Climbing Methods

[gcr0003]

Being new to saddle hunting, sticks, and platforms what would you say are your top priorities of your saddle hunting gear. Examples: weight, profile, packability, ease of use, comfort, cost

You can go a lot of different directions right now on the three items.

Saddle, platform, sticks(climbing method)

Let us know so we can better help you.

 

[Kurt]

If you are hunting private land....preset trees with bolts. They are very cheap and easy to use.

Sticks would be second for ease of use and cost.

WE stepps are also a great option if packability is something you are after. They take a little bit to get used to but once you have them figured out they are very slick. Dont use the knaider/swaider right off the bat.

I've tried all three of these methods in my search of the ultimate climbing method. I too got started one sticking this year and it will most likely be my primary way to climb.

I'm a WE step guy and use a K/S, but I'm also incorporating the modified Cain method using just the knaider. Easypeasy. I like using the Tethered platform as well. I've never modified anything yet. Steps, saddle , and platform all stock, minus a little JB weld inside my steps.

 

[prvance]

I'm a WE step guy and use a K/S but also I'm incorporating the modified Cain method using just the knaider. Easypeasy.

I've tired the K/S with WES but what is the Modified Cain Method. Link?

 

[sojourner]

They did have a Tethrd training near me not too long ago but of course I was camping so I missed it but I’ll definitely look into SH meet up thank you!!!

I am buying all my stuff from Tethrd other than my sticks of course and I am going with the predator platform just because I feel like it’s a safe option instead of right out of the gate trying to make a tree seat work as a platform was making me a little iffey! Thank you for all your advice!

It looks like all you need is a nice set of stock sticks and some tree time. You’ll do fine. Go at your own pace and comfort level.

Looking forward to hearing your first saddle success story and some hero pics. Good luck this season.

 

[Bertfogle]

I'm new as well so I don't have the experience of the other people, but I've been blesses to buy and try SRT/DRT, helium 20", Wild edge Stepps and tree gaffs and I still haven't decided what is my favorite method yet. I haven't tried one sticking yet. They all have there disadvantages and perks. Good luck. Your not alone in this quest for the best way to climb.

Thanks!! Good luck to you as well!!! I’m getting the hawks 3 pk and I’ll goof off and play around in the yard with them and see how well each method works best I have had tons of great advice everyone on here has been super helpful! Anywhere I hunt won’t be too much of a problem with weight so that’s a huge plus we have some good slopes but I’m not in the mountains! I am just trying to go as minimal as possible for convenience got some new places I plan on setting up in on my private land and hopefully get me some good spots on our public land nearby so the saddle is going to be my best friend for carrying in and setting up in new spots!

 

[Bertfogle]

It looks like all you need is a nice set of stock sticks and some tree time. You’ll do fine. Go at your own pace and comfort level.

Looking forward to hearing your first saddle success story and some hero pics. Good luck this season.

Yes! I will definitely keep everyone updated and get some pics posted!!! Hoping to start self filming this season as well!

 

[Kurt]

I've tired the K/S with WES but what is the Modified Cain Method. Link?

I'm the least computer savvy guy on here so can't do a link, but use the search. It's two WE steps tied on, one at Knaider height and one near waist high when your standing on the first step. Knaider up to the first step pulling yourself up using the second step and then using an attached biner on your waist belt, or shortened bridge, hook into the second step with your biner while setting another step, repeat. You can use your tether to move along the way or not, depending on your risk assessment. I don't use a tether. No use of a linesman belt either, so no worries about passing limbs. Easy up and down and super quiet. The step spacing is key. To high and when you hook onto it with your biner you could uncam the step, to low and you limit your distance per move. Like all the methods it requires practice to optimize the technique.

 

[prvance]

I'm the least computer savvy guy on here so can't do a link, but use the search. It's two WE steps tied on, one at Knaider height and one near waist high when your standing on the first step. Knaider up to the first step pulling yourself up using the second step and then using an attached biner on your waist belt, or shortened bridge, hook into the second step with your biner while setting another step, repeat. You can use your tether to move along the way or not, depending on your risk assessment. I don't use a tether. No use of a linesman belt either, so no worries about passing limbs. Easy up and down and super quiet. The step spacing is key. To high and when you hook onto it with your biner you could uncam the step, to low and you limit your distance per move. Like all the methods it requires practice to optimize the technique.

Thanks

 

[VASteve]

Thanks!! Good luck to you as well!!! I’m getting the hawks 3 pk and I’ll goof off and play around in the yard with them and see how well each method works best I have had tons of great advice everyone on here has been super helpful! Anywhere I hunt won’t be too much of a problem with weight so that’s a huge plus we have some good slopes but I’m not in the mountains! I am just trying to go as minimal as possible for convenience got some new places I plan on setting up in on my private land and hopefully get me some good spots on our public land nearby so the saddle is going to be my best friend for carrying in and setting up in new spots!

The Hawk 3 pack (full length) is a good, safe choice. A quick google search and I see that Amazon has them for $118 delivered and another place looks to be $115 delivered. Good luck to you!

