I’ve been having some “testicular” issues, mentioned in another post, with soft saddles. So this weekend did some more serious back country sits with the JX3; after 4-5 years and not even with late season loads yet, I’m officially a bit frustrated with the overall size of the thing, the strappiness of it, and always having my bag sandwiched in and strapped when I need to access something while prepping or hiking. At 6’ 165lbs a skinnier version a few lbs lighter would be ideal, but that doesn’t exist so this is the best option I have, I’m committed to simplifying the thing, probably cutting off anything extra like the seat ground brackets, and tempted next year to try different hip / shoulder strap options like @kyler1945 did. I’ve got to rethink the system, probably stop sandwiching the pack, I’m just too slow and clumsy, still. It’s great once it’s set, but you’ve really gotta be on the ball for all before and after processes.
I’m so tired of the climb / setup / takedown time I’m tempted to go back to hang ons or climbers for a couple years, we’ll see. I think what’s put me over the edge is the long rappel / tether which I’m convinced is worth it for safety, but all the gear and the ropes add up.
To backpedal a bit, I do like a lot about it and the more I use it the more wrinkles I iron out. But the comfort does come with some cons, and I need to think about a process makeover. To @Plebe ’s point, making any system “smooth” in and out of the woods, up and down the tree, is not easy. I was 35 minutes on Saturday from starting to takedown, to walking away from the tree, and I was not fiddling around. I think strapping it tight with all gear non-sandwiched riding on the back is a good start.
I don’t sandwich anything between anymore without the ground standoffs.
It’s just a frame pack you strap everything to just like you would with any other pack system.
How is it any different from any other pack system in regards to that?
You have clothes and you have climbing method. Those are constant with any way you decide to sit in a tree. So their setup and takedown time are not different regardless of soft saddle, hang on, hybrid.
What’s left is prepping the sitting on butt device for climbing.
In that case, the hybrid has as many connections and adjustments as a soft saddle and a back band.
How much of your 35 minutes had anything to do with the hybrid?
Even if you sandwich stuff between, you’re talking an extra two buckles to pull the seat up.