If you were shaped like me and needed a saddle?

Zebco Kid · Dec 31, 2023

Hello All,

Happy New Years Eve.

So, I’m in the search mode for a new harness. As everyone knows, it’s a difficult purchase because (at least in my area) there isn’t a store to try on different brands/styles. It’s strange to purchase something so pricey, and not be sure of the fit.

With that in mind, maybe I can gain a little advantage with the opinions of people with similar body shapes to me. I mean, why not use this as one way to determine comfort!

So, here are my stats:
5’ 10”
155 pounds
That means thin, with no hips to speak of (I use suspenders to keep things up and comfortable.

I am a rec climber. I climb both SRS and MRS.

My rack consists of nothing special other than 22” lanyard, carabiners, MultiSling, 2Transporters, and a couple other odds and ends.

Are you shaped like me, and found a harness that feels good?

I’m coming off a Petzl Sequoia that didn’t feel great on me. I’m entertaining a Monkey Beaver 2.0 based on suggestions. Before I pull the trigger, any others I should consider?

Thank you.

David

Treetopflyer · Dec 31, 2023

Treemo s light

Acerxharlowii · Dec 31, 2023

Zebco Kid said:
Hello All,

Happy New Years Eve.

So, I’m in the search mode for a new harness. As everyone knows, it’s a difficult purchase because (at least in my area) there isn’t a store to try on different brands/styles. It’s strange to purchase something so pricey, and not be sure of the fit.

With that in mind, maybe I can gain a little advantage with the opinions of people with similar body shapes to me. I mean, why not use this as one way to determine comfort!

So, here are my stats:
5’ 10”
155 pounds
That means thin, with no hips to speak of (I use suspenders to keep things up and comfortable.

I am a rec climber. I climb both SRS and MRS.

My rack consists of nothing special other than 22” lanyard, carabiners, MultiSling, 2Transporters, and a couple other odds and ends.

Are you shaped like me, and found a harness that feels good?

I’m coming off a Petzl Sequoia that didn’t feel great on me. I’m entertaining a Monkey Beaver 2.0 based on suggestions. Before I pull the trigger, any others I should consider?

Thank you.

David

Treemotion of course.

Zebco Kid · Dec 31, 2023

Treetopflyer said:
Treemo s light

I started my search there. They don't make it anymore…I was told by a online retailer, who was told that by the manufacturer.

Acerxharlowii · Dec 31, 2023

Zebco Kid said:
I started my search there. They don't make it anymore…I was told by an online retailer, who was told that by the manufacturer.

Tm essential is the newer version of the tm lite. Rico may be able to shed some light on that harness

Treetopflyer · Dec 31, 2023

Zebco Kid said:
I started my search there. They don't make it anymore…I was told by a online retailer, who was told that by the manufacturer.

Wonder if you posted wtb add on here maybe nice used one floating about the buzz

Acerxharlowii · Dec 31, 2023

Zebco Kid said:
I started my search there. They don't make it anymore…I was told by an online retailer, who was told that by the manufacturer.

Maple leaf ropes still have some in supply, or just get the essential, basically the same as the tm lite

rico · Dec 31, 2023

I’m am 5’ 11”, weight in around 155, have a legit 27” waist, and the hips of a skinny prepubescent 12 year old, so I understand what your dealing with. and yes the Petzl is just gawd awful for guys built like us.

top recommendations-

The TreeMotion S.light would be a fantastic saddle for your needs. Finding one may take some work, but I imagine it could be done. The new TreeMotion Essential is the new and improved version of the S.light and would also be a fantastic saddle for your needs. Plus you could pic one up for under $400 during the year end sales. check arbsession and Arbo space for a deal.

MCRS. Good luck.

MB 2.0.. not much to say here other than it is a great saddle geared more towards the working arborist. Can it be used for rec climbs? Absolutely. I would add that the upper adjustment on the back pad is a god send for skinny folks like us.

Tree Austria Pro. I recently got to spend a little time with this saddle and I am shocked that it doesn’t get more attention around here. Light as feather, comfy and supportive, tons of storage option.

I just checked with maple leaf rope and they appear to have the s.light is stock. Put S.light in the search function and you will find it. if I were in your position I would be pulling the trigger as quickly as possible on this one. You also might want to send @Acerxharlowii a box of chocolates for the hookup.

Roger_Barnett · Dec 31, 2023

rico said:
I’m am 5’ 11”, weight in around 155, have a legit 27” waist, and the hips of a skinny prepubescent 12 year old, so I understand what your dealing with. and yes the Petzl is just gawd awful for guys built like us.

top recommendations-

The TreeMotion S.light would be a fantastic saddle for your needs. Finding one may take some work, but I imagine it could be done. The new TreeMotion Essential is the new and improved version of the S.light and would also be a fantastic saddle for your needs. Plus you could pic one up for under $400 during the year end sales. check arbsession and Arbo space for a deal.

