23 Pounds - Just Platform, Saddle and Sticks

[BlackpowderGuy (AJHS)]

OK, I just weighed my gear.
Trophyline Mission w/UTH Amsteel mod from Custom Amsteel Guy, 5lb 12 oz.
4 Skeletor Sticks - 8lbs 8 ounces
Saddle 7lbs 4.5ounces - Phantom XL, lineman, tether, HYS strap, aiders

So basically, before a pack, rangefinder, water, warm layer...anything like that, we are talking about 23lbs.

In terms of where to cut, I can imagine going down to 3 sticks - that will save 2.2 pounds, I can use my EDP, that will save 2 pounds. - One sticking is just not a thing for me.

So those two changes would get this down to 18 pounds, plus the weight of the pack I use, Eberlestock F1, another 5-ish pounds, so back to 23...

When all is said and done, I don't see how to get this under 30...unless I become a 1-sticker. And maybe that is OK...it is just that it ends up not really being lighter than my climber, only that it opens more tree options and gives better concealment.

 

[CharlieTN]

OK, I just weighed my gear.
Trophyline Mission w/UTH Amsteel mod from Custom Amsteel Guy, 5lb 12 oz.
4 Skeletor Sticks - 8lbs 8 ounces
Saddle 7lbs 4.5ounces - Phantom XL, lineman, tether, HYS strap, aiders

So basically, before a pack, rangefinder, water, warm layer...anything like that, we are talking about 23lbs.

In terms of where to cut, I can imagine going down to 3 sticks - that will save 2.2 pounds, I can use my EDP, that will save 2 pounds. - One sticking is just not a thing for me.

So those two changes would get this down to 18 pounds, plus the weight of the pack I use, Eberlestock F1, another 5-ish pounds, so back to 23...

When all is said and done, I don't see how to get this under 30...unless I become a 1-sticker. And maybe that is OK...it is just that it ends up not really being lighter than my climber, only that it opens more tree options and gives better concealment.

Changing over to the Tethrd One Sticks would be one option to drop weight, roughly 4 pounds that way.

There is just a reality, hunting with 4 sticks and a platform is going to be more weight than most one-stick setups. But then you have to come back to what works for you. Having a good pack will make a huge difference, not in the weight carried, but in how it carries.

For comparison, my total one-stick setup weighs in at 11lbs including saddle (CGM Cobra), rappelling setup, lineman’s rope, gear strap, Shikar mini one-stick with angled scout and 3-step aider, Ring of Steps, and Knee pads. If I drop the ROS I can loose 1.4 lbs.

 

[HuumanCreed]

OK, I just weighed my gear.
Trophyline Mission w/UTH Amsteel mod from Custom Amsteel Guy, 5lb 12 oz.
4 Skeletor Sticks - 8lbs 8 ounces
Saddle 7lbs 4.5ounces - Phantom XL, lineman, tether, HYS strap, aiders

So basically, before a pack, rangefinder, water, warm layer...anything like that, we are talking about 23lbs.

In terms of where to cut, I can imagine going down to 3 sticks - that will save 2.2 pounds, I can use my EDP, that will save 2 pounds. - One sticking is just not a thing for me.

So those two changes would get this down to 18 pounds, plus the weight of the pack I use, Eberlestock F1, another 5-ish pounds, so back to 23...

When all is said and done, I don't see how to get this under 30...unless I become a 1-sticker. And maybe that is OK...it is just that it ends up not really being lighter than my climber, only that it opens more tree options and gives better concealment.

I'm curious about the ropes that you use that get your saddle setup to over 7 lbs. Maybe consider smaller ropes? Are you comfortable with aiders? if you are, then use 4 steps instead of 3 steps.

Also, if you are not using your top stick as another step for your setup around the tree. You can attach an aider to your PLATFORM.

With 2 mini Hawk sticks and a climbing aider, I can get up to 20 feet. Because each stick+aider can get me 8 ft, then I setup the platform, then attach the aider to the platform.

 

[Horn]

@HuumanCreed has an excellent point about putting an aider on your platform. Mine never comes off

 

[elk yinzer]

Yeahhhhh you're pretty much me 4 or 5 years ago.

5ish lb saddle platform + 5ish lb pack to carry it = 10 lbs

5 lb treestand 2x the size of the saddle platform + 2 pound harness to turn it into a packframe = 7 lb. More room to maneuver for shots. Works in treestand mode. No brainer.

Welcome to the hybrid club.

That was the calculus that got me into the LWCG .5 and it's been my main squeeze for 3 seasons.

You know the answer to lighter climbing is one-sticking, but I agree that's not for everyone.

 

[BlackpowderGuy (AJHS)]

I'm curious about the ropes that you use that get your saddle setup to over 7 lbs. Maybe consider smaller ropes? Are you comfortable with aiders? if you are, then use 4 steps instead of 3 steps.

