OK to buy the most expensive harness, but that doesn’t work well if you have no money left to purchase accessories or other pieces of equipment.” Even after choosing the right harness, give yourself time to adjust. “Often arborists forget that new har- nesses can take a bit to get used to,” Gaudet said. “Our bodies get used to our old harness and vice versa. It’s im- portant to take time to adjust the har- ness prior to spending a long period of time in it.” CUSTOMIZING YOUR HARNESS Once you have selected a harness that fits properly and meets your work requirements, the next step is optimizing it with accessories. Acces- sory preferences vary greatly from one arborist to another and can make a major difference in both efficiency and comfort. “Customization will come down to the individual,” Gaudet said. “Some peo- ple purchase the most customizable harness, install a tool carrier and are done. Other people really enjoy tin- kering with the options that a harness offers. Having a few options of things to change is great for the majority of people.” Start by deciding what tools you want to carry and where you want them. Many harnesses come with built-in accessory slots to keep rigging or climbing gear easily accessible. “Accessory tool holder slots grant the user the perfect placement of rigging or climbing gear that may be required while aloft,” said Leon-Espinosa. Common accessory add-ons include racking tools and carabiners. “A racking tool like a Caritool is essen- tial to store chainsaws, slings, blocks, and other equipment,” Rutemiller said. He also recommends a small nonlock- ing carabiner for handsaws.
Tailored for the task, each arborist’s harness setup reflects their climbing style and job requirements.
real — especially for new arborists.
If you are prone to back pain or spend long periods in a harness, Lusht rec- ommends seeking options with added lumbar support. The harness bridge is also a critical consideration. Single or dual rope bridges accommodate different climb- ing styles, and you should ensure the bridge is easy to replace. “There should be an easily replaceable bridge to encourage replacement more regularly than most people do,” said Notch Equipment Ambassador Mark Gaudet. Your work environment will also guide your decision. For instance, harnesses designed for rope climbing differ from those used in bucket trucks. “If they’re in a bucket truck, they are required by OSHA to use a full body harness. Those harnesses are typically not designed for climbing, which have rope bridges,” Rutemiller said. Cost is another factor to weigh careful- ly. While a good harness is a long-term investment, budget limitations are
“New arborists should consider their budget if they are entering the indus- try and need to purchase all of the re- quired equipment,” Gaudet said. “It’s
Engineered for professionals, Petzl harnesses offer a balance of safety, comfort, and innovation.
32 | Spring 2025 ArborTIMES ™
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