A portable, hand-operated hoist that is particularly suited for use by persons afield in woods or rough terrain is disclosed. In its preferred embodiment, a housing contains a length of fabric ribbon urged to remain in the housing by a spring, an orifice for through communication of the ribbon, and a locking device (of over-center type) for selectively preventing movement of the ribbon. An end of the ribbon is outside of the housing, attached to a hook, and prevented from entering the housing by the size of the hook. A holder is on the outside of the housing for detachably retaining the hook when it is not in use. A clip is also on the outside of the housing to facilitate detachably attaching the hoist to the user's apparel.