donnieballgame
Well-Known Member
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- May 31, 2017
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*****UPDATED 15 June 18*****
My older brother reached out a while back and asked for some links to help out a buddy that was thinking about saddle hunting. I was really excited because for a second I thought my older brother was finally coming around.....
Please let me know if you find any errors or issues with terminology.
Anyway, Saddlehunter.com is a great resource but can be difficult to navigate at first and can be a little overwhelming at first(because there is just so much information) I think folks lose interest because of the amount of reading/time required.
Alright, this may seem like a lot, but I'm gonna try and list all of the important stuff with an actual link to buy it.
A general write-up on a saddle will explain a few terms give you a rough idea what’s going on.
http://saddlehunter.com/community/index.php?threads/basic-saddle-hunting-glossary.1888/
Saddle options, it's either Guido's Web, New Tribe's Kestrel or Aerohunter, Mantis by Tethrd Nation or the Sit Drag, or make your own. Trophyline is not currently being manufactured.
Tether/Lineman belt
-I built my Tether and Lineman rope out of some 11mm static line from REI, not the cheapest option but it was pretty easy. I got some 6-7mm accessory cord from REI as well that I use for prusik knots, foot loops etc. Prusik knot rope should be approximately 80% of the rope it's trying to grab. So if you have a 10mm static rope that you are using for your tether you need an 8mm accessory cord for your prusik knots. Too large and it won't bite, too small and it will melt.
I just got this link from @flinginairos, it’s a good guide to splicing eyes in double braided line. Not sure how I missed this but my first tether and lineman belt were 11mm static with tied knots, I’m going to upgrade this year to spliced line.
If you don't know how to tie anything check out animatedknots.com, it's a nice resource or just google everything.
Throw in some locking carabineers and you're pretty much there. Hopefully that gets you started or answers a few questions.
Amstel Blue This stuff is amazing, I’ve only recently started messing with it, it’s crazy strong, ¼ Amstel blue is something like 7,700lbs. You can’t tie knots in it, you have to splice it, so it’s good for fixed bridges, some folks use it on their climbing sticks to cut back some weight, but I’ve also read that it can get noisy on the tree bark once it gets beat up a little. The cheapest place I’ve found to get it is Dutch Ware Gear, you can get it by the foot for $0.90 cents per foot. It is pretty easy splice, @g2outdoors has a good video, just make sure you taper the buried end, which he didn’t do and now I have to redo my bridge because……OCD.
https://dutchwaregear.com/product/1-4-amsteel-blue/
Tether and Lineman Breakdown:
-Rope: 2x20' chunks, after knots about 10', nylon core, polyester sheath, 5400lb tensile strength, 16 strand.
Yale Bandit is the old favorite, but it's no longer available, Aztec and Blaze are similar and made by Yale.
Aztec
Blaze
Samson Velocity Hot
Samson Predator
25 for splice
15 for sewn eye
-2 x Ropeman 1s, one for lineman belt one for tether. I consider these a necessity, they are too awesome to go without. I note of caution make sure you get the appropriate ropeman for the rope that you are using. Ropeman 1 is designed for 10mm to 13mm diameter ropes, the Ropeman 2 has a more aggressive cleat design that has small spikes and can handle 8mm-13mm rope diameters. I have one of both and they both work great, the ropeman 2 is a little harder to use because the teeth catch the rope much better and therefore it doesn’t release all that easily.
