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First hang tonight. Comments, questions, and one safety concern.

Jeff F.

Jeff F.

Member
Joined
Jul 26, 2018
Messages
77
I got my first tree saddle in the mail today (Kestrel) and quickly ran out to the front yard to give it a try at ground level. I have a few questions and comments so please give me some feedback.

1. I was releived to find it VERY comfortable even before getting familiar with adjusting it.

2. I'm don't have an over the top fear of heights but I think I have a healthy, maybe average, fear of heights. The second I hit about 12 feet my ******* gets a little tight and I never go over 15 feet or so. I felt this way in a climber with a safety harness so I'm hoping hanging from one freaking rope doesn't screw with my head too much. Logically I know the gear is safe. Anyway, any words of wisdom or razzing is welcome.

3. I have one safety concern in that it seems like the rope under pressure can prevent the auto locking carabiner from locking. The stock tether is a good thick rope but it seems to be interfering with the auto locking carabiner. Has anyone else had issue with this?

4. Has anyone replaced the stock Kestrel carabiners? They seem fine but I have some lighter ones I used in my rock climbing safety harness in previous set ups.

5. I'm on the fence between a ring of steps or a platform. I would prefer a platform but I am concerned with carrying more gear to and up the tree (I'm assuming the platform is bulkier).

6. I plan to use lone wolf climbing sticks (any feedback with this set up is welcome). How do most people transition to the hunting position? The fact that the lw sticks only have a one sided step at the top is concerning.

Thanks for the help!
 
Congrats on the first hang!

Biners: use what you're comfortable and practiced with. I use screw lock biners, not auto lockers. I like to know I locked them myself, and from ice climbing experience, weather, wet and or cold can impact their reliability.

Sticks: I use lw minis the majority of the time
I don't have a problem with one sided steps. Get comfortable bracing the opposite foot of the one on the step on the tree when you get to the top. Sometimes not having a double step makes you plan your climb a little more whic b isn't a bad thing.
Platform or steps: I have them both, and you may find a lot of people do. I like the steps for packablility, and I would say 90% of the time I grab them. The platform is comfy and easier to pull a layer off, and some believe the directly behind you shot is easier. Most platforms are around 3lbs now and pack down well, so not too bad for transportation. All shots are possible with all...just practice. Choose something that fits your needs. Mobile? Need to be able to stand up and give hips a break? Etc. Keep it simple and don't get stuck in the weeds (gear). Practice, get used to your setup.
 
Gald your first sit went well. Take time in the yard to get more comfortable. and Keep pushing the height up there. it should get better. Spend the time it takes to get comfortable at home in the yard. But keep pushing the comfort-zone and you will get there in no time.
 
Remember... the two main comfort adjustments are bridge length and tether height.
I would have to see what you mean by issues with auto-locking. If you mean the carabiner is flexing out under pressure causing it to not latch, I would swap them out immediately.

I don’t like auto-locking, personally. So I went with screw latch metolius carabiners from REI. They are cheap, lightweight, and 15Kn


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Climbing method is a personal preference personal situation thing. I have LW and I like them. But... I would prefer a double step. I remember comparing some for height and cost at that time I found LW to give more height per pound than others. But that was before I learned about aider etc. And some sticks I didn't know existed.

If you have the means there's some great examples of double steps that can be made for them.

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Oh and in terms of a healthy respect for height. I tried falling out of my Aero hunter at ground level. Couldn't. So I moved up tried it again still stuck in it. So I get it can play games with your head. Maybe try that to build the confidence in your gear if you haven't already. That was my way around it.

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Glad you enjoyed your first sit. When I get ready to hook up my tether the rope is slack. After I’m hooked in carabiner locked I loosen my linesmans rope and slowly put weight on the tether. Only after my full weight is on the tether do I disconnect mi linesmans and store it. I actually usually have my linesmans hooked up until I have my backpack and bow hanging just to keep me close to the tree. Best way to learn to trust it is try to fall out. Kick away from the tree. Fall sideways, upside down etc.
And yes it may bug you that you are hanging from a piece of rope that is no bigger than your pinky. I could tie my rope to a pickup and let a crane pick it up by the rope.
 
One option is to tie directly into the bridge loops with no carabiners - if you are ok with stepping through the bridge when donning the diaper. I prefer it this way, and one way I do it without actually stepping through is to put it over one shoulder like a sling pack. Then I grab both sides of the waist belt buckle, and allow the bridge to fall in front of me. Never touches the ground.
 
Good point @kyler1945 that is how I run mine. That way there is no chance of contact with the bridge carabiner and linesmans belt carabiner.
 
First climb...jeeze I remember my first climb in the sit drag....I remember saying to myself "ok....here we go"
 
Vtbow said:
Congrats on the first hang!

Biners: use what you're comfortable and practiced with. I use screw lock biners, not auto lockers. I like to know I locked them myself, and from ice climbing experience, weather, wet and or cold can impact their reliability.

Sticks: I use lw minis the majority of the time
I don't have a problem with one sided steps. Get comfortable bracing the opposite foot of the one on the step on the tree when you get to the top. Sometimes not having a double step makes you plan your climb a little more whic b isn't a bad thing.
Platform or steps: I have them both, and you may find a lot of people do. I like the steps for packablility, and .
Click to expand...
Vtbow said:
Congrats on the first hang!

Biners: use what you're comfortable and practiced with. I use screw lock biners, not auto lockers. I like to know I locked them myself, and from ice climbing experience, weather, wet and or cold can impact their reliability.

Keep it simple and don't get stuck in the weeds (gear). Practice, get used to your setup.
Click to expand...

Good advice. I have some decent screw in biners. The only appeal of the auto locks for me is they seem attractive when sleep deprived, in the dark, and freezing your ass off. I guess everything has its pros and cons.

Good advice on the weeds. That can be applied to any hobby or sport. Stop obsessing about the gear and practice!

I plan to practice and dial the gear in all September.
 
I hunted a couple seasons with a ring of Amsteel steps with a crappy webbing ratchet strap. I didn't like it. Last year, I upgraded to a beefier 1" webbing I bought from Shippers Supply and the ring of steps was much more solid. But I just got a Predator platform. I can't imagine that there's a better way to go than a mini platform. But I also do pre sets so i do saddle out of some larger and heavier DIY platforms.
I think lots of guys have trouble shooting their bow to their off side (right side of the tree for a right hander) from a ring of steps. I know I have trouble.
But a platform is a game changer. I shoot accurately 360 degrees from a platform.
 
As far as the platform the whole reason I went to a saddle was to shed bulk and weight.

I’m keeping my lone wolf sticks so something had to give

The platform

Too heavy too bulky
 
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