No water bags for me! I like Arnes method, though I would always use a  self choking line as a back up around the mast then attached to me/seat. the system i use is the same as i use in work (tree surgeon) one end of the halyard fixed to the harness the other attached to the harness via a friction hitch (prusik), then my backup which just moves up with me (redundant until loaded by halyard failure). i also carry a sling so once up i can choke the sling off and stand in the loop! should the worst happen and the halyard fail, coming down is simply done by alternating the loads on both backup and sling, moving them down in stages. sounds more complicated than it is, maybe i will take some pics and post them.

si    

Thanks for the YouTube link etc above - very funny. Here's the link to the actual posting from the guy in New Zealand who came up with the water bag idea and had one professionally made. Seems I mis-remembered it and that he didn't let out water in order to descend!

David Tyler wrote:Strewth, Brian!

I'm strongly reminded of

The Bricklayer's Story

This is the version I know.:D
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWeXpNyqOrU

Whilst browsing the Freedom website re Dutchman Boom Brakes I came across a fascinating discussion about the ways and means of mast climbing, one of which included using a bag full of water to haul yourself to the top, emptying it in stages on the way down. Seems to work but dunno if I'd trust it. It provoked some interesting discussion inc. from a fireman who comments on how to make mast climbing safe.