How many on here are using tree saddles and what is your set up?

mine is a tethrd phantom. one pouch on rh side. tow rope goes in front acc pocket recliner in the back acc pocket. two clips on lh side to hook my daisy chain stick ropes to. i use 3 full length lone wolf sticks and ring of steps with a boat buckle. i made amsteel daisy chains for the sticks. i put a platform from eastern woods on top stick ( it very comfortable to hunt off of but a little big to climb over so a smaller one my be in the future). i use the tethrd gear hanger daisy chain and like it alot, it goes in its own pouch right behind my main pouch. i started using schabisch knots instead if pusiks run the tail end on your linemans or tether through the biner and you get one handed adjustment. i use my saddle as my saftey harness when in regular stands as well, but put a screamer between the lifeline or tether and the saddle incase i take a fall with slack in system. the saddle is all i use for a harness anymore. overall im happy with this set up but will still make a few small tweaks going forward. Cheers Mike

I don’t know that it qualifies as “saddle hunting” although I did use it as such several times this season tho pure bang time was intermittent. As pictured this evolved over the year into my all purpose off-the-ground safety gear, including saddle hunting.

What you’re looking at is a rock harness with a prusik knot and tender to connect to the lineman’s rope/tether (tan rope) at the front of harness. On the far end of this rope is a spring gated carabiner that clips to another prusik mid line on the rope, so when i climb it stays above me without slipping down. Also comes in handy for working around limbs. The short tether (blue line) works in conjunction with this allowing me to clip to ladder steps/ wild edge steps/ around other limbs/ tether-climbing rope so that I’m never unsecured.

Should add that I use in conjunction with Wild Edge steps mostly, screw-in steps when necessary, ladder stands when convenient, and old-fashioned tree climbing frequently. I’m not really a dedicated nor experienced treestand/saddle hunter tho and am just as likely to be on the ground. But in certain locations this provides options.

My entire outfit fits inside of a Badlands Ultra day pack. I have the Ambush Saddle and use a Woodpecker drill and 3/8" bolts for climbing. My "stand" is made up of four nylon tree steps attached to one nylon strap. There's also room in the pack for pruners, saw, knee pads, etc. Makes for a pretty small package with everything you need to climb any tree. You can easily still hunt with it on your back with ease.

I have been curious about saddles. It seems like I would be have a hard time staying still. What is your experience are they comfortable, do your legs fall asleep?

I use a recon saddle with a ring of 4 strap on steps to stand on. I climb the tree with Novix minis. Each one has a cable aider.

30 years ago I used an Anderson treesling and just stood on screw in steps, but can’t do that now a days.

MP

Tethrd saddle and an OAL Scout platform. Can hunt for 3 hours relatively comfortable.

It is a really fun way to hunt and I can't fathom bringing in a hang-on like I used to.

I used the original tree saddle since 2007. Just got a Custom Gar Modifications sidewinder. Weighs s out half as much. Hunter innit yesterday and like it. Good value for the money. $175

Humm…. Interesting Guar, very interesting…

I spelled it wrong above. Custom Gear Modifications. Made by a guy in Tennessee. https://www.customgearmodifications.com/

And to answer original question. I sit often all day in a saddle. You end up moving around a bit Lots of people offer backrest slings you can add. I think I got more sore sitting in a traditional tree stand . But I’m probably not like most people. I get focused on the task of hunting. A good pair of boots helps as well I use a one stick and small platform now and rappel down

I have a tactisaddle and a tethered phantom. I like them both and haven't decided which one is better yet.

I have muddy steps for climbing.. well, i have lots of things, but prefer the two step muddy's.

I have only been using it for two years and have half a dozzen all day sits in them. Very comfortable once you get it figure out. That only took a few sits.

I have taken 3 deer from the saddle. Love the ease of set up.

Just some background info on me: I'm 53yrs old, 6'3" and weight 320lbs. I've had a hip replacement and need the other replaced. Also have bulging discs. Sitting in stands all day are not as comfortable as I find the saddle to be.

Yes, you have to work at staying still. however, having the tree between you and your prey...most of the time helps hide the movement. BigJim

Thats a great looking saddle Guar!

Never used one, but have always wondered how do you pee in one?

Woodswalker, I wouldn’t pee in my saddle!! I sit in mine LOL

:-)

Well Big Jim, after reading your post, if you can use it, then most any person can use it!

