Summit Treestands Seat-O-The Pants Series User manual

WHEN HUNTING FROM A TREESTAND FALLS CAUSING INJURY
OR DEATH CAN OCCUR ANY TIME AFTER LEAVING THE GROUND!
FOR THOSE REASONS ALWAYS WEAR A FALL ARREST SYSTEM (FAS)
COMPRISING A FULL BODY HARNESS AT ALL TIMES AFTER LEAVING
THE GROUND. YOU MUST STAY CONNECTED AT ALL TIMES AFTER
LEAVING THE GROUND WHILE USING ANY ELEVATED HUNTING
PLATFORM. SINGLE SAFETY BELTS AND CHEST HARNESSES ARE NO
LONGER ALLOWED AND SHOULD NEVER BE USED. IF YOU ARE NOT
WEARING A FULL BODY HARNESS THAT IS PROTECTING YOU FROM
A FALL, DO NOT LEAVE THE GROUND!
READ AND UNDERSTAND THE MANUFACTURER’S WARNINGS,
EXPIRATION DATE AND INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO USE AND HOW
TO PROPERLY ADJUST THE HARNESS.
PRACTICE THE USE OF A FULL BODY HARNESS AT GROUND LEVEL IN
THE PRESENCE OF A RESPONSIBLE ADULT TO EXPERIENCE THE FEELING OF HANGING SUSPENDED BEFORE USING
IN A HUNTING ENVIRONMENT.
THE LENGTH OF THE HARNESS TETHER MUST BE MINIMIZED AT ALL TIMES. IT SHOULD BE ADJUSTED SO THAT IT
IS ABOVE THE HEAD WITH NO SLACK (SNUG) IN THE SITTING POSITION AND YOU SHOULD HAVE THE MINIMUM
AMOUNT OF SLACK POSSIBLE WHEN CLIMBING.
NEVER ALLOW THE TETHER ROPE TO GET UNDER YOUR CHIN OR AROUND YOUR NECK!
A FALL CAN OCCUR AT ANY TIME AFTER LEAVING THE GROUND! IF THE HUNTING LOCATION IS UNKNOWN
BY ANYONE AND COMMUNICATION EFFORTS ARE UNSUCCESSFUL, YOU MUST HAVE A PERSONAL PLAN FOR
RECOVERY/ESCAPE BECAUSE PROLONGED SUSPENSION IN A HARNESS CAN BE FATAL. IT IS IMPORTANT TO
EXERCISE THE LEGS BY PUSHING AGAINST THE TREE OR DOING OTHER FORMS OF CONTINUOUS LEG EXERCISES
TO AVOID BLOOD POOLING WHILE BEING SUSPENDED. HUNTERS WITH VARYING DEGREES OF PHYSICAL
FITNESS MAY REQUIRE DIFFERENT PLANS TO RECOVER/ESCAPE THE EFFECTS OF PROLONGED SUSPENSION.
HAVE A PERSONAL PLAN AND PRACTICE IT IN THE PRESENCE OF A RESPONSIBLE ADULT BEFORE LEAVING
THE GROUND. NO ONE ESCAPE/RESCUE PLAN WILL WORK FOR EVERY HUNTER ON EVERY TREE IN EVERY
CIRCUMSTANCE. ONLY YOU CAN DETERMINE THE BEST RECOVERY/ESCAPE PLAN FOR YOUR HUNTING
SITUATION AND YOU MUST HAVE A RECOVERY/ESCAPE PLAN FOR YOUR SITUATION BEFORE LEAVING THE
GROUND.
HUNT FROM THE GROUND WHEN SELF-RECOVERY/ESCAPE ABILITY IS ABSENT.
A SUSPENSION RELIEF DEVICE MUST BE ON YOUR PERSON AND READILY ACCESSIBLE WHILE USING A HARNESS.
THIS DEVICE WILL ALLOW THE USER TO RELIEVE THE LOAD ON THE LOWER EXTREMITIES IF SUSPENDED IN
A HARNESS TO HELP MAINTAIN CIRCULATION IN THE LEGS AND PREVENT SUSPENSION TRAUMA (BLOOD
POOLING). BE SURE TO FOLLOW THE MANUFACTURER’S DIRECTIONS ON THE SAFE USE OF ANY SUSPENSION
RELIEF DEVICE.
