Going to add food for thought here... the cam cleat is great, when it works. If folks continue to use it without tying off each time you connect the stick, it will come loose on you at some point when you least expect it (ask @mtsrunner about his shin). I use a LW strap on mine and leave it connected the entire climb, I just slide it up the tree, and have zero chance of dropping the stick or the need for a backup connector rope. As with every saddle hunting option, you give up something to get something, so only you can decide which tradeoff is worth it to you. The strap is not perfect either, but fits my need and tradeoff equation.
I’m also doing the LW strap on my stick. Had no trouble at all sliding it up the tree. Sure don’t want to lose the stick while I’m up there so this was the logical choice for me. Also I am going to use a connector rope to the stick just because sh*t happens despite your best efforts and I really just don’t want to be caught up a tree with no way down. Though I will have my rappel setup with me. But would just like to avoid the whole issue anyways. I really don’t have the luxury of someone coming to help me out of the tree outside of dialing 911 either. Again would love to avoid that one too. I guess I’m just all about redundancies and safety measures especially with stuff like this.
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