The device that Saddle Hunters commonly refer to as a “Lineman’s Belt” is an adaptation of a now obsolete device that had been used by utility workers who climb utility poles. Arborists use similar devices, referred to by many names including a “positioning lanyard” or a “flipline”. The reason it is obsolete is because (contrary to popular assumption), a Lineman’s Belt does NOT provide reliable protection from a fall or adequate protect from injury if you lose your footing. In modern day, utility workers are required to climb with a device which cinches onto the pole.
Lineman’s Belt Dangers:
- A traditional LB simply wraps around the tree and is not cinched on the tree. In a loss of footing, it might catch us and it might not, depending on what is below us.
- After a loss of footing, we could fall a short way or a long way, with highly variable outcomes. Regardless, an injury is likely, and the severity could be minor to life threatening.
- After a loss of footing, assuming that the LB did hang up on something and prevent a fall all the way to the ground, there is no clear recovery scenario by which the climber gets to the ground quickly and safely. Imagine you just fell a few feet and slammed your crotch into the trunk as you absorbed a massive impact force while getting scraped or impaled by a sharp edge on a climbing stick. You are bleeding and have the wind knocked out of you. How are you getting down?
JRB urges all climbers to always have a cinched, anchored lifeline in the tree and on little slack. The Maverick Pole and a Maverick Hitch are a viable alternative. If a Lineman’s Belt is desired as well, go for it. But once you are tied in, in many cases, once you are tied in, you will not need the Lineman’s Belt.
Lineman’s Belt Design
JRB rarely needs an LB in a hunting situation, and so, he has designed one that can server other purposes. In the video below, JRB demonstrates how to create an inexpensive and versatile design, which can serve as a “gear hanger / bow hanger” and as a “rope deflector” for our climbing rope or lifeline. The resulting device is just over 8′ in length, (including the carabiners). The design is “non mechanical” in that it uses a friction hitch rather than a friction device, yet still provides reliable one-handed operation.
Items required:
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Item 1: 14 feet of cord, which is cut into two pieces, a 10′ length and 4′ length, creating a device which is just over 8′ in length, including the carabiners. Use more or less cord as appropriate for a different finished length. Recommended cord:
Item 2: Two Carabiners – Recommended:
Item 3: A single link of chain with approximately 1/2 inch inside dimension… or a Quick Link from Amazon.
Item 4: Hook – A bow gear hook of your choice.