Wild Country Ropeman 1 Ascender - Orange,One Size https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008D52J30/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_.1piBbZ6NZ4B2
-Carabiners at least 4, I like to use the screw locks for everything that keeps me safe in a tree, so I have about 5 that I use. 3 pack for about 30. Someone on SH.com recommended only using load rated biners for hanging gear and everything else in case you get into a pinch and need one. I didn’t do that last year but plan on doing that moving forward. I’ve never been in that situation but it makes sense to me, I have dropped pretty much everything else out of the tree, I guess it’s just a matter of time. On a trick if you don’t have a locking carabiner, you can use 2 just put the gates on the opposite sides so that one will, in theory
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0175B8ME...&pd_rd_r=1e71b64c-6f77-11e8-ab1f-1b6d2e476374
-Accessory Cord - Used to tie prusik knots or blake hitches or just hold stuff, I have a bunch but it isn't the best rope, kind of stiff, which isn't good for friction hitches. I use only one prusik knot on my tether. A lot of folks use the prusik at the bottom of their tether and the ropeman on the bridge, up to you really. The accessory cord for a prusik should be 60 to 80 percent of the main line, meaning if you have a 10mm tether then the accessory cord that you want to tie a prusik with should be 6-8mm. See link below for more info on the prusik.
https://www.rocknrescue.com/blog/prusik-loop-material-guide/
Parachute Cord – I used this a lot last year and it’s fine, sure it tangles, but it weighs nothing takes up very little use and can be used for anything. I use it on preset trees for SRT, I always carry some extra, in case I like the tree I’m in and I want to come back and set it for SRT. I also use it to pull up my bow and pack. I think I got a 1000’ roll on Amazon for about 50 and I typically use about 80 feet for a preset, so most of my chunks are about that length, just in case I need to go higher because of the tree.
SADDLE OPTIONS
The Guidos is heavier but more comfortable saddle, it has a crutch to hold you off of the tree and you sit in it instead of leaning. I mostly lean in my sitdrag but that requires a better platform. I use an XOP Hand Climber, see below. Guidos is under new ownership, John is working on a new version of the Guidos, it looks promising, but keep in mind that the Guidos is the luxury model of saddles it’s comfortable but heavier and hotter.
http://www.guidosoutdoors.com/
Kestrel by New Tribe(Long time Arborist harness Manf. Company), looks awesome, good reviews, but expensive, 225 for just the saddle or 334 to add the tether, lineman belt, and back strap.
**Update, they just came out with a mesh version which could be sweet for those southern hunters**
https://aerohunter.us/store/
Mantis is the newest saddle on the market, it was just released. It looks like a lighter simpler version of the Kestrel and it’s made out of mesh. It is going for $199 right now.
https://tethrdnation.com/product/mantis-saddle/
SitDrag, this is what I have, it's super cheap($33 I think) but only made for sitting at ground level, combined with a rock climbing harness, it's a great way to get started and pretty cheap(I already had a rock climbing harness).
http://www.sitdrag.com/home.html
G2Outdoors goes over his modifications, I did most of these.
Good YouTube Video that describes the sit drag setup and harness as well as the one stick climbing method some guys use by @bowhunter15
This video, again @bowhunter15, he explains the rock climbing harness setup. My harness didn't have a weight-bearing loop in the back, so I made one with climbing webbing and some stitches, figured it doesn't have to hold my whole weight and a lot of things have to go wrong for it to be needed. He also goes over the single stick climbing method, same link below.
Fleece Saddle, this is another great option for new saddle hunters that don’t mind a little DIY and want something cheap to test the waters. You can get a few yards of fleece at Walmart for less than 10 bucks and probably make at least 4 fleece saddles with it. About the only down side that I can think of is not being able to wear it as you walk in the woods, but you could probably sew on a belt and still wear it walking in. I didn’t and didn’t think it was a big deal. Here’s @DaveT1963.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYz8drw2-Z8&feature=youtu.be
https://theultimatehang.com/2013/10/29/make-hammock-3-minutes/
CLIMBING SYSTEMS
This is where I spent most of my time reading and trying to make up my mined when I first got started. Although I didn't have anything when I started.
-RADS or Yo-Yo(a type of Single Rope Technique SRT), is what I use when I'm climbing a rope, which means I have a piece of 550 cord setup in the tree already, I quietly pull up my climbing rope then climb it and it typically takes me 10 minutes to get to about 25'.
