I made my first hunt with the sit drag.
I have done some one stick climbing, but decided this time to take three so I didn't have to jack with it and could focus on the new setup. Well, I use ropes on my sticks, and store them in my pack for the walk in. I forgot all three, and just happened to have one backup in my pack. So I one sticked it. Here are my observations:
I had about a 2 mile hike in. I stalked in at grey light, and bumped a few deer out of the area I headed into. Set up in the first tree nearby in hopes one would come back. I sat for two hours.
Due to my stupidity, I did the one stick climb. I made two different types of aiders to try instead of the black diamond 5 step one. Turns out, one with two steps, out of tubular webbing, with rope sewn in the foothold to keep it open, worked best. I actually just used electric tape and wrapped around rope and strap. I've gotten considerably better at one stick climbing and was up the tree in short order.
I chose a smaller tree than I typically do. Not enough cover, and especially with my larger pack. If I go that small of a tree with no others nearby, i'll use a smaller pack.
I set my xop platform with amsteel, cammed over easily. Rock solid. I then have two strap on ameristeps on an over center. On this small of a tree I probably could shoot almost 360 without them. will come in handy on larger trees.
I set my tether at just above the top of my head.
I spent the majority of the time leaning. I noticed some hip pinch, but it was very easy to adjust the saddle and my angle without much movement. Far far less than constant moving to get comfortable in the lock on.
The freedom of movement will take some discipline not to swing around every time I hear a noise.
I don't like the Molle loops I sewed in. (My Mother sewed in.........) I won't use the dump pouches they are too loud and I don't plan to always wear my SD as a belt walking in. If I'm using my sitka pack it goes inside. If I go minimal, or i'm scouting, I have a fanny pack i'll use as a belt. I am however, going to sew up a fleece pouch with snaps or magnet closures and a couple cinch straps that attaches to the back of the SD for storing all my climbing gear.
In all, I'm adjusting well to the dark side and looking forward to finishing the season hunting this way a good bit. My guido's web will probably only get used when it's cold or i'm close to the truck.
I just weighed my whole climbing and hanging set up. 11lbs - the same as my lone wolf assault or web by itself. I'll shave about half a pound with a minimal rc harness.
I have done some one stick climbing, but decided this time to take three so I didn't have to jack with it and could focus on the new setup. Well, I use ropes on my sticks, and store them in my pack for the walk in. I forgot all three, and just happened to have one backup in my pack. So I one sticked it. Here are my observations:
I had about a 2 mile hike in. I stalked in at grey light, and bumped a few deer out of the area I headed into. Set up in the first tree nearby in hopes one would come back. I sat for two hours.
Due to my stupidity, I did the one stick climb. I made two different types of aiders to try instead of the black diamond 5 step one. Turns out, one with two steps, out of tubular webbing, with rope sewn in the foothold to keep it open, worked best. I actually just used electric tape and wrapped around rope and strap. I've gotten considerably better at one stick climbing and was up the tree in short order.
I chose a smaller tree than I typically do. Not enough cover, and especially with my larger pack. If I go that small of a tree with no others nearby, i'll use a smaller pack.
I set my xop platform with amsteel, cammed over easily. Rock solid. I then have two strap on ameristeps on an over center. On this small of a tree I probably could shoot almost 360 without them. will come in handy on larger trees.
I set my tether at just above the top of my head.
I spent the majority of the time leaning. I noticed some hip pinch, but it was very easy to adjust the saddle and my angle without much movement. Far far less than constant moving to get comfortable in the lock on.
The freedom of movement will take some discipline not to swing around every time I hear a noise.
I don't like the Molle loops I sewed in. (My Mother sewed in.........) I won't use the dump pouches they are too loud and I don't plan to always wear my SD as a belt walking in. If I'm using my sitka pack it goes inside. If I go minimal, or i'm scouting, I have a fanny pack i'll use as a belt. I am however, going to sew up a fleece pouch with snaps or magnet closures and a couple cinch straps that attaches to the back of the SD for storing all my climbing gear.
In all, I'm adjusting well to the dark side and looking forward to finishing the season hunting this way a good bit. My guido's web will probably only get used when it's cold or i'm close to the truck.
I just weighed my whole climbing and hanging set up. 11lbs - the same as my lone wolf assault or web by itself. I'll shave about half a pound with a minimal rc harness.