Using a sling to create an improvised harness involves specific wrapping and tying techniques to form a loop or hitch where you can safely clip in.
While there are various types of harnesses, the provided reference demonstrates how to use a sling to construct an improvised harness. The core principle shown is creating a secure point on the harness where you connect to a rope or other system.
Creating the Improvised Sling Harness
The video reference highlights the critical final steps in forming the improvised harness using a sling:
- Maintain Tension: Keep the sling material tight throughout the wrapping process.
- Secure the Wrap: Pull the material tight around the body or load.
- Form the Hitch: Go back around the original strap or part of the sling you started with.
- Complete the Knot: Make a hitch knot in this position.
This process creates a strong, central loop or connection point on the improvised harness.
Using the Improvised Harness
Once the hitch is tied and secure, the primary use of the improvised sling harness is to provide a connection point for various systems. The reference explicitly states, "you'd clip in here" at the location where the hitch is formed.
This clipping point is where you would attach:
- A carabiner connected to a rope (for climbing, rappelling, or rescue).
- A belay device for controlling a rope.
- A haul system for lifting objects.
- An anchor point for stability or rescue scenarios.
The improvisational nature means its use is typically for emergency situations, training, or specific technical applications where a standard harness is unavailable. It distributes force across a larger area than a single point but may not offer the comfort or full safety features of a certified harness.
Important Considerations:
- Improvised harnesses require proper knot knowledge and understanding of load distribution.
- They are generally less comfortable and potentially less safe than purpose-built harnesses.
- Always double-check the construction and connections before applying load.
Using an improvised sling harness is about creating a functional, secure attachment point from readily available materials in situations where traditional gear is not an option.
