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My thoughts so far as a rookie year saddle hunter.

W

Websniper

New Member
Joined
Dec 11, 2020
Messages
33
This is my first season in a saddle. I've been mostly a preset hang on guy (carry in sticks, pick preset spot depending on activity/other hunters). Tried a climber last few seasons, and frankly, I kinda hated it. It's heavy, noisy and a PITA to setup and teardown and repack. Climbing is OK, but I never have trusted it quite frankly. I feel WAY more secure in the saddle or a hang on. Only thing it has going for it is all-day-sleep-in-it comfort (it's a summit viper sd).

Took a few sits to figure out how to be fairly comfortable. It IS comfortable, but in a different way... I've done about 10 hours as my longest sit so far. Was definitely sore afterwards in a few spots. It's definitely different than sitting in a lock on all day. Different muscles, different stress points... I'm currently using just top of my sticks and a few aluminum strap on steps. I think a small flat or combo platform and a few additional tree steps are going to give me the perfect combination of mobility and aid in comfort. I'm glad I didn't dump the money into a full blown platform before trying out a (half) ring of steps. I now believe that a one stick or top sick with monarch or UP or similar and a small ROS is going to be perfect for me. My rappel/onestick setup is about halfway there. I've got my rappel setup ready to go (minus a pouch/storage spot for the rappel rope... may just coil it and hang it on my pack....). Still mulling over a EWP ultimate with monarch, converting one of my Hawk sticks, or the Trophyline Wingman....

I've been loving it for quick and shorter after work hunts, and I've hardly hunted the same tree twice. It's amazing being able to hunt either side of a trail/spot etc depending on wind direction, morning/evening, thermals, etc. Been seeing deer, just haven't closed yet. All the while carrying actually less weight than my previous method of preset lock on and carry-in sticks. I still am carrying a set of Hawk Heliums, but the saddle alone weighs less than my Summit safety harness by a fair amount! That summit harness is heavy. I'm not sure if I will gun hunt from the saddle or not, but for archery, I'm definitely in the saddle.

Last thing and my biggest gripe so far: I'm SICK of youtube vids showing guys doing all things saddle-hunting in early fall clothing! Show how the hell you're supposed to saddle hunt and climb a damn tree or freakin' 20" aider in a pair of bibs and a parka! I had my first hunt in cool weather (high 20's in the morning)and I have to say: heavy clothes are a PAIN IN THE ASS with the saddle. I don't think I'm going to be able to survive late season in the saddle due to the clothing issues. I tend to carry in my layers and have typically dressed in the tree after climbing and sitting 10-15 minutes to cool off. This includes removing boots, changing socks, pulling on bibs, inserting toe warner, boots back on, then top layers(usually a fleece then a parka). There's no way this is going to work with the saddle. I'm definitely curious how people deal with cold weather clothes.... I just can't wear the layers.... It's a mile to most of my spots and avoiding sweat is key to staying warm in cold weather. I had a hard time just getting my Woodbury on this past week with the saddle. I also find it unsafe to drop the saddle down and then try and wiggle the saddle over the coat..... Love to see how people deal with the cold weather clothes.

Anyway, I've been enjoying it so far, but I have a lot to learn. Mostly in getting setup. I love being able to hide behind the tree (when I get the setup right) and the mobility for shooting. I DO think it will be another tool in the arsenal rather than an end all be all solution for every season and situation. However, I DO think the damn climber is gonna be history for me....
 
I tend to where layers and nothing bulky. I also dress for the highest temp of the day. So if it starts at 30 and goes to 50 degrees I dress for 50. The walk and climb keep me warm enough that I can bare the cooler weather until it warms up. When it’s cold all day. Hot hands are my friends. Take jackets with me and put on in tree.
 
Heavy winter layers can make climbing and getting setup with a saddle tricky. I went to 15” spacing on my aiders because of the problems climbing in heavy bibs. That’s about all I can handle and not be a big glob of sweat by the time I get up. Base layers are the trickiest in a saddle and pretty much you have to climb with them on. Unzip legs if you can, unzip the bibs and leave them open to breathe. I pretty much strip down my upper layers to just a shirt or light hoodie in the winter. My upper will get chilled a bit but it keeps me from sweating so bad. Once in the tree it will usually take me 15 minutes or so to cool off, then I start zipping up, putting on upper layers, and finally my boot blankets with hand warmers in side.
 
I kinda froze last few times, but bigger boots helped and I too dress for the high temps. Hand warmers always on the ready, but I have not climbed with a bigger jacket on. Just a hoodie and 2 layers. The bigger jacket will soon have to join me and I am a little concerned…..watching this thread!
 
A heated vest with extra batteries works awesome. You can eliminate some inner layers. I find anything that is thick with a hood is not good for me. The cut of the jacket and bibs is also important as some are a traditional cut and others athletic cut which for me makes it easier to climb. Firstlite for example has a athletic cut with a stretchy material and is easier to climb than with my Cabelas MT50. It’s pricey but well worth it. Also I find if I’m getting cold I put on an extra hat, that seems to help me a lot.
 
6L6 said:
A heated vest with extra batteries works awesome. You can eliminate some inner layers. I find anything that is thick with a hood is not good for me. The cut of the jacket and bibs is also important as some are a traditional cut and others athletic cut which for me makes it easier to climb. Firstlite for example has a athletic cut with a stretchy material and is easier to climb than with my Cabelas MT50. It’s pricey but well worth it. Also I find if I’m getting cold I put on an extra hat, that seems to help me a lot.
Click to expand...
Times 2 on the hat. I’ve been wearing head band type muffs for my ears, but just ordered a thick hat with covering for my ears too……trying to remain still while shivering ain’t easy.
 
I try not to overdress on the bottom. I use a bunch of the small hothands each winter. One in each front pants pocket. One in my shirt pocket inside my coat and one tucked under my head covering at the base of my skull. Heat up the blood.
 
A small tip I learned years ago to help stay warm, wear athletic sweat bands on your wrists. Just try it!
 
Roger9497 said:
A small tip I learned years ago to help stay warm, wear athletic sweat bands on your wrists. Just try it!
Click to expand...
Really? Makes me wonder if my wool pop tops are so warm because they have a huge wrist covering that is thick and maybe 6” long….often it’s doubled over.
 
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