Introducing my latest DIY saddle...the WRAITH.
My inner weight weenie kicked into gear after the Wraptor project and I started down the minimalist path. I tried various concepts, got input from the Wraptor Pro Staff (Barry,
@KelvinM12,
@Nutterbuster,
@Wasp), and consulted with others from the site.
@John Eberhart was a big inspiration; if he could use part of an Anderson for so many years, there had to be a simpler design that still works. This may be the lightest and simplest saddle out there that does not require an RCH backup. To paraphrase
@DaveT1963, all saddles come down to just a couple of straps under your butt in the tree, and this certainly fits that model! So far in testing, it has similar comfort to the Wraptor, but I will be using a back band for most sits due to my torn disc. It is a little more comfortable for leaning than sitting. It feels 100x better than an RCH when used with a fleece saddle and that will be my main combo if it ever gets below 50 again here in my lifetime. NOTHING beats a fleece saddle for best comfort for me!
This saddle weighs in at less than 1/2 lb, uses a T hook for the belt buckle (only metal component), has dedicated linesman belt/loops and a belt (not load bearing!) to keep it in place while walking in and climbing. There are no molle loops because I do not like attaching anything to my saddles.
The other picture is a new Tethrd style back band I made from some leftover materials to go with the Wraith (thanks to
@Erniepower for sharing the recent DIY video series for inspiration and
@g2outdoors for all the DIY vids that planted saddle seeds that grew).
Components and measurements:
- 12 feet of mil spec 2" polyester webbing (a Wraptor kit from
@DanO doublesteps.com for around $16 shipped will make 2 Wraiths)
- Main loop = 86" (allows a 6" sewn overlap, 40" finished saddle width)
- Front to back stiffeners = 20" x 2
- Center side to side piece (optional) = 10"
- 1" tubular climbing webbing for linesman (28" finished length from end to end)
- 1" flat nylon or polyester webbing for the belt (length to fit you)
- Tethrd T hook for belt
- 1" webbing tri-glide (or sew a loop for belt)
- bridge of your choosing (I am using amsteel)
- change these measurements to your desired sizing
The Wraptor / Wraith Pro Staff, is looking for new members, only costs $100/person, send $ to
IWantToBeaWraptor@pay.bwhana. jk! If you already made a Wraptor, or make a Wraith, you're on the Pro Staff, so add that to your hunting resume and site signature, it sounds cool!
*** I WILL NOT MAKE OR SELL THESE FOR ANYONE ELSE. This information is provided for informational purposes only. I want to emphasize that anyone that decides to do this or a similar project should double check all of the suggested components and instructions and use at your own risk and comfort level and doing so means you assume all risk and liability. Proper sewing techniques using proper thread is imperative for safety!
Sent from my SM-N970U using Tapatalk
and everything seemed to hold great. I purposely didn't include lineman loops since I'm not a fan of 'em.
