What was recalled
If you have recently invested in hunting gear from FeraDyne Outdoors, specifically their Rhino line of tree stands or ladder stands, there is a critical safety notice you need to be aware of. On December 21, 2023, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced that FeraDyne Outdoors is recalling specific Treestand Safety Harnesses due to serious safety concerns. This recall does not involve the entire tree stand structure itself, but rather a specific component—the safety harness—that was included with several popular models of their hanging and ladder stands. It is important to understand exactly which products are affected so you can check your equipment accurately and ensure your safety while hunting.
The core issue lies within the Treestand Safety Harnesses, identified by model numbers RTH-2000S and RTH-2001S. These harnesses were not sold separately in this recall; they were packaged inside the boxes of various Rhino Tree Stands and Ladder Stands. If you purchased any of the following stand models new or used between their release and the recall date, your unit likely contains the recalled harness: the RTH-100 Hang on the stand, the RTH-200 Hang on the stand with shooting rail, the RTL-100 16-foot ladder stand, the RTL-200 16-foot ladder stand, the RTL-300 18-foot ladder stand, the RTL-400 22-foot ladder stand, the RTL-1000 18-foot ladder stand, the RTL-3000 17.5-foot XL ladder stand, and the RTL-4000 17.5-foot ladder stand.
To help you identify if your specific harness is part of this recall, look for a label included with the item. The model number printed on this label will clearly state either "RTH-2000S" or "RTH-2001S." Visually, these recalled safety harnesses are distinct; they feature black cloth strips connected to a white cloth tether. A key identifier is the stitching, which uses bright orange thread. This specific combination of materials and colors was used in the manufacturing process that led to the non-compliance with industry safety standards. While the recall notice does not specify the exact total number of units sold globally, it is vital for any owner of the aforementioned stand models to inspect their harness immediately. The safety of your life while perched high in a tree depends on recognizing these specific details and taking action before you head out into the field.
The hazard, explained
When you are perched high above the ground in a tree stand, your safety relies entirely on the integrity of your connection to the structure. The core issue with this recall is that the safety harness provided with certain FeraDyne Outdoors Rhino Tree Stands does not meet the voluntary industry safety standard ASTM F2337-21. While "voluntary" might sound like a suggestion, in the outdoor gear industry, these standards represent the baseline for engineering tests that ensure gear can withstand significant force without failing. The CPSC’s testing revealed that the stitching on these specific harnesses is vulnerable to ripping under stress. This isn't just a minor flaw; it is a critical structural failure point designed to hold a human being's weight.
To understand why this is so dangerous, it helps to look at what happens physically when a fall occurs or when a hunter shifts their weight while aiming. A safety harness is engineered to distribute the immense force of a sudden jerk across strong webbing and reinforced attachment points. In the recalled units, the stitching that holds the black cloth strips and the white tether together using orange thread appears to be insufficient for the loads it must bear. If you slip, trip, or if the stand shifts unexpectedly, your body weight transfers instantly to the harness. If the stitching rips at this moment, the tether detaches from the main body of the harness. The result is an immediate and uncontrolled fall from a significant height.
The consequences of such a fall are rarely minor. Tree stands are typically positioned between 15 and 20 feet off the ground, which is roughly the height of a two-story building. Falling from this elevation can easily lead to severe orthopedic injuries, such as broken hips, legs, or wrists, as well as serious head trauma if you hit branches or the ground improperly. Even if you land on softer surfaces like snow or leaf litter, the impact force is substantial. While there have been no reported incidents of injury or death related to this specific recall yet, the potential for catastrophic harm is real and immediate. The hazard is not a theoretical risk; it is a mechanical failure mode that can turn a routine hunting trip into a medical emergency in a split second.
It is also important to note that the stitching failure may not always be visible to the naked eye before it happens. Wear and tear from regular use, exposure to weather, or even the initial manufacturing defect could weaken the threads over time. The orange thread stitching acts as the primary anchor for your life safety system. When that anchor fails, you are left dangling unsupported in the air or falling freely. This is why the CPSC and FeraDyne Outdoors are treating this with such urgency: the component meant to protect you has been found to be fundamentally unreliable under the conditions it was designed for.
