Accessories-Must Haves!!!

[BA-IV]

So I did something I said I wouldn’t do again and ordered another saddle and going to give it an honest to goodness season with it to see if I’ve changed any and like it. I ordered a Cruzr cuz I value comfort over just about anything else besides being mobile. I’m gonging to do it alil different and buy a platform instead of a ROS or my top stick. I’ll be using my beast sticks to climb as well.

Here’s the question, with all the companies out there now making accessories, if you COULDN’T do without one or two accessories like a bridge spreader or a back band or a clip for sticks on the back or whatever, I wanna know what it is you can’t live without on a saddle and who makes it!

 

[VaBruiser]

After using HSS ropes for both my tether and lineman's for years, I can't tell you how much of a difference it has made since switching to ropes put together by @Brocky . They are awesome.

 

[Weldabeast]

This needs a tiny bit of modification. it won't roll up and fit in ur pocket or anything like that.....but u said comfort is high on ur priority list. It is a must have item for me..... Best back band there is that I know of and I'm constantly looking. I got a bad back and gotta have something more than a duffle bag strap

https://ameristep.com/easyback-lumbar-support-backrest/

 

[woodsdog2]

I’ve never once used a bridge spreader or a back band. Haven’t once really “felt” the need but that’s an individual thing. I can hang for hours in my saddle and be quite comfortable. About two years ago I went down to one pouch for my tether as I simply daisy chain my LB. I don’t use clips to carry my platform or sticks up I just have a couple of adjustable amsteel sliding loops that girth hitch around molle loops on the saddle. They are always there and are silent. I do use stick clips of some kind depending on the stick so I don’t have three sticks “Chandeliering” around me as I climb. I peel off a stick as I go from the one main stack. My platform is in my back left side out of the way until I’m at HH. Trying to keep my saddle super light.

All that being said, I’m trying something different this season I’m trying to not have to use my pack for more local hunts and preset locations. So I’m adding CGM pouches on each side of my saddle to carry everything I need for the actual hunt with no pack. Will have to add the pack if I’m using sticks and platform.

 

[elk yinzer]

If you value comfort a back band and knee pads seems pretty obvious. Never tried a spreader, I don't have a hip pinch problem which that is intended to mitigate. I second using quality ropes and cordage and/or hardware.

 

[Nosaj]

I find my platform much more comfortable than my ROS, so that should help. A good pack that will carry your stuff comfortably is a big one for me. Finding a good pack is probably the most subjective since it will depend on lots of details specific to how, when and where you hunt. If you hunt close with minimal additional layers and wear your saddle in you will need a completely different setup compared to someone who hikes for an hour to get to their spot, in 30 deg. temps, packs their saddle in and has to pack out their kill. Good luck.

 

[bowhunthard88]

Some sort of back band, good knee pads, and an adjustable bridge! Preferences will depend on what you like lol. I use the Cruzr back band, either Tethrd or Arc'teryx knee pads, and I tie my own bridge setups (barring the sewn loop on one end).

 

[BTaylor]

Just the opposite, I want the least amount of accessories possible. I predominantly hunt in sitka mountain pants because the knee pads are built in, not something I have to carry. Built a one stick platform so I dont have to mess with two things. I use a remote release hitch on my rappel rope, a cornell hitch and munter so I dont have to deal with quick links or belay devices going up or down the tree. Just my opinion but simple is easier, quieter, and lighter which adds up to better.

 

[boyne bowhunter]

I'm a sitter, knees to the tree using a platform, because it enables me to remain more still. I tend to unconsciously swing around a bit when leaning. Because of the knees to the tree position I need a knee pad of some sort. I really dislike wearing kneepads so I just put a small pad in my pack and hang it in front of me to protect my knees. That's the only real accessory I find I want/need. As @BTaylor said, finding a simple, repeatable solution that works every time is important to me.

 

[dbow0603]

This year I purchased a etrex solar and have been testing it out. It works in the deep woods and so far has been able to help navigation out of thick woods. My reason for purchase was because I'll walk in with light, however walking out when it's dark I can get turned around. This little unit works better than my cell phone.

 

[bfriendly]

Nothing out of the ordinary, but I like and use leg straps. The leg straps on my Buzzard are amazing! For one sticking it’s a cam cleat and extended handle such as a giant gear tie.

I'm a sitter, knees to the tree using a platform, because it enables me to remain more still. I tend to unconsciously swing around a bit when leaning. Because of the knees to the tree position I need a knee pad of some sort. I really dislike wearing kneepads so I just put a small pad in my pack and hang it in front of me to protect my knees. That's the only real accessory I find I want/need. As @BTaylor said, finding a simple, repeatable solution that works every time is important to me.

I actually like wearing knee pads and forget I have them on after a few steps and my pant legs adjust…..lol But totally agree with needing something between my knees and the tree.

 

[katiesmom]

Two pouches, one on either side of my saddle. Mine hold my tether and LB on the right side and my equipment strap to hang bow and pack on left. My pouches are fleece made by DanO and they are going into their 5th season this fall.

 

[Center Punch]

This needs a tiny bit of modification. it won't roll up and fit in ur pocket or anything like that.....but u said comfort is high on ur priority list. It is a must have item for me..... Best back band there is that I know of and I'm constantly looking. I got a bad back and gotta have something more than a duffle bag strap

https://ameristep.com/easyback-lumbar-support-backrest/

View attachment 102386

How does this collapse down and pack away?

 

[Weldabeast]

How does this collapse down and pack away?

It doesn't
It's kinda a pain to back. I wear it like a turtle shell with the strap around my chest

 

[Center Punch]

It doesn't
It's kinda a pain to back. I wear it like a turtle shell with the strap around my chest

Bummer. It really should be able fold away like the pop-up blinds that use a similar band around the perimeter of the material.
( did I describe that well enough??? I don't know )

I like the shoulder strap thing well enough though.

 

[Weldabeast]

Bummer. It really should be able fold away like the pop-up blinds that use a similar band around the perimeter of the material.
( did I describe that well enough??? I don't know )

I like the shoulder strap thing well enough though.

Agreed....I would like it that much more if it folded up.

 

[tailgunner]

tubular webbing carabiner covers.bow hanger.wire camando saw..quieter and lighter than a hand saw.trail blazer clippers/shooting lane makers...oh and tool lanyard

 

[tailgunner]

This needs a tiny bit of modification. it won't roll up and fit in ur pocket or anything like that.....but u said comfort is high on ur priority list. It is a must have item for me..... Best back band there is that I know of and I'm constantly looking. I got a bad back and gotta have something more than a duffle bag strap

https://ameristep.com/easyback-lumbar-support-backrest/

View attachment 102386

My dude has a recliner and a foot cushion...
Can you say..tree pimp.like the Hugh Hefner of saddle hunting....bet he also has a plush smokers robe and house shoes

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[Weldabeast]

More like borderline Larry flynt..