MCRS. Good luck.

MB 2.0.. not much to say here other than it is a great saddle geared more towards the working arborist. Can it be used for rec climbs? Absolutely. I would add that the upper adjustment on the back pad is a god send for skinny folks like us.

Tree Austria Pro. I recently got to spend a little time with this saddle and I am shocked that it doesn’t get more attention around here. Light as feather, comfy and supportive, tons of storage option.

I just checked with maple leaf rope and they appear to have the s.light is stock. Put S.light in the search function and you will find it. if I were in your position I would be pulling the trigger as quickly as possible on this one. You also might want to send @Acerxharlowii a box of chocolates for the hookup.

On Stice's rec, I got the TA III a few years ago. Comfy...needs suspenders..mainly for keeping it in place when hanging heavy saws..

I've never had a body type like your's and the OP... big butt and thighs from working out and running track when young, and serious snow skiing starting 50 years ago, when I was 24....

Now, at 74 and 94% retired, my waist is 34 plus --it was 29.5 when I was a freshman in college. I get down to 175 when active.... been sitting on my butt for a month..groan.. I should get suspenders for some of my everyday pants. I know I've lost muscle mass, while being far from the 7% BMI that I prolly once was....Sigh

Just gotta get off my butt and hike/ski more and hit up the health club (Free for me, the Medicare pup) My photography trips need to change focus from time to time... less gear, less shoots with the car nearby, and more on hike/backpack trips....

Watching the Ravens demolish the Dolphins, while I wait for the Seahawk game to start, and rambling on here to you, a legend, fo sho, @rico!!

Maybe I'll get to posting up some pics and vids from a recent job that I helped Scott on (the big fir speedline job was actually his) Recent job... stone dead, butt rotted 50" dbh 190 hemlock, 220', 450 yr old doug fir which actually had some holding wood...on MF land but the clients were cabin owners on 100 yr NF leases.... and more trees.....

Zebco Kid · Dec 31, 2023

rico said:
I’m am 5’ 11”, weight in around 155, have a legit 27” waist, and the hips of a skinny prepubescent 12 year old, so I understand what your dealing with. and yes the Petzl is just gawd awful for guys built like us.

top recommendations-

The TreeMotion S.light would be a fantastic saddle for your needs. Finding one may take some work, but I imagine it could be done. The new TreeMotion Essential is the new and improved version of the S.light and would also be a fantastic saddle for your needs. Plus you could pic one up for under $400 during the year end sales. check arbsession and Arbo space for a deal.

MCRS. Good luck.

MB 2.0.. not much to say here other than it is a great saddle geared more towards the working arborist. Can it be used for rec climbs? Absolutely. I would add that the upper adjustment on the back pad is a god send for skinny folks like us.

Tree Austria Pro. I recently got to spend a little time with this saddle and I am shocked that it doesn’t get more attention around here. Light as feather, comfy and supportive, tons of storage option.

I just checked with maple leaf rope and they appear to have the s.light is stock. Put S.light in the search function and you will find it. if I were in your position I would be pulling the trigger as quickly as possible on this one. You also might want to send @Acerxharlowii a box of chocolates for the hookup.

Order placed with Maple Leaf Rope. Nice price. Thank you everyone, for all of the swift input.

rico · Dec 31, 2023

Roger_Barnett said:
On Stice's rec, I got the TA III a few years ago. Comfy...needs suspenders..mainly for keeping it in place when hanging heavy saws..

I've never had a body type like your's and the OP... big butt and thighs from working out and running track when young, and serious snow skiing starting 50 years ago, when I was 24....

Now, at 74 and 94% retired, my waist is 34 plus --it was 29.5 when I was a freshman in college. I get down to 175 when active.... been sitting on my butt for a month..groan.. I should get suspenders for some of my everyday pants. I know I've lost muscle mass, while being far from the 7% BMI that I prolly once was....Sigh

Just gotta get off my butt and hike/ski more and hit up the health club (Free for me, the Medicare pup) My photography trips need to change focus from time to time... less gear, less shoots with the car nearby, and more on hike/backpack trips....

Watching the Ravens demolish the Dolphins, while I wait for the Seahawk game to start, and rambling on here to you, a legend, fo sho, @rico!!

Maybe I'll get to posting up some pics and vids from a recent job that I helped Scott on (the big fir speedline job was actually his) Recent job... stone dead, butt rotted 50" dbh 190 hemlock, 220', 450 yr old doug fir which actually had some holding wood...on MF land but the clients were cabin owners on 100 yr NF leases.... and more trees.....

Good to see you Roger. Pictures of the recent job are a must..190 ft hemlock and a 220 ft fir? Now where talking. Can't wait to see them. Happy new year...