 

[five]

what is the Modified Cain Method

Modified Cain's Method for WE Stepps

Here I go again copying a Cain innovation but I've been asked by a couple of guys to put together a video of my slight modification to Cain's method for WE Stepps. Full credit to the climbing method to @Cain. Without his original video I would never have considered this but I did find that I...

saddlehunter.com

 

[MaxJac]

Hey y’all so I am deciding to purchase my first saddle I have used climbing stands and ladder stands but I’ve never had a hang on stand. So I have watched tons of saddle hunting setups and I am not really sure which is the best route for me to go whether I should buy a set of sticks with a platform, buy one stick and use the one stick climbing method, or I have seen people use the lone wolf hand climber as their climbing and platform method. If y’all don’t mind to help out with suggestions and most cost friendly method! Thanks!!!

I use a handclimber. Since I need a platform anyway , why not climbing with it? In all fairness, I’m climbing 95% pines, rarely a hardwood tree. Less fiddle factor while climbing.

 

[Kurt]

Modified Cain's Method for WE Stepps

Here I go again copying a Cain innovation but I've been asked by a couple of guys to put together a video of my slight modification to Cain's method for WE Stepps. Full credit to the climbing method to @Cain. Without his original video I would never have considered this but I did find that I...

saddlehunter.com

Thank you @five

 

[Kurt]

Modified Cain's Method for WE Stepps

Here I go again copying a Cain innovation but I've been asked by a couple of guys to put together a video of my slight modification to Cain's method for WE Stepps. Full credit to the climbing method to @Cain. Without his original video I would never have considered this but I did find that I...

saddlehunter.com

So like this except I use the knaider to make the steps up, and no tether for me.

 

[Bertfogle]

So got all my saddle stuff in been playing around in it as of now I’m using three sticks to climb in and out until I get a little more familiar with it all but eventually my goal is to go down to one stick and then maybe even no sticks at all we will see!! Thought I’d post a pic only used two sticks to goof off and play around first day in my saddle this was about 2 weeks ago!

 

[Newhunter1]

So got all my saddle stuff in been playing around in it as of now I’m using three sticks to climb in and out until I get a little more familiar with it all but eventually my goal is to go down to one stick and then maybe even no sticks at all we will see!! Thought I’d post a pic only used two sticks to goof off and play around first day in my saddle this was about 2 weeks ago!

Cut down one stick to a 18-20” stick and then get a tree step aider with each step 15”. That way you have a 45” tree step with a stick with two steps at 16” apart. Then when you put the stick on the tree you put it as high as you can reach...throw your tether above the stick, hook up to your bridge(but shorten it as much as you can) then climb up. Move the tether when you get to your bottom stick as high as you can reach. Move to your top stick, move your tether as high as you can and then sit down into your saddle.

Reach between your legs and grab the stick and pull up. With your other hand, release whatever straps or rope you have connecting it and move up it up the tree. I like to put the stick underneath my rope to pin it to the tree. Connect the rope or strap and then place your foot into one of the aider steps and climb up. Repeat the process.

After the first placement of the stick your feet should be 6-7’ in height...depending on how tall you are and how high you were able to safely place the stick the first time.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Bertfogle]

Cut down one stick to a 18-20” stick and then get a tree step aider with each step 15”. That way you have a 45” tree step with a stick with two steps at 16” apart. Then when you put the stick on the tree you put it as high as you can reach...throw your tether above the stick, hook up to your bridge(but shorten it as much as you can) then climb up. Move the tether when you get to your bottom stick as high as you can reach. Move to your top stick, move your tether as high as you can and then sit down into your saddle.

Reach between your legs and grab the stick and pull up. With your other hand, release whatever straps or rope you have connecting it and move up it up the tree. I like to put the stick underneath my rope to pin it to the tree. Connect the rope or strap and then place your foot into one of the aider steps and climb up. Repeat the process.

After the first placement of the stick your feet should be 6-7’ in height...depending on how tall you are and how high you were able to safely place the stick the first time.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I have seriously debated on cutting my sticks down! Now would you purchase an aider or DIY it?!

 

[DroptineKrazy]

Just to let you know. I think it’s an unwritten rule your supposed to be wearing crocs when you post pics of yourself in a tree on here.

 

[bj139]

In case you might be interested in easier, more secure climbing methods I have been making videos on climbing and sewing. I have been quite prolific lately since I found the set your phone to selfie mode and lay it on the ground, video method.

billj139

I am just an old guy having fun tree climbing and playing with sewing machines. Both these things grew out of an interest in saddle hunting from a tree saddl...

www.youtube.com

 

[Newhunter1]

I have seriously debated on cutting my sticks down! Now would you purchase an aider or DIY it?!

Personally, I've done both...however what is on my stick is the ones I bought from Backwoods mobile gear. I have four different sticks that I can use. One muddy pro, one shikar mini, one shikar 17" and one EWO and all 4 have 3 step aiders from BMG. Each aider is a three step aider and each step are 13-14"

 

[Bertfogle]

In case you might be interested in easier, more secure climbing methods I have been making videos on climbing and sewing. I have been quite prolific lately since I found the set your phone to selfie mode and lay it on the ground, video method.

billj139

I am just an old guy having fun tree climbing and playing with sewing machines. Both these things grew out of an interest in saddle hunting from a tree saddl...

www.youtube.com

I would love to check those out for sure!!!