Is Your Saddle Hunting Setup Slowing You Down? 5 Signs It’s Time to Upgrade
A well-built saddle hunting setup should help you hunt more efficiently, stay comfortable longer, and move quietly through the woods.
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Fred Bear once said “The history of the bow and arrow is the history of mankind.” This sentiment rings especially true in the ever-evolving world of hunting gear. In recent years, saddle hunting has transformed mobile hunting…
Not all gear is created equal, especially in saddle hunting. Over the past few years, saddle hunting has transformed mobile hunting, offering a lightweight and versatile option that many find more comfortable than traditional lock-ons or climbers. However, getting started with saddle hunting can feel overwhelming, so I’ve broken down the essentials, optional gear that can make your life easier in the tree, and other tools that can enhance your overall hunting experience.
Saddle Hunting must haves:
Tree Platform: The tree platform connects to the tree once you reach your desired height. It provides a stable surface to stand on during the hunt. These come in different shapes, sizes, and weights. Some are better to lean back in compared to kneeling up against the tree with, so pick the one that’s most comfortable to your style of saddle hunting. You can try a variety of platforms at trade shows or select outdoor/hunting retail stores all around the US.
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Saddle: This is the centerpiece and will be what you sit in to keep you in the tree. When picking a saddle to go into your gear list you want them to be lightweight, breathable and extremely comfortable. They come in a double panel which is two separate pieces, typically connected at two points to allow for more adjustment. You also have single panel saddles that are made to be easy to use right out of the box.
Climbing Methods: There are many ways to climb a tree. The most common method is using climbing sticks, though single-sticking is gaining popularity due to its lightweight benefits. Other techniques, like Double Rope Technique (DRT) and Single Rope Technique (SRT), are less common but still used by some saddle hunters.
Tethered and Lineman’s Rope: These ropes are essential for safety—use them to secure yourself while climbing and to anchor yourself to the tree once you’re ready to hunt. Most ropes range from 8mm to 13mm in diameter, with the smaller 8mm ropes being easier to store in your dump pouch.
Climbing-rated Carabiners: These are essential for connecting your gear safely. Climbing-rated carabiners meet strict strength requirements and are labeled with certifications like “CE EN,” which shows compliance with European safety standards, and “UIAA,” which indicates the carabiner has passed additional international safety tests for climbing and mountaineering. Look for carabiners with these labels, along with strength ratings in kilonewtons (kN) printed on the spine, to ensure they meet the necessary safety standards for saddle hunting.
Backpack: A well-designed backpack is more than a convenience—it’s an essential piece of gear for a smooth hunting experience. When selecting a backpack for saddle hunting, there are a few key features to consider…
Dump pouch: These are personal preferences for how many you want to use. Some people carry one, others carry two. I personally like to use one on each side of me and they are used for your ropes as well as other smaller gear that can fit. CRÜZR makes a zip pouch™ and the great things about these are they don’t only connect to your saddle but to the Escape Pack™ for convenience and extra storage when not in use on the saddle.
Additional gear that’s recommended but not a must:
Bow Holder/ gear strap: Although I don’t have this on the essential list it’s definitely at the top of the additional gear list for the fact that it’s an important way to be organized. When you are in the tree, you shouldn’t have to worry about holding your gear or leaving it on the ground.. Having a good gear strap helps you have everything you need in reach and ready to go when it matters the most.
Bow Rope: A bow rope is essential for raising and lowering your bow while climbing. Any sturdy rope will work, as long as it’s long enough to reach your desired tree height. Many hunters use paracord or a Doyle’s Hoist system for this purpose. The bow rope allows you to keep your hands free during the climb, enhancing safety by ensuring you can maintain a secure grip while ascending or descending the tree.
Madrock Belay Device: Although this is not needed for saddle hunting, it is preferred for some as a way to belay and rappel up and down a tree. This is mostly used with a single stick hunting method.(This is on the recommended list because not everybody uses a single stick method. If you do use a single stick method this item would be on the must haves.)
Kong Duck: This is a compact, adjustable, and lightweight ascender device that helps you adjust your position on the lineman rope and tether rope easily. This is easier in comparison to adjusting a prusik knot up and down on the ropes. After using this device I will be adding it to my gear list for the upcoming season. Although it’s not on the must list, it’s definitely recommended to try just for the fact it makes making adjustments very easy and quick.
Clip/ S-Carabiner: I use these to attach my sticks to the saddle while climbing, so I can easily reach behind, grab a stick and attach it to the tree as I go. It keeps the climbing smooth and steady without having to go up and down the tree repeatedly. This is good because it decreases sweating and climbing fatigue.
Knee pad: While not a must-have, good knee pads like the Knees Ease™ pad make a big difference for comfort during long sits against the tree. On early morning hunts, I sometimes even wrap it around my rope to rest my head on.
Final Thoughts
Every hunter will have unique preferences and additional gear based on their specific needs and hunting environment, but this list covers the essentials for getting started with saddle hunting. While not every item is mandatory, certain pieces are crucial to ensure you’re comfortable and safe in the tree. Here’s a quick recap of the must-haves:
Familiarize yourself with your gear, and good luck this season! Always remember—safety comes first.
-Michael Chaney
*This article has been edited from its original for style and clarity.
A well-built saddle hunting setup should help you hunt more efficiently, stay comfortable longer, and move quietly through the woods.
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