Did you test it out again after you repacked it? How'd that go?
haven't watched the video or thoroughly read instructions yet (instructions are for idiots right?) but it's kinda like packing a parachute just not as hard (not that I've ever done it). it's got loops to keep the descent rope neat and ready to employ, a 3-hole carabiner to let the descent rope out slowly and a pin to hold it in place until ready to deploy and a back up system to take wt off legs/body if the system fails. everything is covered up in a camo or orange velcro closure and colors can be changed. it comes with 3- snap carabiners 1- for the tether and 2- for the lineman's belt that uses a prussic knot on 1 end. the belt for the tree is app 26" in diam, should be plenty big enough even for large trees. what I do if planning on ever returning to the same tree is screw in a large eye bolt to snap the tether carabiner onto when getting in and out and leave it there along with a T-screw/handle for my tree stand, it makes future setting up stands, and getting in/out much faster/easier. coat the eye screws with liquid lectric tape to cut down on noise and glare and invest in a tree auger $10 for starting holes, it makes things a lot easier and bring a section of pipe that will fit inside the eye loop for leverage when screwing in the I-screws and t-handles. do not screw it completely flush with the tree, allow room for the tree to grow around it. after a few seasons that screw is rock solid. keep the tether short so you only have room to sit/stand and the eye bolt will hold no problem. if you were 300 lbs and fell 20' before it caught then MAYBE you'd have a problem. I've got about a dozen trees set up across the Catskills all set up to go, makes moving stands a snap. using the linemans belt during set up totally frees both hands so you're not hugging the tree with 1 hand and doing everything else with the other. I know your not allowed to screw anything into trees on state land but I've been using eye screws and T-handles at least 20 years and never killed a tree, but it's OK to saw off ALL lower branches to use a climber, don't get that logic, plus the lower branches provide cover. also the eye screw can be used to rig a rope that hangs to the ground with a prussic knot for safe climb and descent. that's my dissertation on tree stands, sorry for the lengthy post.
very true, that's a distinct possibility, and not that it's right or to make excuses but I only do it on private land and tell the land owner which trees and tie an orange ribbon around the eye screw, I know that it will not last long, but it helps me find the tree again, actually I just bought one of those flashing lights with a remote to find a tree in the dark, since I don't have a gps and like to go in the dark without a light as possible. I'm no lumberjack but have ruined a few chainsaw blades on stuff found inside trees. mostly bullets, nails and wire fencing. trees do grow fast down here and have already found several abandoned ladder stands where the trees have started to grow around them, you know there's some lag bolts and what not in them. up in NH, if wood theft was suspected people would drill a hole in their firewood and fill it with black powder to discourage people from stealing it.
Kortsman, finally got around to watching the video, reading instructions and packing/repacking and familiarizing myself with the harness. with my messed up hands I'm not gonna say it was easy but got it done. the descent rope/tether feeds thru a 4 holed metal belay device they call the cds system (controlled descent system). in the big boy size it uses a thicker 3/8 inch line and when new it's tough to feed thru the cds (belay), I imagine it gets easier as the line gets broken in, or if you had the reg size mdl with thinner line (good for 300 lbs). in hindsight I should have gone with the reg size mdl as at 265 lbs I'm swimming in the harness, a little loose/plenty of slack in the legs,chest and waist but they can be taken up. a little extra wt in big boy size but greater safety margin. if I was my original 350+ I would have needed the big boy. I think both systems are basically identical with the same size belay, just larger diam line and longer straps for the big boy. the redundant system for taking wt off legs is a nice feature in case you pack it wrong or for some reason the cds system fails. you can store the lineman's belt and tree straps and more inside the back cover but would have to remove harness and make noise with the Velcro to get them out at the stand. I would recommend putting it on at the truck and wearing it while walking in. it should work great for dragging game also.
Good deal. I'm still saving for my harness. I'll hopefully have it before Archery opener.
