catalyst arborist harness

When I set out to design the Notch Catalyst, I didn't want to build just another arborist saddle with extra padding—I wanted to solve the physical toll that long, grueling days in the canopy take on a climber’s body. Traditional harnesses force you to choose between mobility and support. With the Catalyst, we engineered a platform that moves seamlessly with your body while actively redistributing load away from critical pressure points.

The Engineering Behind the Catalyst

• Targeted Load Distribution: Using a dual-bridge design and articulated leg loops, the Catalyst spreads weight evenly across your lumbar region and thighs, eliminating the hip pinch and lower back fatigue common during static suspensions.

• Dynamic Articulation: The bridge connection points are positioned to allow full lateral rotation, giving you an unrestricted range of motion when reaching for distant limbs or maneuvering through tight crotches.

• Customizable Ergonomics: Built-in modular adjustment points allow every climber to fine-tune the center of gravity, sit-to-stand transition, and back support height for their specific body geometry.

• Gear Organization: Custom-molded tool loops and dedicated saw positions ensure your gear stays accessible without cluttering your work zone or sagging the frame.

Every buckle, strap, and seam on the Catalyst was tested over hundreds of hours in the field. We chose high-density, breathable foam core wrapped in abrasion-resistant textiles to handle sap, friction, and harsh weather without absorbing moisture or adding dead weight. Whether an arborist is performing technical rigging removals or delicate canopy pruning, the Catalyst is engineered to feel less like a piece of gear and more like a natural extension of the body.