Tree Saddles ????? pros/cons

[mrcrossbow]

Hey ya all , just wondering about tree saddles. iv thought about tree stands be for but cost and fact i dont feel like hauling all that with me every time i go out has stopped me. then last night i saw a utube video on tree saddles, seems iv been living in middle no were to long as iv never heard of them. but seems i could literally pack it in with me and set up if i find a good place then take out with me at end of day or just move locations easily. videos showed easy set ups and didnt seem to take up much room on a pack to haul in. any thoughts on theses things ?? the pros and cons. brand etc. seems cheap to get even a good one .

[Lefty Bryan]

Just got into tree saddles myself this year.

Pros:
Lightweight
Portable
Quick and quiet setup and takedown
Ability to shoot full 360 degree
Better concealment than treestand as youre tucked in tight behind the tree
Comfortable

Cons:
Figuring out your climbing system takes some time
Expensive - saddle, sticks, platform, linesman belt, tether...
Takes some practice to get used to and get comfortable.

[Stinky Buffalo]

Originally Posted by Lefty Bryan

Cons:
Figuring out your climbing system takes some time

Yes, for me that would be the biggest challenge. Especially in the Winter months, when you have thick clothes on, extra stuff in your pack, working the lines with numb fingers... Gotta get up into the tree somehow; that is often the hardest part, and you can't take shortcuts with respect to personal safety!

[calgarychef]

I bought one and think I’ve got everything necessary but I was too busy hunting this year to take time and figure it out.

I think it’s not a late season/cold weather option but for earlier, it might be the ticket. There are of course a couple fb groups and they’re actually pretty good for asking questions. I think this guy is the go-to for good information.

https://youtu.be/Qk73xY_11PQ

[mrcrossbow]

awesome. ill check out the video.
i dont do fb. they collect to much personal data and that just weirds me out.

[Prairiekid]

I have been looking into them as well. I may take the leap next year.

I think another pro is that you are basically tied in the entire time, less opportunity for a fall.

[calgarychef]

Originally Posted by Prairiekid

I have been looking into them as well. I may take the leap next year.

I think another pro is that you are basically tied in the entire time, less opportunity for a fall.

Yup, for sure. Although some people climb with only their linesman’s belts, it’s possible to climb all the way up on either a short or long tether. The long one can be tied to a bow/backpack etc. to pull it up but can also be used to repel down at any point in the climb. I like that option.

[Twobucks]

I hunted from one for the first time this year. They’re pricey. I dont have any real experience hunting from a stand so I was trying to figure out where I should set up. Some trees were too big around. It takes time to sort out organization up there, which I’m still doing. But I did get a couple of chances, so it was a success.

It’s pretty safe for being up high with sharp things around you. I didn’t find it hard to sort out safety systems and rope management, but I also have a lot of rock and alpine climbing experience in my past, so individual results may vary.

The saddle was comfortable for the most part. You’re not as magically hidden as some proponents would have you believe but I can see the advantages.

I’ll find time for a few more tree hangs again next year I’m sure.

[obsessed1]

Saddle pros
Lightweight( my entire system is less than 5 lbs)
Mobility ( can set up wherever when ever in less than 5min)
Low cost options ( for diy versions)
Comfort( making a custom fit ensures comfy all day sits)
360 deg shot angles once your comfortable in the system
Safety( always tethered to the tree)
Quiet set up compared to self climber

Cons
Trad tree stands are usually more "roomy" for accommodating extra stuff...taking on off layers, lunch, book ect...
My particular system requires limbless trees for ascent
Often have to putz around and trial and error different ascent methods to find the right one for you.
Potentially Louder to set up than just getting into a pre hung stand.

Imo they don't completely replace a trad stand or even self climber but they are a great addition for a hunter who wants the ability to be extremely mobile or hike in long distances and still sit a tree...

It is possible to make a whole complete system for under 200$ if you have any basic sewing skills.

[calgarychef]

Originally Posted by obsessed1

Saddle pros
Lightweight( my entire system is less than 5 lbs)
Mobility ( can set up wherever when ever in less than 5min)
Low cost options ( for diy versions)
Comfort( making a custom fit ensures comfy all day sits)
360 deg shot angles once your comfortable in the system
Safety( always tethered to the tree)
Quiet set up compared to self climber

Cons
Trad tree stands are usually more "roomy" for accommodating extra stuff...taking on off layers, lunch, book ect...
My particular system requires limbless trees for ascent
Often have to putz around and trial and error different ascent methods to find the right one for you.
Potentially Louder to set up than just getting into a pre hung stand.

Imo they don't completely replace a trad stand or even self climber but they are a great addition for a hunter who wants the ability to be extremely mobile or hike in long distances and still sit a tree...

It is possible to make a whole complete system for under 200$ if you have any basic sewing skills.

I bought some material to make mine, I make/sew most of my gear when I can.
Then I got too busy to make one and ordered one.l.then I was too busy to practice and ended up still not using it!

This summer I’m gonna use it as a work out excuse..up and down the trees until I’ve got it figured out.

You must be using some kind of tethered platform or self climber to climb?

[obsessed1]

Originally Posted by calgarychef

I bought some material to make mine, I make/sew most of my gear when I can.
Then I got too busy to make one and ordered one.l.then I was too busy to practice and ended up still not using it!

This summer I’m gonna use it as a work out excuse..up and down the trees until I’ve got it figured out.

You must be using some kind of tethered platform or self climber to climb?

Yes I use a two tether system to self climb. Takes very little energy, don't have to pack sticks, have no hight restrictions. And my climber acts as my platform once in the tree. My whole kit fits in a grocery bag and weighs right around 5lbs.

I made my system after a bit of mock up and trial and error I settled on a sling design. Total time to make my final saddle was about 2hrs

[Twobucks]

Originally Posted by obsessed1

Yes I use a two tether system to self climb. Takes very little energy, don't have to pack sticks, have no hight restrictions. And my climber acts as my platform once in the tree. My whole kit fits in a grocery bag and weighs right around 5lbs.

I made my system after a bit of mock up and trial and error I settled on a sling design. Total time to make my final saddle was about 2hrs

Can you give some more details on your climbing system? I’m using Wild Stepps and they work but they have some limitations.

I’d love to hear what you’re doing.

[obsessed1]

https://youtu.be/GMkAMZo5ggI

Not my video but I use a modified version of this

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