https://oodmag.com/saddle-up/
Tree saddles have advantages over tree stands. Combine mobility and stand hunting by using one for a comfortable alternative that is lightweight and portable.
Printable View
https://oodmag.com/saddle-up/
Tree saddles have advantages over tree stands. Combine mobility and stand hunting by using one for a comfortable alternative that is lightweight and portable.
ive seen more and more about these in the recent years, dont think its for me, i like to be at least semi comfortable while i hunt, especially when im sitting in a tree or a blind. but ive heard alot fo great things about these saddles.
I'm a decent sized guy at 6' 245lbs and was concerned about comfort for longer sits. there's simply so much adjustability that no matter the day or what you are wearing you can find comfort. the only downfall I can see is if you aren't a confident climber then you could experience some difficultyQuote:
Originally Posted by Bowjob
being slightly larger than some a pleated saddle will help with comfort
Saddles will never be as comfortable as a climber which will never be as comfortable as a ground blind, each has qualities that are different from the other. Having the option to select which method you use will open up more hunting opportunities.Quote:
Originally Posted by Bowjob
Smaller stature hunters lean more towards saddles, it takes more effort to get up, and there is more of a learning curve involved but they give the most opportunites to hunt from almost any appropriately sized tree.
I have both a saddle and a climber, for shorter sits I prefer the saddle, if its an all day sit I take my climber. I can sleep in my climber, wheras I can't in my saddle, but the climber will limit the number of trees I can climb quite a bit to the point some areas are not huntable with a climber but are with a saddle.
I bought a saddle last year and love it. I always get cold feet and feel the need to stand up all the time while in a regular tree stand so I find the saddle very comfortable. A friend at work let me borrow his whole setup (1 stick) before I committed to buying my own. I'm also on the bigger side 6'2 220.
6'3 240lb
Started with old school AeroHunter -
I didn't find traditional tree stand any more comfortable then this (4-5 hour sits, no issues), but it requires a back strap
If you want to kick it up a notch in comfort level - hammock saddle is the way
My new setup this way. You can sleep on tree in that thing, if you feel like it.
hey then again i am the type of guy to start to look into things and then having to try it out, ive been afraid of heights since a kid, with my new job im slowly overcoming that so who knows you might see me post some questions about them next year LOL
never seen one so had to youtube it. Boy I think I will keep my fat A on the ground. Looked scary just getting up the tree. How quiet are they really once you are there, I could see making noise when trying to move for a shot, but I will never know. I like my ground blinds made of natural material not tents.
honestly it's probably the safest way to get up into a tree and once I'm up 20' movement is barely detected. only time I climb less than 20' up is if I have really good backcover like in an evergreenQuote:
Originally Posted by sabmgb
Question: How are they to shoot out of. My first thoughts are without a stable shooting rest and the possibility of wind blowing you around while sitting in it, would be not the best?
Just a question
They are typically used for bow hunting (vertical bow). I'm not sure if anybody uses them with a gun much.Quote:
Originally Posted by huntnmachine
Crossbow and rifle.Quote:
Originally Posted by dean.f
Off course, solid rest is always better, however things could be fashioned to add stability..
Some folks attach a loop to use as for rest rifle. Me personally, just try to get a position where at least 1 elbow is against the bridge or tree trunk..
If stable position is very important, jx3 might be a good fit (and it's super comfy too, just kind heavy to carry in)
I don't find them effecting accuracy at all with a crossbow or gun. especially when you are firmly anchored in a triangle between your feet and a properly adjusted tether. but they do excel with a vertical bowQuote:
Originally Posted by huntnmachine
I suggest you take a rope course, some type of working at heights (AKA feet off the ground), or arborist course. After you learn to trust your knots you will feel safer up a tree than on the ground. Please do not rely on what you see the saddle hunters on u-tube do for safety, there are too many guys using the wrong knots and not backing up their retention system. There are other U tubers who are fire fighters, SAR, or arborists who go over retention systems.Quote:
Originally Posted by Bowjob
Always back up your system with two rention devices, rope (with the correct knots) and or mechanical and you will be good to go as high as you want.
working at heights doesnt really teach you that much about that stuff. just recently had to take that class for work. only thing they really teach you is how to put on a harness and what fall protection tether to use and when. always have your self anchored off thats about it. nothing to do with knots kinda a shame.Quote:
Originally Posted by Marker
Understood, I have friend who took a course in working at heights and he described to me all the rope work and knots he used so I suspect his course was more advanced as he was working on welding apartment building frames. You could try looking into a 'High Angle Rope Rescue' course, this is essentially the same stuff the fire fighters use. I dont know of any which are open to civilians in Canada, I had to drive to the US to get on a course, there are more available options down there with some over a weekend which are designed for the 'unpaid professional'.Quote:
Originally Posted by Bowjob
Alternately you can watch some High Angle Rescue videos on U Tube and follow the recomndations, you may also need to look at some knot tying videos as the rescue courses usually require a basic knowledge of knots. There are only two knots you need, the figure eight and the prussic, learn these knots and how to apply them and you will be OK.
Here is an example of my mechanical retention device backed up by a prussic.
Attachment 44671
I tried that style a few years ago using a buddy's Hydro climbing gear that worked fairly well. After a couple of hours,though,my arse and back were aching and my legs were so sore I could hardly walk the next day. Younger hunters should do well with it,but,us older guys.......
fair enough, im sure theyres some course here you can find that goes through this type of stuff though.Quote:
Originally Posted by Marker
You can try finding one, when I was doing the courses about 10 years ago the very few that had openings for civilians got booked up within a matter of minutes. Every guy looking to be a firefighter wanted to take the course(s) to put on their resume. I took a few days off work and drove to Virginia and Michigan for a few weekend courses, I would highly recomend that option if you want to progress your career or just to gain some knowledge.Quote:
Originally Posted by Bowjob
To start with, watching Utube videos is free.
As far as YouTube learning, I suggest checking out arborist channels there are plenty and they are more safety oriented than just the average guy making saddle how to videos. Lots of stuff to learn about rope types and knots if you are interested.