Newbie getting set up

[Sanad]

Hi everyone,

I’m just getting into hunting and being I’ve been an avid ultralight backpacker for over a decade, I’ve naturally carried my gram counting mentality over to hunting. I’ll be hunting in Florida, which is pretty crowded. In order to have any chance of success here, I will need to go very deep into the woods to get away from the crowds. That being said, I’m trying to set up a system that is extremely light & simple. Here is what I came up with:

Saddle:
Flat Branch Outdoors Solitude 2.0 (24 oz) or Cruzr XC (Weight unknown, but probably about the same weight as the Solitude)

Both of these have the pleated mesh design, which seems like it should add more comfort. Has anyone used both?

Pack:
Flat Branch Outdoors Saddle Back Suspenders with Panel Attachment (Weight unknown, but most likely lighter than a pack)

I plan to hang my steps and other gear off my saddle so these should keep everything in place. Are there better alternatives?

Climbing:
Bullman Outdoors Pioneer Steps w/ Amsteel Daisy Chains (4.3 oz each)

Also considering DRT/MRS method, but I’m guessing the Pioneer Steps are lighter, and possibly faster & quieter.

Platform:
OOAL Scout Solo (23 oz)

Also considering a ring of steps, but the Scout Solo seems like it will be more comfortable and allow almost the same mobility around the tree from what I’ve seen. Is it safe to use Amsteel instead of the straps to secure it?

Anyway, with a setup like this I figure I might be able to keep it under 5 lbs.

I would appreciate any advice you guys can give me.

 

[Weldabeast]

Sounds pretty good....

Don't be surprised if ur final total load is 2x what u expect.

What part of the state are u in?

My advice to someone starting new with little to no experience is to forget worrying about climbing trees for ur first couple seasons. Learning the woods is way more important than the gear u carry. The saddle is great for ground hunting also

 

[Sanad]

Sounds pretty good....

Don't be surprised if ur final total load is 2x what u expect.

What part of the state are u in?

My advice to someone starting new with little to no experience is to forget worrying about climbing trees for ur first couple seasons. Learning the woods is way more important than the gear u carry. The saddle is great for ground hunting also

I’m on the east coast of South Florida, but I have family in Central Florida, so I will probably try hunting in both locales to start. I have had experience navigating in the woods from my years of backpacking, but I will definitely need to develop my skills of tracking and moving quietly, among other things.

I figured I was probably being optimistic thinking I can keep my gear weight under 5 lbs. Hopefully it’s not more than double that.

 

[Still Kicking]

Welcome from Central Illinois! I bring everything I might need and it's around 30 pounds unless I SRT and that drops it to 15 pounds. This includes a large first aid packet, a field dressing packet, several knives, and extra carabiners, extra friction hitches, and water or coffee. I like being prepared but everyone has different ideas regarding what they consider necessary. You have to decide for yourself if you wish to pack it or not. Good Hunting!

 

[Weldabeast]

I have had experience navigating in the woods from my years of backpacking, but I will definitely need to develop my skills of tracking and moving quietly, among other things

I spent my whole life in the outdoors hiking and fishing and I thought I knew a thing or 2.... Hiking and hunting are totally different. I'm not trying to discourage or be negative....just being real. There's a bunch of saddlers down that way and I'm sure if u reached out there may be someone off SH who may can help with the learning curve.

My Style of Hunting By Mr. Warren Womack

For all you folks new to mobile climbing methods, or those of us that have tinkered with our system enough to be dangerous.... "Not only is it good practice but it's also a good conditioning program for climbing. I try to shoot every day and climb up to shoot and down to retrieve arrows, about...

saddlehunter.com

 

[Sanad]

I spent my whole life in the outdoors hiking and fishing and I thought I knew a thing or 2.... Hiking and hunting are totally different. I'm not trying to discourage or be negative....just being real. There's a bunch of saddlers down that way and I'm sure if u reached out there may be someone off SH who may can help with the learning curve.

My Style of Hunting By Mr. Warren Womack

For all you folks new to mobile climbing methods, or those of us that have tinkered with our system enough to be dangerous.... "Not only is it good practice but it's also a good conditioning program for climbing. I try to shoot every day and climb up to shoot and down to retrieve arrows, about...

saddlehunter.com

I’m sure I have a lot to learn. Thanks for the link.

It would be great if I can tag along with someone in Florida but I have a feeling not many people are gonna be willing to take along a complete beginner on their hunt. Meanwhile I’ll learn as much as I can online and try my hand at it.

 

[Sanad]

Well, I pretty much got everything ordered. I should get everything within 3 weeks, which puts me right in the middle of archery season where I am. I guess I can always try to still hunt with a bow until I get my rig.

 

[thedutchtouch]

I was in your boat this time last year. In many ways I still am. Read and practice. And practice. And have fun, and practice.

 

[Sanad]

I was in your boat this time last year. In many ways I still am. Read and practice. And practice. And have fun, and practice.

Yup, that's for sure. I wish I put in more practice with a bow, I spent the past year or two shooting my rifle a lot instead, not realizing how much longer I can hunt if I started in archery season.