Harness Know-How

Choosing and Using the Right Gear for the Job

Harnesses are a vital part of any tree trimmer’s toolkit, especially when working off the ground. From pruning to removals, the right harness helps arborists stay safe and effective aloft. But not every harness fits every climber — or every task — the same way. Understanding your gear and knowing how to adapt it to your job site is essential to working safely and efficiently.

Before you pack up your harness and gear for your next job, here is what you need to know to choose the right harness, use it correctly, and stay safe in the tree.

Choosing a Harness: Where to Start

A harness must first and foremost fit you properly. Fit affects not only your comfort but also your safety and endurance during climbs.

“Proper fit is critical not just for safety, but for long-term comfort and reduced fatigue during climbs,” said Ryan Lusht, who works with arborist product development at Buckingham Manufacturing.

Start by trying on different harnesses to find one suited to your body type. Sizing and adjustability vary between brands and models, so follow manufacturer sizing guides carefully, especially the waist and leg pad measurements.

“Some harnesses fit certain body types differently, and adjustability is key to adapting to the climber’s preferences and body,” said Rudy Rutemiller, national sales manager at Petzl America.

When trying on a harness, check the position of the hip D-rings. “The hip D-rings should be at the hips or slightly in front of them,” said Abdon Leon-Espinosa of Bartlett Arborist Supply. “If the hip D-rings are behind the hips, you most likely will need a bigger size.”

Leon-Espinosa also recommends considering seasonal clothing when choosing your size. “If you work in an area of the world where you are gifted with all the seasons, take into consideration how many layers are usually worn to keep warm when choosing a size,” he said.

Some harnesses only come in two sizes, so look for manufacturers offering a broader size range if needed. Padding is another key comfort factor.

“A light harness with great padding will save your body from bruising and hurting when spending multiple hours or climbing multiple trees in a day,” said Leon-Espinosa.

If you are prone to back pain or spend long periods in a harness, Lusht recommends seeking options with added lumbar support.

The harness bridge is also a critical consideration. Single or dual rope bridges accommodate different climbing styles, and you should ensure the bridge is easy to replace.

“There should be an easily replaceable bridge to encourage replacement more regularly than most people do,” said Notch Equipment Ambassador Mark Gaudet.

Your work environment will also guide your decision. For instance, harnesses designed for rope climbing differ from those used in bucket trucks.

“If they’re in a bucket truck, they are required by OSHA to use a full body harness. Those harnesses are typically not designed for climbing, which have rope bridges,” Rutemiller said.

Cost is another factor to weigh carefully. While a good harness is a long-term investment, budget limitations are real — especially for new arborists.

“New arborists should consider their budget if they are entering the industry and need to purchase all of the required equipment,” Gaudet said. “It’s OK to buy the most expensive harness, but that doesn’t work well if you have no money left to purchase accessories or other pieces of equipment.”

Even after choosing the right harness, give yourself time to adjust.

“Often arborists forget that new harnesses can take a bit to get used to,” Gaudet said. “Our bodies get used to our old harness and vice versa. It’s important to take time to adjust the harness prior to spending a long period of time in it.”

Customizing Your Harness

Once you have selected a harness that fits properly and meets your work requirements, the next step is optimizing it with accessories. Accessory preferences vary greatly from one arborist to another and can make a major difference in both efficiency and comfort.

“Customization will come down to the individual,” Gaudet said. “Some people purchase the most customizable harness, install a tool carrier and are done. Other people really enjoy tinkering with the options that a harness offers. Having a few options of things to change is great for the majority of people.”

Start by deciding what tools you want to carry and where you want them. Many harnesses come with built-in accessory slots to keep rigging or climbing gear easily accessible.

“Accessory tool holder slots grant the user the perfect placement of rigging or climbing gear that may be required while aloft,” said Leon-Espinosa.

Common accessory add-ons include racking tools and carabiners.

“A racking tool like a Caritool is essential to store chainsaws, slings, blocks, and other equipment,” Rutemiller said. He also recommends a small nonlocking carabiner for handsaws.

Suspenders can be another useful addition, especially when carrying heavy saws during removals.

“When doing removals, a lot of arborists like to use suspenders to distribute the weight of their heavy saw,” Rutemiller said.

While not everyone prefers suspenders, they can reduce lower-back strain.

“Suspenders may not be for everyone, but if you are constantly aloft with bigger chainsaws that constantly pull down the harness, you might want to look into it,” Leon-Espinosa said.

Additional accessories — such as tool bags or tethers — can be added depending on the work you do and your personal style. Do not be afraid to experiment.

“When an arborist dials in their saddle, they know exactly where their equipment is and move seamlessly through the tree,” Rutemiller said.

Safety Features to Look For

Safety should be a top priority in harness selection. Look for critical safety features and check that your harness meets recognized standards like ASTM or ANSI.

“One of the most important features you should review when buying a harness is fall-arrest attachment points,” Lusht said.

This is especially important for arborists working from aerial lifts or bucket trucks.

“For a bucket truck harness, having an ANSI 359.11 is essential for U.S. workers. That certification vets the components of the harness, however, it’s up to the end user to ensure proper fit and usage,” Rutemiller said.

Some harnesses even include a clip-on space for a small first aid pouch.

“A first aid pouch is always a smart idea to have,” Rutemiller added.

In addition to looking for new harnesses with strong safety features, arborists must regularly inspect their gear. Check for fraying, cuts, loose bolts, and worn webbing before every job. If your harness includes replaceable parts like bridges or straps, ensure those components are secure and intact.

Finally, safety is not just about your own gear. It is also about knowing the gear your team uses.

“Be familiar with all the different types of harnesses and equipment that your coworkers use,” Rutemiller said. “Safety is everyone’s responsibility… by familiarizing yourself with all emergency equipment, you can save a life.”

Support Your Safety

Your harness is more than just a piece of equipment — it is an essential tool that supports your safety, efficiency, and comfort in the canopy. By taking time to select the right harness, customize it for your needs, and stay alert to safety considerations, you can set yourself up for long-term success in the tree care industry.