Big Jim thanks for that, I’ve been looking at saddles as a lot of my friends have gone that route but with bad knees and kinda overweight I haven’t tried one yet. But thinking I may mess with one this summer

the upside of the saddle is if you dont like saddle hunting it can just become your safety harness so no downside. i was always a climber guy but greatly prefer the saddle to a climber. Thats a great endorsement bigjim!

Peeing isn’t hard. I turn around snd your terher holds your chest You can unzip and get job done with saddle on. Now number two would be hard to pull off

If big Jim can do it then Anyone can.

heres the screamer i use when in normal stands

Gaur: TMI!!! TMI!!! :)

You asked

i totally agree with Big Jim. I've been hunting from a saddle for three years and wish i had done it sooner. I currently use a Tethrd Saddle, but i would suggest trying a few out before you purchase.

I’ve got a Trophyline Covert lite, API strap on sticks and a home brew platform that I made out of a older tree stand seat.

Jerry at custom gear modifications -as mentioned above - can explain\guide through the options. He makes good gear.

My setup is a new tribe kite later modified by Jerry. Much lighter and comfortable.

As I age, my balance on a small loc-on is not as good so the saddle has fixed that problem because I always have a taut line.

Peace of mind.

Anybody hunt out of the JX3 hybrid?

I'm not sure how much i like the sound of "if BigJim can do it, anyone can!" but I guess there's some truth to it.

As broke up as I can be, I do have a can do attitude... except when I don't... :)

BigJim

Just messing with you big Jim Btw I’m 53 too

I don't have a horse, so I have no need for saddle hunting. :)

I wish someone might post a pic of a hunter in one. I have only a vague notion of what they are.

from an ad...

There are also plenty of pictures of guys hanging upside down in them... LOL

and this is what DLay will look like shooting his Albright longbow... :)

john eberhart is the man when it comes to using a saddle for big northwoods bucks. he has some great videos on how he does it. i do things a little differently than he does mainly because of how and where i hunt but the info he shares is excellent and his techniques are proven in probably the hardest place to kill a big buck regularly. ny saddle hunter has some great videos too.

I listened to a podcast interview with with john Eberhart. Crazy he goes up like 35 ft to keep the deer from smelling him

If someone would have asked what to I need to get into saddle hunting a couple years ago you would have had to make most of what you needed yourself. Two companies stand out IMO, Tethrd and Aerohunter. Tethered can sell you just about everything you need. Aerohunter makes excellent saddles and have decades of experience going into them from their parent company making tree climbing equipment for arborists. There is so much to choose from today.

I use a saddle from Overwatch Outdoors and I have an Aerohunter Flex that I really like. I climb with ropes using a SRT method or I use climbing steps or sticks. I use a platform and a ring of steps. I prefer the ring but not excited about the one I have right now. I also use my ropes to climb and hand tree stands and I’ll sit in them every once in a while. I find treestands very uncomfortable and prefer the saddle.

Anybody use the JX3?

I have demo'd it. I had just bought my saddle when I demo'd. It is a big upgrade from previous version. More comfortable than my saddle and I would recommend it.

Kerry, it looks comfortable for sure

I converted a hawk climbing stick into this. A hawk platform on top and cut the stick shorter and added a three step aider I sewed from rei climbing slings You can watch videos online about one stick climbing. I climb Hanf off to side with tether. Move the stick up snd climb again. Two moves I’m above 15 ft . It’s pretty easy. Then I set a other small platform another quarter of way around tree When you come down you rappel snd your pull up rope you hook next to carbiner and pull to get rappel rope down. Pretty slick.

Pre ious to this I used strap on steps and at top had four steps on a ratchet strap. Platform is more comfortable to stand on than steps IMO

BowAholic, I can only assume that the guys hanging upside down are doing it as a means to discredit the saddle. I couldn't imagine how it would be possible to accidently end up upside down. Virtually impossible!

The two pictures shown are an attempt to show the extreme capabilities of the saddle. I'm sure it will happen, but as of yet, I have never had to shoot from a similar position... but I could if I needed to.

I sat in a millennium stand last night while hunting pigs.. the stand has been in place over a feeder for years so no sense in changing it. I find the millennium stand to be the most comfortable of all stands yet, while sitting, i was basically immobile. The commotion I would make trying to stand would certainly/and has scared off the target animal.

BigJim

Dang it bowholic I resemble that remark !!!

Since purchasing my saddle I have not used a tree stand. Mine is a Tethrd Phantom. I have pre- set climbing sticks on the private land, and use portable sticks when hunting public land. For a platform I alternate between a Solo Scout or a Ring Of Steps. As was previously mentioned, check out John Eberhart, also saddlehunter.com for lots of helpful info.

