Welcome to the Thomas guide to the best tree climbing harness 2024. Thomas has been connecting North American industrial buyers and suppliers for more than 120 years. When you purchase products through our independent recommendations, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Climbing trees, whether it’s for work or recreation, takes a slew of tools to make possible. Trunks have slippery, unstable surfaces, and tree climbing equipment, whether a good tree climbing harness or rope, is necessary for a smooth ascent and descent from the tree.
When it comes to this type of safety harness, an arborist or logger will have different needs than that of a hunter, recreational climber, or backyard DIY enthusiast.
Here is a list of the best tree climbing harnesses, followed by a buying guide to help you select the best tree climbing harness for your needs.
Thomas’ Top Picks for the Best Tree Climbing Harness 2024
This list of popular tree climbing harnesses will suit the needs of professionals, employees, and recreational climbers.
Best Harness for Back Support: Eleven Guns Adjustable Half Body Climbing Harness | Buy Now
Best Harness for Hunters: Muddy Magnum Pro Harness Black | Buy Now
Best Budget Harness: KwikSafety MANDRILL Climbing Harness | Buy Now
Best Value Harness: SOB Half Body Climbing Harness | Buy Now
Best Comfortable Tree Climbing Harness: YXGOOD Treestand Harness | Buy Now
Best Full Body Harnesses: Qualcraft Guardian Fall Protection Contractor Kit | Buy Now
Best Harness for Smaller Projects and Home Use: GLOROUSCHU Full Body Safety Harness | Buy Now
Best Investment Tree Climbing Harness: Teufelberger TreeMotion EVO | Buy Now
Best Tree Climbing Spikes: Klein Tools CN1907ARL Tree Climber Set | Buy Now
Scroll down to read more about these top picks for the best tree climbing harness according to many happy buyers, whether you’re in search of triple lock buckles, a comfortable waist loop, or a comfortable all-around strap design.
*Prices listed in this article were as shown in US$ on amazon.com (USA), sears.com and northerntool.com as of December 2023
1. Best Harness for Back Support—Eleven Guns Tree Climbing Harness
TCI recommends harnesses with large back pads for professional arborists and workers who climb trees and specialize in removal. A wider option with padding, like this version from Eleven Guns can be more comfortable and provide extra support to the wearer.
This option isn’t as expensive as others out there with reinforced backing, but it’s a great start. The leg loops are wider as well-meaning climbers can handle longer periods of time that aren’t possible with tight, restrictive leg straps. The adjustable buckles, waist, and leg loops allow for customization of the wearer’s body and clothing.
“Fits well and moderately easy to cinch down,” described a customer. “Good heavy material with handy accessory loops. Excellent holding safety and comfort. Used this for tree trimming and spent hours in the seat without excessive discomfort.”
Specifications
Material: Polyester
Fit type: Regular
BUY NOW: US$29.59 (Was US$42.99), Amazon
Also Available at: Bonanza
2. Best Harness for Hunters—Muddy Magnum Pro Harness Black
There are more expensive hunter harnesses on the market, but the Muddy harness is still a quality choice, earning close to 1,000 five-star ratings on Amazon. It’s one of the most versatile harnesses, too, and many hunters pick it for its price and simplicity.
The harness can hold up to 300 pounds and comes with a lineman’s belt, tree strap, and suspension relief strap.
It’s a great choice for using up in tree stands and is lightweight in comparison to others. “The harness set-up that came with my tree stand was way too cumbersome so I wanted something simple and easy to slip on,” explained a customer. “I’m so glad I chose this one. The quality, ease of use, and the unbeatable price makes this a steal.”
Specifications
Material: Nylon
Fit type: Regular
BUY NOW: US$31.18 (Was US$49.99), Amazon
Also Available at: Walmart, Blain Barn & Fleet, Bass Pro Shops, The HomeDepot
3. Best Budget Harness—KwikSafety MANDRILL Climbing Harness
Though it’s not the most expensive item, KwikSafety’s MANDRILL harness is great for beginners and a lightweight choice for workers with less hefty workloads.
Because of the thinner leg straps, it’s a better fit for shorter periods of work or residential trimming that doesn’t require constant hours of work suspended from a tree. That being said, it still has a padded back, durable gear loops, and strong adjustable straps and buckles, making it comfortable.