Also, if you are not using your top stick as another step for your setup around the tree. You can attach an aider to your PLATFORM.

With 2 mini Hawk sticks and a climbing aider, I can get up to 20 feet. Because each stick+aider can get me 8 ft, then I setup the platform, then attach the aider to the platform.

I am using the 11mm linesman and tether from Tethrd, both with a Ropeman… I don’t know about a four step aide…and I do not use on the platform… In the end, I guess I am not really “complaining” about the weight, more just observing that without becoming a one sticker, the advantages of the saddle are less about weight than about comfort {to me they are much more comfortable and easy to use than a lock-on} and about not needing a tree to be perfectly straight etc.

 

[HuumanCreed]

I am using the 11mm linesman and tether from Tethrd, both with a Ropeman… I don’t know about a four step aide…and I do not use on the platform… In the end, I guess I am not really “complaining” about the weight, more just observing that without becoming a one sticker, the advantages of the saddle are less about weight than about comfort {to me they are much more comfortable and easy to use than a lock-on} and about not needing a tree to be perfectly straight etc.

Very true,

Except I think the weight in regards to pack you are using not as clean cut as your situation. For example, if you are not planning to pack out an animal, you don't really need a pack that is capable of it. If I know I'm only going to be a few hundred yards away from the car, I don't even have a pack with me, a few pouches on my saddle is enough for essentials.

A climber by itself does not have the ability to pack out a deer. It is able to if you add a good harness system.

You don't have to one stick. You can simply replace the top section of the top stick with a platform. That would cut 3-4 lbs too.

 

[Crawdaddy4]

I am using the 11mm linesman and tether from Tethrd, both with a Ropeman… I don’t know about a four step aide…and I do not use on the platform… In the end, I guess I am not really “complaining” about the weight, more just observing that without becoming a one sticker, the advantages of the saddle are less about weight than about comfort {to me they are much more comfortable and easy to use than a lock-on} and about not needing a tree to be perfectly straight etc.

A harsh, and perhaps difficult reality, for some is the nonexistent weight and/or cost savings between saddle hunting and a lightweight climber. At least for me it was. I moved from a LWCG sit n climb to a saddle 3 years ago. I easily pack more weight and cost into the woods with me each hunt. However, the comfort, modularity, and expanded tree options have been well worth the transition for me. Plus, as an admitted gear-addict, there are way more gizmos for saddle hunting than climbing-stand hunting!

As far as the weight goes, and I carry ~30lbs fully rigged out, I just make sure it's ergonomically distributed on my body. The only time it bothers me is when it isn't distributed properly. I also carry climbing sticks as 2TC or One Sticking isn't an option for me at this time.

 

[Tknapp]

I'm interested how you saddle, ropes and aiders weigh over 7lbs. A Phantom XL is advertised at 24oz, tether and linemans at 19oz a piece and each ropeman is 2.2 and HYS strap is 3oz. That totals 4.3 pounds. Do you have 3lbs in aiders? or what else is attached to your saddle?

As others have stated a ring of steps will lighten things up quite a bit. upgrading stick in the offseason will help a lot. There are quite a few sticks in the 1.5 pound per stick range which could save almost 4 pounds. I use 3 with 18" aiders. Also as consider moving to a lighter internal frame pack if you won't be packing deer out.

 

[BlackpowderGuy (AJHS)]

A harsh, and perhaps difficult reality, for some is the nonexistent weight and/or cost savings between saddle hunting and a lightweight climber. At least for me it was. I moved from a LWCG sit n climb to a saddle 3 years ago. I easily pack more weight and cost into the woods with me each hunt. However, the comfort, modularity, and expanded tree options have been well worth the transition for me. Plus, as an admitted gear-addict, there are way more gizmos for saddle hunting than climbing-stand hunting!

As far as the weight goes, and I carry ~30lbs fully rigged out, I just make sure it's ergonomically distributed on my body. The only time it bothers me is when it isn't distributed properly. I also carry climbing sticks and 2TC or One Sticking isn't an option for me at this time.

You said it perfectly! That is also why I like saddle hunting and why I am always looking for the perfect pack! Indeed, I just started a new thread on packs for guys with long torso’s…I have the packs I have, the Eberlestock and the Pop Up 38 because they have adjustable yokes with can accommodate my 22 inch torso length! I would like to find a smaller/lighter one that is not a meat hauler!

 

[BlackpowderGuy (AJHS)]

I'm interested how you saddle, ropes and aiders weigh over 7lbs. A Phantom XL is advertised at 24oz, tether and linemans at 19oz a piece and each ropeman is 2.2 and HYS strap is 3oz. That totals 4.3 pounds. Do you have 3lbs in aiders? or what else is attached to your saddle?

