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Kestrel mods

IMG_2855.JPG Fleece pouch with shock cord drawstring. I can stuff my linemans belt with carabiners/Ropeman and even the bridge/carabiner in it.

If your pouches get too far to the back and too far out on the sides, they will start to interfere with backpacks and coats.

I'm going to have to change out some straps on my fleece pouches but I made a few for my Evo and they worked out great. Small when empty, stretches to hold a good bit, totally silent.

On the Evo, I had a large one on the back that I only used when climbing or in the tree, and one on the left that held my tether.
 
Fixed bridge, dump pouch for tree tether, possibly one for my linemans belt as well. That's it. I am not a fan of adding tape to metal because when it starts to peel it leaves that residue.
 
IMG_2857.JPG Here's the basic layout. I would put pruners or jackets or rope etc in the back pouch while climbing, setting up,tearing down.

I'm using different gear so I might not use it now.

I also think we aren't going to want hard connectors like grimlocks on the kestrel. Soft connectors like TacTies or flatter plastic will be probably be more comfortable
 
The mods I plan to make are these (same ones I make on all my saddle versions):
1. Tie in two loops (one on each side) of paracord (exterior sheathing) to loop sticks on for climbing.
2. Add one EZ twist tie for attaching platform.
3. One removable pouch on right side to hold (linemans belt, removable bridge, tree tether, bow hook, pull rope) has a second smaller pocket for Shooting glove, Milk Weed Pods (wind detection).
4. Cell phone holder on left side (this doubles to carry pruners during first climb to cut away trash as I climb. I replace with cell phone once I am at height).

and #5. yes I fully expect I will cut off the leg straps and buckles. I don't like weight, I don't like metal and I don't like leg straps. I prefer to be able to rotate 360 degrees on my platform. I wear a very light weight rock climbing harness (under my leafy suit) that I tie in the tail end of my tether (figure 8 on a bight) to so I am secure if my saddle, bridge, ropeman, stick, platform, or anything else fails. Hopefully this will appease the "assumed" lack of safety concerns of a few.

I usually don't worry much about the waist buckle - I will have to inspect the one on the kestrel to see if it is noisy because once I tether in and attach tether tail to my rock harness I LOOSEN this up. I rely on my saddle to support me and allow me to move and shoot NOT FOR MY LIFELINE (rock harness does that). Since I have not seen the kestrel yet, I can't comment on whether or not I will use this buckle or replace it with something quieter. All I want this to do is keep it on my butt when I walk in and to keep it tight to my waist while climbing with the lineman's belt. In all my years I have never fallen out of a swing - that is basically all I use a saddle for once I tether in.... at that point I rely on my rock harness for safety in the event of a fall even though I know the loose saddle will still prevent 99% of falls if I keep a tight tether...... which I do.

My removable bridge with carbineers serves as a second lineman's belt for when I encounter limbs I need to climb over.
Been using the same saddle component/layout mods for a few years (actually same thing I do when I sit a stand) and thus I don't have to think where this gear is - it is engrained after climbing 100s of trees.
 
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The mods I plan to make are these (same ones I make on all my saddle versions):
1. Tie in two loops (one on each side) of paracord (exterior sheathing) to loop sticks on for climbing.
2. Add one EZ twist tie for attaching platform.
3. One removable pouch on right side to hold (linemans belt, removable bridge, tree tether, bow hook, pull rope) has a second smaller pocket for Shooting glove, Milk Weed Pods (wind detection).
4. Cell phone holder on left side (this doubles to carry pruners during first climb to cut away trash as I climb. I replace with cell phone once I am at height).

and #5. yes I fully expect I will cut off the leg straps and buckles. I don't like weight, I don't like metal and I don't like leg straps. I prefer to be able to rotate 360 degrees on my platform. I wear a very light weight rock climbing harness (under my leafy suit) that I tie in the tail end of my tether (figure 8 on a bight) to so I am secure if my saddle, bridge, ropeman, stick, platform, or anything else fails. Hopefully this will appease the "assumed" lack of safety concerns of a few.

