Lotz of Noob questions for everyone…..

[Hinkelmonster]

Let me set the stage.

I’m 6’6” and 320#, I have a bad back and tend to sit/stand a lot in the tree to stay comfortable.

I use Hang Ons 95% of the time and a climber the rest. I don’t trek in far 99% less than 1/2 mile from car to tree.

I’m looking to get a saddle and with a lot of research I’m currently leaning towards the JX3, Cruiser XC or Arcon, Tetherd Method 2, a Dryad or the TX5 Reaper….as of now.

A few questions….

What are saddles like when it’s cold and you have bulky clothes on? Does it make it more challenging?

Are you able to use coat pockets to keep your hands warm? I hate gloves and the bridge looks to interfere with pockets?

How difficult is it to put artic shield boot covers on in a saddle?

Are knee pads a necessity?

How much added comfort do back bands give?

Single vs double panel pros cons?

Thanks in advance!!!!


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[rswink]

Get a muff, your hands will thank you.

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[LtMoe66]

Added clothing does make a difference. You may need to adjust waist strap and put on saddle last too avoid clothing covering your loops, etc.
Definitely get a hand muff. You’ll be glad. Plus you can use some of the pockets to put some small gear in.
As far as saddles go that’s all preference. But I can say I’ve used several of the one’s you mentioned and I prefer the 2 panel Archon.. I’m 6’3” 250.
Can’t tell ya about putting on artic shield boots.
A back band is really nice to have on longer hunts for sure!
Knee pads are nice but they are cumbersome when walking in. I recommend a strap on knee pad and put it on once I’m settled so I know exactly where my knees hit the tree when sitting.
Good luck! Hope this helps.

 

[SEPA@73]

I have no problems walking with knee pads. Really glad to have them for when I trip.

If you can get the artic shields on your feet in a stand then you'll be fine in saddle. You can adjust your tether a tad lower to make it a touch easier with saddle. And depending on how you climb - I've put them on my boots at the base of the tree and found them easy to use with sticks.

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[CharlieTN]

Let me set the stage.

I’m 6’6” and 320#, I have a bad back and tend to sit/stand a lot in the tree to stay comfortable.

I use Hang Ons 95% of the time and a climber the rest. I don’t trek in far 99% less than 1/2 mile from car to tree.

I’m looking to get a saddle and with a lot of research I’m currently leaning towards the JX3, Cruiser XC or Arcon, Tetherd Method 2, a Dryad or the TX5 Reaper….as of now.

A few questions….

What are saddles like when it’s cold and you have bulky clothes on? Does it make it more challenging?

Are you able to use coat pockets to keep your hands warm? I hate gloves and the bridge looks to interfere with pockets?

How difficult is it to put artic shield boot covers on in a saddle?

Are knee pads a necessity?

How much added comfort do back bands give?

Single vs double panel pros cons?

Thanks in advance!!!!


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1. Adding layers at height can be tricky in a saddle because of the way it fits. I would imagine that the JX3 would probably be one of the most difficult although I have no personal experience with one. I put on my bibs at the base of the tree with the saddle over my bibs. The trick is to open up very zipper as much as you can. Once at height I’ll add the heavier coat and such as I cool down from the climb. Tucking in the coat/jacket is tricky but can be done well enough. One thing I’ve found with a saddle is that when the weather is quite chilly, my butt gets cold because the saddle compresses the clothing there. I’ve added a basic fleece blanket to the outside that I can take off when it’s warmer. Makes a big difference.

2. The saddle can make it difficult to use pockets. Get a good handwarmer muff, attach it to the bridge loops or bridge, and you’re golden.

3. I use artic shield boot covers when it’s cold. They’re also tricky to put on but not impossible. I find myself sitting sideways against the tree and that seems to work well. When it’s time to head down and take them off I just let them drop to the base of the tree.

4. For me knee pads are an absolute must. I prefer them over a pad against the tree since they serve double duty when kneeling in the woods to gut a deer, especially when the ground is wet.

5. I doubted the added benefit of a backband until I got one. They’re worth it. I was surprised how much pressure it took off of my hips/legs.

6. Can’t comment on the single/double panel debate. I’m using a single panel and with the right adjustments it’s comfortable.

 

[Allegheny Tom]

Definitely want a muff.
I use one even in warmer weather. It's not only a comfortable place to rest my hands, it's also where I stuff my tether...way better than using a dump pouch. I like a muff with a zipper compartment because it's a good place to carry my phone. Phones should be carried on the body and not stuffed into a pack. In the event of a fall you could be separated from your pack hanging 15 feet up. Having your phone ON your body could be life saving.
I like a muff on a strap (not attached to the saddle). A belt/strap allows my to slide the muff around my side if I need to. If it's attached to the saddle, then it's in a fixed position and can't really be moved out of the way...think of a muff hanging down below your waist when it's time to pee.

Knee pads...
I've only owned ArcTeryx pads. I don't even know they are on when walking. In fact, sometimes when I am undressing after the hunt I forget I have them on. After using knee pads for all these years, I think I would wear them even if I wasn't saddle hunting.
There are times when I might need to kneel in order to maneuver myself thru a blow down, low hanging brush/briars, etc. Being able to plant a knee when sneaking is a bonus. And occasionally we get surprised by deer approaching during our walk in and if we kneel down and hunch over, we may remain undetected as the deer pass by.
Another benefit of knee pads is it keeps knees dry when walking through wet weeds.
Oh yeah...it protects knees from things like multiflora rose and hawthorn.

 

[bfriendly]

I’m also new and can’t answer all your questions, but the few I can are
Knees pads or a cushion are a must have….I went without once, never again
Back bands are a game changer for comfort so another must have imho
I haven’t worn more than a hoodie thus far and putting my hands in the front pockets with a hand warmer has been no problem. Any front loading pocket should be accessible.
I also wear everything walking in with my bow on my pack. Knee pads are forgotten within a few steps and if I fall they’ll help. BTW-I got the Hyper Tough knee pads at Walmart and love them….the $5 ones with just foam. I did get rid of the Velcro straps and replaced with a strap that clips together .…….I take no Velcro to the woods

 

[Hinkelmonster]

Wow thanks for all the input. I look forward to seeing more responses


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[bfriendly]

Wow thanks for all the input. I look forward to seeing more responses


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I do carry my one stick and it works as a web dissipater and self defense weapon if I need it while walking in the dark. As soon as I’m at my tree, I hang stick and start going up. I do tether up at the top of first stick. This can be a pain not using a lineman’s belt, but I’m getting the “hang” of it I’ve actually been taking My 36” stick with single aider over my 20” with 2 step aider.

 

[mprooch]

Can only say a back band is really nice. Gives you another way to “micro” adjust without moving much.. that is lean into the band to take pressure off your hips without really moving at all. I’d say knee pads are worth it, too. I’ve got a sketchy back and the saddle has been much more comfortable than a hang on stand. Just don’t get stuck locking your knees all day and you’ll be golden

 

[bfriendly]

Can only say a back band is really nice. Gives you another way to “micro” adjust without moving much.. that is lean into the band to take pressure off your hips without really moving at all. I’d say knee pads are worth it, too. I’ve got a sketchy back and the saddle has been much more comfortable than a hang on stand. Just don’t get stuck locking your knees all day and you’ll be golden

Well said!