Tree Spider FAQ

General Questions:

Q: What is included with the Vertical Climbing Belt?
A: 2-Steel Locking Carabineers and an Instruction Manual

Q: How long is the Vertical Climbing Belt and what is the maximum size tree it will fit around?
A: The Vertical Climbing Belt is 105” long and will fit up to a 60” circumference tree. There must be 8” of webbing beyond the buck when using the Vertical Climbing Belt.

Q: What is included with the Tree Strap and the Tree Strap 3-pack?
A: The single Tree Strap includes 1 Steel Locking Carabineer and an Instruction Manual and the 3-pack includes 3 Steel Locking Carabineers and an Instruction Manual

Q: What types of tree stands can I use Tree Spider products on?
A: All, however a tripod stand does not require a Tree Strap.
A: Tripod, ladder, and climbing stands do not require a Vertical Climbing Belt
A: The Livewire is not compatible with a tripod stand.

Q: How do I activate the warranty on my Tree Spider Product?
A: Warranty registration is mandatory and can be completed by mailing the warranty card in the back of the instruction manual to Spider Products or by filling out the warranty information at www.treespidersafety.com.

Q: Is there an expiration date on any of the Tree Spider products?
A: Yes, all spider products can be used safely within 5 years of the manufacturing date. This date is displayed on all Tree Spider Products.

Q: What is suspension trauma and how can I avoid it?
A: The following link provides an explanation of suspension trauma and practices which must be taken to avoid it. (What is Suspension Trauma?)

Q: Is there any maintenance I will have to perform on any of the Spider Products?
A: Before each use, inspect all parts for wear, deformity, abrasion, rot, corrosion, rust, cracks/fractures, missing parts, burns, knots, cut or frayed webbing or stitching, or any other damage to product and its parts.

Speed Harness/Speed Vest Questions:

Q: What is included with the Spider Speed Harness and the Spider Speed Vest?
A: The Speed Harness and Speed vest both include the following: 1-Tree Spider Tree Strap, 1-Suspension Relief Strap, 1-Aluminum Carabineer 1-Safety DVD, 1-Instruction Manual

Q: How often should I wear my harness?
A: The harness should be worn and all instructions should be properly followed each and every time you hunt from an elevated position.

Q: What size Speed Harness/Speed Vest is right for me?
A: Refer Tree Spider size chart

Q: Is the Speed Harness/Speed Vest washable?
A: Yes, but it should be hand washed with warm water and a sponge only. Any soaps or detergents will weaken the fabric and may render your harness/vest unusable.

Q: Is my Speed Harness/Speed Vest still usable after a fall?
A: No, both the Speed Harness and the Speed Vest must be replaced if used in a fall.

LiveWire Questions:

Q: What is included with the Livewire Descent System?
A: Each model of the Livewire Descent System includes 1 aluminum carabineer and an instruction manual.

Q: Can I reuse the LiveWire Descent System?
A: No, LiveWire is a one-time use product

What is Suspension Trauma?

Description of Hazard – Suspension Trauma

Orthostatic intolerance may be experienced by using fall arrest systems. Following a fall, a user may remain suspended in a harness. The sustained immobility may lead to a state of unconsciousness. Depending on the length of time the suspended user is unconscious/immobile and the level of venous pooling, the resulting orthostatic intolerance may lead to death. While not common, such fatalities are referred to as “Harness-induced pathology” or “suspension trauma.”

Prolonged suspension from fall arrest systems can cause orthostatic intolerance, which, in turn, can result in serious physical injury, or potentially, death. Research indicates that suspension in a fall arrest device can result in unconsciousness, followed by death, in less than 30 minutes.

Signs & Symptoms that may be observed in an individual who is approaching orthostatic intolerance:

Warning message for Tree Spider™ Product contained in instruction manuals:

Warning! This product includes a Suspension Relief Strap. Read and understand the instructions for how to use the Suspension Relief Strap. The Suspension Relief Strap must be on your person and readily accessible while using your harness. You must practice with this device at ground level in the presence of an able bodied adult before hunting at heights. This device will allow the user to stand in the strap and relieve the load on the lower extremities if suspended in a harness and help maintain circulation in the legs, mitigating suspension trauma (blood pooling). If you are unable to return to the stand platform and have to hang in the tree before help arrives, 1) deploy the Suspension Relief Strap and stand in the loop as directed in the manufacturer’s instructions, and 2) exercise your legs by pushing off the tree repeatedly. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the safe use of any suspension relief device.