Recreational Tree Climbing Saddles

Participants of facilitated tree climbing experiences have the opportunity to climb tall, mature trees in a similar fashion to professional tree climbers. To make this possible, facilitated programs utilize specialized professional equipment, with one of the key pieces being the saddle (harness).

Tree climbing saddles tend to have more substantial straps & padding for the legs when compared to fall arrest & rock-climbing harnesses. Since participants in facilitated climbs are often suspended & sitting in saddle for longer periods of time than what a professional climber may experience, leg straps with even more surface area can be better suited in order to reduce suspension fatigue.

WE'RE IN THIS TOGETHER

​For those of us in the international community of tree climbing facilitators who provide these experiences, many of us have relied heavily if not exclusively on the New Tribe line of climbing saddles. Their line offered a variety of saddle models across a wide range of waist sizes, such as the Basic, Twist and Tengu saddles.

In the search to find tree climbing saddles better suited for participants in facilitated climbing programs, I have pulled in and tried over a dozen different saddles & harnesses since learning New Tribe would be closing down a few years back.

Tree climbing facilitators, organizations, and programs around the world have been reaching out and communicating with each other as we look for different options available to us. In addition, serving on the board of directors with the Global Organization of Tree Climbers and chairing their facilitator/instructor recognition committee, I have had a number of conversations with facilitators around the world.

SHARING MY EXPERIENCES

​Having wrapped up my spring climbing season and taking a short vacation before the summer season kicks in, I have gathered my notes and observations of a few of the saddles that may hold promise for my programs.

I am putting these into short video reviews of saddles that seem to generate the most interest from my facilitation friends, clients, and colleagues. Given each facilitator’s preferences and needs are different, I focus more on pointing out the aspects and details of the saddles as well as how they may be similar or differ from comparable New Tribe models simply to provide points of reference.

If you have your own experience with these saddles or others, I'd love to hear your thoughts, impressions, and opinions. For my programs, it looks like I will be utilizing 1-2 brands/models for each size range; therefore, I certainly welcome and appreciate any saddle recommendations you may have.

Wishing all of my fellow tree climbing facilitators & instructors an enjoyable 2025 climbing season!

"Far and away the best prize that life has to offer is the chance to work hard at work worth doing."
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Treepro Fun Climb saddle (Japan)

West Coast Climber Sparks saddle (Canada)