The safest device to use while climbing a tree or in a tree stand is a full‑body fall‑arrest harness used together with a tree “life line” or safety rope system , so you are attached to the tree from the moment your feet leave the ground until you are back down.

Core safety setup

  • A full‑body harness (not just a belt) spreads the force of a fall across your thighs, shoulders, and torso, greatly reducing injury risk if you slip.
  • A vertical life line or safety rope with a prusik knot and locking carabiner lets you clip in at ground level and slide the knot up and down as you climb, so you are always tied in.
  • This combo is widely described by hunting‑safety groups and outdoor guides as the safest way to climb to and sit in a stand, because it removes those unprotected moments stepping on and off the platform.

Why this is safer than “just being careful”

  • Most tree‑stand accidents happen while climbing up or down or transitioning from ladder/sticks to the stand, not while sitting.
  • Even if a stand or steps “feel solid,” straps, cables, bark, and ice can fail without warning, and a harness plus life line gives you a backup when gear or footing fails.
  • Relying on balance or holding onto the tree is not enough; even experienced hunters and climbers are over‑represented in fall statistics because familiarity breeds shortcuts.

Other devices that help (but don’t replace the harness)

  • Ladder sticks, climbing sticks, or fixed ladders with good grip tape and non‑slip boots improve footing but still must be used while you’re clipped into a harness.
  • Lineman’s belts and positioning ropes help you stay stable when hanging a stand or working around branches, but they are meant to be used with, not instead of, a full‑body harness system.
  • Tree‑saddle or rock‑climbing‑style harness systems can also be very safe when used with proper ropes, rated hardware, and correct techniques, but again the key is continuous attachment.

If you’re setting up your own system

  • Choose a tree‑stand–rated or arborist‑rated full‑body harness, a certified climbing rope or commercial “life line,” and locking carabiners rated for falls; follow the manufacturer’s instructions exactly.
  • Attach the life line above stand level, tie off at the base, and connect your harness at ground level before climbing; keep the tether short enough that you would only drop a minimal distance if you slipped.
  • Inspect harness straps, ropes, and tree‑stand straps regularly and replace any that show UV damage, fraying, or age, as many safety guidelines now urge frequent replacement of nylon components.

Bottom line: among all climbing aids, the **safest “device” isn’t a step or stand at all, but a properly fitted full‑body harness used with a life line so you are never unattached to the tree.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.