Mast climbing harness - recommendations please.

[Sealong]

Hello
I have a Kinleven mast climbing ladder and would like to buy a harness for occasional use. Any recommendations would be most helpful (Screwfix seem to do a reasonable selection), in particular should I purchase a single, two, three or four point harness.
Thanks in advance
Chris

 

[Rappey]

I use a similar type of ladder but every step slots into the sailtrack groove making it quite rigid when under tension.
I run a 2nd line for safety and run this Troll rocker | eBay so at least if i fall off or my ladder fails i stay put..
I use a lalizas bosuns chair as its light, can tighten it around my waist like a belt so it doesnt fall off my butt when ascending and my troll holds me at the right height sat in the chair when im aloft. Its very comfy. the great thing about the troll is that it just sildes up and then back down when climbing.
I have a safety or climbing harness which connects round the front.. I find the ones behind are not practical when perched up a mast..but even the ones that connect round the front can have a crushing effect on the crown jewels

 

[NormanS]

I have mast steps on both masts, but always use either a harness or more often, a bosun's chair, tailed on a halyard which by my wife. Harness for a very quick uncomplicated job, bosun's chair for anything requiring tools or both hands.

 

[Minerva]

I used to have a harness that had a connection point at around the breast bone. Useless for working at the last head - can’t see over the mast so working at eye level. Since bought a climbing harness and that’s much better. Far more comforts and the attachment point is between crotch and bellybutton level.

I spent a solid hour and a bit at the masthead the other week fitting a new tricolour and was comfortable and at a good height for working.

 

[Mister E]

If you get a harness that attached at the back, how would you get down if you slip?
A simple waist climbing harness is probably the best. Look for one with wide leg loops.

 

[Daverw]

Go and have a look at Go Outdoors climbing section, try a few on they normally. have a rope hanging to try them on

 

[Moodysailor]

I know you asked for a harness, so apologies in advance but I've recently had to do a decent amount of work up our mast - ended up spending almost 4hrs up there.
We have a Solent bosuns chair and will highly recommend it. It has a waist strap so will stay put, I'm not sure what it would be like for ladder climbing, but clambering up onto our deckhouse top and boom was easy enough.
For extended time aloft, it gets a thumbs-up from me ?

 

[dansaskip]

For safety I would recommend a climbing harness especially as you are using a ladder. so that is a single point attachment harness . Decathlon is a good alternative to go outdoors or any decent climbing shop.
Bosuns chairs can be more comfortable as Moodysailor says but they are not so secure if you are climbing up a ladder and anyway your weight is on your feet using a ladder not on the harness/bosuns chair.
you also need a device like a shunt, a grisgris, a troller rocker or be good with prussic knots, French prussic, or Bachman knots to name a few so that you can protect yourself on a suitable tied off halyard.

 

[Poey50]

Look for a 'big wall' climbing harness. I have the Petzl Calidris but there are others. These are designed for hanging around on a rope; other climbing harnesses are designed just for fall arrest and can cut off the blood to the legs after a while.

 

[Sealong]

Thanks to all of you for some most useful suggestions. I am very glad I asked this question of the forum before buying anything. I now have enough information to put together some reasonable safety equipment.
Chris

 

[RadiumRob]

Hello
I have a Kinleven mast climbing ladder and would like to buy a harness for occasional use. Any recommendations would be most helpful (Screwfix seem to do a reasonable selection), in particular should I purchase a single, two, three or four point harness.
Thanks in advance
Chris

I have the Kinleven ladder, which is excellent, and I use it with a climbing harness for security.

I also bought the Kinleven waist strap which fits around the mast and takes the load whilst working at the top. It's a real game-changer and worth buying if you don't already have it. Working on the top of the mast is a cinch with it.

 

[Sealong]

I have the Kinleven ladder, which is excellent, and I use it with a climbing harness for security.

I also bought the Kinleven waist strap which fits around the mast and takes the load whilst working at the top. It's a real game-changer and worth buying if you don't already have it. Working on the top of the mast is a cinch with it.

Rob, could you let me know what climbing harness you have.

 

[Dysan]

I have a normal climbing harness and some ascenders. But I hate heights and climbing the mast so my advice is pay someone else to do it ?

 

[CFG98]

Depends upon fitness (does that mean age too?). But a climbing harness (around waist) and a full harness if you are slightly top heavy is usually advised (front clipping, back clipping as last resort).