Hasty Webbing (Emergency) Harness

Hasty Webbing (Emergency) Harness Tying

Tuck a loop of the strap into the waistband. Pass both ends back between the legs, around the thighs, through the initial loop and around the waist to use up the strap. Secure it with a Square (Reef) knot backed up with Half Hitches. Lift with a carabiner through the loop and waist turns.

Hasty Webbing (Emergency) Harness Details

Structure: The Hasty Webbing Harness enables a temporary lifting harness seat to be constructed from a piece of webbing strapping.

Technique: Approximately twenty feet of webbing strap is required. Form a loop about six inches away from the center of the webbing and tuck the loop into the waistband. This means that the final knot will be offset and located above one hip. For security the Square (Reef) knot must be backed up with a pair of Half Hitches either side of the Square (Reef) knot.

Comments: I am indebted to Boyd Hoyle for his reminder that Square knots are best avoided in safety applications. While fully supporting his caution, there is no ideal alternative which acts as a binding knot and readily cinched tight. A Water Knot may be more appropriate for webbing but it is almost impossible to tie quickly and cinch it tight. And, it too would require back-up half hitches either side.

Alternative Harness: Alternative webbing harnesses can be found online such as the Swiss Seat which employs a similar principle.