How to setup the rope:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eOOBbr_0Bdg
Good explanation of RADS or Yo-Yo
https://www.newtribe.com/documents/tip4.htm
My setup includes a Petzel GriGri with a locking carabineer, a rope ascender with a carabiner and a foot loop, I have been using a ropeman2 lately because it's small and light. I haven't been using the pulley because of noise and how it shortens my climbing stroke, I just put it through the carabineer on the ascender. I also have a longer chunk of accessory cord that I've tied into a loop that has a few loops in it of different sizes that I use for my foot loop, and I have a small daisy chain that I use to connect the grigri carabineer and the ascender biner for safety, in case the grigri lets go, it does limit my climbing stroke a little but I've always got 2 devices on the rope and that is worth it to me.
How to properly tie off a Grigri for hands free, I will typically use my bridge carabiner to clip the loop into my rock climbing harness leg loop, see link below.
https://www.petzl.com/NL/en/Sport/Tying-off-the-GRIGRI-to-have-your-hands-free
ROPE for SRT I bought a 60' 9mm Sterling HTP static rope for climbing from TreeStuff.com and they were great, I got a sewn eye and put a petzl steel locking delta screw on the end to run the rope through. I think I got it for about 50, which is a good deal, the delta screw was about 10, you can find cheaper ones but I wanted something dark that wasn’t shiny.
Rappelling:
There are basically 2 ways to rappel, one rope and 2 rope, I’ve done both and they both have advantages/disadvantages.
-1 rope rappelling you can use almost any belay or rappel device, I have an ATC and a Grigri, most of the time I use the grigri, because it’s a little easier to setup and tie off. The ATC is great, super lightweight but requires an autoblock(prusik knot) to tie it off for hands free. The biggest disadvantage to 1 rope rappelling is getting your rope down, it can be tricky, I’ve learned, the hard way that where you tie your recovery line is very important, you don’t want it in the delta screw, but a few inches below it, so that when you pull the recovery line(I use 550) it doesn’t pinch the rope with the delta screw, trust me it sucks climbing back up to reset ur line.
-2 rope rappelling, this is the best way to recover your line, but might require more rope, also it’s more difficult to tie off than the grigri. You simply wrap the rope around a crotch or over a large branch and both ropes go through your ATC and when you are done you simply pull your rope down. Also you can’t do this with a Grigri, most ATC’s if not all of them have 2 rope slots.
-2 Rope Method - I tried this and couldn't really get it to work, I'm sure it can be done with practice. You can also do this with a 5 step webbing aider. I've done it, again requires practice to be efficient.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMkAMZo5ggI&spfreload=5 via @sampotter
-Climbing Sticks, I don't have any, I would get the Muddy Pro sticks if I was gonna get some, but it didn't seem cost effective they are 177 for 4. I would put 3-4 step webbing aiders on each one and get to 20'-25' with 3. I like the Muddy ones because they have 2 steps on the top and bottom of the stick so you don't have to switch feet while climbing and you can stand on both to set the next stick. Again, I don't own sticks so take it for what it's worth.
A few popular climbing sticks:
https://shop.hawkhunting.com/helium-1-pk-climbing-stick/
Muddy Pro Climbing sticks were my choice until they stopped making/selling them, not sure why they were a solid stick. Double step about 24 inches, I think the steps folded and they had the rope with the cam cleat.
Dan Infalt from Hunting Beast is supposed to be coming out with a set of sticks, I can’t find the link, @Ikeman found some photos somewhere. I don’t think they are for sale yet.
http://saddlehunter.com/community/index.php?threads/first-pics-of-dan-infalt’s-climbing-sticks.5044/
@bowhunter15 and @flinginairos have both made some pretty sweet DIY climbing sticks.
http://saddlehunter.com/community/index.php?threads/diy-climbing-stick-1-5lb.3412/
http://saddlehunter.com/community/index.php?threads/my-diy-ultra-light-stick-build.6384/#post-91458
-One Stick Method
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7TlGkTd82eM via @bowhunter15
-Climbing Spurs, a lot of guys use these, because they hunt on private land or don't have restrictions on the use of them. I have only tried once, an ancient set that my parents had lying around that we would play with as kids. It was dicey and I need to practice, but I can't use them where I hunt so it's kind of pointless. Also don’t completely disregard the chance that you are doing real damage to the trees. No hunter will ever admit that they are damaging trees and spreading disease because they are the lightest and least bulky climbing system out there. Talk to any arborist and they will tell you that spikes do real damage to trees and would never use them on a tree they are not taking down. Personally I would not use spikes even if they were legal.
