So I saw a company is selling a saddle with backpack straps. So I quickly modified my H2 with a spare set i had on hand. LOVE it on te ground. Game changer
Opinions? How does this 'harness alter fit, comfort etc in the tree? While climbing?
I picked up a set of molle compatible backpack straps from amazon. Four short straps with plastic loops go through the molle loops on my saddle. The backpack straps just clip to those. I love it for how I hunt. I started by dropping the straps and letting them hang under my butt in the tree but I just leave them in place now. They are a little loose in the tree to not impede motion and the saddle sags just a pinch while walking compared to what I'd do if I were hiking in a LONG way.
I need pictures to understand what problem this solves.
( Sorry. Still a major work-in-progress... )
I don't carry a pack.I have a 3-pocket tethrd pouch for my ropes and bow hanger. I have a molle magazine dump pouch that holds my release, face mask, gloves, rangefinder, talc, small saw, and small flashlight.I use an allen retriever as a bow hoist (I'll take the bulk of it over a loose rope), and I use an S-biner for my platform on my right hip. The left hip has another S-biner that my top two sticks hook to when I'm climbing. Basically its all of my gear for a hunt all in my saddle. The shoulder straps take all of the weight.
I've thought about just moving to a pack, but I'd still end up with my ropes in the pouch, clip my platform on to climb, and need to hang two steps. And then I'd have a backpack to hoist and hang. If I was hiking in a mile or more then maybe. Currently I have a recovery backpack that stays in the truck. If I shoot one, I take my bow, steps, saddle, etc back to the truck and swap for the recovery bag (which has a knife, drag rope, etc). I'm not hunting so far from the truck that I can't take 20 minutes to talk back, swap gear, and come back in. By then the deer's on the ground for 40 minutes which is plenty for a good shot. A bad shot I go home and wait. If I was hunting the back woods like many here, I would do things differently.