Just thought I would add my two cents here, I am also new to this forum but posted how I climb on ropes in the "old" tree saddle thread which I am glad to see has it's own forum now btw.
I have been climbing trees for ~5 years now, first 3 years professionally (2 as an arborist and 1 year building ropes courses and zip-lines) and the last 2 just recreationally and a little freelance work. In my first week of learning how to climb for tree work I sold my climbing tree stand to buy a trophyline tree saddle, some of those high density plastic strap on steps that were discontinued or recalled to use as a platform and a lumbar pack from cabelas for carrying the steps, and other in the tree/hunting necessities as well as a small lightweight stuff-able pack for deer meat. Basically almost as light weight as I can be while still getting into a tree at any height, any distance I can walk, which is normally far to get in to public lands areas that are less pressured.
I normally go to pre-scouted locations, for two reasons; firstly to scout and be in the woods! second to prep set lines for pulling up rope. I suggest that when you go scouting and setting up line to use a throw bag collapsible box/hamper as it makes the throw bag experience much less frustrating. LIke this one:
Its not too expensive and helps keep debris from fowling up your toss and its faster to lay your line back in for follow up shots. For run and gun in the afternoon I just use my new tribe stuff sack for a throw bag (oh yeah I have a New Tribe Tree Fox too, that I use for rec. climbing and freelance tree work, I bought just before they came out with the aero, would have got that instead and just kept my burly not so comfortable Buckingham saddle for work). And if I decide to run and gun in the morning which is not often I use a hand drill and bolts, if legal in the area. The tree hugger part of me (yes, although I used to cut down trees for a living I do have one) doesn't approve of this method.
Personally I climb on a double rope system (using a distel hitch) as it is less expensive due to less metal devices needed, lighter, and less chance for metal on metal noises, if I drop something by accident I can tie a fisherman's and blake's hitch and still be a fully functioning saddle hunter.
Just my opinion (dont work or get paid by any of the following):
New Tribe is awesome, they have been innovative in bridging gaps from the start of tree climbing (read The Wild Trees while you hang in your tree this fall, good read).
And if your looking for tree climbing gear other I recommend treestuff.com, great customer service, often throw in free gear like gardening gloves which are great for rope work but also more expensive goodies like webbing extensions and the things that keep your rope in one side of the biner whatever they are called. They also have a good youtube channel for beginners and experts alike.
