• The SH Membership has gone live. Only SH Members have access to post in the classifieds. All members can view the classifieds. Starting in 2020 only SH Members will be admitted to the annual hunting contest. Current members will need to follow these steps to upgrade: 1. Click on your username 2. Click on Account upgrades 3. Choose SH Member and purchase.
  • We've been working hard the past few weeks to come up with some big changes to our vendor policies to meet the changing needs of our community. Please see the new vendor rules here: Vendor Access Area Rules

Climbing with linesman's belt on sitdrag AND tether on RC harness?

T

Tedly

New Member
Joined
Aug 31, 2018
Messages
8
New to the sitdrag (well. to all of this really) and wondering if people climb using both a linesman's belt on the sitdrag as well as a tether connected to a rock climbing harness at the same time. It seems like some folks are just using the sitdrag/linesman's belt when climbing, then tying a tether into a RC harness when reaching the platform.

I don't feel comfortable relying on the sitdrag/linesman's belt as my sole protection. Doesn't seem like the sitdrag was designed for this purpose. On the other hand, I'd feel much more comfortable if I was only tied in with a tether and RC harness (but climbing would be difficult in that case).

So it seems to me that using both types of protection at the same time is a necessary but burdensome way to ensure safety while climbing. What do you think?
 
Google DIY sportsman and look for the video he did on using a RCH and lineman's belt. it is a simple mod that you can do that will provide adequate protection in the event of a slip/fall. At all times use a lineman's belt properly by keeping it above waist high - do not let slack in it.

You can also climb with only a tether but it is a little more awkward IMO - once again - keep it tight.
 
Thanks. Not sure I found the sit drag mod video you mentioned. Was it this one? If so, he makes it clear that it's not a solution for a load bearing safety application.

Was there a different video you had in mind?
 
I use both often but it does slow things down a little bit and limits stick placement height if that’s what you’re using. I don’t like it but I’m not big on relying solely on the lineman belt.
 
Thanks BenG. Yeah, I'm using Silent Approach steps at the moment. The whole process is pretty cumbersome, but I also feel safer using both as well. Good to hear that's it not just me...
 
If tethering in up the tree makes you feel comfortable then by all means tether in. It will slow things down but it’s better to be slow and be able to hunt then fall. A fall can do a lot more then ruin a good day of hunting.
 
Tedly said:
Thanks. Not sure I found the sit drag mod video you mentioned. Was it this one? If so, he makes it clear that it's not a solution for a load bearing safety application.

Was there a different video you had in mind?
Click to expand...

Check out his one stick video. I believe that's the one where he shows making an aider and modding the RCH, but I could be wrong. Another option is to girth hitch two continuous amsteel loops to your RCH. It works for me!
 
I wish everyone would slow down. Why on earth we think we need to be in a hurry to get to hunting height? Take your time, relax and be safe. Girth hitching a tether with a carbineer to make it easy to take on/off (yes I know it is not rated for sideways application) to serve as a backup to lineman's belt is really not all that hard and I would guess at most it would increase set up time 5 MINUTES. and if you encounter a limb you already have a safe system to go around it.
 
Thanks Dave, your comment is appreciated. In my case speed isn't the issue but rather difficulty managing two ropes at the same time. It's not impossible and I plan to use them, but I do find I have trouble keeping the two loops around the tree from getting caught up in each other.
 
Tedly said:
New to the sitdrag (well. to all of this really) and wondering if people climb using both a linesman's belt on the sitdrag as well as a tether connected to a rock climbing harness at the same time. It seems like some folks are just using the sitdrag/linesman's belt when climbing, then tying a tether into a RC harness when reaching the platform.

I don't feel comfortable relying on the sitdrag/linesman's belt as my sole protection. Doesn't seem like the sitdrag was designed for this purpose. On the other hand, I'd feel much more comfortable if I was only tied in with a tether and RC harness (but climbing would be difficult in that case).

So it seems to me that using both types of protection at the same time is a necessary but burdensome way to ensure safety while climbing. What do you think?
Click to expand...

I think, but could be wrong, is that you would want your Linesman belt hooked into your RC harness for climbing, and your tether to your Sitdrag. If you slip, I don't believe your sitdrag would keep you against the tree if you are only hooked into the sitdrag when climbing.

With my LW, when setting up and climbing up, I use a RC harness, and my linesman belt is tied into that. While waiting for my mantis/predator to arrive, I will be using a sitdrag/rc harness combo and my LW Alpha Assault for my platform. My linesman belt set up with my RC harness/tether is set up with bridge to my sitdrag. The sitdrag is attached to the RC harness with paracord to just hold in place while climbing up.

