Weaver Cougar Climbing Harness

The Weaver Cougar saddle is a traditional American-style tree climbing harness built for everyday pruning and removal work. It uses a padded back with side D-rings and leg straps, the layout a lot of climbers learned on.

How the Cougar works on the job

American-style saddles like the Cougar keep things simple: a wide padded back, a pair of side D-rings, and leg straps. You clip your flipline across the D-rings for spur work, and you tie in at the D-rings or a bridge setup for climbing on a rope. Many climbers on removal crews still prefer this style because it is easy to check and quick to put on.

Gear loops around the belt carry a handsaw, a few slings, and carabiners. On a long pruning day you may want more leg support than a basic D-ring saddle gives, which is where a seat option like the Cougar with batten seat comes in.

A traditional D-ring saddle is also a good teaching saddle. New climbers can see every connection at a glance, and crew leaders can check a setup quickly from the ground. If you plan to add a rope bridge or ring later, confirm with Weaver which modifications the saddle allows.

Sizing and inspection

Size by waist measurement with the clothes you will climb in, and check the leg straps fit snugly without pinching. Before every climb, inspect stitching, webbing, buckles, and D-rings for wear, cuts, or corrosion.

Life-support gear must meet the applicable standard (ANSI Z133 and the manufacturer's instructions), be inspected before every climb, and be used only by trained climbers.