What safety gear should you always wear while in an elevated tree stand?

Wearing a safety harness while in an elevated tree stand is crucial for preventing falls, which are a leading cause of injury among hunters. A safety harness is specifically designed to secure you to the tree and prevent a fall should you slip or lose your balance. This gear distributes the weight across your body and helps to keep you in a secure position, significantly enhancing your overall safety while hunting at heights.

The other types of gear mentioned, such as a helmet, elbow pads, or a padding vest, may provide some level of protection but do not address the primary risk associated with using a tree stand, which is falling. A helmet is useful for head protection but does not prevent falls. Elbow pads and padding vests may offer comfort or minor injury protection but are not designed for fall prevention. The effectiveness and life-saving capability of a safety harness make it the essential piece of equipment for safety while hunting from an elevated position.