I’m about to take the plunge. One question regarding climbing safety.

[Jeff F.]

I’m a new hunter of roughly 4 years. I primarily hunt public land. I’ve managed to get meat in the freezer each season but I can’t get comfortable in a treestand. Climbers are ok but limit the trees I use, ladder stands are not practical for a mobile hunter who is still trying to figure it out, and hang and hunt set ups look way too busy for me.

I’m really questioning my sanity as I’m about to drop $400 on another piece of deer gear lol.

My plan right now is to pick up some decent climbing sticks and a Kestrel saddle.

My last question is in regards to climbing safely. I don’t like the idea of only using a lineman’s belt when climbing as it will not stop a fall (it might stop me or it might just make it less worse.....or it might make it worse by putting me in just the right position to gut me with the climbing sticks).

When I use my climber I just move my treestrap up the tree as I go.

Can I ditch the lineman’s belt and just move the primary kestrel tree rope up as I go??? Does anybody do this or have any other ideas???

Thanks!

 

[Bigterp]

Welcome to the site! I would get really comfortable with a linesman’s belt, if you want to back it up moving your tether up as you go that’s fine. I think you’ll move away from that eventually. Definitely don’t use a tether instead of a linesman’s belt, I think your asking for trouble, plus it’s nice to have your hands free. If you slip you don’t really fall with a linesman’s belt, you just get personal with the tree. As for a public land setup it’s thought to beat. If you find you don’t like it, it’s easier to sell/ship than a stand...........

 

[Homebrew454]

I'm new to saddle hunting as well and from what I've read some make an x with the lineman's belt crossing in front of them which will help with what you're describing. Others use a tree squeeze on the lineman's belt.

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[Homebrew454]

The topic "bored at work" has some good info on this subject. I haven't figured out how to post the topic/thread from tapatalk.

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[Jeff F.]

I'm new to saddle hunting as well and from what I've read some make an x with the lineman's belt crossing in front of them which will help with what you're describing. Others use a tree squeeze on the lineman's belt.

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Gotcha the “x” seems logical....

 

[Jeff F.]

Welcome to the site! I would get really comfortable with a linesman’s belt, if you want to back it up moving your tether up as you go that’s fine. I think you’ll move away from that eventually. Definitely don’t use a tether instead of a linesman’s belt, I think your asking for trouble, plus it’s nice to have your hands free. If you slip you don’t really fall with a linesman’s belt, you just get personal with the tree. As for a public land setup it’s thought to beat. If you find you don’t like it, it’s easier to sell/ship than a stand...........

That makes sense. The lineman’s belt would help me climb safer but adding the tether too would add some security.

I don’t have a fear of heights.....but I’m also not super comfortable with them either.

 

[Homebrew454]

I think I read that the kestrel is running into issues with it's buckles and won't be shipping again until October not positive though. You may want to look at Tethryd's mantis, which should start shipping in next couple of weeks or the Aero kite, which is made by the same manufacturer of the kestrel.

I ordered the Mantis but have been practicing with a homemade sit drag and rock climbing harness, which is really comfortable. There is a lot of great info on this site for sure. I would recommend spending some time looking around the site. Also Donnieballgame had really informative post that is a sticky in the area saddle information for the new user. I would really recommend looking at his post/sticky.

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[Bigterp]

That makes sense. The lineman’s belt would help me climb safer but adding the tether too would add some security.

I don’t have a fear of heights.....but I’m also not super comfortable with them either.

Just takes some practice & it’s second nature. You’ll develop a safe system that works for you. Then perfect it! It will become more comfortable, quicker & silent.

 

[Jeff F.]

I think I read that the kestrel is running into issues with it's buckles and won't be shipping again until October not positive though. You may want to look at Tethryd's mantis, which should start shipping in next couple of weeks or the Aero kite, which is made by the same manufacturer of the kestrel.

I ordered the Mantis but have been practicing with a homemade sit drag and rock climbing harness, which is really comfortable. There is a lot of great info on this site for sure. I would recommend spending some time looking around the site. Also Donnieballgame had really informative post that is a sticky in the area saddle information for the new user. I would really recommend looking at his post/sticky.

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Son of a gun. I want to have it by sept 1st to start practicing.

Are all the brands models pretty comparable or are there any to stay away from?

 

[Homebrew454]

I'm still awaiting my first saddle and tried a couple of things last year. I know the sit drag I made is comfortable for me but I also know others found it uncomfortable. I know others have been trying to sell their kestrels on the forum. Not sure if there are any still left. You could post that you're wanting to buy one. I'll differ to others on the comforts and comparability on the saddles. Here is a link to a YouTube comparison of the 2 aero saddles.

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[hauscaliber]

If you like climbing with your tether, check out this video:

http://saddlehunter.com/community/index.php?threads/video-on-how-i-one-stick.7359/

 

[Mdballer54]

The linemens belt really frees up your hands and when you lean back pins you to the tree. I understand the concern for falling, but it really helps prevent that fall. You can move the belt up the tree in small increments and keep it higher if you are worried about sliding down the tree. That will keep you close to a position where the rope is biting the tree and your weight is being supported.