Harnesses
One of the most important pieces of equipment you MUST take into the woods when hunting from elevated positions is a safety harness. Our harnesses are designed and certified to meet or exceed the ASTM industry standards recognized by the Treestands Manufacturer's Association (TMA), and our engineering team has devoted valuable expertise into developing comfortable and secure harnesses that are upgrades over the standard Full-Body Fall Arrest Harness System.
Summit's Pro, Sport, and Element Safety Harnesses are designed to protect against falls without limiting movement. They are adjustable, comfortable, functional, include a lineman-style climbing belt, and have integral suspension relief straps that relieve pressure in the event of a fall. Our harnesses have all the features you need for ultimate hunting safety.
Your Hunt Starts on the Ground
Summit safety harnesses are built for treestand hunters who demand protection, comfort, and confidence from the moment they leave the ground.
A safety harness isn’t an accessory; it’s the most important piece of equipment you take into the woods. Falls from treestands one of the leading causes of serious injury among deer hunters, and the only reliable defense is a properly worn, properly fit full-body fall arrest harness system. Summit’s harness lineup is engineered to go on fast in the dark, stay quiet all day, and fit right without binding or restricting your shot
- You will find an OEM standard harness included with the purchase of every treestand, though Summit offers three additional harnesses to fit every hunter and budget: the lightweight Element Safety Harness®, the mid-tier Sport Safety Harness, and the premium Pro Safety Harness.
- All models are certified to meet or exceed the ASTM industry standards recognized by the Treestand Manufacturers’ Association (TMA).
- Integral suspension relief straps on every harness help relieve the pressure that builds in leg straps following a fall.
- Lineman-style climbing belt loops included on all models.
- Lightweight enough to wear over or under hunting jackets in any season.
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Compatible with the full lineup of Summit treestands and harness accessories.
Which harness is for me?
All three Summit harnesses will keep you safe. The differences come down to comfort features, included gear, and what you want to carry into the woods with you. Here’s how to pick the right one:
- Element Safety Harness: The right call if you want a reliable, TMA-certified harness at the lowest price. Weighing just 2 lbs, the Element Safety Harness uses a simple step-into design with adjustable straps and a high-performance bungee tether. A solid choice for new hunters or anyone who wants a backup harness for a second stand.
- Sport Safety Harness: The step-up for hunters who want more comfort on all-day sits. The Sport Safety Harness adds padded shoulder straps, a high-performance tether with a locking carabiner, and an 8 ft. safety rope with an adjustable Prusik knot. It’s everything you need for a full season of elevated hunting in one package.
- Pro Safety Harness: The premium choice for hunters who want the highest-grade functionality and comfort in the field. The Pro Safety Harness features a military-inspired MOLLE (Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment) accessory system, hexagonal padded shoulder straps, a comfort torso strap, and that classic Summit ‘S’ patch sewn in. It’s the most configurable harness in the Summit lineup, ideal for hunters who want to attach gear, stay comfortable in the stand for hours, and experience their at the highest level.
Whichever harness you choose, pair it with your Summit climbing treestand or hang-on treestand and browse harness accessories including lineman ropes, carabiners, and tether straps to complete your elevated hunting setup.
FAQ
Do I need a safety harness for treestand hunting?
Yes — without exception. Falls from treestands are the leading cause of serious injury and death among deer hunters in North America, and a safety harness is your only reliable protection if a fall occurs. The TMA and Summit both require wearing a full-body fall arrest harness system from the moment you leave the ground until your feet are back on solid ground — including during the climb up and down. Every Summit treestand includes a standard OEM Full-Body Fall Arrest Harness System (FBFAHS).
What is a full-body fall arrest harness system (FBFAHS)?
A full-body fall arrest harness system (FBFAHS) is a safety harness that distributes fall-arrest forces across the thighs, pelvis, chest, and shoulders rather than concentrating them at a single attachment point. This distribution is critical, as it significantly reduces the risk of injury during the arresting event and keeps the hunter upright after a fall to prevent additional trauma. All Summit harnesses, the Element, Sport, and Pro, are certified full-body systems meeting or exceeding ASTM standards recognized by the TMA.
