Husqvarna Climbing Harness

The Husqvarna climbing harness is an arborist saddle from Husqvarna's tree care gear line, made for work positioning while pruning and removing trees. It suits climbers who already run Husqvarna saws and want a saddle from the same range.

What to look for

A good saddle supports your weight across the waist and legs so you can hang in position for a long time. It also needs a bridge that lets your system move, side D-rings for a lanyard and enough gear loops for a top-handle saw, hand saw and spare hardware.

Look at how the Husqvarna harness lays those out and whether it fits how you climb, from rope-and-saddle pruning to removals on spurs.

It also makes sense to think about service parts. Ask how replacement bridges and other wear parts are sourced, since a saddle you can keep in service with parts tends to be cheaper over its life. Keep it clean and dry after each job and store it out of the sun and away from fuel and bar oil. Shop around for fit first, then features. A saddle that fits well will do more for you on the job than any extra feature on one that does not.

Fit and inspection

Try it with your climbing clothes on and adjust it snug above the hips. Hang in it on the ground before your first climb.

Inspect webbing, stitching, buckles and the bridge before every climb, and retire the harness if there is cutting, heat damage or chemical contact. Saddles are life support, so use one within the maker's instructions and ANSI Z133 practice, inspect it before every climb and get trained. Compare with others in European saddles.