Abstract: The present invention relates to a harness system for "climbing" tree stands to assist users in climbing, sitting in and descending trees. The invention has a standoff integrated with or attachable to the climbing tree stand for: (a) receiving a tree strap, (b) retaining a tree strap from inadvertent contact with the tree while the user climbs, sits in, and descends the tree, and (c) quickly releasing a tree strap from the climbing tree stand part.The system also has a harness part. The harness part has (a) a thigh strap for bearing a user's weight about the user's thigh; (b) a waist strap for bearing a user's weight about the user's waist (the waist strap is attachable to the thigh strap); and (c) a tree strap for bearing a user's weight. The tree strap has a first end, a middle and a second end. The first end is attachable to the waist strap; the second end is passable around the trunk of the tree and slideably attachable to the middle of the tree strap; the middle is releasably attachable to the standoff.