What is the difference between the Element, Sport, and Pro harnesses?
All three are TMA-certified full-body fall arrest harnesses with a 300 lb. weight limit, lineman’s belt loops, and quiet hardware. The differences: the Element is the lightest (2 lbs.) and most economical ($69.99), with a bungee tether and basic shoulder straps. The Sport ($99.99) adds padded shoulder straps, a performance tether with locking carabiner, and an 8 ft. Prusik-knot safety rope. The Pro ($119.99) goes further with a military MOLLE accessory system, hexagonal tactical shoulder padding, and a comfort torso strap for extended all-day sits.
What size Summit Safety Harness do I need?
All three Summit harnesses are available in two sizes: Medium (fits 28–35” waist) and Large (fits 35–46” waist). Measure your waist at the point where you’d wear a belt, not your pant size. All models are fully adjustable across the torso, shoulders, and legs for a personalized fit. If you are between sizes, size up. A harness that’s slightly loose can be dialed in with the adjustment straps; one that’s too tight compromises both comfort and safety.
What is a lineman climbing belt and why do I need one?
A lineman climbing belt is a secondary safety connection; a rope or strap looped around the tree trunk that keeps you anchored to the tree with both hands free during your climb. It lets you attach to the tree before you leave the ground and maintain continuous contact all the way up and all the way back down. This is especially important when ascending with a climbing treestand or installing a hang-on treestand. All Summit harnesses have lineman-style belt loops; pair with Summit’s 8 Ft. Lineman’s Rope for a complete climbing safety system.
Can Summit Safety Harnesses be worn over or under hunting clothing?
Yes. All Summit harnesses are designed to be worn either over or under your upper hunting layer, which is especially useful in cold weather when you want to layer up at camp and rig your harness before heading to your stand. The lightweight, low-profile design of the Element and Sport harnesses means they add minimal bulk whether worn inside or outside your jacket. The Pro’s MOLLE system is particularly useful when worn over your outer layer, giving you quick access to attached gear in the stand.
Are Summit Safety Harnesses TMA certified?
Yes. All Summit safety harnesses, are designed and certified to meet or exceed the ASTM industry standards recognized by the Treestand Manufacturers’ Association (TMA). The TMA’s standards are the industry benchmark for treestand and harness safety, and TMA certification means the harness has been tested to perform as a full-body fall arrest system under real-world loads.
What is suspension trauma and what are suspension relief straps?
Suspension trauma occurs when a hunter hangs in a vertical position in a harness for an extended period after a fall. The leg straps constrict blood flow in the femoral veins, causing blood to pool in the lower extremities — a potentially fatal condition that can develop in as little as 5–30 minutes. Suspension relief straps (sometimes called relief stirrups) are short loops attached to the harness that the hunter can stand in after a fall, taking pressure off the leg straps and maintaining blood circulation while waiting for rescue. All Summit harnesses include suspension relief straps and instructions for use. Review your harness manual for proper technique before your first hunt.
What accessories are available for Summit Safety Harnesses?
Summit’s harness accessories include the 8 Ft. Lineman’s Rope with Clip ($29.99), Shoulder & Tether Straps ($29.99) for replacement or upgrade, and the Locking Carabiner ($9.99). The Pro harness’s MOLLE system is also compatible with a wide range of MOLLE-compatible tactical accessories available from third-party manufacturers, allowing you to carry calls, range finders, and other gear directly on the harness.
What warranty do Summit Safety Harnesses come with?
All Summit safety harnesses carry a 1-year limited warranty covering defects in materials or workmanship for the original purchaser. Full warranty terms are on the warranty information page. To activate your coverage, register your warranty after purchase. Inspect your harness for wear before every use. Replace any frayed webbing, cracked buckles, or compromised stitching immediately.