IN THE EVENT OF A FALL - DO NOT PANIC!! - THERE IS TIME TO MAKE A CORRECT DECISION ON WHAT ACTION
TO TAKE IF A FALL OCCURS WHILE WEARING A FULL BODY HARNESS. REMAIN CALM AND IMPLEMENT YOUR
PRACTICED RESCUE, RELIEF AND RECOVERY PLAN.
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2009 Seat-O-The Pants
Harness
INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING
!
You must fully read, understand and follow these warnings
and instructions (written and video)! Failure to follow these
instructions may cause serious injury or death!!
FORM# 18000
You MUST also view the enclosed DVD
BEFORE using your new treestand!!
HARNESS WEIGHT
LIMITS
200 LBS. TOTAL*
SOP FastBack CUB (all models)
83046 - 81517
300 LBS. TOTAL*
SOP Original (all models)
83058 - 83059 - 83060
81510 - 81511
SOP FastBack (all models)
83042 - 83043 - 83044
81512 - 81513
SOP FastBack Deluxe (all models)
83061 - 83062
81514 - 81516
DO NOT EXCEED THIS LIMIT!
(* Includes all gear)

YOU MUST REPLACE YOUR SAFETY STRAP / HARNESS
UNDER ANY OF THE FOLLOWING CIRCUMSTANCES:
AFTER 5 (FIVE) YEARS FROM MANUFACTURE DATE (LOCATED ON
HARNESS WARNING LABEL).
THE SAFETY ROPE / HARNESS HAS BEEN SUBJECTED TO SEVERE
SHOCK LOADING.
THE SAFETY ROPE / HARNESS HAS BEEN SUBJECTED TO THE KIND OF OVERLOAD FOR WHICH IT WAS NOT DESIGNED, SUCH
AS TOWING A VEHICLE.
THE SAFETY ROPE / HARNESS SHOWS SIGNS OF FRAYING FROM SUBSTANTIAL USE.
THE SAFETY ROPE / HARNESS WAS USED IN PREVENTING A FALL.
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PG 2 PG 3
2 CONTENTS
3 HARNESS REPLACEMENT
Please call 256-353-0634 or visit http://www.summitstands.com/contactus/
if you have any questions, if you need replacement parts, if you have any missing parts or if the
included DVD does not play.
www.summitstands.com
4 POINT SAFETY HARNESS 1
- INCLUDES ATTACHED SRS STRAP / POUCH
TREESTAND SAFETY ROPE WITH ATTACHED PRUSIK HITCH 1
- 30’ LONG ON CUB MODELS ONLY
LOCKING CARABINER / SAFETY CLIP 1
LINEMAN’S BELT CLIP 1
WRITTEN INSTRUCTIONS 1
VIDEO FOOTAGE ON SOP HARNESS AND LINEMAN’S BELT USE IS CONTAINED ON THE INCLUDED INSTRUCTIONAL DVD.
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WARNING
!
If you fall, you must replace the harness by
contacting Summit Treestands, LLC.
This harness has been designed to be used only as a
safety device for hunting from elevated treestands
and ladder stands. Any other use is PROHIBITED!
1 INDEX
GENERAL WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, STAND WEIGHT LIMITS PG 1
SECTION 1 - INDEX PG 2
SECTION 2 - CONTENTS PG 2
SECTION 3 - HARNESS REPLACEMENT PG 2
SECTION 4 - USE PG 2 - 5
SECTION 5 - LINEMAN’S BELT PG 6 - 7
SECTION 6 - HARNESS SUSPENSION PG 7 - 8
SECTION 7 - LIMITED WARRANTY PG 8
3” Tail Minimum
1
2
3
4
5
6
Safety Rope
Prusik Hitch
Knot End
WARNING
!
MAKE SURE YOUR PRUSIK HITCH LOOKS LIKE THIS PICTURE BEFORE USING!