Use Daves advice on placement.
 
Mag1, I don't think I want to rely on my sitdrag for safety at all, I just don't have the confidence in it for that purpose. That's why I tie the tether to the RC harness. From watching G2 and DIY Sportsman's videos, I get the impression that the sit drag is used mainly for comfort. The RC seems to be the safety backup. This is why I feel I should use the sitdrag/linesman's for the function of climbing, and the RC harness/tether for fall arrest. It's likely that I am being overly cautious. But I'm a big risk-taker only in areas in which I feel very confident.

I think it's unfortunate that G2 introduces the use of the sitdrag without the rock harness in one of his videos, and mentions the need for the RC harness as an afterthought in the comments. It seems like there are a number of people out there who think they can get away with just a sitdrag.
 
Tedly,
I think with that being the case, I would have my linesman belt tied into your rc harness, and run it thru the sitdrag. a picture would say it better. I've had a step give out and my linesman belt caught me, but it was attached to the old LW saftety harness (before the RC harness) I just don't think the sitdrag would hold you in place without sliding out the bottom unless you have leg straps on it. I may be wrong though. I am hoping that this 1st sit this year will be my only with the sitdrag/rc harness. be safe either way and have some fun. I think on my setup, I will have my linesman belt tied into a prusik below my main bridge as a backup.
 
Tedly said:
Mag1, I don't think I want to rely on my sitdrag for safety at all, I just don't have the confidence in it for that purpose. That's why I tie the tether to the RC harness. From watching G2 and DIY Sportsman's videos, I get the impression that the sit drag is used mainly for comfort. The RC seems to be the safety backup. This is why I feel I should use the sitdrag/linesman's for the function of climbing, and the RC harness/tether for fall arrest. It's likely that I am being overly cautious. But I'm a big risk-taker only in areas in which I feel very confident.

I think it's unfortunate that G2 introduces the use of the sitdrag without the rock harness in one of his videos, and mentions the need for the RC harness as an afterthought in the comments. It seems like there are a number of people out there who think they can get away with just a sitdrag.
Click to expand...


Actually there are a number of us that have used just the sit drag. It is pretty hard to fall out of one if YOU USE IT PROPERLY. I will state again - keep your tether tight at all times. This whole rated thing and fall arrest is for rock climbers and arborist that could potentially free fall. If you free fall while using a saddle for hunting it is because you are not using it properly. I routinely climb with just a lineman's belt - that to me is your most vulnerable place. if you hook up a tether, secure the thing overhead and keep it tight, tie it in to the belay loop on the RCH - that is what it is there for - it is for backup in case something happens with lineman's during climb.
 
Last edited:
I'll just let the experts comment on these. I'm to new to the saddle setups.
Thanks for the clarification Dave. :)
 
I take a 2" webbing tree strap and use it as a belt, making sure it runs through the loops out the sit drag. It's nearly impossible to fall out of it worn this way, even inverted because I've tried. If that doesn't suit you then wear a harness with a prussik from your belay loop to your carabiner that your bridge hooks to. Your likelihood of falling off then is like getting hit by a falling coke machine.
 
Tedly said:
Mag1, I don't think I want to rely on my sitdrag for safety at all, I just don't have the confidence in it for that purpose. That's why I tie the tether to the RC harness. From watching G2 and DIY Sportsman's videos, I get the impression that the sit drag is used mainly for comfort. The RC seems to be the safety backup. This is why I feel I should use the sitdrag/linesman's for the function of climbing, and the RC harness/tether for fall arrest. It's likely that I am being overly cautious. But I'm a big risk-taker only in areas in which I feel very confident.

I think it's unfortunate that G2 introduces the use of the sitdrag without the rock harness in one of his videos, and mentions the need for the RC harness as an afterthought in the comments. It seems like there are a number of people out there who think they can get away with just a sitdrag.
Click to expand...
I do not use a RC harness with my SitDrag. I practice so much at low height and At hunting height that I’m comfortable with it. It is only my opinion that it’s safe enough. To each his own, but with a belt sewn into it I have tried to fall, hasn’t happened. I use the lineman’s belt and tether to climb with it.
 
fbwguy said:
I do not use a RC harness with my SitDrag. I practice so much at low height and At hunting height that I’m comfortable with it. It is only my opinion that it’s safe enough. To each his own, but with a belt sewn into it I have tried to fall, hasn’t happened. I use the lineman’s belt and tether to climb with it.
Click to expand...
That makes more sense. I haven’t modified my sitdrag, so I’ll be using it with my RC for this weekend. Hoping my other gear shows up before I get out after that.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top