So I've lurked here for a while. I started hunting by invitation 3 seasons ago (4 come November), and in my general research I got quite intrigued with saddle hunting. I've read various stuff over the years, and admittedly spent more time last season in the tree stand reading about saddle hunting than I probably should have- But to be fair to me I filled out my buck tag on day 2 and I was mostly there for the post-evening alcohol and revelries.
Anyhow. This is the year I decided to slim down, pack light, and keep mobile.
The last 3 years have been the same sit on a 80 acre property with 6-8 other guys hoping for the best. Last year I turned odds in my favor by employing some trail cameras to minimal effectiveness- I figured out that there were bucks on the property, and roughly where I might bump into them more frequently, but ran into timing and pressure issues with my friends. No more. I'm hunting where I want, I'm staying out of the 10y old treestands, and I'm doing it my way.
After reading a lot of reviews, and knowing nobody, I decided I'd pick up a H2 saddle kit with the Triad bridge- Reviews seemed to give it high marks for comfort and popularity, without it looking overly complicated. Further research lead me over to the Shikar climbing sticks- I wanted something very light, this knocked out quite a few options. From there I'd narrowed it down to 3 brands, I can't remember the first but their ship date was way out- like October, the second was beast, and then the shikar's, I think I just rolled with the lighter over cheaper stick. I've picked up some Amsteel daisy chains for the sticks- that'll be in on Friday.
Anyhow. I need a few things and I'm looking for advice:
1. Platform- I guess it's down to the predator platform, I like that it packs up flat and it seems a reasonable size and easy to carry. I bought my climbing sticks about 3 days before they went 20% off, it didn't please me too much- Does the predator ever go on a sale greater than the current 5% off? Is there something else I should look at? I know rings are popular, but as a first timer I'm not sure I'd be as comfortable on rings than a platform.
2. Backpack and accessories- The backpack I've used the last few years isn't fit for use. I'm looking for an ultralight low scent bag to store the basics- Water, snacks for an all day sit, hand/foot warmers, field dress kit, binos, and maybe an extra layer. On top of that I'd like it to manage to hold the sticks and platform. I've browsed the backpack thread but didn't come to any solid conclusions- Is the predator pack where its at? Seems like it might be a bit heavy for what it offers.
3. Aider- My plan was to assist the 3 sticks with an aider in the middle, but I'm not sure about aider options. What's popular?
4. Ropeman- I like the idea of the ease of adjusting, but I'm not sold. Worth it or not?
Thanks for the help.
Anyhow. This is the year I decided to slim down, pack light, and keep mobile.
The last 3 years have been the same sit on a 80 acre property with 6-8 other guys hoping for the best. Last year I turned odds in my favor by employing some trail cameras to minimal effectiveness- I figured out that there were bucks on the property, and roughly where I might bump into them more frequently, but ran into timing and pressure issues with my friends. No more. I'm hunting where I want, I'm staying out of the 10y old treestands, and I'm doing it my way.
After reading a lot of reviews, and knowing nobody, I decided I'd pick up a H2 saddle kit with the Triad bridge- Reviews seemed to give it high marks for comfort and popularity, without it looking overly complicated. Further research lead me over to the Shikar climbing sticks- I wanted something very light, this knocked out quite a few options. From there I'd narrowed it down to 3 brands, I can't remember the first but their ship date was way out- like October, the second was beast, and then the shikar's, I think I just rolled with the lighter over cheaper stick. I've picked up some Amsteel daisy chains for the sticks- that'll be in on Friday.
Anyhow. I need a few things and I'm looking for advice:
1. Platform- I guess it's down to the predator platform, I like that it packs up flat and it seems a reasonable size and easy to carry. I bought my climbing sticks about 3 days before they went 20% off, it didn't please me too much- Does the predator ever go on a sale greater than the current 5% off? Is there something else I should look at? I know rings are popular, but as a first timer I'm not sure I'd be as comfortable on rings than a platform.
2. Backpack and accessories- The backpack I've used the last few years isn't fit for use. I'm looking for an ultralight low scent bag to store the basics- Water, snacks for an all day sit, hand/foot warmers, field dress kit, binos, and maybe an extra layer. On top of that I'd like it to manage to hold the sticks and platform. I've browsed the backpack thread but didn't come to any solid conclusions- Is the predator pack where its at? Seems like it might be a bit heavy for what it offers.
3. Aider- My plan was to assist the 3 sticks with an aider in the middle, but I'm not sure about aider options. What's popular?
4. Ropeman- I like the idea of the ease of adjusting, but I'm not sold. Worth it or not?
Thanks for the help.