NEW TRIBE SADDLES
WARNING: It is the responsibility of the user of climbing equipment to obtain adequate instruction and to take
adequate precautions for safety when climbing. The product information we provide is not a substitute for compe-
tent instruction and training in technique and safety.
New Tribe Saddles have been tested and meet ANSI A10.14-1991
Standard for Safety Harnesses for Fall Arrest/Work Positioning
and are approved for use on the job by persons covered by Workers’ Compensation Insurance.
New Tribe Saddles are designed to meet the needs of recreational and industrial tree climbing and rescue applications. As a rescue harness, it is
designed to support the rescuer in comfort and allow him/her to work safely while on rope. For industrial rescue use, the New Tribe Saddle may be
used as part of a fall-arrest system as provided in American National Standard for Construction and Demolition Operations (ANSI A1O.14-1991). The
user shall refer to this standard for the proper use of and limitations on the use of fall-arrest systems and equipment. The New Tribe Saddle may also
be used in rope access applications involving rappels or belays that do not exceed the maximum permitted free-fall distance as specified in the
standards.
USER INSTRUCTIONS
NFPA Standard 1983 recommends separating the user instructions from the saddle and retaining them in permanent record. The standard also
recommends making a copy of the instructions to keep with the saddle and that the instructions should be referred to before and after each use.
PUTTING ON YOUR NEW TRIBE SADDLE
First check that the webbing is free of all twists. To put on the Saddle, hold the belt open facing forward, and step into the legstraps as
you would step into a pair of pants. Then raise the belt into position at your waist, above your hipbones. Thread the waist cinch strap
into its buckle and tighten it down comfortably snug. Using the Screw Link provided with your saddle, close the saddle around your
body by linking the D-ring on the legstrap bridge to the two webbing eyes on the belt, aligned as shown above, without any twists in the
webbing. Screw the link closed, just finger-tight. We strongly recommend using the Screw Link for saddle closure, and not a carabiner.
All carabiners have a weak gate side that could fail in a fall.
The legstraps and legstrap pads can be positioned for your best comfort by adjusting the length of the butt straps at the buckles in
back. This is best done while hanging in the saddle. Lengthen the straps and set the legpads in a comfortable position, where your
balance is good and the legstrap webbing cannot bind at your crotch. Then adjust the butt straps to take out the slack.
INSPECTING YOUR CLIMBING SADDLE
Each user of a New Tribe Saddle should be familiar with equipment inspection and should do a cursory inspection before each use.
When inspecting the saddle, check the webbing for cuts, worn or frayed areas, broken fibers, soft or hard spots, discoloration, or
melted fibers. Check the stitching for pulled threads, abrasion, or breaks. Check the hardware for damage, sharp edges, and proper
operation. If any of the above is noted, or if the saddle has been subjected to shock loads, fall loads, or abuse other than normal use,
remove the saddle from service and destroy it. If there is any doubt about the serviceability of the saddle, remove the saddle from
service and destroy it.
ANATOMY OF A NEW TRIBE SADDLE
Example here is the New Tribe Work Saddle, which best displays the features of our saddle design.
The Basic Saddle and the Side D Saddle share most of these essential features.
New Tribe Basic Saddle New Tribe Side D Saddle
New Tribe Work Saddle
Screw Link
Legstrap D-Ring
Legstrap Bridge
Legstraps
Legstrap Pads
Butt Strap Buckle
Butt Straps
Accessory Rings
Accessory
Snaphook
Side D-Ring
Belt Webbing
Belt Pad
Accessory Ring for Work Saddle Sash
Sewn Webbing Eyes