-Wild Edge Stepps sells a pretty cool stepp, invented by Jim Stepp, I like how compact these are and you can use them for a platform, but they are pricy. I just got 8 and plan on using them for run and gun. They have a military discount as well, which is pretty cool. Youtube video on tying the knot a little easier. I’ve also heard that you need to stretch the ropes out when you first get them. I haven’t confirmed this but I think you basically just put them on a tree real tight and leave them for a while, that way they don’t loosen up on your first hunt.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjoaTtjPqrQ
https://www.wildedgeinc.com/
PLATFORMS
Most folks use a platform, it spreads the weight out on your foot making it much more comfortable. There are several different kinds and I don't think I could cover all of the options, here are a few.
-Predator by Tethrd Nation, recently released, predator is a Klemz style platform that has a self leveling system. It looks pretty sweet and is the first designed especially for saddle hunters, it sells for $170.
https://tethrdnation.com/product/predator-platform/
-XOP Hand Climber is what I'm using, because it's the only one that's also a climbing system, the only drawback that I can think of it, it does move a little when you put side pressure on it and it could fold on you, although it's never happened to me. Climbing with it takes some practice to get efficient, and you are limited to normal climber trees. There is a video of Bongo demonstrating it at Saddlepalooza 2018 somewhere, I haven’t seen it yet so I can’t help you there.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-4TXDBmn1U&t=153s
https://xopoutdoors.com/collections/replacement-parts/products/strike-force-hand-climber-top-only
-XOP Pivot Style(Post) A lot of guys will build a platform with an XOP replacement seat and a kit from @Erniepower on Saddlehunter.com. It's a stationary platform that you can't use to climb with, but it's pretty stable from what I gather.
http://saddlehunter.com/community/index.php?threads/xop-climber-seat-as-climber-and-platform.2031/
-Kleemz Style(Old Lone Wolf seat) Another option is to use an old Lone Wolf hang on seat, but they are really hard to find. If you find one, please sell it to me. The seat has its own bracket that makes it unique and it cams over very nicely to make a solid platform.
-Ameristeps, they don't make these anymore, but they show up sometimes on the classifieds, they are plastic steps that you web onto a tree, some guys use only these to stand on, I did this once and wasn't thrilled about it, but on a run and gun setup, I could deal with it.
-Screw in steps, again where allowed are a good option and some guys use them, but again if you are a leaner you're feet will hurt after a while.
SITDRAG Detailed write-up with links:
Sit Drag is a great option for folks just getting into Saddle hunting as its fairly cheap and with a few modifications can be quickly made into a viable hunting saddle. Keep in mind the Sit drag isn’t designed to be used above ground level so if you intend to use it as a tree saddle you will need to add a rock climbing harness or arborist harness to make the system safe. Some folks just use a heavy duty buckle to hold the sit drag in place while climbing and hiking, and feel safe using that as their safety system. The option is up to you and what level of safety you feel comfortable with. I would recommend that if you are starting out and are not comfortable climbing trees and hanging in a saddle that you start with at least a rock climbing harness. You can get a cheap rock climbing harness for around 50 bucks, they are super light so you really can’t go wrong with using one, in my humble opinion.
The modifications made to a Sit Drag are to improve its performance and make it easier to use up in a tree. If you are standing on a climbing stick or branch and trying to hook up a tether or lineman’s belt, you really want those loops easy to find and clip into, which is the first modification most folks make.
