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# Does your harness still fit over your November layers?
- URL: https://big-buck-journal.ghost.io/does-your-harness-still-fit-over-your-november-layers/
- Published: 2026-11-06T14:49:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-11-06T14:49:00.000Z
- Author: Dale Richey

Most treestand falls don’t happen while you’re sitting. 

![Big Buck Journal](https://beehiiv-images-production.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/asset/file/bda7b12e-9dc4-4b8e-b592-b9edddcfc7d1/BBJ_Logo2-removebg-preview.png?t=1780529087) 

The buck, the why, and the gear 

The Setup 

How to Stay Safe on All-Day Rut Sits 

This is the time of year hunters spend the most hours in a tree. Long sits, cold hands, and climbing in the dark add up. According to Hunter Safety System, 86% of treestand accidents happen while climbing up or down, or getting in and out of the stand. 

This week’s gear notes come from Hunter Safety System, which has been making treestand harnesses for more than 20 years. Let’s get into it. 

Harness 

Wear It Like You Mean It 

A harness only works if it’s on and connected. Put it on at the truck, not at the base of the tree, and attach your tether at or above head height when you’re standing so there’s little slack if you slip. 

Check the fit over the layers you’ll actually wear in November. A harness adjusted back in September can fit very differently once you add a heavy jacket. 

![Hunter Safety System Ultra-Lite harness](https://storage.ghost.io/c/8c/6e/8c6e93d4-78db-4e2a-9e0f-2b8581640c45/content/images/2026/11/image-2.png) 

Gear note 

Hunter Safety System Ultra-Lite 

Weighs 2.5 pounds with a mesh upper body, and comes with a tree strap and a suspension relief strap. 

From $134.99 [Check price](https://huntersafetysystem.com/products/real-tree-ultra-lite?ref=big-buck-journal.ghost.io) 

Climbing 

Stay Connected Going Up and Down 

Most falls don’t happen while you’re sitting. They happen on the steps, or right as you step onto or off the platform. A lifeline keeps you attached from the moment your feet leave the ground. 

Hang one on every stand you plan to hunt, so you’re never tempted to skip it on a cold, dark morning. 

![Hunter Safety System Reflective Lifeline](https://storage.ghost.io/c/8c/6e/8c6e93d4-78db-4e2a-9e0f-2b8581640c45/content/images/2026/11/image-3.png) 

Gear note 

Hunter Safety System Reflective Lifeline 

Reflective rope that lights up in a flashlight beam, so you can find your stand in the dark. Comes with a carabiner and a sound dampener. 

$39.99 [Check price](https://huntersafetysystem.com/products/reflective-lifeline?ref=big-buck-journal.ghost.io) 

Hunting Together 

Bring Someone Up With You 

The rut is a great time to take a kid or a partner along, and long sits go better with company. 

If you’re sharing a two-person ladder stand, both of you need to be attached on the climb, not just the one going up first. 

![Hunter Safety System Reflective Tandem Lifeline](https://storage.ghost.io/c/8c/6e/8c6e93d4-78db-4e2a-9e0f-2b8581640c45/content/images/2026/11/image-4.png) 

Gear note 

Hunter Safety System Reflective Tandem Lifeline 

Lets two hunters clip into the same lifeline. Works on stands up to 30 feet. 

$49.99 [Check price](https://huntersafetysystem.com/products/reflective-tandem-lifeline?ref=big-buck-journal.ghost.io) 

Dale’s Take 

“No buck is worth a fall. Clip in before you leave the ground, stay clipped in until you’re back on it, and tell somebody where you’re sitting.” 

Do you run a lifeline on every stand, or just the ones you hunt most? Hit reply and tell me. 

Clip in. Every time. 

![Dale Richey headshot](https://beehiiv-images-production.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/asset/file/6d6f9854-bed6-4fa7-a9a2-aa4ab9e4b9ea/BBJ-AuthorHeadshot__2_.png?t=1780581127) 

Dale Richey 

Big Buck Journal 

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