I cannot afford arborist type harnesses for me and my son and he is very excited about this sport .I know rock harnesses are not designed for comfort as much as tree harnesses but i can upgrade later,are rock harnesses as safe as arborist style harnesses ,and does anyone have any suggestions.Thank you

best on the mkt IMHO


http://www.newtribe.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=47&products_id=313&osCsid=a8ac1f8e56428117d9f42b37c027cb44

Ditto, go with the New Tribe, the rock harness will punish you way too much and you'll end up spending more because you'll want the NT harness in the end.
-moss

something to keep in mind is that a harness separates you from death. don't go cheap, save your pennies and buy a tree climbing harness.

The harness is relatively cheap. You still have a bunch of other stuff to buy (rope, helmet, biners, etc..)...it costs a little to do this sport and live.

I have a couple of rock climbing harnesses and would not use them tree climbing. You sit in your harness too long to use the rock climbing style harnesses.

Tree climbing is still pretty cheap compared to other hobbies out there once you get your initial setup.

Good luck

Later

Troy

I concur...the new tribe kids harnesses are just a hair more than a rock harness, so do you pocketbook AND kid well and go with new tribe!

love
nick

we want pictures!

Also...don't forget that when you get kids stuff you need a double setup as you can't just have some 7 year old climb up a tree an hope they can figure things out at the top..you will need your own gear as well. Here is a basic/generic list of items you will need and should have to climb with kids...At least this is what I used yesterday climbing in the backyard with the kids.

Arborist Rope x 2
Adult New Tribe harness
Adult helmet
Kid New Tribe harness
Kid helmet
Carabiner x 2
Throwline and shot bag
Barksaver x 2
A little bit of prusik cord to help them climb

That, some training and a good dose of common sense are all you need to get up in a tree.

Might be worth mentioning that most rock harnesses (maybe all?) don't provide tie-ins for a personal lanyard. That's one thing I don't like about my Black Diamind kid's harness.

What did you end up getting?