I carry my rifle and my backpack on my back when I climb. I pull my bow up. Snow take it from someone that has hung upside down 20' up a tree. Wear your harness and connect to the tree as soon as you leave the ground. I had my harness on, but wasn't attached to the tree. This happened before harnesses weren't popular and belts came with climbers. It doesn't matter what you use if it's not attached to the tree. Hunt Safe