NEVER USE unless your Prusik hitch has 6 (six) loops!
NEVER USE unless your Prusik hitch has a 3” long tail (minimum) beyond the knot end!
ALWAYS Pull on the knot end of the Prusik hitch and make sure it locks to the safety rope.
NEVER USE your harness unless your Prusik hitch looks like the one pictured here. In addition,
ALWAYS MAKE SURE the hitch locks to the safety rope when you pull on the knot end.

PG 2 PG 3
4USE
PUTTING ON THE HARNESS
1. Always key off the Black Tether line when picking
up the harness to put it on. This will help keep the
harness tangle free.
2. If you purchased the SOP FastBack (including Cub)
or FastBack Deluxe, put the harness on like a jacket.
The metal D-Rings and the metal triangle lineman’s
loops should be on the outside of the harness as shown
in figure 3. Be sure the shoulder straps do not cross
each other and that they are not twisted.
3. For All SOP harnesses - buckle the main belt around
your waist next. Thread the buckle as shown in figure
4, Steps 1-4. Turn the metal 3 bar slide slightly sideways
to push it into the D-Ring.
WARNING
!
Always check to make sure leg straps are secure
around legs and buckled before climbing the
tree!!!
Be sure the harness tether strap is attached to safety
strap!!
NEVER ALLOW THE TETHER STRAP TO GET UNDER
OR AROUND YOUR NECK as shown in figure 1.
If wearing harness under hunting clothes, make sure
your hunting clothes are not tight around your neck.
The harness will slip up if you fall as shown in
figure 2.
Always check harness webbing and hardware before
every use for any damaged or worn stitching, webbing
or hardware. If you find a problem, DO NOT use
the harness until the problem has been resolved by
Summit Treestands, LLC.
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NEVER ALLOW THE TETHER STRAP TO
GET UNDER OR AROUND YOUR NECK!
WARNING
!
1
2
3
4-1 4-2
4-44-3

PG 4 PG 5
www.summitstands.com
PUTTING ON THE HARNESS (continued)
4. Adjust belt strap by pulling on tag end (figure 5)
until comfortably snug as shown in figure 6.
5. For the SOP Original, rotate the pouch to your front.
Unsnap the pouch and pull out the black tether strap
(this strap will act as a pull cord to pull out the shoulder
straps). Once the straps are out, rotate the pouch back
behind you. Slip your arms through the shoulder straps
as you would a jacket. Be sure the shoulder straps do
not cross each other and that they are not twisted.
6. For All SOP models adjust the 3-bar slide on each
shoulder strap (figure 7) until the shoulder straps and
waist belt are comfortably snug as shown in figure 8.
7. It is easier to adjust the leg straps before they are
buckled. The adjustable, non rubber coated 3 bar slide
closest to the waist strap controls the overall length of
your leg straps. (See figure 9) Slide this 3 bar slide up
or down the webbing and then pull the slack through
the rubber coated buckle as shown in figure 10.
8. For All SOP models, bring leg strap BEHIND the
leg then between the legs to the front. Leg straps can
cross over or under the leg buckle strap as shown in
figure 11.
9. Thread the male part of the leg buckles through the
female part as show in figure 12. If the leg straps are
loose you must unbuckle and readjust the strap length.
Leg strap should be comfortably snug (see figure 13).
You should only have to adjust the strap length once as
you initially fit the harness.
6
8
3 BAR
SLIDE
7
TAG END
5
10
11 12
3 BAR
SLIDE
9
13

18
USING THE HARNESS WITH A CLIMBING TREESTAND
1. Attach the safety rope to the tree, following the directions
listed on Page 4.
2. Slide the safety rope up the tree as you climb. While climbing,
adjustments to the harness attachment to the tree (tether/
tree belt) should be frequent and coordinated with treestand
movement to maintain the least amount of slack in the tether
that will allow for climbing.
3. When you are at your hunting height, position safety rope
above your head (See figure 18).
PG 4 PG 5
ATTACHING THE TREESTAND SAFETY ROPE TO THE
TREE
The adjustable Prusik hitch should be snug to the safety
rope. It should be tight when sliding it on the safety
rope. If necessary, gently pull on the Prusik loop to
increase the tension of the Prusik on the safety rope.
