What safety equipment should be worn at all times while climbing a tree and when in a tree stand?

Wearing a fall-arrest system while climbing a tree and when in a tree stand is crucial for ensuring your safety. This equipment is designed to prevent falls, which are one of the leading causes of injuries and fatalities among hunters. A fall-arrest system typically includes a safety harness that secures you to the tree, ensuring that if you slip or lose your balance, you are not at risk of falling to the ground. This system is specifically engineered to distribute the force of an unexpected fall and significantly reduces the chance of serious injury.

In contrast, while helmets, goggles, and gloves offer protection in specific situations and are useful for various outdoor activities, they do not address the specific hazard of falling from heights that tree stands present. Therefore, a fall-arrest system is the essential piece of safety equipment needed for climbing and standing in trees, as it directly mitigates the risk associated with falls.