Mod list:
DIY Sportsman(Bowhunter 15)
Climb a Tree with One Climbing Stick
Good explanation of the rock climbing harness and lineman’s belt mod.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7TlGkTd82eM
DIY Sportsman sit drag and rock climbing harness video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_OVhk7U2JY&t=222s
Sit Drag Website/Online Store
http://www.sitdrag.com/Online-Store.html
Cobra Buckle - http://www.strapworks.com/ProductDe...DZRfwlr6GWJLDtymp0KZotLGxIaMAMIQaApCWEALw_wcB
Rock Climbing Harness Black Diamond Alpine Bod, popular among Saddle Hunters, shop around there are lighter harnesses out there, you can go lightweight or cheap, up to you, depending on your climbing method you might want a little comfort.
https://www.backcountry.com/black-d...F4WKHSVSh-VeSYhh98uGLNL4jcS8JH-0aAvFEEALw_wcB
G2 Outdoors Sit Drag Modifications
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNhIOPty0do&t=3s
My older brother reached out a while back and asked for some links to help out a buddy that was thinking about saddle hunting. I was really excited because for a second I thought my older brother was finally coming around.....
Please let me know if you find any errors or issues with terminology.
Anyway, Saddlehunter.com is a great resource but can be difficult to navigate at first and can be a little overwhelming at first(because there is just so much information) I think folks lose interest because of the amount of reading/time required.
Alright, this may seem like a lot, but I'm gonna try and list all of the important stuff with an actual link to buy it.
A general write-up on a saddle will explain a few terms give you a rough idea what’s going on.
http://saddlehunter.com/community/index.php?threads/basic-saddle-hunting-glossary.1888/
Saddle options, it's either Guido's Web, New Tribe's Kestrel or Aerohunter, Mantis by Tethrd Nation or the Sit Drag, or make your own. Trophyline is not currently being manufactured.
Tether/Lineman belt
-I built my Tether and Lineman rope out of some 11mm static line from REI, not the cheapest option but it was pretty easy. I got some 6-7mm accessory cord from REI as well that I use for prusik knots, foot loops etc. Prusik knot rope should be approximately 80% of the rope it's trying to grab. So if you have a 10mm static rope that you are using for your tether you need an 8mm accessory cord for your prusik knots. Too large and it won't bite, too small and it will melt.
I just got this link from @flinginairos, it’s a good guide to splicing eyes in double braided line. Not sure how I missed this but my first tether and lineman belt were 11mm static with tied knots, I’m going to upgrade this year to spliced line.
If you don't know how to tie anything check out animatedknots.com, it's a nice resource or just google everything.
Throw in some locking carabineers and you're pretty much there. Hopefully that gets you started or answers a few questions.
Amstel Blue This stuff is amazing, I’ve only recently started messing with it, it’s crazy strong, ¼ Amstel blue is something like 7,700lbs. You can’t tie knots in it, you have to splice it, so it’s good for fixed bridges, some folks use it on their climbing sticks to cut back some weight, but I’ve also read that it can get noisy on the tree bark once it gets beat up a little. The cheapest place I’ve found to get it is Dutch Ware Gear, you can get it by the foot for $0.90 cents per foot. It is pretty easy splice, @g2outdoors has a good video, just make sure you taper the buried end, which he didn’t do and now I have to redo my bridge because……OCD.
https://dutchwaregear.com/product/1-4-amsteel-blue/
Tether and Lineman Breakdown:
-Rope: 2x20' chunks, after knots about 10', nylon core, polyester sheath, 5400lb tensile strength, 16 strand.
Yale Bandit is the old favorite, but it's no longer available, Aztec and Blaze are similar and made by Yale.
Aztec
Blaze
Samson Velocity Hot
Samson Predator
25 for splice
15 for sewn eye
-2 x Ropeman 1s, one for lineman belt one for tether. I consider these a necessity, they are too awesome to go without. I note of caution make sure you get the appropriate ropeman for the rope that you are using. Ropeman 1 is designed for 10mm to 13mm diameter ropes, the Ropeman 2 has a more aggressive cleat design that has small spikes and can handle 8mm-13mm rope diameters. I have one of both and they both work great, the ropeman 2 is a little harder to use because the teeth catch the rope much better and therefore it doesn’t release all that easily.
