The rule is to always maintain a 3 point contact with the ladder/steps when climbing to the stand. To do this and slide the Pursik Knot up the lifeline, the lower end has to be tied off at or near the bottom. This puts the lifeline on the side of the tree stand that the ladder/steps are on. So what happens if a fall occurs on to the opposite side? With the line tied at the bottom and over the stand it will probably stop the fall but how do you get back to the ladder? Do you have to rely on being able to reach the stand and try and get back up from there? Never been in this position and don't want to - BUT this is why I use the life line on all tree stands.
Top tree, lifeline above you....bottom tree, lifeline tied to peg. So the lifeline is turning 90deg around the tree. Don't overthink it. Sent from my iPhone using Bowhunting.com Forums
I would think you could reach the steps. My steps come up along the side of the platform for hang ons well within an arms reach. In fact I like to keep my lifelines up as high as I can because I don’t want to fall that far should I lose my balance. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Thinking of my set ups and that scenario I believe I would be able to reach my steps no problem.. Usually I have my life line high enough and my harness attached to the point where I would not be falling very far below the stand.. I should be in some sort of position to at least take some weight off the Prusik and work to lower myself. Its always good to have the suspension relief strap with you just in case you find yourself in a position where you need help or will be hanging for an extended period of time. I always have mine in a pocket in my safety harness or in a cargo pocket of my pants.
When you install your LifeLine make sure you get it as far up on the tree above your head as you can reach when standing on the platform. From time to time I'll even stand on my seat and get it up a couple extra inches if I can. When you're in the stand and you sit down the tether on your safety harness should be taught. Not tight to the point where it's uncomfortable, but to the point where there's no slack in it. The reason for this is that if you happen to fall on the opposite side of your stand from where your sticks are at, you will be able to easily climb back onto the platform of your stand. If you have the prusik knot too low you risk falling below the platform and you'll have a much harder time getting back up.
