New to forum and new to Saddle Hunting

[young7.3]

I have been using a rock harness for the past 1.5 years and after hauling a stand 2 miles into public, I am jumping on the band wagon. Ordered a Sitdrag to do an ultralight/cheap saddle to work with my rock harness.
My biggest question is this... Is a platform really needed or can you get by with a double step on the top climbing stick to spread your weight out with? Some of the small aluminum platforms are crazy expensive! I imagine I can alternate between straddling the tree and extending my legs against the double step. Thanks in advance!

 

[redsquirrel]

Welcome! No a platform isn't needed but you probably won't be happy long term standing on the top of your stick. Many of us use a "ring of steps" as our platforms.

 

[jbrow340]

Welcome from Ohio

 

[young7.3]

Welcome! No a platform isn't needed but you probably won't be happy long term standing on the top of your stick. Many of us use a "ring of steps" as our platforms.

Ring of steps as in multiple sticks to go all the way around the tree? Or something similar to the step ladder steps?

 

[Deltahuntr]

A ring of steps. The number and distance around the tree are up to you. You will want some kind of platform or broader step than top of sticks or bolts for a longer sit. There are other more affordable platform options than the aluminum platforms like the Preachers seat. Search threads on the site to find ideas and examples of different platforms.

 

[redsquirrel]

Ring of steps as in multiple sticks to go all the way around the tree? Or something similar to the step ladder steps?

Screw in steps if you or allowed or strap on steps on a single strap if you aren't. There are lots of threads on here about them.

 

[young7.3]

Thanks! I'll start searching.

 

[public_land]

Welcome from Oklahoma! I tried standing on top of a step and it wasnt very comfortable for long at all. I have since moved to a ring of steps. Its way more comfortable for long sits.

 

[Bigterp]

Welcome to the site! I’ve recently been using top of my stick & 2 we stepps as platform. Those 3 points let me cover 360. I like that & a ring of steps better than a platform. But there’s no wrong answer just personal preference. I don’t sit much either, mostly leaner.......

 

[young7.3]

Welcome to the site! I’ve recently been using top of my stick & 2 we stepps as platform. Those 3 points let me cover 360. I like that & a ring of steps better than a platform. But there’s no wrong answer just personal preference. I don’t sit much either, mostly leaner.......

What are We Stepps?


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[g2outdoors]

this will get you started down the right path

 

[Bigterp]

What are We Stepps?


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https://www.wildedgeinc.com/shop-now.html
Check them out here plus YouTube videos. They’re currently on backorder but you can pick up a couple on here for a platform pretty easy. Or a ring of ameristeps works great too ( also not available except on classifieds)

 

[young7.3]

Gotcha. Thanks for the info guys


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[BRAVEHEART]

Welcome from Michigan!

 

[young7.3]

I logged a morning and afternoon sit in the sitdrag this weekend....LOVE IT! I do have a few mods/upgrades to work on though.
-Sew on a buckle to hold the sit drag up while walking
-Sew the ends of the SD onto itself for easier on/off with biner
-Sew webbing along back of SD for attaching biners, pouches, etc.
-Source another lineman's belt/tether so I can stay connected to the tree at all times
-Decide on permant bridge material/length. I'm thinking 28-30 inches and using Amsteel. Opinions/suggestions?

Am I missing anything?

 

[Apex7]

Welcome. I use both a ring of steps with my Guido's web and a Predator platform with my Kestrel.