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DIY Fleece Saddle Knot

bj139 said:
How would I know if I had a problem with fleece saddles before trying them? I only reported my experience in hope of alerting other users to the safety issues.
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That's not what I said.... I said it sounds like....

by your own admission you went on your own and tried using a different bridge material that didnt work and now you are alerting folks to the danger of fleece saddles. And you said you dont want to use a RCH.... both of those methods were never recommended by anyone on SH that I know. So to sum it up I actually agree with you I would never advise anyone to use a fleece saddle like you want (without a RCH using we bing instead of amsteel).

Time for me to expend energy elsewhere
 
bj139 said:
How would I know if I had a problem with fleece saddles before trying them? I only reported my experience in hope of alerting other users to the safety issues.
Click to expand...

There are no safety issues with fleece saddles. Fleece saddles are to be backed up by rock climbing harness at all times. Mule tape and obviously fleece are not materials anyone should trust their life to. I couldn’t imagine hanging from just my fleece saddle which ironically has a bridge made of mule tape.
 
DaveT1963 said:
That's not what I said.... I said it sounds like....

by your own admission you went on your own and tried using a different bridge material that didnt work and now you are alerting folks to the danger of fleece saddles. And you said you dont want to use a RCH.... both of those methods were never recommended by anyone on SH that I know. So to sum it up I actually agree with you I would never advise anyone to use a fleece saddle like you want (without a RCH using we bing instead of amsteel).

Time for me to expend energy elsewhere
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I went back and read my posts and nowhere did I say I wouldn't use a RCH. Don't put words into my mouth. I just don't want my fleece saddle to fall apart in the tree so the RCH has to catch me. Your videos had me believing that the girth hitch does not slip so I believed you. You stated that it does not slip. My bad.
 
Wirrex said:
There are no safety issues with fleece saddles. Fleece saddles are to be backed up by rock climbing harness at all times. Mule tape and obviously fleece are not materials anyone should trust their life to. I couldn’t imagine hanging from just my fleece saddle which ironically has a bridge made of mule tape.
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If you must wear a proper safety harness with a fleece saddle then by definition there are safety concerns. I understand the fleece saddle is not safe and is just for comfort. I wish it was safe alone but it is not.
 
bj139 said:
If you must wear a proper safety harness with a fleece saddle then by definition there are safety concerns. I understand the fleece saddle is not safe and is just for comfort. I wish it was safe alone but it is not.
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You’re right, It looks like we misinterpreted your posts. It’s better to be clear on these things so newbies don’t get crazy ideas anyway.

Back on topic. I think I may switch to accessory cord for my bridge just so I can get a better fitting knot that doesn’t loosen.
 
bj139 said:
I went back and read my posts and nowhere did I say I wouldn't use a RCH. Don't put words into my mouth. I just don't want my fleece saddle to fall apart in the tree so the RCH has to catch me. Your videos had me believing that the girth hitch does not slip so I believed you. You stated that it does not slip. My bad.
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Ok semantics but folks could draw that conclusion. Glad to hear you promote a RCH. What I actually said was when tied correctly with amsteel it doesn't loosen like the normal girth hitch... and yes amsteel hasnt slipped at all when done correctly.... but I'd still wear a RCH
 

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Sorry Dave. I don't know anyone here that likes carrying too many things. I was a bit surprised when mine slipped but I did not inspect it before weighting it in the house so no problem. I set it aside after that and did not touch it for a few weeks. Then I saw this thread.
 
bj139 said:
Sorry Dave. I don't know anyone here that likes carrying too many things. I was a bit surprised when mine slipped but I did not inspect it before weighting it in the house so no problem. I set it aside after that and did not touch it for a few weeks. Then I saw this thread.
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I never claimed webbing would work (OP and you tried it and reported it doesn't work - I have no reason to think otherwise). Simple solution - don't use webbing - use Amsteel. Hammock makers have been using Amsteel for years - using a simple girth hitch, I just added a twist so that it doesn't come loose when pressure is taken off it. one of the attributes of amsteel that helps it tighten down is how slick it is - webbing is not so I am sure it doesn't get as tight. Make you a wager - come on down, let me tie up a fleece saddle and then you sit it in - if it doesn't move you own me a bottle of Bourbon - if it does - I owe you.

I Don't know you, but I feel reasonable sure that most using a fleece saddle would disagree with your comment "I don't know anyone here that likes carrying too many things" in the fact that a RCH is not where most using a fleece saddle would choose to cut weight or limit items. Especially since it weighs less than a pound and is pretty much needed to employ a lineman's belt.

Everyone can test it for themselves and decide if it is something they might want to use (at their own risk). Personally, I have no problem using a fleece saddle and RCH and have never felt unsafe doing so. However, I just don't use them much as the mantis does everything I need a saddle to do and then some and is just more convenient for me and I don't have the comfort issues like some.
 
I just reread my last post and it sounds like I am arguing. I meant I am sorry for creating such a stir.
 
I really didn’t like the fleece saddle with the sheet bend. Since sewing a channel and gathering the ends with cordage I love them. I also us amsteel for the bridge and cut them into a trapezoid.
 
Wirrex said:
There are no safety issues with fleece saddles. Fleece saddles are to be backed up by rock climbing harness at all times. Mule tape and obviously fleece are not materials anyone should trust their life to. I couldn’t imagine hanging from just my fleece saddle which ironically has a bridge made of mule tape.
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I hope you're not implying that the mule tape is a weak link in a fabric seat. Fleece has a tear strength around 650lbs vs mule tape with a breaking strength of 1250-6000 (depending on the variety). That fabric is giving way way before mule tape but no one questions that. Even the smallest shock load could tear it out. Bottom line: Rock climbing harness is a must. The fleece saddle is just for comfort and should never be relied on to hold anyone.
 
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What about other materials? Anybody know the break strength of microfiber? I'm sure you guys have explored all of these just wondering.
 
bj139 said:
Sorry Dave. I don't know anyone here that likes carrying too many things.
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Carrying 1 life support harness is not too many things!
bj139 said:
If you must wear a proper safety harness with a fleece saddle then by definition there are safety concerns.
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By that logic a backband has safety concerns. Or a pair of bibs to stay warm. Or a butt pad.

None of these are safety equipment or life support.
 
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