When I get to a limb I put my linesman belt above it then unhook my top rope that is the tether and move it above limb and take linesman back off and go up again

BigJim, I know very little about tree saddles. I only did a search and posted a few pictures because someone asked for one. The last picture was done for the benefit of my friend DLay. He knows that 99% of the time I ground hunt.

I have been hunting with a saddle for close to 40 years. Currently an Eberhart ESS. I climb with 3 lone wolf sticks and use 2 to 3 in a additional steps at the same level as the top of my last stick. I do not like the platforms as I do not have the same control as the ring of steps. AT 67 I'm not trying to see how little weight I can carry or how little equipment I need, I'm pretty much locked in with what I have.

Nothing is always and nothing is never, so if a guy could get hung upside down, it's not impossible that he will at some point. I find these things interesting and somewhat confusing as well; you're are basically hanging in mid air many times, and then you're going to shoot at a deer, on an angle, maybe twenty feet up, while likely in motion or capable of motion on the shot. Seems like a bad shot waiting to happen. And this is better than a solid stand somehow?

You have lots more options to shoot. You can hide behind tree as deer approaches and shoot either side of tree depending on which way deer goes.

Even if I’m using a friends ladder stand I’m wearing my saddle as I can stand on seat and shoot behind stand

You can be far more stable shooting from a saddle than other types. You can not flip upside down. It can not be done. I have tried. You can not fall out unless you are missing several body parts. I have take dozens of game from saddles, both my home made seat as well as those sold commercially. For many like myself it is a superior system.

Mike, how comfortable is the saddle as far as hip pinch? Ive read where some guys say they are more comfortable in a saddle.

Not buying it as more stable than a solid stand. Nope. Sorry. Some of these guys struggle to hit a static target from a standing position on the ground. I certainly hope they are a lot better than that if they are in one of those thing.

George, I didn’t believe it either until I borrowed my son’s saddle for a test drive. I found it to be easier to maintain good shooting form compared to a tree stand. Also I was skeptical about being able to shoot a traditional bow out of it but I have no problem with my 60” recurve.

You’re not swinging from it when you shoot. Your feet are planted on either steps or a small platform. You sit or lean against the saddle. Use your legs to pivot around the tree for the best shot. No different than sitting in a chair except you are much more mobile.

MP

Yep. I shot a 68” Longbiw. Really doesn’t shot different. Just more options for where you can shoot. Win win

For those that have hunted a while out of a saddle, how is the comfort level? I know that can be subjective to the individual but just curious.

As far as comfort you will learn to find your sweet spot. A half inch in the to high of low can really make a difference. Hip pinch usually come from having to short of a bridge. I do find it best to have empty pockets. Comfort is relative . I get uncomfortable in my recliner after a while. Most days I move little other than locking or un locking my knees. George do you think the "guys" you are referring to shoot better from a standard tree stand. Most likely not.

there is a ton of options for hunting.. if you don't like the idea of a saddle, don't do it.

People have questions and concerns about saddles and are truly interested. Others here have no experience and bent on discouraging people from trying them. No where is it said that one must go higher in a tree while hunting from a saddle. My opinion is that you don't need to go as high because you are less obtrusive in the saddle position, just like you are standing upright from a tree stand.

You don't have to pick and choose trees because of limbs other than what is in the way of making clean shots. There are still many similarities between stands and saddles.

You should never have to be moving and shooting at the same time. If you can't shoot accurately from a saddle, you can't shoot accurately from a tree stand.. maybe not from the ground either.

It is far more likely to end up upside down and damaged from a climber than a saddle.

So if you want to hunt from a saddle, you can do it.. it is comfortable even in all day sits. If you don't, than don't and because you don't, I guess no one else should try either.

This wasn't a rant. I'm not upset with any naysayers. Just trying to help those that have questions on saddles. Like any other thread on the archery forums, the trick is to decide who has real world experience and who has real world opinion!

BigJim

Big Jim, Very good reply!

My big brother started saddle hunting shortly after I did and he is 62 years old and a believer too.

If you look back at the posts on this thread, everyone who says they have tried it likes it. It probably wouldn't replace a regular stand for every set up.. but I suppose for some, it might.

Usually, I put my saddle on at the truck and wear it in. It is comfortable and no issue to walk with.

My platform fits in a small back pack and all of my ropes fit in small bags attached to the saddle. The climbing system I use (muddy tree sticks) are lashed together and I carry them with a shoulder strap. Pretty simple.

