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Saddle Comfort

I am definitely an advocate for adjustability in both tree tether as well as bridge length. Micro adjustments can make a world of difference in comfort. Also I find with my Kestrel wearing lower on the hips helps.
 
I also made up a back band for that lounge chair comfort for the long sits which I do more often than not.
 
cedar paul said:
I am 62 with bad hips but manage all day sits.
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I'm about to turn 62, and have been bow hunting for nearly 40 years. But, I'm seriously considering a plunge into Saddle Hunting. So, I'm encouraged to hear from you that it's not JUST a young man's game. I'm in fairly good shape and spend much of the archery season hunting out of lock-on style stands. But, a tree saddle seems like it would be much more mobile and easier to set up, especially since the archery season in my neck of the woods can be hot and humid. I hunt private property in Southwest Alabama, so I don't really engage in any public land, run-and-gun hunting. But, I currently use climbers to simultaneously hunt and "scout" for potential lock-on locations. Again, a saddle seems like the perfect multi-purpose hunting/scouting tool. Would you mind sharing with me what your gear setup is?
 
Carter said:
I'm about to turn 62, and have been bow hunting for nearly 40 years. But, I'm seriously considering a plunge into Saddle Hunting. So, I'm encouraged to hear from you that it's not JUST a young man's game. I'm in fairly good shape and spend much of the archery season hunting out of lock-on style stands. But, a tree saddle seems like it would be much more mobile and easier to set up, especially since the archery season in my neck of the woods can be hot and humid. I hunt private property in Southwest Alabama, so I don't really engage in any public land, run-and-gun hunting. But, I currently use climbers to simultaneously hunt and "scout" for potential lock-on locations. Again, a saddle seems like the perfect multi-purpose hunting/scouting tool. Would you mind sharing with me what your gear setup is?
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I'm actually from Baldwin county. Shoot me a PM if I can help. Can't offer anything but a young man's input, but I can let you sit in a kestrel if you'd like.
 
Nutterbuster said:
I'm actually from Baldwin county. Shoot me a PM if I can help. Can't offer anything but a young man's input, but I can let you sit in a kestrel if you'd like.
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Excellent!!! I may take you up on that offer. As you can imagine, I'm currently drowning in YouTube videos as part of my due-diligence on this. But, I can think of nothing more valuable than some actual hands-on experience with the gear prior to purchase. I've got your YouTube channel bookmarked as well.
 
Carter said:
Excellent!!! I may take you up on that offer. As you can imagine, I'm currently drowning in YouTube videos as part of my due-diligence on this. But, I can think of nothing more valuable than some actual hands-on experience with the gear prior to purchase. I've got your YouTube channel bookmarked as well.
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Welcome! I’m a newbie here myself and it sounds like you’re on the right track. YouTube, along with the resources and guidance from folks here that have been mentoring us new people, is your best bet.


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HuntJaxx said:
Welcome! I’m a newbie here myself and it sounds like you’re on the right track. YouTube, along with the resources and guidance from folks here that have been mentoring us new people, is your best bet.


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Yes, this website and forum seems like an excellent resource. What's your equipment setup?
 
I had the band that came with my Kestrel. It was comfortable but I didn't like the bulk and I really didn't like the Cordura fabric covered foam. Too noisy to stow as far as I'm concerned. So I found an old camcorder strap that is basically 1" webbing with a wider section in the middle. It packs easier and quieter so I always have it in my pack. But honestly, I seldom take it out of my pack. Im 75% leaner on a Predator and even on all day sits, I hardly ever feel the need for a back band. Less stuff is better IMO.
 
Daaaaaaaaang!!!!

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Trade out the ROS for a platform and we hang the same way. And under 6 minutes.....I don’t know what to say about that.
 
I have been hunting 40 years also . Hang on stands kill my back. saddles do not . Just me , I like some sort of back band . good luck
 
Carter said:
Yes, this website and forum seems like an excellent resource. What's your equipment setup?
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I’m running a size 1 kestrel and currently using lone wolf sticks for my climbing system. The kestrel stock bridge was way too long for me, so I tied a prusik on the bridge to help me find the length that works best. I also modified my lineman setup and currently am running the ropeman 1 and probably wont go back to the stock prusik setup. Managing the lineman setup is much easier with the ropeman 1. Something I’ve learned along the way is that this style of hunting is incredibly personal as far individual setups and comfort level. Hopefully you can find what works best for you and feel free to ask anyone on here for insight. Good luck!


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Great input. Did you add the prusik to your bridge solely to determine what the optimum bridge length was for you, and then make or buy a custom-length bridge? Or, is the prusik and stock bridge combo your permanent bridge setup? The Ropeman 1 does seem like a good investment. Have you noticed any wear on the line as a result of "teeth" on the cam?
 
I just cant get comfortable with a lower tether and shorter bridge. I find that a larger bridge and higher tether is much more comfortable. I have tried over and over again but it just doesn't work for me. Cool video though. Thanks for sharing.
 
mbucks27 said:
I just cant get comfortable with a lower tether and shorter bridge. I find that a larger bridge and higher tether is much more comfortable. I have tried over and over again but it just doesn't work for me. Cool video though. Thanks for sharing.
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Hey, saddlehunters come in various shapes and sizes. If you're comfortable, hang loose, brother!
 
Carter said:
Great input. Did you add the prusik to your bridge solely to determine what the optimum bridge length was for you, and then make or buy a custom-length bridge? Or, is the prusik and stock bridge combo your permanent bridge setup? The Ropeman 1 does seem like a good investment. Have you noticed any wear on the line as a result of "teeth" on the cam?
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So I initially just added the prusik to my bridge in order to figure out the best fit for me on my bridge, but I may just leave that in place for a while until I’m 100% sure on where I want to be. I’ve not had any issues whatsoever with the ropeman1, but I have seen folks talk about this concerning the ropeman2. If you do go that route, make sure to match your rope size with the recommendations from the manufacturer.


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I like my bridge just jus long enough I can lay my forehead in the fork Biner just above my head for a power nap before day light
 
Arrowhunter said:
I like my bridge just jus long enough I can lay my forehead in the fork Biner just above my head for a power nap before day light
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That's what I'm talking about! For an old guy like me, the "Power Napability" of saddle hunting is certainly a major plus for the technique.
 
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