Red Sparky Report post Posted October 19, 2016 I figured I would put this in bowhunting rather than gear. Thoughts and opinions on tree stand vs. tree saddle. I have been researching this quite a bit and I am thinking about going to a tree saddle. I use a rock climbing (RC) harness now as my safety system for work going up poles and tie off when working from equipment. It seems like with the saddle you are facing the tree instead of having your back to it. It seems you have more movement around the tree so you can get better shot angles. It also seems like saddles are lighter and quieter than stands. So are saddles the future of hunting from trees? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest oneshot Report post Posted October 21, 2016 "tree saddle"... is this a sling type of dealy or a small platform that wedges into the trunk/limbs??? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mattys281 Report post Posted October 21, 2016 Tree saddles are very useful for hunting from irregular trees that are hard to put a regular stand in. They are also a great light weight option for pack in hunters. I hunted out of these last fall in nebraska. They take a little getting used to, but are great for being able to move around and keep the tree between you and your game. You can draw behind the tree and then step out to shoot. They also allow for 360 degrees of coverage where as all treestands have a blind spot. I wouldnt give up my climber for the world, but definitely will be adding a tree saddle to the arsenal. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mattys281 Report post Posted October 21, 2016 As an added note, the saddle is good for a few hours, but can get uncomfortable. My limit in them was 3-4 hours. For an all day sit I would find a way to use a treestand with a nice hammock style seat. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GreyGhost85 Report post Posted October 21, 2016 the tree saddle from what i can tell is just a spin on a tower climbing harness. tower harnesses have a thick padded aluminum seat and are made to hang in all day long. i have logged thousands of hours in them climbing towers for a living. never thought about using one for hunting. i've got a few real nice ones in my garage with all the rigging, being that i don't climb anymore. might be time to dust one off and give it a try. the only problem i see is your legs are going to get tired from bracing yourself off the tree all day. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Red Sparky Report post Posted October 22, 2016 The sling type thingy. I find my rock climbing harness very comfortable. From what I have seen of tree saddles most of the weight is on your butt and back of the legs and you mainly sit in it. You can add a back support by having another strap tying into your bridge. You have to have some form of step around the tree to step up on when you are shooting. Your legs either straddle the tree or use knee pads to rest your knees against it without any weight on them. I am going to put up a used power pole in the back yard and start shooting from it. I don't plan on being in it except for about 4 hours in the morning and four hours in the evening elk hunting. 2 hours a day practicing out of it will let me know if I am happy or not. I have found about 3 ambush spots for elk on public land where it would be beneficial and not have the cost of 3 different tree stands to be stolen. I do have one stand now for an all day sit. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mattys281 Report post Posted October 22, 2016 Sounds like a good plan. I had to tie a pad onto the tree for my knees and the spots we were hunting my buddy had preset with the climbing stick ladder thingies and a 3step system strapped on so you only had to clip onto the prusiks knot and climb up. When you do it, make sure you use 3 steps at the top not just 2, this will allow you to go all the way around the tree if necessary. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chris Report post Posted October 30, 2016 Get a good treestand like Summit and you'll be comfortable, while sitting, standing, and shooting. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Steve O Report post Posted October 30, 2016 Red, If you decide to go the saddle route I have an Ambush Tree Saddle setup that is basically new. Saddle, bridge, steps setup for top platform, etc. They are a lightweight quiet stand setup that keeps you well camouflaged. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Titanium700 Report post Posted November 27, 2016 Google up Guidos Web on the net. I have a brand new one I've never used and will sell it. I've got near $400 in mine (they are pricey) but would sell it for $325 (I've got extra belts and such with mine) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Maverick351 Report post Posted December 3, 2016 Steve O pm sent Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
