Hey guys,

I have a rock climbing harness because i go rock climbing heaps and i have decided to start tree climbing.

I was wondering if i can use my rock climbing harness for tree climbing or if i should buy a tree climbing harness....


If yes, why should i buy a tree climbing harness i don't see the difference.

Thanks

Haz

Hello Hazman;
The tree climbing harness has more padding under your legs that allow you to seat down for longer periods of time since that is what you mostly do while tree climbing anyway.
The rock climbing harness will cut the circulation to your legs and pinch you in the wrong places. (Ouch). Also a good quality Tree climbing harness is most likely to be rated to meet ANSI Standards for Safety gear that most basic rock climbing harness may not be.
You can climb on almost any harness but the comfort of a properly sized Arborist or Recreational Tree Climbing harness is worth the extra money. Read some of the de_script_ions in the gear review area of this web site for some suggestions. Also visit the New tribe web site for photos and uses of different models.

I do a bit of rock climbing too. For that, I have a Black Diamond big wall harness. I also do technical rope and confined space rescue, so I have a Yates, class III, rescue harness with SUPER wide padding on the legs and waist. My New Tribe Tengu tree climbing saddle makes those other harnesses feel like I just have rope wrapped around me! Tree climbing saddles are Sooooooooo comfortable.

You CAN use a rock harness in the trees, but you won't enjoy it much after you've been hanging for an hour or so. Tiny webbing and padding equals big pain in the legs and waist.

thanks guys i will probably buy one

Besides what was mentioned it's worth considering the following...

A rock climbing harness is designed to catch you when you fall on a dynamic rope. A tree climbing harness is a "work positioning" harness designed to support your weight on a static or semi-static rope throughout the entire climb. A huge difference. I can't stand to hang in a rock harness for more than 5 minutes. Any tree climb under two hours means you were barely in the tree. A typical tree climb where you set the rope from scratch is going to be at least 3 hours.
-moss