Wild Country Ropeman 1 Ascender - Orange,One Size https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008D52J30/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_.1piBbZ6NZ4B2
-Carabiners at least 4, I like to use the screw locks for everything that keeps me safe in a tree, so I have about 5 that I use. 3 pack for about 30. Someone on SH.com recommended only using load rated biners for hanging gear and everything else in case you get into a pinch and need one. I didn’t do that last year but plan on doing that moving forward. I’ve never been in that situation but it makes sense to me, I have dropped pretty much everything else out of the tree, I guess it’s just a matter of time. On a trick if you don’t have a locking carabiner, you can use 2 just put the gates on the opposite sides so that one will, in theory
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0175B8ME...&pd_rd_r=1e71b64c-6f77-11e8-ab1f-1b6d2e476374
-Accessory Cord - Used to tie prusik knots or blake hitches or just hold stuff, I have a bunch but it isn't the best rope, kind of stiff, which isn't good for friction hitches. I use only one prusik knot on my tether. A lot of folks use the prusik at the bottom of their tether and the ropeman on the bridge, up to you really. The accessory cord for a prusik should be 60 to 80 percent of the main line, meaning if you have a 10mm tether then the accessory cord that you want to tie a prusik with should be 6-8mm. See link below for more info on the prusik.
https://www.rocknrescue.com/blog/prusik-loop-material-guide/
Parachute Cord – I used this a lot last year and it’s fine, sure it tangles, but it weighs nothing takes up very little use and can be used for anything. I use it on preset trees for SRT, I always carry some extra, in case I like the tree I’m in and I want to come back and set it for SRT. I also use it to pull up my bow and pack. I think I got a 1000’ roll on Amazon for about 50 and I typically use about 80 feet for a preset, so most of my chunks are about that length, just in case I need to go higher because of the tree.
SADDLE OPTIONS
The Guidos is heavier but more comfortable saddle, it has a crutch to hold you off of the tree and you sit in it instead of leaning. I mostly lean in my sitdrag but that requires a better platform. I use an XOP Hand Climber, see below. Guidos is under new ownership, John is working on a new version of the Guidos, it looks promising, but keep in mind that the Guidos is the luxury model of saddles it’s comfortable but heavier and hotter.
http://www.guidosoutdoors.com/
Kestrel by New Tribe(Long time Arborist harness Manf. Company), looks awesome, good reviews, but expensive, 225 for just the saddle or 334 to add the tether, lineman belt, and back strap.
**Update, they just came out with a mesh version which could be sweet for those southern hunters**
https://aerohunter.us/store/
Mantis is the newest saddle on the market, it was just released. It looks like a lighter simpler version of the Kestrel and it’s made out of mesh. It is going for $199 right now.
https://tethrdnation.com/product/mantis-saddle/
SitDrag, this is what I have, it's super cheap($33 I think) but only made for sitting at ground level, combined with a rock climbing harness, it's a great way to get started and pretty cheap(I already had a rock climbing harness).
http://www.sitdrag.com/home.html
G2Outdoors goes over his modifications, I did most of these.
Good YouTube Video that describes the sit drag setup and harness as well as the one stick climbing method some guys use by @bowhunter15
This video, again @bowhunter15, he explains the rock climbing harness setup. My harness didn't have a weight-bearing loop in the back, so I made one with climbing webbing and some stitches, figured it doesn't have to hold my whole weight and a lot of things have to go wrong for it to be needed. He also goes over the single stick climbing method, same link below.