Who is most at risk
The primary group at immediate risk consists of hunters and outdoor enthusiasts who have purchased the FeraDyne Outdoors Rhino Tree Stands or Ladder Stands that include the specific Treestand Safety Harness models RTH-2000S and RTH-2001S. These individuals are not just casual users; they are people engaging in a high-stakes recreational activity where height, balance, and equipment reliability are critical to physical safety. The recall affects a wide range of stand configurations, from the "Hang on the stand" models like the RTH-100 and RTH-200 to various ladder stands ranging from 16 feet to over 17 feet in height, such as the RTL-3000 XL ladder stand. Anyone who has installed or is currently using one of these specific units is potentially exposed to the hazard because the safety harness was included directly in the box at the time of sale.
While the CPSC has reported no incidents to date, the nature of the defect poses a severe risk to anyone who relies on the harness for support. The core issue lies in the stitching of the tether, which can rip under stress. When this failure occurs, it results in a fall hazard. For hunters, this danger is amplified by several factors inherent to the activity. Hunters often remain stationary for extended periods, shifting their weight to aim or track game, which places dynamic load on the safety harness. Furthermore, the environment itself—uneven branches, slick surfaces from rain or snow, and the physical exertion of climbing into a stand—creates conditions where a sudden jerk or shift in balance can test the integrity of the stitching beyond its limits.
Certain individuals may be at heightened vulnerability due to the physical demands of using these stands. Older hunters, who might have reduced grip strength, slower reaction times, or pre-existing joint issues, could find it significantly more difficult to recover from a slip or a minor harness failure. A fall from heights ranging from 16 to 22 feet can result in serious injury, regardless of age, but the consequences are often more severe for those with less bone density or slower recovery capabilities. Similarly, individuals with limited upper body strength may struggle to maintain their position without fully relying on the harness, thereby placing greater tension on the potentially failing stitching. Even experienced hunters are not immune; fatigue, distraction, or unexpected movement by game can lead to sudden movements that exceed the harness's compromised safety margin.
It is also important to recognize that the risk extends beyond just the primary user. If a hunter falls due to this defect, they may injure themselves critically while positioned high in a tree or on a ladder stand, potentially leading to a scenario where self-rescue is difficult or impossible without assistance. This creates a secondary risk for companions who may need to attempt a rescue in difficult terrain. Therefore, the "at-risk" population includes not only the person wearing the harness but also anyone dependent on that person's safety in the field. Because the defective harnesses were bundled with various stand models (RTL-100 through RTL-4000 and RTH-100/200), any hunter who owns one of these complete systems must be considered at risk until they have verified their specific model number and replaced the harness.
- Hunters using Rhino Tree Stands (RTH-100, RTH-200): Those hanging in trees are suspended entirely by the harness system, making it their sole point of contact with safety.
- Ladder Stand Users (RTL Series): Individuals climbing 16 to 22-foot ladders face increased fall distance and impact risk if the tether fails while they are elevated.
- Older Adults: May have reduced physical resilience, making falls from these heights more likely to result in permanent injury.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
Identifying whether your tree stand is part of this specific recall requires a careful inspection of both the safety harness and the tree stand itself. Because the issue lies specifically with the stitching on the safety harness provided in the box, you need to look for two distinct sets of identifiers: the model numbers on the stand’s packaging or documentation, and the physical characteristics of the harness included.
First, check the model number of your tree stand or ladder stand. The recall affects specific Rhino Tree Stands and Ladder Stands sold by FeraDyne Outdoors. Look for any of the following model numbers on your product, its original box, or your purchase receipt: RTH-100, RTH-200, RTL-100, RTL-200, RTL-300, RTL-400, RTL-1000, RTL-3000, or RTL-4000. These models include various configurations such as hang-on stands with or without shooting rails, and ladder stands ranging from 16 feet to 22 feet in height. If your stand does not have one of these model numbers, it is likely not part of this specific recall.
Next, locate the Treestand Safety Harness that came inside the box with your stand. This harness is the primary component being recalled due to potential stitching failure. You need to find the label attached to the harness, which will clearly state either "RTH-2000S" or "RTH-2001S". These are the specific model numbers for the safety harnesses at issue.
In addition to the model number on the label, you can visually identify the recalled harness by its distinctive construction. The recalled units feature black cloth strips that are stitched together with a white cloth tether using bright orange thread. This color combination is unique to the affected batches. If your harness has different colored threads or lacks the black and white cloth strip design described, it may not be part of this recall.
If you have found a stand with one of the listed model numbers and the safety harness matches the description above, please stop using the product immediately. Do not attempt to repair the stitching yourself. Instead, follow the remedy instructions provided by FeraDyne Outdoors to receive a free replacement harness. Remember to keep your proof of purchase or photos of the labels handy when you contact them for assistance.