As others have stated a ring of steps will lighten things up quite a bit. upgrading stick in the offseason will help a lot. There are quite a few sticks in the 1.5 pound per stick range which could save almost 4 pounds. I use 3 with 18" aiders. Also as consider moving to a lighter internal frame pack if you won't be packing deer out.

I did not weight each piece individually…the additional pieces I have are the aiders, two carabiners, three small s biners and a hero clip {for the HYS} and a paracord 20 ft pull up rope, with small biners at either end. Held in two SYS pouches- and a pair of suspenders…I have no backside to speak of, so absent the suspenders, the saddle literally slips down no matter how tight the waist belt.

 

[Chandler96]

you could check out the RZR platform too under 3lbs but lighter means more money. Tethrd ones.

I have a one stick, Orion saddle with no pouches, everything goes in my pack. without my pack 5lbs

 

[MattMan81]

I would say another advantage to the saddle system is how you can pack it. With a climber your stuck with pretty much one way to carry it. Which may or may not be an issue.
Wear your saddle with suspenders and not carry it will lighten the pack some.
But you can pack your pack several different ways to make it wear differently right?

 

[207bowhunter]

I have my saddle hunting setup down to 17.2 lbs this is everything in my bandit pack including my tx5 saddle..would be lighter with my latitude classic. My stand setup is at 27 lbs , this is a 2.0 with 4 17 inch sticks and all other gear

 

[Dmathews87]

you can absolutely get your setup under 30, hell you get it under 20

use 3 sticks and ditch your platform and go ROS. (7.6lbs with your sticks)
throw in your saddle weight (i rounded to 8lbs...15.6lbs total)

I wouldnt even count my saddle weight since i wear it in so thats 7.5ish, lets round to 8lbs....thats lighter than any climber on the market including lone wolfs new 1000$ climber

 

[phorizt]

I carry 3 skeletors with retractable aiders(a little over 6 pounds), a mini seeker platform (3.25 lbs) w amsteel USA attachement rope , cruzr archon saddle w ropes etc(maybe 4 pounds). I think that is around 14 pounds total w ropes and everything. I'm probably going to the Lattitude carbon sticks next to get closer to 10-11 pounds total. My new Escape pack is a little under 4 pounds. So I'll probably be around 20 pounds total w all of my gear unless it's gonna be a really long hot day and I'm hauling a lot of water.

that's a lot better than when I started a few years ago w a 6 pound platform, (3) 3 step Helium sticks(10 pounds) and a 6 pound pack. I was definitely pushing 40 pounds when you add binos, water, snacks and any other gear not counting my bow. I actually tripped walking out in the dark once and the force of falling was so great it broke my bow site right in half.

 

[casts_by_fly]

I did not weight each piece individually…the additional pieces I have are the aiders, two carabiners, three small s biners and a hero clip {for the HYS} and a paracord 20 ft pull up rope, with small biners at either end. Held in two SYS pouches- and a pair of suspenders…I have no backside to speak of, so absent the suspenders, the saddle literally slips down no matter how tight the waist belt.

I was there. Similar saddle and rope setup. I added a set of Molle suspenders for cheap and it’s a big difference. I don’t run a pack currently. The xl platform is on my saddle as are my ropes, a dump pouch with release, rangefinder, powder, and face mask, my Allen bow hoist, an AA maglite, and a small saw. That’s everything I need for most hunts. I have four 30” heliums on a separate shoulder strap.

 

[BlackpowderGuy (AJHS)]

I was there. Similar saddle and rope setup. I added a set of Molle suspenders for cheap and it’s a big difference. I don’t run a pack currently. The xl platform is on my saddle as are my ropes, a dump pouch with release, rangefinder, powder, and face mask, my Allen bow hoist, an AA maglite, and a small saw. That’s everything I need for most hunts. I have four 30” heliums on a separate shoulder strap.

How far do you tend to walk in with the platform swinging from your back? So you carry the bow and sticks in your hands? And if you kill?

 

[casts_by_fly]

I’m not walking too far, so theres that. My longest walks are a mile maybe.

my platform is on my right hip and doesn’t really swing, it just kinda hangs there. the sticks are on a shoulder strap on my left shoulder (sticks on my right hip) so I can set my bow down or even shoot that way if I need to. Bow in my left hand.

if I shoot one I pack up and walk it all back to the truck once I’m sure it’s a dead deer. Everything comes off including the saddle and I have a recovery backpack in the truck. On a good shot that I know is down, I’ll pack up and back to the truck before I go to the deer at all.

 

[tailgunner]

Tuff call.....My saddle ,2tc.climbing system, and ring of steps weigh 2 lbs.less than just the trophy line saddle alone.thats the starting point.total revision?