1. Put the loop end of the safety rope around the
tree.
2. Thread the knot end and the adjustable Prusik hitch
all the way through the loop end of the safety rope
(see figure 14).
3. Open the Prusik hitch loop and insert the harness
tether safety clip through this loop as shown in
figure 15. Be sure the knot at the end of the prussic
hitch is tight and that it has at least 3” of rope as a tail
(See Diagram on first page of this instruction book.)
Screw the locking collar COMPLETELY closed to secure
the safety clip.
4. Pull on the end of the prussic hitch to secure it to the
safety rope. See figure 16.
5. Tie an overhand knot in the safety rope approximately
ten (10) inches under the Prusik hitch as shown in
figure 17. This will help maintain your position on the
safety rope in the event of a fall.
WARNING
!
When attaching the treestand safety rope to the
tree, be sure the adjustable Prusik hitch has been fed
completely through the loop at the end of the safety
rope as shown in figure 14. Do this BEFORE you
being to climb with a climbing treestand.
WARNING
!
NEVER disconnect from your safety harness or your
safety rope once you are off the ground!
WARNING
!
ALWAYS adjust the safety rope to minimize the slack
while you are climbing.
WARNING
!
NEVER disconnect from your safety harness or your
safety rope once you are off the ground!
WARNING
!
NEVER allow more than 24 inches total combined
slack in the safety rope and harness tether strap.
WARNING
!
ALWAYS confirm the carabiner locking collar has
been completely screwed closed to secure the safety
clip
14 15
16 17

Your Safety Rope can easily be converted to a
lineman’s belt to aid you in installing and using hang-
on treestands. To stay connected at all times while
using a hang-on Treestand you must either purchase an
additional safety rope (PN 83015) or use the lineman’s
belt supplied with your treestand.
USING THE SAFETY ROPE AS A LINEMAN’S
STYLE BELT
1. Clip the extra snap clip to the loop end of the safety
rope and then to the metal, triangular ring sewn into
the harness as shown in figure 19.
2. Put the safety rope around the tree.
3. Clip the locking carabiner clip to the adjustable Prusik
hitch on the safety rope and then to the opposite, metal
triangular ring sewn into the harness. See figure 20.
4. To adjust the climbing belt, simply slide the adjustable
Prusik hitch forward or backward.
Summit recommends the purchase the Seat-O-The
Pants climbing system (PN 83014) if you plan on
using this product as a lineman’s belt with a Hang-On
Treestand.
USING A SAFETY STRAP AS A LINEMAN’S STYLE
BELT
Summit’s line of Hang-On Treestands include a
traditional lineman’s belt for use when installing and
using the treestands. This belt is only included if you
purchase a Summit Hang-On treestand. Follow the
directions below to use this type of lineman’s belt with
your SOP harness.
1. 1. Insert the sewn end of the strap through one of
the loops on the Summit Harness Waist Belt as shown
in figure 22.
2. Bring the strap around your back and thread it
through the other loop on the Harness Waist Belt. See
figure 23.
3. Run the belt around the tree and thread it through
the buckle as shown in the Buckle Threading Diagram
on Page 7.
4. To adjust the climbing belt, pull on the loose free
end to tighten and lift up on the buckle to lengthen.
See figure 24 and figure 25.
5LINEMAN’S BELT
WARNING
!
The use of a Lineman’s climbing belt is required when
installing a hang-on treestand
19
NOTICE
To slide the hitch forward you will need to hold onto
the tag end of the rope as shown in figure 21.
WARNING
!
When using a fixed position stand, NEVER DISCONNECT
YOUR LINEMAN’S BELT UNTIL YOU HAVE SECURELY
CONNECTED THE REAR TETHER SYSTEM TO THE TREE!
20
21
22 23
PG 6 PG 7
www.summitstands.com

6HARNESS SUSPENSION
Use of the Suspension Relief Strap
Suspension trauma or blood pooling can occur when
suspended motionless in a harness for periods of time. This
can lead to unconsciousness and death.