What to do — step by step
If you own one of the recalled Rhino Tree Stands or Ladder Stands equipped with the Treestand Safety Harness, your immediate priority is to ensure your physical safety before addressing the administrative details of the recall. The first and most critical action is to stop using the affected tree stands immediately. Do not climb them for hunting, observation, or any other purpose until the remedy has been completed. While it might be tempting to finish a hunting season with what you have, the CPSC testing confirmed that the stitching on these specific harnesses can rip under stress. A fall from an elevated position in a tree stand is extremely dangerous, and ignoring this hazard puts your life at unnecessary risk. The recall was issued because the safety harness does not meet the voluntary industry safety standard ASTM F2337-21, meaning it cannot reliably hold you if you slip or shift weight unexpectedly. Therefore, treating the current harness as non-functional is not an exaggeration; it is a necessary precaution to prevent a potentially catastrophic accident. Once you have secured your ground-level safety, you need to initiate the remedy process with FeraDyne Outdoors. You should contact them directly to receive instructions on how to obtain a replacement safety harness. There are several convenient ways to reach their support team: you can call 800-787-7589 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. CT, Monday through Friday; email them at rhinostandsrecall@feradyne.com; or visit their dedicated recall website at www.rhinotreestandsrecall.com. Alternatively, you can go to the main company site at www.feradyne.com and click on "Recall Information" at the bottom of the page. When you reach out, be prepared to provide details about your specific model number (such as RTH-100, RTL-200, etc.) to confirm eligibility. FeraDyne has committed to shipping a replacement safety harness free of charge, so there is no financial cost to you for this correction. The final step in the process involves proof of destruction. You will need to submit evidence that you have destroyed the original, non-compliant safety harness. This is a standard safety protocol in many recalls to ensure that defective parts do not re-enter the market or remain in circulation where they could cause harm to others. Keep your communication records with FeraDyne Outdoors handy, including any case numbers or confirmation emails, until you have received and installed the new harness. Do not attempt to repair the stitching yourself or use a third-party harness unless explicitly instructed by the manufacturer, as this could void any liability protections and may still leave you vulnerable. By following these steps precisely, you ensure that you are protected by the correct safety standards and that the defect is permanently resolved.Your refund, repair, or replacement options
If you own one of the recalled FeraDyne Outdoors Rhino Tree Stands, the good news is that the company has established a clear and straightforward remedy to resolve this safety issue. You do not need to worry about paying for parts or shipping costs out of your own pocket. FeraDyne Outdoors has committed to providing a replacement tree stand safety harness free of charge to every affected consumer. This decision was made because testing confirmed that the original safety harness does not meet the voluntary industry safety standard ASTM F2337-21, specifically regarding stitching integrity. By sending you a new, compliant harness, they are directly addressing the fall hazard without placing any financial burden on you.
The process to receive your free replacement is designed to be simple, but it does require a specific action from you to ensure accountability and safety compliance. First, you must contact FeraDyne Outdoors through one of their dedicated recall channels. You can reach them by phone at 800-787-7589 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Central Time, Monday through Friday. Alternatively, you may send an email to rhinostandsrecall@feradyne.com or visit their dedicated recall website at www.rhinotreestandsrecall.com. If you prefer the main company site, you can also navigate to www.feradyne.com and click on "Recall Information" at the bottom of the page.
Once you initiate contact, FeraDyne will provide you with instructions on how to proceed. It is important to understand that simply asking for the part is not enough; you must also prove that you have disposed of the unsafe component. As part of the remedy terms, consumers are required to submit proof of destruction of the original safety harness. This step is crucial because it ensures that the defective harness, which has stitching that can rip under stress, does not remain in circulation or get used by someone else who might be unaware of the recall. Without this proof, the company cannot verify that the risk has been eliminated from your household.
Please note that this remedy is a repair/replacement solution only. The recall information provided does not mention a full refund of the original tree stand purchase price, nor does it indicate that you can return the entire stand to FeraDyne. The focus is entirely on correcting the safety deficiency by replacing the harness. Therefore, your goal should be to secure the new harness and properly destroy the old one as quickly as possible. Do not attempt to repair the original harness yourself, as the stitching failure is a structural issue that cannot be fixed with standard sewing techniques. By following these steps exactly as outlined by the manufacturer, you will ensure that your tree stand is safe for future use.
