customizing hawk saddle

[larcher75]

I was considering getting hawk saddles for myself and my fiance but the leg strap buckles are less than desireable. Any ideas on what I can swap them out with to make them lighter and more comfortable?

 

[TreeCreep]

You would need to cut the stitching and replace with appropriate buckles- Eastern Woods Outdoors has options.
Most rated options would need to be re sewn- correctly.
I owned one briefly .

Unsolicited opinion = I’d suggest you check out CGM , Wood Saddle or Recon sling these may fit your budget , are of better quality and you may then source better ropes / hitch / ascender options( durability, packability, size/weight, load spec’s)

Lots of good deals in classified section on saddles that are catch & release to try out.

Hawk will work , but require mods, have lesser quality control, are not the most comfortable stock , and hold little resale value.

 

[larcher75]

You would need to cut the stitching and replace with appropriate buckles- Eastern Woods Outdoors has options.
Most rated options would need to be re sewn- correctly.
I owned one briefly .

Unsolicited opinion = I’d suggest you check out CGM , Wood Saddle or Recon sling these may fit your budget , are of better quality and you may then source better ropes / hitch / ascender options( durability, packability, size/weight, load spec’s)

Lots of good deals in classified section on saddles that are catch & release to try out.

Hawk will work , but require mods, have lesser quality control, are not the most comfortable stock , and hold little resale value.

tyvm for the info, looking at a trophyline too atm. other option was the xop hybrid saddle

 

[Fl Canopy Stalker]

T

tyvm for the info, looking at a trophyline too atm. other option was the xop hybrid saddle

The trophyline saddles and set ups are definitely a stronger more comfortable set up than Hawk in my opinion. I bought the Hawk one, and returned it 24 hours later. The ropes were the worst part of the set up besides the cam buckle leg straps. And the mechanical they send with it, is only rated to 224 lbs which I weigh more than

 

[larcher75]

T

The trophyline saddles and set ups are definitely a stronger more comfortable set up than Hawk in my opinion. I bought the Hawk one, and returned it 24 hours later. The ropes were the worst part of the set up besides the cam buckle leg straps. And the mechanical they send with it, is only rated to 224 lbs which I weigh more than

Ended up just ordering the xop package deal from Midway USA for $169 that comes with their platform too. Figured if we like saddle hunting we can always upgrade next year or so. Any suggestions as to a good pack to use while saddle hunting?

 

[Fl Canopy Stalker]

Ended up just ordering the xop package deal from Midway USA for $169 that comes with their platform too. Figured if we like saddle hunting we can always upgrade next year or so. Any suggestions as to a good pack to use while saddle hunting?

I’ve heard good things about that one as well. As far as packs, I use an Easton baseball back pack lol it’s not fancy but it’s fairly priced, it has good access space and it’s well made. I’m eyeballing a mystery ranch tree house but that’s $300 I am not committed to spending yet lol

 

[larcher75]

I’ve heard good things about that one as well. As far as packs, I use an Easton baseball back pack lol it’s not fancy but it’s fairly priced, it has good access space and it’s well made. I’m eyeballing a mystery ranch tree house but that’s $300 I am not committed to spending yet lol

I think I'm going to give the xop pack a try, it looks like I might be able to attach sticks and a platform to it and its cheap enough for my blood lol

 

[Tembo]

I got rid of the ropes, the mechanical tether adjuster, the carabiners, the bridge, all the buckles. Replaced with 10mm static/7mm prussic, Black diamond carabiners,1"web tube bridge and hd D rings for the belt and Latitude buckles for the leg straps.
The ropes were probably ok but ok isn't good enough when your 25' off the ground. The buckles, both leg and waist suck, they are heavy, loud metal. The belt buckle is bulky and I can't see how it could be any stronger with the cheap imitation Cobra they use than the D rings I replaced it with, plus it's a pita to adjust if you have to put it over coveralls in the morning then just pants in the afternoon. The the adjustment bracket things are thin stamped metal....bad. The leg strap buckles are the same as a cheap cinch strap buckle that you would get on any cheap strap you would get at walmart, harbor freight etc. and they don't inspire a ton of confidence. They are heavy, bulky and just suck.

 

[GCTerpfan]

Any suggestions as to a good pack to use while saddle hunting?

54 pages of options in this thread. https://saddlehunter.com/community/...fficial-saddle-hunting-backpack-thread.22868/