I climb using a linemans belt and hook up my tether before removing the linemans belt... never not tied off to the tree. BigJim

You guys who are curious about it just have to try it out. I know some guys who have gone to it and like it and some that have tried it and went back to the simplicity of their Lone Wolf climbers. I found it a bit much having to deal with stick, linemans belt, etc so now I am giving using the saddle with a platform a try to combine the two for more simplicity. I don’t go that high so I find being behind the tree in a saddle can add to not being spotted. If all goes well I will have just a light climber platform on my back, the saddle on me, and a tether like always and it will make for a light and quick set up. I can tell you I found being securely tied in with a saddle makes me a hell of a lot more comfortable up a tree then standing on a small platform of a hang on stand. Safety wise the absolute only concern in a saddle would be while climbing up with a lineman’s rope and slipping or what your standing on gives out. With the platform I will at least be eliminating the lineman’s rope and climbing sticks.

“Safety wise the absolute only concern in a saddle would be while climbing up with a lineman’s rope and slipping or what your standing on gives outs.”

That there became my same frustration when climbing and setting steps. The safety solution I arrived at to simplify/reduce gear (and you’ll see it in my rock climbing harness pictures above) combines the tether and lineman’s rope into one— where the second mid-line prusik on the 11mm rope that the carabiner clips to keeps it from sliding down the trunk as I go. And this is also how I work it around limbs/brush after in clip my short line to either a limb or step. Then at height this rope functions as my tether and bridge either with a hang-on or platform/limb while using as a saddle. Incidentally, this year’s buck was shot off of an ordinary ladder stand while using it like a saddle. Worked great!

Well I bit! I have been wanting to try the saddle for a long time but just wouldn't pull the trigger but today I received my new tethrd phantom in the mail. I tried it on and adjusted everything to my size, best I could without a tree available. This weekend I'll spend more time with it to determine if it's for me. I really don't care for climbing sticks though and was thinking about the strap on tree steps. I used to use them in the seventies and eighties and liked them for hang on stands. Does anyone use them with a saddle, and how do you like them compared to climbing sticks?

I’ve used sticks and the Steppladder steps. Also used Cranford rope on steps. The sticks get you up the tree with fewer straps. The steps are easier to pack and carry, but require a strap for each step.

I first used lone wolf full sized sticks, but they were difficult to carry through the brush. I now use Novix mini sticks with cable aiders which are much more compact and don’t catch on things while walking through the woods.

MP

Well , I tried the phantom out yesterday and was pleasantly surprised. I had no platform or back support but did sit in it for around 3-4 hours. Finding a good position without the platform and back support was little hard, but I managed. I did see one small buck but no shot opportunity. My platform and back support is to be delivered on Monday so I expect this to be a great improvement. A little scary at first hanging from what I perceived as a very small string at around 14' up, but I became more at ease and confident as time slipped by. I could see this as my go to style of hunting, mostly public lands, with very little weight to carry. I will also be trying strap on steps versus climbing stick to see if this works for me. I don't mind a a few more minutes climbing if it will save on weight and bulk.

To Fellas on the fence, many here have shoulder issues, I do and don’t even like tree stands with no shoulder supports. They can’t hang for hours. What do you do with your arms in these? I don’t think it’s a great idea especially for styk guys as swinging around with a long bow is gotta be harder and the dexterity needed I think would be better for younger guys. I bet we sway toward older guys here. Another thing really gets me bout saddle guys and this is no dis to anyone is they claim it hides you greatly as the tree is between you and the deer. It’s walking at you now and you’ve got to move/twist I’d think. Just set your tree stand facing the way that deer happens by that way and have a much easier shot with your feet in the proper position all the while being comfortable. I think for younger guys it could be an option. I’ll also say there’s a comment about “everyone who tries it likes it”. That’s just among some who commented. Too many issues that could change that like the guys tried it once in a backyard tree 3 minutes. None of my friends who’ve got one use them. I don’t know the models they’ve tried. The other comment about being able to shoot better, I can’t say but again every shooting discipline starts with stance. Yes you can practice to adjust but better? Can’t believe that’s correct. Not logical and prob not too common. This isn’t to sway anyone, only offer considerations as I’m sure no method is best for anyone but our mind needs open.

Aint no way I am hanging on a tree like that. I don't like heights and I don't like that shot angle.

Just a note for oldtoe3. It is. It recommended to use a caribiner around a tree like that. They are meant for a straight pull and not as strong with side pressure on them. I got the Pezel like this

Guar, thanks for the watchful eye and tip. You are absolutely right about side loading and I’d flat overlooked that important aspect. I’m gonna make changes before I venture out/up again.