1. Retrieve the Suspension Relief Strap (SRS) from the storage
pouch on the side of the harness. See figure 26.
2. One end of the SRS strap will be pre-attached to your
harness shown in figure 27 position A.
3. Tie the other end of the SRS to the harness belt loop as
show in figure 27 position B.
WARNING
!
If you have to hang in the tree before help arrives,
you need to exercise your legs by pushing off from
the tree, raising your knees to your chest or by
using the attached suspension relief strap.
It is necessary and very important that someone knows your hunting location and time of
return. It is also very important that you carry (on your person) emergency communication
devices such as a cell phone, two-way radio, whistle, signal flare or preferably a PLD (Personal
Locator Device - FCC approved July, ‘03). When triggered, a PLD will transmit an emergency
signal to local rescue teams identifying your location via satellite GPS coordinates. PLD’s may
be purchased at Wilderness outfitters or on the internet.
WARNING
!
This Suspension Relief Strap MUST be on your person
and accessible while using your harness!!! The steps
below assume you are hanging by your tether line
after a fall.
26
AB
SRS
STRAP
27
TREE
Buckle Free End
5” of Strap
Remaining
MINIMUM!
BUCKLE
TREE
BUCKLE THREADING DIAGRAM FOR LINEMAN’S
BELTS INCLUDED WITH SUMMIT BRAND HANG-ON
TREESTANDS ONLY
24
25
PG 6 PG 7

Limited Warranty
(A) Warranty
Summit Treestands, LLC (Summit) warrants to the original retail purchaser that all products manufactured by it are free from defects in
material and manufacture at the time of shipment for sixty (60) months from the date of purchase. Summit will repair or replace any part
found defective if the unit claimed to be defective shall be returned to Summit, postage prepaid, within the warranty period.
This warranty shall not apply to any product which has been subjected to misuse; misapplication; neglect (including but not limited to
improper maintenance); accident; improper installation; modification (including but not limited to use of unauthorized parts or attachments);
adjustment or repair. THE FOREGOING IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED (INCLUDING THOSE OF
MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS OF ANY PRODUCT FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE), AND OF ANY OTHER OBLIGATION OF LIABILITY ON THE
PART OF THE COMPANY.
(B) Limitation of Liability
It is expressly understood that Summit’s liability for its products, whether due to breach of warranty, negligence, strict liability, or otherwise,
is limited to the repair of the product, as stated above, and Summit will not be liable for any other injury, loss, damage, or expense, whether
direct or consequential, including but not limited to loss of use, income, profit, or damage to material, arising in connection with the sale,
installation, use of, inability to use, or the repair or replacement of Summit’s products.
Summit reserves the right to make alterations or modifications in its products at any time, which in its opinion, may improve the
performance and efficiency of the product. It shall not be obligated to make such alterations or modifications to products already in service.
Please take the time to fill out the warranty card online at http://www.summitstands.com/warranty or fill out and mail in the
enclosed warranty card.
7WARRANTY
www.summitstands.com
© 2009 Summit Treestands, LLC
715 Summit Dr. Decatur, AL 35601
28
29 30
4. Adjust the SRS so the large loop it forms is just
above the ankles - figure 28.
5. Put both feet in the loop and stand up to relieve
the pressure from the harness leg straps. See
figure 30 and figure 31. NOTE: Readjust the length
of the loop if considerable pressure is still felt on the
leg straps.
Self extraction may be necessary in the unfortunate
situation that A) No one knows your location, B) Your
communication efforts are exhausted, C) You are
confident that you have the strength, dexterity and
ability to perform self-extraction and D) You decide
this is your “absolute last resort”. It is necessary
to carry a device to assist with this self-extraction.
Simple devices such as screw-in steps or a rope “Tree
Descender” (available from Summit) will allow you
to remove the weight from your harness. This may
enable you to return to the treestand/ladder/climbing
steps or slowly descend the tree.
WARNING
!
Prolonged harness suspension may be fatal. If
rescue personnel cannot be notified, you must
have a plan to recover / escape before hunting.