Tree Climbing Harnesses & Arborist Saddles

Buying guide

Saddle vs harness

In tree work, saddle and harness mean nearly the same thing: an arborist harness built for work positioning, with a wide waist belt, leg straps and attachment points for a climbing line and lanyard. What sets an arborist climbing harness apart from a rock climbing harness is support for hours of hanging, side D-rings for a lanyard, gear loops and rails for tools, and usually a rope bridge that lets your attachment point slide across the front.

Full body harnesses that include shoulder straps and a dorsal attachment are a different category, mainly for fall arrest in bucket trucks and aerial lifts. They are not a substitute for a work positioning saddle in the tree, and a tree saddle is not a fall arrest harness.

How to choose a climbing saddle

Start with how you climb. A climber doing mostly removals on spurs wants a stiff, supportive saddle with wide leg pads and sturdy side D-rings. A pruning climber working SRS all day wants something lighter with good freedom of movement and a comfortable sit. Look at the bridge setup, whether you can adjust it, and how the leg straps attach.

Fit is everything. Measure your waist and thighs, check the sizing chart, and if possible try the harness on and hang in it. Pressure points that seem minor on the ground become miserable after six hours in a tree. Many saddles adjust widely, but the waist pad should sit comfortably above your hips.

Consider gear capacity too. Climbers who carry a lot of tools want plenty of loops and rails. Climbers who work light want a saddle that carries just the essentials without bulk.

Brands and styles

Buckingham and Weaver build classic American saddles with a long track record in removals and utility work. European designs such as the Petzl Sequoia, DMM Kinisi and Treemotion focus on adjustability, light weight and a comfortable hang for long canopy days. Neither style is better in every case. Many experienced climbers own one of each for different kinds of work.

Chest harnesses, saddle parts and accessories round out the section. A chest harness helps keep you upright and is common in SRS setups, where it often carries an ascender. Replacement bridges, D-rings and leg straps keep a good saddle in service longer.

Weaver saddles are popular with utility and line clearance climbers. Full body harnesses are available in this section for aerial lift and rescue use, separate from tree climbing saddles.

Inspection and retirement

Inspect your saddle before every climb: stitching, webbing, buckles, D-rings, bridges and gear loops. Look for cuts, abrasion, heat damage, chemical stains and worn or deformed hardware. Replace bridges on the schedule the manufacturer gives, or sooner if worn. Follow the manufacturer's lifespan guidance, keep the saddle away from fuel and oil, and make sure every climber is trained in its use and in the requirements of ANSI Z133.