I'll probably end up getting one of the consumer level saddles and forgo making my own. I'm not super pressed right now and I'd rather buy it once kind of thing.I think most of us that have taken a less expensive route have upgraded.
If you want to go a less expensive route such as a fleece saddlebacks by all means do it. Just make sure you don’t skimp on safety.
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I think most of us that have taken a less expensive route have upgraded.
If you want to go a less expensive route such as a fleece saddlebacks by all means do it. Just make sure you don’t skimp on safety.
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Yep. My RCH is from MEC and all I do is let my weight into my saddle but still hooked up to the RCH with no appreciable slack. The saddle becomes a comfort thing.
I’m actually not 100% sure I’d trust a proper saddle. I almost feel like an arborist harness would be better. But then I think of the complexity I have in my system now and how light weight and simple I could go with a proper saddle.
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Some of us do. I live in the northern end of Michigan's lower pennisula (obviously not quite Manitoba) and I saddle hunt right up to the last day of the season (Jan 1st). I've spent many hunts in trees where the temperature is hovering around 0F without the windchill. I dress for it (wool layers and Baffins) and really don't have to much problems other than my exposed hands when its time to attach those cold metal components (safeguard and biners) to rapel down. I have a thin pair of gloves I use specifically for this but my fingers are usually numb by the time get down. Funny thing is that I don't really have a problem with my hands getting cold when I'm climbing. Maybe its because my body's trying to use those hands as radiators to reduce the heat generated walking.Apparently no one in the northern US hunts deer in early winter when it’s well below zero!?!
Some of us do. I live in the northern end of Michigan's lower pennisula (obviously not quite Manitoba) and I saddle hunt right up to the last day of the season (Jan 1st). I've spent many hunts in trees where the temperature is hovering around 0F without the windchill. I dress for it (wool layers and Baffins) and really don't have to much problems other than my exposed hands when its time to attach those cold metal components (safeguard and biners) to rapel down. I have a thin pair of gloves I use specifically for this but my fingers are usually numb by the time get down. Funny thing is that I don't really have a problem with my hands getting cold when I'm climbing. Maybe its because my body's trying to use those hands as radiators to reduce the heat generated walking.
Some of us do. I live in the northern end of Michigan's lower pennisula (obviously not quite Manitoba) and I saddle hunt right up to the last day of the season (Jan 1st). I've spent many hunts in trees where the temperature is hovering around 0F without the windchill. I dress for it (wool layers and Baffins) and really don't have to much problems other than my exposed hands when its time to attach those cold metal components (safeguard and biners) to rapel down. I have a thin pair of gloves I use specifically for this but my fingers are usually numb by the time get down. Funny thing is that I don't really have a problem with my hands getting cold when I'm climbing. Maybe its because my body's trying to use those hands as radiators to reduce the heat generated walking.
Yep. Much of S/Ontario is cradled in the bosom of great lakes which act like a furnace in the winter keeping the temps near the lakes 4-5 degrees warmer. I live about 1000' above lake level and it's always 5 degrees colder BUT we only get -20C or colder a handful of days a year.Northern Michigan is colder that south west Ontario and farther north.
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Northern Michigan is colder that south west Ontario and farther north.
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Lots to cover in this entire thread. Here are my thoughts:
- I am super excited about Canadian hunters on this site - if I can help anyone out please feel free to contact me. I'm in the Hammer.
- I am super excited about this site because our American friends have put me on to some great hunting equipment and techniques.
- While our Yankee friends to have way more deer than us pretty much no matter where you hunt, our hunting opportunities are so much better. It is almost embarrassing talking to them about public land hunting given that Ontario is over 1,000,000 sqkm and 87% crown (public). Now, our tag availability however is not so good, and frankly creates issues.
- Let's add a measure of sanity to the "Michigan is colder than Ontario" comment. Truthfully south western Ontario is warmed considerably by the lakes, and the UP is for sure colder. Farther north that changes pretty darn quick in my view. I figure by the time you get to Nippissing, that debate is over. I have no interest in a "who's the coldest" **** measuring contest, but lets just keep the facts straight. (Reference the below image of Clark filling in Probert for my views on Ontario vs Michigan - Dec 1st 1992)
- The cost of US gear is a problem, but getting a good comfortable saddle will bring so many opportunities into the fold, that it will be worth it. For sure finding the right one is necessary, and at these costs "testing the waters" might be problematic. I got lucky and the Kestrel fits my a$$ perfectly and I expect to be hunting out of it for years.
Where in Canada did you purchase all the climbing gear? Eveytime I look online for a ropeman1 I get redirected to Amazom.com (USA)...I'm in manitoba. just a bit outside winnipeg. I bought a kestral last year and this year was my first year hunting out of it. there is nothing more comfortable when your freezing half to death than the saddle. hardest part to keep warm is your feet cause its tough to climb trees with giant baffin boots. bow season I dress pretty light even when it's cold but count on my milwaukee heated sweater and 3 batteries to last the day. the biggest thing is that I dont get cold and stiff like sitting in a regular stand. I tried one day just one of my old tree stands and after sitting 2 hrs at -18C I could barely stand and felt like I was gonna fall forward to the ground. my legs didnt work. next sit in that stand I brought my saddle, folded the seat up and leaned back and used it like a platform. much nicer. safer feeling. stayed warmer. not sure why but leaning back I felt way warmer than sitting on the chair of the stand.
I bought all my stuff besides the saddle in canada. rope, ropeman1's, caribeaners, built my own platform, used screw in pole spikes for my pre sets, got a set of API climbing sticks on the way from cabelas USA for $99USD. Turns out to be $189CND once shipping and handling and duty was taken care of.
saddleplooza canada might need to happen. summer though... climbing trees in -30C no matter what your wearing wouldnt be too much fun.
Welcome to saddle hunting. once you get started it becomes an addiction to modding all your gear to become a more efficient hunter. lighter is not always better but it's nice.
Mike
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