Over lunch I removed the carabiner, tied a stopper knot in its place, and added a sliding paracord cinch on the loop of my mid-line prussic. The new stopper knot on this end of rope gets passed around tree and fed through mid-line prussic loop. Loop gets cinched ahead of stopper knot and the prussic then cinches rope around tree trunk. The other end of my rope and harness is unchanged.

All comments, suggestions, concerns welcome!

i find it easier to shoot from a saddle than a fixed stand. its simple really,in a saddle you can lean over with your torso very easily and keep good form for the shot. i find this hard to do from a fixed stand. also your butt is secure and you are very stable for the shot, assuming you set up right. also if youve never shot from a saddle then your opinion of the matter is, well…

old3toe, im not sure what you have there but i dont like the looks of it. i just use a stitched tether and just girth hitch it. -Mike

old3toe, no offense intended but you couldnt pay me to hang off of that. it made me cringe a little. im no climbing expert but that scares me. stay safe, Mike

No worries Bighorn… is there a particular portion that you find suspect?

Using anything other than a loop in the tether to hitch around the tree seems risky to me. I've attached a pic of how I do it. It's the best overall way that I've found. I like the speed of a biner, but it tends to fall down and it's one more thing to make noise. this is how John Eberhart does it and where I got the technique from.

The way to loop goes over the stopper can be released. Probably easily, which is convenient but could happen by accident or could be partially set and then let go. A loop and girth hitch can't fail unless the rope fails....

Bighorns pic shows the proper setup. Then below that you have a friction hitch and carabiner attached to the bridge of your saddle. The friction hitch allows you to change how far you want to lean or sit in the saddle.

MP

Yes, so I got the friction hitch adjustability part. Girth hitching is proper and basically foolproof. My snag (punn intended) with conventional tether/lineman’s rope are the unconventional trees where I hunt.

Bighorn. What do you do while climbing with that when you encounter a limb ?

Yes it’s annoying that my tether likes to fall down while climbing. I add a small rubber tie to keep it from happening

Bighorn. What do you do while climbing with that when you encounter a limb ?

Yes it’s annoying that my tether likes to fall down while climbing. I add a small rubber tie to keep it from happening

Here’s version 2.3 from this morning. Basically the prussic is girth hitched around the stopper instead of a simple loop. This seems way more secure. The red-blue paracord now doesn’t “cinch” anything— it only helps to quickly re-form the hitch after undoing it in order to redo it. I may wrap it further so it doesn’t slide at all. Only downside thus far is I no longer got a one handed operation like the carabiner was, but it also can’t be side loaded or make noise. Should get me around limbs and such about the same tho.

hi gaur. i just use my tether as a second linemans belt. just sling it above the limb and unhook the 1st lineman. keep repeating until youre where you want to be. if when you get to top you are using your tether as a line man just swap in the line man for the tether as the line man and youre free to set up the tether. my tether and lineman are almost interchangable. actually now that you brought it up next year they will be completely interchangeable. lol

old3toe. that seems better. but im not sure how thats better or safer than a loop girth hitched… Theres a saddlehunting forum that guys really geek out on gear. and safety. theres tons of saddlehunting and climbing experience there. safety at heights is not a great place to experiment with new techniques unless you are a very experienced climber. my 2 cents….

Don't use any system you can't easily connect to in the dark. You can get some surprises when the sun come up. I once climbed the wrong tree. At sunup the wind picked up and I noticed my tree was swaying like crazy. It was completely dead from just above my head up.

im no expert at saddle hunting btw. i know what works for me and is safe and i enjoy it. ill tell you if i think something doesnt look safe.

What onehair said x2

I have a tetherd phantom now, started with greens saddle many years ago. I also use a single stick to climb. I find its comfortable and has made me a better hunter as I spend more time preparing for the shot. I will also add that in 53 and 240lbs. I can walk forever with this light easy to use system.

I am going to have to watch some you tube videos on these things. They are kind of intriguing but the pictures you guys post and the more you discuss the equipment the more confused I am getting

NY Saddle hunter, tehrd, and john eberhart have a ton of videos. It's really not complicated. I'd start with the videos by tethrd on their site. Good luck.

To each their own but at 62 years old I don't find hanging from a sling very appealing.

Greg, some of the confusion is probably me thinking and experimenting a bit out of the box on my gear choices in this thread. Sure There are specific names and terms for things, but all-in-all the simplicity and of it all makes good sense when you use it.

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