Catalyst Climbing Harness

The Catalyst climbing harness is a European-style arborist saddle built around a bridge attachment, so your hitch or device can travel side to side as you work the canopy. It suits climbers who want a modern bridge saddle for both MRS and SRS.

How a bridge saddle works in the tree

On a bridge saddle your climbing system clips to a short length of rope or webbing between the leg loops rather than to fixed D-rings. That lets the attachment point roll with you as you face a new limb, which keeps the hitch in front of you and cuts down on twisting at the hips.

For long limb walks and pruning days, that freedom of movement is what most climbers notice first. Pair the bridge with a ring or swivel if you run an SRS device and want to keep it oriented.

Bridge saddles also spread load across the waist and legs differently from a fixed-D saddle. Spend a few climbs adjusting the bridge length: shorter keeps your device close and easy to tend, longer gives more swing room. Write down the setting that works so you can repeat it after you replace the bridge.

Fit, inspection, and care

Try the saddle on and hang in it low before you climb. The waist belt should sit above the hips and the leg loops should take the weight without pinching. Check the bridge every day for glazing, cuts, and wear at the connectors, and replace it on the manufacturer's schedule or sooner if it looks tired.

Compare it with other European saddles before you buy, since fit varies a lot between makers. Life-support gear must meet the applicable standard (ANSI Z133 and the manufacturer's instructions), be inspected before every use, and be used only by trained climbers.