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Safety Question & Mechanical Ascenders

Jay_Disarray

Well-Known Member
SH Member
Joined
Oct 7, 2019
Messages
1,950
Location
MN
I have a safety harness I was planning to use in conjunction with a sitdrag, how do both safety systems connect to the tree? Can I bridge both the sitdrag and harness to the same tree hitch (the line around the tree at head level, not positive that's what it's called.) My harness will be used in the stead of a rch for what's left of this year.

How important is a mechanical ascender for saddle hunting? I know it accomplishes the same function as a prusik knot, but is it really necessary or is it a convenience thing? I plan to get one at some point but wondering if I can start with just a prusik.
 
Not sure what you're asking with the first question, maybe throw up a picture of the setup?

As for the ascender, I would see it is a convenience thing, as friction hitches have been used for years. As an FYI, several SRT mechanical ascenders were banned for use in Germany due to not having proper certifications. Either way, check out this study on friction hitches.
 
My first question was how to attach both the safety harness and a sitdrag to the tree. I get wordy sometimes I guess
 
I believe your harness will utilize linemans belt (while ascending) and sit drag will utilize bridge which is connected to your tether (tree hitch) when at hunting height. Somehow your sitdrag should be connected to your harness while climbing, or wrapping the bridge behind your neck or something so it doesnt fall.

Yeah ropeman 1s are more for convenience there is no safety or system advantage other than ease of adjustment (anyone feel free to correct me). It is actually considered by some a weak point requiring some redundancy in tying off tag end, prussick or Blake's hitch at the ropeman etc when you could just do the prussick. I have 2 ropemans that havent made it out of the package because I'm waiting to see if the prussick ever actually does get irritating. I just wanted something new and shiny.

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I believe your harness will utilize linemans belt (while ascending) and sit drag will utilize bridge which is connected to your tether (tree hitch) when at hunting height. Somehow your sitdrag should be connected to your harness while climbing, or wrapping the bridge behind your neck or something so it doesnt fall.

Yeah ropeman 1s are more for convenience there is no safety or system advantage other than ease of adjustment (anyone feel free to correct me). It is actually considered by some a weak point requiring some redundancy in tying off tag end, prussick or Blake's hitch at the ropeman etc when you could just do the prussick. I have 2 ropemans that havent made it out of the package because I'm waiting to see if the prussick ever actually does get irritating. I just wanted something new and shiny.

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That makes sense I suppose. For some reason I thought both the harness and sitdrag get bridged together to the tether.
 
That makes sense I suppose. For some reason I thought both the harness and sitdrag get bridged together to the tether.

I think I am tracking now, I would say that would be a bad idea as you will not be able to "rest" in the sitdrag as the same amount of tension will be on the harness, and the harness will continue to put pressure on. Give it a try- always remember to test things out low and slow.
 
That makes sense I suppose. For some reason I thought both the harness and sitdrag get bridged together to the tether.

They will be attached on the same tether rope. My SD bridge is attached closer to the tree with a prusik. My RCH is attached below that via a second prusik.


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There are several ways to do it. I used to simply take my lineman's belt off and girth hitch it to the tree and clip into my center loop of my RCH. Then I'd use my sit drag on a prusik. I've also done 2 prusiks, on to the RCH (loose) and one to the SD. Now that I'm running an actual saddle I'll just run my bridge up to an ascender that's backed up by a prusik. I'll sometimes run my LB as a second bridge in the same caribiner from hip to hip. I leave the tension on the bridge but its nice to know that I have to have 3-4 things fail all at once before I could possibly fall.
 
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