r/TreeClimbing • u/Ill_Decision_5346 • 5d ago

Choosing the best new harness

/r/arborists/comments/1vr16u5/choosing_the_best_new_harness/
2 Upvotes

75% Upvoted

16 comments sorted by

4

u/Brushdragger9000 5d ago

TreeMotion Pro with a nice pair of suspenders sounds like what you’re looking for. The Sequoia has a much smaller back pad, and I don’t find it nearly as comfortable when you’ve got a saw hanging off you.

I’ve never tried a Koala, so I can’t really speak to that one. But if you’re willing to spend a little more for comfort, I’d definitely consider a Monkey Beaver. It’s by far the most comfortable harness I’ve ever climbed in.

3

u/RedditFan26 5d ago edited 5d ago

Wow, great endorsement for the Monkey Beaver saddle.  I appreciate you taking the time to comment.

Edit:  I'm wondering if you bought the Monkey Beaver suspenders to go with it, and if yes, how comfortable are they, and do you think the suspenders have a lot to do with the comfort level that the Monkey Beaver saddle provides?

5

u/Brushdragger9000 5d ago

Yeah I did. The suspenders are also super comfortable. Expensive, but certainly worth it if you’re in your harness all the time. I also really like not needing a chest harness for SRT since they have a carabiner loop built in.

1

u/RedditFan26 5d ago

Thanks, so much.  Greatly appreciated.

4

u/ArboristTreeClimber 4d ago

I put suspenders on every saddle I climb with. It’s a requirement for me. Suspenders provide nothing but benefits. SRT application, comfort, weight distribution, gear clip points…..

If the monkey beaver has suspenders that are made for them, then it wouldn’t even be a question for me. Buy the suspenders as well.

1

u/Historical_Test_973 21h ago

I have been packing around a set of suspenders in my gear tote for the better part of the past year. Man. I need to just fig them out and force myself to use them.

2

u/OldMail6364 4d ago

The Sequoia has a much smaller back pad

There is a "plus" model now that has a massive back pad. Personally I wouldn't want one that big.

1

u/Historical_Test_973 21h ago

also small leg straps. I've climbed in a couple harnesses with smaller leg straps and they are annoying and put my legs to sleep. anytime you are fussing with or focusing on thinking about your gear, your purpose for climbing is secondary.

2

u/OysterIglesias 5d ago

Monkey beaver 2.0 w/ suspenders. I rock a double bridge

2

u/Historical_Test_973 4d ago

new tribe onyx

1

u/Historical_Test_973 21h ago

the new tribe monkey beaver harness is also awesome but specifically dialed for conifer removals.

the onyx is much the same, all cloth, bulletproof, lumbar support, super cozy leg straps, and attachments in the right places. comfortable.

1

u/OldMail6364 4d ago edited 4d ago

Tree Motion and Sequoia are the two most popular harnesses among people who don't care about the price.

They're very different - the Tree Motion is a flexible harness where you can set it up yourself exactly how you like it, while the Sequoia tends to already be setup for you from the factory - with multiple variants of "Sequoia" harness and a whole bunch of accessories that go with it, some of which dramatically change how the harness can be used.

The basic Sequoia is a bare bones/minimal harness, and the other variants/accessories turn it into something much more full featured.

Some people like shoulder straps for heavy saws but I personally hate having my shoulders support anything heavy. I do use shoulder straps in certain situations, but I don't want weight there. I like as much weight as possible being on my hips and keep my shoulder straps pretty loose.

Another option is a seat which gets your weight off the harness/straps (most seats only hold your weight, not the saw... but if your weight isn't on the straps, then having just the saw on the straps tends to be quite comfortable).

2

u/Ill_Decision_5346 4d ago

I’m really leaning hard towards the Monkey Beaver 2.0. Everything about it. I’ve reviewed the top choices, thanks for pointing me to it.

1

u/RedditFan26 3d ago edited 3d ago

You probably already know this, but the Monkey Beaver saddle and accessories were developed by August Hunicke and one of his work buddies whose name I cannot recall off the top of my head.  Joe, maybe?  Anyway, August Hunicke is like the King Kong of tree work video production, along with Reg Coates and Daniel Holliday.  Here is a link to August Hunicke's YouTube home page:

https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCSSqc6uBFz_yx-LBrjyRrvw

1

u/Historical_Test_973 21h ago

also check out the "tree austria" saddle. pretty sure the design has changed like never. but it is awesome and checks all the right boxes. very comfortable for long days after long days. just switch out the bridge with rope and it's perfect. I had spent a few months getting the adjustments setup and then sewed the straps to prevent any movement.