“Great service and great item worth the money—strong material,” wrote a customer. “Awesome budget harness,” added another. “I am 250 pounds and it has held up no problems.” An additional buyer also noted it was “everything needed” for tree trimming.
Specifications
Material: Polyester
Fit type: Comfort, comfortable
BUY NOW: US$49.82, Amazon
Also Available at: Walmart
4. Best Value Harness—SOB Half Body Climbing Harness
SOB has produced what some reviewers consider to be a model that’s just “as good as a US$400 harness” for under US$70. It has the CE marking of approval for fall protection (which is a European standard) and is made of tough polyester, a breathable material.
Although it says it’s suitable for rock climbing, the thick and wide pads make it safe and suitable for tree climbing as well. To ensure the best experience, purchase climbing rope specifically. This is a great budget-friendly option that looks similar in style to the fan-favorite Petzl Sequoia SRT model (though the Sequoia SRT comes at a higher cost).
“Great saddle for tree work,” noted a reviewer. “Super comfortable and great for the price; you can’t beat it. I’ve used it daily for about four months now.” Others noted that it’s quite similar to the Tree Austria Climbing Harness at a fraction of the cost.
Specifications
Material: Polyester
Fit type: Comfort, comfortable
BUY NOW: US$107.07, Sears
5. Best Comfortable Tree Climbing Harnesses—YXGOOD Treestand Harness
Thick pads made of breathable foam are a large part of why this YXGOOD harness gets so many compliments about its fit. It has metal D rings and five tool rings for carrying up equipment and keeping it safely attached while in a tree.
The rope bridge is made of webbing and because of the sturdy gated rings it’s slightly more difficult to adjust than other harnesses, but it’s a small issue in comparison to the hours of comfortable work climbers can complete while in it.
“Worked great,” wrote one customer. “Made climbing any size tree very safe. Fit very well also. I felt very secure while climbing and trimming trees of any size.” Another reviewer added that their employees found it almost too comfortable, if that’s possible. “It is nice to be able to sit in the trees and relax though.”
Specifications
Material: Fabrics
Fit type: Regular
BUY NOW: US$45.99, Amazon
6. Best Full Body Harness—Qualcraft Guardian Fall Protection Contractor Kit
This style of harness comes with shoulder straps, which isn’t as common as the half-body options out there for tree climbing. This also means it’s a versatile choice for other jobs, too, including roof work.
It has five points that can be manipulated, including adjustable leg loops, chest straps, and shoulder straps. The lanyard is also responsible for a safe fall arrest system, handling up to 310 pounds of weight.
“My company needed a new harness for fall protection,” explained a reviewer. “I ordered this product and was pleased with the product when it arrived. It is easy to use and put on and has really increased safety in our workplace. It is secure and gives the workers a sense of security.”
Specifications
Material: N/A
Fit type: Fits sizes small to large
BUY NOW: US$69.99, Northern Tool + Equipment
7. Best Harness for Smaller Projects and Home Use—GLOROUSCHU Full Body Safety Harness
Compliant with both OSHA and ANSI, this bright orange harness system is great for smaller jobs or for doing work around the house that requires it. The pieces of equipment included are the harness and a shock absorption system.
The straps are thinner, but they provide a safe way to climb into branches and trim without getting hurt thanks to double back buckles on the waist belt and other areas, dee rings, and the ability to handle a tensile strength of 5,000 pounds.
“Bought this for my husband to use for trimming trees in our yard,” explained a reviewer. “He was able to take down major branches way more safely than before, and gives me a lot less to worry about when he’s going up to the top of a 24-foot ladder and jumping around in the trees. He says the harness is as comfortable as it can be considering where the straps must ‘caress’ his body.”
Specifications
Material: Polyester polypropylene
Fit type: Comfort, comfortable
BUY NOW: US$35 (Was US$39.80), Amazon
Also Available at: Sears
8. Best Investment Tree Climbing Harness—Teufelberger TreeMotion Harness
The individual leg straps and high-quality materials making up the thick waistband are just a few of the features that make this Teufelberger harness worth the cost. It’s available with a single webbing, double-stitched, or a knotted double rope bridge and the load-bearing straps can be customized depending on where the wearer would like their weight distributed.
The solid waist loops and rings and Cobra buckles translate to long usage and quality buyers can lean on for safety. It’s also ANSI, ASTM, and CSA compliant (among other qualifications).
