Hip Harnesses

[Nikita]

I was seeking out a thread that covered various hip harnesses, variations, etc. The search function doesn't work well past 2 keywords. I believe it's due to the limitations of the forum software... Is it here somewhere?

I'm interested in learning about what type you use and what type of suspension do you use it for.

I know that some hip harnesses can be used for men and not for women. Which ones are they and why?

The Swiss seat, how to do it and why do you like it or not?

@Mods - I didn't know where to start this thread and am okay if you move it where it should be.

[harper]

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Any hip/thigh harness that includes ropes through the crotch area can cause problems with both men and women, and I don't know of any variation that is OK for one sex and not for the other. It's all a matter of careful placement, spreading the load with plenty of strands, and designing the harness so that the forces are spread around and not all concentrated in one place.

Personally I don't have any standardised hip harnesses that I tie exactly the same every time, I'm more likely to make each one from scratch using the same basic principles.

I've never used a Swiss Seat for suspension. I don't particularly like the look of it, and as for finishing with a square knot "backed up" by overhands in the tails...

If I did use a Swiss Seat with natural fibre rope I wouldn't do it with a single strand in the way that is advised for climbing, rescue work, etc.. That always assumes properly rated climbing rope. I've got nothing against it for the purposes it's designed for, but those aren't ours. I'd suggest looking at gunslinger harnesses and drum ties instead. OTOH it is fast and simple to tie, which might attract the attention of the performance / speed people.

<Putting Moderating Hat on> I'm happy with it where it is.