beginner questions!

[Gusarch]

While I wait for my Kestrel to arrive, I've been thinking of all the questions I need to answer. I have never been in a saddle before, but have rigged up a harness, a few linemen s ropes and such and have been pretending around the house. Just 8 inches off the ground mind you. Since its just a rigging and not the real product, its hard to get a feel for the location of the different connection points, So I thought I would use this to ask the questions that pop in my head, and graciously receive any input you have. I have been hanging stands with sticks and steps for quite a while, so it mostly revolves around use of the saddle itself, and the kestrel specifically.
So first thing- dressing. Bottoms obviously are on before going up, but do you all fully dress your top before heading up also? Can you put on / remove coats and shirts while at the top, and if so, do you clip back into your linesman belt while doing so, or can it be done with the bridge and tether in place? Simple, I know. But, baby steps! I'm certain season will be out before the Kestrel gets here, so I'll have all winter to play with it. And Spring. And summer.

 

[Boudreaux]

No, I typically carry my jacket up with me. So in short, jackets and shirts can be added while in the saddle. You don't need to hook up your linemans belt, but if you want to or would feel more safe then go ahead.

Thanks,
Boswell

 

[sb220]

yeah everything waist up is unrestricted. Even the lower half may be open now....I never cut off leg loops from my treesaddle, but with the quick release buckles and a platform I don't see why I couldnt add an outer bottom layer.

kuiu puff pants Gonna have to lean or bring some kneepads with em though...seem delicate like all puff stuff

 

[redsquirrel]

If I'm just adding a shirt or vest I can do it without hooking up the lineman's belt. If I'm adding a heavier layer I will usually put it on so I can loosen the saddle to get it tucked in right.

 

[Gusarch]

That's great to hear... Thanks guys.

Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

 

[sir_tob]

Yeah it's doable with it still on. Watch out with the length of bridge or it might drop down and that's where you start being unsafe. But just unbuckled you're still ok.

 

[Gusarch]

Thanks all. Thought #2... Backpacks. Where do you all hang them? Assuming you don't have another tree close, you just hang it on the side you figure least likely to have to maneuver?

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[redsquirrel]

Thanks all. Thought #2... Backpacks. Where do you all hang them? Assuming you don't have another tree close, you just hang it on the side you figure least likely to have to maneuver?

Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

I am righty. I hang my back pack usually somewhere around 2-3 oclock on the tree. At this position I am able to work around it to shoot 360. I am experimenting with hanging my pack from a rope below my feet to keep it out of my way too. That is new.

 

[justsomedude]

My latest backpack has external "Shove-It" pockets that are big enough to hold upper layers.
I hike/climb in base layer and I have a mid-fleece, wind resistant fleece, insulated jacket and a compact windbreaker that I can add or subtract as needed.

For botoms, find pants with Hip Zip vents, zipper side leg openings etc.
Mine are Kuiu and some random snow pants