Info on climbing saddles

camobob · Oct 6, 2017

I'm thinking about trying a saddle for ease of carry on public property. Looks like the full rig including climbing sticks is between 10 and 15 pounds but definitely not cheap. Does anyone have experience with these?

Biggfoot44 · Oct 6, 2017

10-15 lb is pretty light. But sticks long enough to comfortably touch the ground from a normal riding position are going to be pretty awkward.

camobob · Oct 6, 2017

I've seen several sectional sticks as well as strap on steps. If I do this I'll probably try the Muddy pro sticks with rope aiders on the bottom. Works on Youtube

Doco Overboard · Oct 6, 2017

If your talking about a climbing saddle like what and arborist would use yes. I still own one from when I did tree removal and use occasionally use it. Ive seen them advertised for deer hunting in the past but wouldn't recommend one. When you sit in it for awhile without moving they become uncomfortable. They are ok for a work positioning system but only for a short while then you have to move. They are better served as a fall arrest system while climbing. I haven't looked at the video to see exactly how they're rigged but remaining stationary is hard on your lower back, abdomen and hips for any length of time.

camobob · Oct 7, 2017

Doco - I think you're right. The hunting slings are patterned after the arborist slings. My worry is exactly what you said, sitting motionless for hours. I was hoping someone on this board had tried one.

Doco Overboard · Oct 7, 2017

I haven't seen the exact one your looking at but if you don't have a chance to stand on anything the compression from the belt will fatigue you and then become painful at a more frequent interval the longer you sit.
No doubt they work but in practice you might find it challenging with extended use.

outrider58 · Oct 7, 2017

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suspension_trauma

Sewer Rat · Oct 8, 2017

Extended use sucks... have the original tree saddle. Short sits, they are great. When scouting during season, have one with strap on steps in my pack. Find a spot, climb and observe. If a truly good spot, I mark and return with my climber for extended sits.

If your intentions are for extended sits, make sure you have your steps (or a branch) handy to allow your legs to come up into a seated position; take the "pinch" off your legs. Otherwise, it gets uncomfortable.

Derwood · Oct 8, 2017

You're better off getting a very lightweight climbing tree stand. I got a Lone Wolf last year and really like it.

camobob · Oct 9, 2017

Derwood said:
You're better off getting a very lightweight climbing tree stand. I got a Lone Wolf last year and really like it.

After several days reading this is also what I came to. I looked at a LOT of lightweight stands and 20lbs seems to be about the norm. My Summit is 28 fully loaded but I have an old Buckshot that'll come in right around 20 with a web seat. I just ordered Mollie straps and belt - figure that'll make it easy enough to carry, Thanks for all the input guys - Glad I asked before buying!!!

lazarus · Oct 9, 2017

Bulkier, but some of the aluminum climbing stands weigh about 15-16lbs for a basic one.

camobob · Oct 9, 2017

lazarus said:
Bulkier, but some of the aluminum climbing stands weigh about 15-16lbs for a basic one.

Teach me something.
I need a front rail.
Everything I've seen is close to 20lbs except the X-stand folder which is dangerous according to reviews.
I looked at the Muddy folder but the reviews were not great and there was some question as to whether it really weighed 15lbs.
My ideal stand would weigh 15lbs, fold flat and keep me safe.
Something like Treewalker isn't gonna save me any bulk and it's only a pound or two lighter.
Not being a wise a$$ here - I really really couldn't find anything reasonable so that's why I'm cleaning up my old Buckshot.
What am I missing?

outrider58 · Oct 9, 2017

I have this one http://www.summitstands.com/summit-specialist-sd-climbing-treestand-mossy-oakr-camo. It's one of the lightest 'good' stands out there. I'm not sure it is still made. I wrap it in camo burlap(every year cause the squirrels strip it of by the end of winter to add to their nests). It renders it completely invisible and completely sound proof. I have a little pack strapped to it with necessaries. It probably weighs in at around 23-25 lbs. I liked my API better. It was way more user friendly but started at 26-28 lbs before all the add-ons.

lazarus · Oct 9, 2017

http://www.summitstands.com/treestand-comparison-chart/

They claim they’ve got one climber at 15lbs and a couple of models at 18.

outrider58 · Oct 10, 2017

lazarus said:
http://www.summitstands.com/treestand-comparison-chart/

They claim they’ve got one climber at 15lbs and a couple of models at 18.

Just a warning: Those open front stands are not fun spending a whole day in.

For those looking to add a shooting rail, Summit has that covered too. I have one, but I didn't like it much so I don't use it. But for some, it might be a must.

http://www.summitstands.com/large-stand-gun-rest

Derwood · Oct 16, 2017

In my opinion, the rail is well worth it for two reasons: I rest my bow or rifle on it and I attach a dump pouch that I use as a cup/book holder. I sit more still if I have a book and can stay there longer if I can have my water bottle handy. I also usually screw a hook into the tree to hang my little day pack with necessities and snacks, and a I hang my bow or rifle on the other one some of the time.

Burlap and duct tape are a good way to silence the little clinks and clanks that will come with any metal stand. I also sometimes use a little bit of the scent-free hunting bar soap as a lubricant on any of the joints that squeak. I once used my chapstick to eliminate a squeak that come up while hunting.

Info on climbing saddles

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