“If you’re looking for a good all-around tree saddle harness then look no further,” wrote a customer. “This harness is so adjustable and adaptable it’ll fit all your needs. It moves with you while in the canopy and doesn’t twist. If you’re a production arborist then you’ll love this saddle.” Another added, “Great saddle, very comfortable; I use it almost every day at work climbing trees.”
BUY NOW: US$749.95, Amazon
9. Best Tree Climbing Spikes—Klein Tools CN1907ARL Tree Climber Set
Spikes should only be used by professional climbers and arborists, and those looking for a great pair can rely on this set from Klein Tools.
These are an ideal addition to working with a harness when branch and tree removal need to take place and are supplemented with cushy neoprene. The gaffs can also be replaced once they dull or wear down.
“I have always admired Klein Tools for their quality and look so when I was looking for my first pair of spikes for arborist work these were a no-brainer,” wrote a customer. “They penetrate easily into the tree with minimal effort and the shape of the irons make them fit and feel comfortable and secure.”
Specifications
Material: High-grade leather, neoprene-impregnated nylon
Fit type: Set
BUY NOW: US$280.40, Amazon
Also Available at: The Home Depot, JBTools
The Best Tree Climbing Harnesses—Summary
Find something that feels right in terms of comfort and safety, whether it’s a full-body harness with a floating dee ring or a half design with two gated rings and comfortable padding. Any buyer searching for a harness with an adjustable waist size and a comfortable back pad can’t go wrong with Teufelberger’s harness (US$749.95, Amazon). For a quality harness with an adjustable waist loop and plenty more gear loops for a less expensive price, try SOB’s harness (US$107.07, Sears).
For something other than nylon or polyester, there are also leather harnesses available like the Weaver leather harness, and more detailed harness systems with additional straps and attachment possibilities. No matter your climbing style, the options are plentiful, it’s just a matter of selecting a safe and quality model that fits well.
Choosing the Best Tree Climbing Harness—Buying Guide
Harnesses are made for multiple purposes, and while it may be hard to tell a rock climbing harness from a tree-climbing one or a construction safety harness from one fit for a hunter, there are both similarities and differences.
Fit and material are also important when selecting one of these products. Breathable materials, like a basic cotton or nylon mesh setup, as well as getting the right waist size and measurements are all key for a good fit.
On top of other tree climbing gear, harnesses are essential and should be comfortable as well as high quality and safety-focused. Before delving into types of harnesses, we have provided a brief overview of organizations that specify rules and regulations and offer instructions and guidelines for tree climbing and working in trees.
Standards for Tree Climbing Harnesses
A good climbing system can take hazardous jobs and make them much safer. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), American National Standards Institute (ANSI), and Tree Climbers International (TCI) all have standards for making climbing safe and provide guidelines for selecting equipment.
ANSI
The ANSI Z133 was created in 1968 and focuses heavily on making tree care and trimming safer. ANSI has multiple other guidelines, too, that cover harnesses and personal protective equipment. OSHA has standards as well, one of which states that employers and businesses need to provide these harnesses and other safety equipment to workers.
TCI
For general safety tips and a great place for beginner and seasoned workers and enthusiasts to learn the ropes of safe tree climbing, TCI has multiple resources that delve into best practices and things to avoid. The group covers types of harnesses and equipment that should and shouldn’t be used.
Some harnesses that are used for other outdoor purposes may seem like a perfectly suitable option but aren’t. As TCl notes, a rock climbing harness should not be used in place of a tree-specific one. Rock climbing harnesses are built differently, with leg loops or leg straps that are often tighter than those of tree climbing harnesses.
On another note related to gear and equipment, TCI also says that tree climbing spikes should only be used by professionals and those handling tree work and removal, not by amateurs or recreational climbers.
Harness Safety
Stay up to date on policies and laws as well as the best types of harnesses to ensure workers remain safe. Educate employees, too, on everything from understanding how the attachment bridge or rope bridge works and how to properly fasten and use buckles and safely adjust while suspended.
We hope our review of the best tree climbing harness has been helpful and you found what you were looking for whether that was an adjustable chest harness or comfortable leg straps. For more suppliers of related products, including mountain climbing equipment, electricians’ & linemen’s climbers, and arborists’ rope hardware, consult our additional guides, or visit the Thomas Supplier Discovery Platform.
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