Just got the Treehopper today and it rocks. I used to use my Harness with a crappy linemans belt that came with it. The TreeHopper is a must have for anyone hanging stands or using sticks.
Interesting you mention this. I was just hung my first set yesterday using a linemans belt that came with a harness in my one hang-on. I thought it was a nice addition to have, and made it a lot more safe. However, it was pain to adjust. I liked that it was tied into a full body harness, whereas the TreeHopper is only a belt. How is it for quick adjustments? Is it very secure?
I'm a pretty big guy and it worked great. There were a few times I had to attach it to overhead limbs and it was just a quick pull and the rope tightened. I have the ones you can attach to a harness but they were a pain in the butt to loosen or tighten, and I hate getting my harness vest all nasty. I plan to hunt with this when I use my sticks this year as well since it is so easy to adjust.
rybo, Many guys use them as a saftey belt but it is not a fullbody harness so it is not recomended to be used as one.. But for hanging stands and sticks it is the only way to go..Walt
I think that actually answers a question of mine. I'm looking at a new safety harness (either a Muddy or the HSS) and with those I wouldn't need the treehopper for anything but hanging the lock-ons in the summer. Is this a correct assumption?
Why not just use your safety harness for the hanging of the stands in the summer, much safer! You can lean back in the HSS and have your hands free!
See that's what I'm wondering about. The only thing I can think of is the bulk of a harness compared to the Treehopper just being a belt. I like the idea of the Treehopper, but seems to me I would only use it in hanging stands and would never hunt with it. Just curious if some of the guys that have them do the same.
I thought about getting one, but when I hang a stand, its to hunt right then & there. I'll just keep using my seat-o-the-pants harness to hang & hunt with.
That's what I'm wondering. I like the idea of having the SUPPORT of a full body harness AND climbing belt (Muddy or HSS), so is what is the REAL advantage of the tree hopper over these other full vest systems? Weight? Ease of putting on?
Weight and easy of use/mobility are the big advantages. In addition, you don't have to worry about stinking up your harness during those sweaty summer stand hanging missions. I keep my treehopper belt in my "treestand pack" that includes some screw-in steps, extra stand/stick straps, saws, pruners, bright eyes, bow hangers, etc that way I always have it with me when I'm working on stands. It works great for hanging and taking down stands during the summer when you don't feel like wearing a full body harness. In addition, the rope that comes with the treehopper is generally larger and easier to use than what comes with most harnesses (when they actually come with them - most you still have to purchase separately).
Thanks, Justin. Sounds good. When the wedding is done and I can spend money again, I may just consider giving it a try.
I ended up buying one here from BH.com on Friday. I should have it today and will be hang stands this weekend with it!