I usually don't worry much about the waist buckle - I will have to inspect the one on the kestrel to see if it is noisy because once I tether in and attach tether tail to my rock harness I LOOSEN this up. I rely on my saddle to support me and allow me to move and shoot NOT FOR MY LIFELINE (rock harness does that). Since I have not seen the kestrel yet, I can't comment on whether or not I will use this buckle or replace it with something quieter. All I want this to do is keep it on my butt when I walk in and to keep it tight to my waist while climbing with the lineman's belt. In all my years I have never fallen out of a swing - that is basically all I use a saddle for once I tether in.... at that point I rely on my rock harness for safety in the event of a fall even though I know the loose saddle will still prevent 99% of falls if I keep a tight tether...... which I do.

My removable bridge with carbineers serves as a second lineman's belt for when I encounter limbs I need to climb over.
Been using the same saddle component/layout mods for a few years (actually same thing I do when I sit a stand) and thus I don't have to think where this gear is - it is engrained after climbing 100s of trees.
How big are your dump bags
 
The rotation of the Kestrel saddle is awesome! We designed the saddle so that the waist belt is installed on the inside and sewn only towards the center. This allows the side straps of the saddle to point away from your body without being hindered. The leg straps are there because that is standard safety but we have designed them in such a way that they do not put pressure on your legs when rotating. I also feel that where the leg straps are installed helps to keep it in position. The Kestrel will keep you safe as designed with no reason to wear a rock harness under it.
 
View attachment 2540 Fleece pouch with shock cord drawstring. I can stuff my linemans belt with carabiners/Ropeman and even the bridge/carabiner in it.

If your pouches get too far to the back and too far out on the sides, they will start to interfere with backpacks and coats.

I'm going to have to change out some straps on my fleece pouches but I made a few for my Evo and they worked out great. Small when empty, stretches to hold a good bit, totally silent.

On the Evo, I had a large one on the back that I only used when climbing or in the tree, and one on the left that held my tether.[/QUOTE

Did you make this pouch or buy it somewhere. Seems something I would like. the canvas ones seem loud.
 
First thing replace the bridge.

Quiet and easily adjustable and accessible.

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Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk
 
Going to a fixed length bridge, stealth strip buckles and added my dump pouch to the side for my tether and lineman's belt.
That pretty much sums up my mods. Maybe a couple paracord loops for climbing sticks as well.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk
 
I'm tying a fixed length bridge. Cutting up a couple of can koozies to make covers for the buckles. I'm going to put slightly larger s biners on the back rest so it can serve double duty as a lone wolf carrying strap. That's about it for now. I'm not going to remove the leg straps but every time I look at them I can't help but think the buckles would make a nice waist belt for not one but two sit drags
 
I'm tying a fixed length bridge. Cutting up a couple of can koozies to make covers for the buckles. I'm going to put slightly larger s biners on the back rest so it can serve double duty as a lone wolf carrying strap. That's about it for now. I'm not going to remove the leg straps but every time I look at them I can't help but think the buckles would make a nice waist belt for not one but two sit drags
A pretty expensive way to get buckles.

I have not yet given any thought to making the back band double duty. How do you wear it in?
If it had the right attachment points could it be worn on your back bandoleer style and house climing sticks or other useful gear?
 
A pretty expensive way to get buckles.

I have not yet given any thought to making the back band double duty. How do you wear it in?
If it had the right attachment points could it be worn on your back bandoleer style and house climing sticks or other useful gear?
I was thinking like a bow sling. The ones that came on it may be strong enough as is.
 
Out of curiosity, what are the advantages of going to a fixed bridge? It seems to be a popular mod.
Removing the carabiner and tying directly on? No noise, and the reduced weight. You have to step through the bridge to put the saddle on though.

I don't understand adding rings and eyesplices. It looks tidy...but I'm not adding any weight or metal that doesn't make my life a lot easier
 
Out of curiosity, what are the advantages of going to a fixed bridge? It seems to be a popular mod.

The bridge length can be critical in achieving maximum comfort or mobility. Too long and it will lead to awkward half sitting positions or extremely high tree strap tie ins, though perhaps gaining some ability to move around the tree with more freedom (i.e.: stepping around the trunk for a shot). Too short and it could cause some discomfort and limit mobility.

Most guys find their "sweet spot" in terms of bridge length and find little reason to adjust it afterwards when they do. Also cut down on some bulk and weight if you trim the bridge cord and ditch the biner.

average bridge lengths for a fixed bridge are 18-24".
 
Mine is about 30 inches. I will probably put it on a prusik and play with it until I find exactly where I want it. You can tie a prusik and still get rid of the carabiner.
 
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