What can happen if you ignore it
It is completely understandable why you might hesitate to follow the recall instructions. Perhaps you are in the middle of hunting season and cannot afford to wait for a replacement harness. Maybe the stitching on your current harness looks perfectly sturdy, so it feels like overreacting to stop using it. Or perhaps you simply do not have the time to pack up the old harness, take photos for proof of destruction, and wait for new mail. We get it; life is busy, and hunting is a passion that requires dedication. However, ignoring this recall is not just an administrative inconvenience—it is a direct gamble with your physical safety.
The core issue here is not a minor defect that might cause annoyance or slight discomfort. The CPSC has determined that the stitching on these specific FeraDyne Rhino Tree Stand safety harnesses can rip. This is a critical structural failure point. When you are hanging hundreds of feet in the air, suspended by fabric and thread, the integrity of that connection is everything. The harness was designed to meet ASTM F2337-21, a voluntary industry standard specifically created to ensure that fall arrest systems hold up under extreme stress. Because these units do not comply with that standard, they lack the proven reliability required to keep you safe if you slip, lose your footing, or shift weight unexpectedly in the stand.
If you continue to use this harness, you are relying on a component that testing has shown is prone to tearing. The consequence of ignoring this warning is a potential fall from height. A fall from a tree stand or ladder stand is not like falling off a chair; it involves significant kinetic energy and the risk of hitting branches, the ground, or other hard surfaces. Even if you are wearing other safety gear, the primary function of the harness is to arrest that fall before gravity takes over completely. If the stitching rips, that safety net disappears instantly. You could suffer serious injuries such as broken bones, head trauma, spinal damage, or worse.
While no incidents have been reported yet, the absence of current reports does not mean the risk is low. It simply means no one has been hurt *yet*. These defects are often latent, meaning they can fail without warning during a critical moment. By continuing to use the recalled harness, you are essentially betting your life on luck rather than engineering. The remedy offered by FeraDyne Outdoors is free and designed to fix this exact problem. There is no financial benefit to ignoring the recall, but there is a massive potential cost to your health and well-being. Do not let convenience override caution when the stakes are this high.
Staying safe: broader tips
While this specific recall highlights a critical failure in stitching and harness compliance for FeraDyne’s Rhino Tree Stands, the underlying lesson applies to all high-angle climbing equipment used in hunting or arboriculture. Safety at height is rarely about a single component; it is about a system of redundant safeguards. When you are elevated, gravity becomes an unforgiving constant, making proactive maintenance and proper gear selection far more important than any post-fall remedy. The first step in broader safety is understanding that "voluntary industry standards," such as the ASTM F2337-21 mentioned in this recall, represent the baseline for what manufacturers agree constitutes safe engineering. If a product does not meet these standards, it may look functional but lack the internal integrity to withstand dynamic loads or long-term wear.
For anyone using tree stands, ladder stands, or climbing sticks, regular inspection is non-negotiable. Harnesses are subjected to significant stress from movement, weather, and abrasion against bark. Look closely at all stitching points, especially where the tether connects to the main belt or anchor points. Orange thread may be easier to see than black, but any fraying, pulled threads, or discoloration indicates material fatigue. Similarly, check buckles for cracks and webbing for cuts or UV degradation. A harness that has been stored in a damp truck bed or exposed to direct sunlight for years may appear intact but could fail under load. Replace gear proactively; do not wait for a visible tear to justify an upgrade.
Beyond the equipment itself, your setup and usage habits dictate your safety profile. Always ensure your tree stand is anchored securely with multiple straps or cables rated for the weight of both you and your gear. Test your harness before every climb by attaching it to a secure point and applying gentle downward pressure to confirm it holds fast. Never rely on a single attachment point; use a dual-leg tether system when moving between positions, maintaining three points of contact with the stand at all times. Additionally, consider using a fall-arrest system that includes a shock-absorbing lanyard, which can reduce the impact force on your body and the equipment in the event of a slip.
Finally, stay informed about safety recalls across all your gear, not just hunting equipment. Sign up for alerts from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and register your purchases with manufacturers directly. Manufacturers often cannot reach you if they only have an old address on file. By keeping your contact information current and regularly checking recall databases, you ensure that you are among the first to know about potential defects. This proactive approach transforms safety from a reactive chore into a consistent habit, ensuring that when you head into the woods, your focus remains on the hunt or the work at hand, not on whether your gear will hold.