, can’t fit anything less than 30″ waist
6. Buckingham Ergovation Tree Saddle, Small
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Number of Gear Loops: 4 Adjustable leg loops: Yes User Weight Capacity: 310 lbs |
The Ergovation Tree Saddle by Buckingham is a heavy duty, reinforced saddle that has 12 separate attachment points.
With fully padded back, hip, and pelvic areas for comfort, load is optimally distributed to minimize the pressure on the groin and pelvis. This harness will offer unparalleled comfort even on long hangs.
The free-floating d-rings allow for better positioning and adjustments stay in place after fitting. This harness features a single strap instead of individual leg straps, which acts as a work seat when suspended.
Buckingham has been manufacturing arborist equipment for 120 years and the Erogvation is their flagship model.
Pros
- Fully padded back and pelvis areas
- Fully adjustable
- Plenty of space for gear
Cons
- Doesn’t fit waists smaller than 28″
- Velcro sometimes comes undone
Verdict
Based on all of our experience with harness for tree climbing, we found that Eleven Guns Tree Climbing Protect Waist Safety Belts and Harness is the best tree climbing harness available today.
Our Premium Option is Petzl Pro Sequoia SRT Harness with all the best features and high-quality materials, but that’s only if you have more money to spend.
However, if you are on a slightly tighter budget, you can also consider the YXGOOD Treestand Harness and Tree Working Safety Belt as an affordable alternative.
Our other reviews you may find useful in your research:
What You Should Know Before Buying tree climbing harnesses
How to Pick the Best Tree Climbing Harness
There are a few things to look at when picking the best tree climbing harness. In addition to apparel, harness is the most crucial piece of gear used in tree climbing. You’ll likely be hanging in suspension for hours, so fit and comfort must be optimal. Basic cotton and leather harnesses are ideal for beginners or the budget-conscious, while the more advanced harnesses feature extra padding and breathable material to keep the moisture out. Here’s what to look for:
Before buying, you ideally should test the harness by suspending yourself for a short period of time and watching out for any pinching or discomfort. Harnesses also have to be rated for your weight and certified by industrial standards to keep you safe.
Different Types of Tree Climbing Harnesses
With many different tree climbing harnesses, also called saddles, in the market, how do you pick? We have broken them down into different categories to give you an idea of what’s out there.
Many top brands of tree climbing harnesses offer optional add-ons for fall protection.
Many top brands of tree climbing harnesses offer optional add-ons for fall protection.
Best Brands for Tree Climbing Harnesses
There are several great brands of tree climbing harnesses out there. Some of our favorite brands include:
Top Features in a Tree Climbing Harness
There are several top features found in tree climbing harnesses. Picking a harness can be tricky, so where do you start? Tree climbing harnesses differ slightly from rock climbing harnesses. Here are a few features to look out for:
Usage and Setup
Before you climb, you’ll need to learn how to set up and use your harness. Tree climbing is extremely dangerous. Do not attempt any climbing until after formal training.
In a proper training course, you’ll be taught how to set up and use a tree climbing harness. You’ll learn how to:
This information is not a substitute for formal training. To safely climb trees, you must attend a formal training course.
Ventilation
Most tree harnesses are made of breathable material to better wick moisture and sweat away from the harness padding. Long periods spent in suspension can cut off blood circulation at the points of contact, especially in warm weather, hence this is a necessary feature. The common materials you would find that are used in webbing and tree climbing harnesses include nylon and polyester. After long use, these tree climbing harnesses can collect sweat, grime and dirt. Some models of such harnesses can be machine washed on a warm, delicate cycle with no detergent or spin cycle, but its best to read the instructions on the labels when purchasing to verify if your brand of harness mentions that.
Certifications
The ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) is the global standard of tree climbing certification. It is recommended to be a certified ISA Tree Climbing Specialist to do any tree work. Climbers must have a minimum of 18 months of climbing experience and have current training in aerial rescue, CPR and First Aid. To be certified as an ISA Tree Worker, arborists are tested in both a classroom (theory) and field ( practical) setting.
Precautions to Note
There are a few precautions to keep in mind before going tree climbing. Tree work is inherently dangerous and requires specialized training. Many tree trimmers have fallen or been electrocuted. Here are some safety tips to keep you even safer:
Questions and Answers About tree climbing harnesses
How to put on tree climbing harness?
To put on a tree climbing harness, first, check the harness thoroughly for any damage or tears. Ensure all waist and leg loops are lying flat and not twisted. Step each leg into the leg loops and cinch on the adjustable straps till the harness is sitting snugly. Tighten the waist loop. Check all buckles and ensure they are doubled back and won’t come loose. Check the integrity of the main tie in point and the side d-rings for the second tie in point. Again, this is not a substitute for actual training. Do not attempt to climb until properly trained.
Are there tree climbing harnesses with seat?
Yes – harnesses are technically seats! Your weight will be resting on your upper thighs where the leg loops go, and around your waist. Pick a harness with wider leg and waist loops for greater comfort. A well-designed and fitting harness will be comfortable enough to sit in for hours while some of the weight is taken off by the lanyard that goes from the side d-rings of your harness and around the tree. Some tree stands are available if you’re up in a tree and want to take a break, but they aren’t ideal for tree work as they face away from the tree.
These tree stands are popular with hunters.
What other tree climbing gear is needed with a harness?
In addition to the harness, here are some other pieces of gear you’ll need to get started:
The lanyard attaches to the side d-rings of your harness and goes around the tree to hold you in place. A lanyard adjuster to make your lanyard adjustable to get the perfect position.
A tree climbing rope. A rock-climbing rope or any other rope is not suited for tree climbing. You’ll need a rope double the length of the tree you’re intending to climb. Ropes can range from 35 to 60 meters. A prusik, a friction hitch piece of cord that can be used to adjust your position on the rope. The cord used in prusiks has to be a specific material to be able to tolerate heat from the friction generated as you move up and down the climbing rope. Locking carabiners that are made of alloy or steel and rated for a certain weight. They will connect you and your equipment. Spurs or spikes that allow you to maintain a foothold on the tree. For environmental reasons, spurs are usually used only for tree removals and not pruning as it strips the tree’s bark.
What is a tree climbing lanyard used for in tree climbing?
The lanyard, or flipline, is the piece of rope that is attached to each of your side d-rings of the harness and goes around the tree. It is a primary climbing tool and necessary for climbing trees. It temporarily holds you in position and allows you to climb short distances.
It is a second safety attachment point when cutting trees.
A flipline is a steel core lanyard used by climbers with spurs or spikes doing removals. Heavier than lanyards, these act as mechanical ascenders and are chainsaw resistant.
The ideal length for a lanyard or a flipline is 10m (30 feet). Some come with snazzy features such as adjusters or auto-locking carabiners.
How to use tree climbing spikes with the harness?
Using tree climbing spikes with your harness is relatively easy. Tree climbing spikes, or spurs, are strapped on your lower legs just below the knee of your harness. Used together with the lanyard, the spike (called the “gaff”) on the inside of your foot will give you an adequate grip on the tree to be able to “walk” up it.
When wearing spikes, make sure you have adequate clothing, socks and shoes as you can bruise from wearing them.
Refrain from tightening them excessively that will cause decreased blood circulation.
The tree will undergo serious damage if you are using spikes and is frowned on by the climbing community. It is commonly accepted that spikes should only be used for tree removals and never for pruning.
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