I've been considering making the switch to hunting out of a saddle, instead of my fixed stands for a while now. The biggest deterrent has been the costs of saddles, it was hard to drop $400 on something I wasn't sure if I would like.
However, I had finally made the decision to make the leap and went to the New Tribe website to order the Evolution and discovered that they now make the Kestrel, for even less money. So, for once my indecision seems to have saved me some money.
My question is regarding the Kestrel saddle only vs the hunting kit. It appears the hunting kit comes with a lineman's belt, tree strap, and back band. I already have a lineman's belt that came with my HSS vest and I have several HSS lifelines with a prusik knot and carabiner laying around. It appears that I could take an HSS lifeline, cut it to 12' long and use it as a tree strap, correct?. I also could use anything from a rifle sling to a bino strap as a back band. I hate to spend another $110 on stuff I already have, especially when that $110 will buy whatever climbing method I decide on (I will take suggestions on that also).
Am I missing something or will the stuff I already have work? Thanks in advance for your suggestions/help.
However, I had finally made the decision to make the leap and went to the New Tribe website to order the Evolution and discovered that they now make the Kestrel, for even less money. So, for once my indecision seems to have saved me some money.
My question is regarding the Kestrel saddle only vs the hunting kit. It appears the hunting kit comes with a lineman's belt, tree strap, and back band. I already have a lineman's belt that came with my HSS vest and I have several HSS lifelines with a prusik knot and carabiner laying around. It appears that I could take an HSS lifeline, cut it to 12' long and use it as a tree strap, correct?. I also could use anything from a rifle sling to a bino strap as a back band. I hate to spend another $110 on stuff I already have, especially when that $110 will buy whatever climbing method I decide on (I will take suggestions on that also).
Am I missing something or will the stuff I already have work? Thanks in advance for your suggestions/help.