Fleece Saddle, this is another great option for new saddle hunters that don’t mind a little DIY and want something cheap to test the waters. You can get a few yards of fleece at Walmart for less than 10 bucks and probably make at least 4 fleece saddles with it. About the only down side that I can think of is not being able to wear it as you walk in the woods, but you could probably sew on a belt and still wear it walking in. I didn’t and didn’t think it was a big deal. Here’s @DaveT1963.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYz8drw2-Z8&feature=youtu.be
https://theultimatehang.com/2013/10/29/make-hammock-3-minutes/
CLIMBING SYSTEMS
This is where I spent most of my time reading and trying to make up my mined when I first got started. Although I didn't have anything when I started.
-RADS or Yo-Yo(a type of Single Rope Technique SRT), is what I use when I'm climbing a rope, which means I have a piece of 550 cord setup in the tree already, I quietly pull up my climbing rope then climb it and it typically takes me 10 minutes to get to about 25'.
How to setup the rope:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eOOBbr_0Bdg
Good explanation of RADS or Yo-Yo
https://www.newtribe.com/documents/tip4.htm
My setup includes a Petzel GriGri with a locking carabineer, a rope ascender with a carabiner and a foot loop, I have been using a ropeman2 lately because it's small and light. I haven't been using the pulley because of noise and how it shortens my climbing stroke, I just put it through the carabineer on the ascender. I also have a longer chunk of accessory cord that I've tied into a loop that has a few loops in it of different sizes that I use for my foot loop, and I have a small daisy chain that I use to connect the grigri carabineer and the ascender biner for safety, in case the grigri lets go, it does limit my climbing stroke a little but I've always got 2 devices on the rope and that is worth it to me.
How to properly tie off a Grigri for hands free, I will typically use my bridge carabiner to clip the loop into my rock climbing harness leg loop, see link below.
https://www.petzl.com/NL/en/Sport/Tying-off-the-GRIGRI-to-have-your-hands-free
ROPE for SRT I bought a 60' 9mm Sterling HTP static rope for climbing from TreeStuff.com and they were great, I got a sewn eye and put a petzl steel locking delta screw on the end to run the rope through. I think I got it for about 50, which is a good deal, the delta screw was about 10, you can find cheaper ones but I wanted something dark that wasn’t shiny.
Rappelling:
There are basically 2 ways to rappel, one rope and 2 rope, I’ve done both and they both have advantages/disadvantages.
-1 rope rappelling you can use almost any belay or rappel device, I have an ATC and a Grigri, most of the time I use the grigri, because it’s a little easier to setup and tie off. The ATC is great, super lightweight but requires an autoblock(prusik knot) to tie it off for hands free. The biggest disadvantage to 1 rope rappelling is getting your rope down, it can be tricky, I’ve learned, the hard way that where you tie your recovery line is very important, you don’t want it in the delta screw, but a few inches below it, so that when you pull the recovery line(I use 550) it doesn’t pinch the rope with the delta screw, trust me it sucks climbing back up to reset ur line.
-2 rope rappelling, this is the best way to recover your line, but might require more rope, also it’s more difficult to tie off than the grigri. You simply wrap the rope around a crotch or over a large branch and both ropes go through your ATC and when you are done you simply pull your rope down. Also you can’t do this with a Grigri, most ATC’s if not all of them have 2 rope slots.
-2 Rope Method - I tried this and couldn't really get it to work, I'm sure it can be done with practice. You can also do this with a 5 step webbing aider. I've done it, again requires practice to be efficient.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMkAMZo5ggI&spfreload=5 via @sampotter
-Climbing Sticks, I don't have any, I would get the Muddy Pro sticks if I was gonna get some, but it didn't seem cost effective they are 177 for 4. I would put 3-4 step webbing aiders on each one and get to 20'-25' with 3. I like the Muddy ones because they have 2 steps on the top and bottom of the stick so you don't have to switch feet while climbing and you can stand on both to set the next stick. Again, I don't own sticks so take it for what it's worth.
A few popular climbing sticks:
https://shop.hawkhunting.com/helium-1-pk-climbing-stick/
Muddy Pro Climbing sticks were my choice until they stopped making/selling them, not sure why they were a solid stick. Double step about 24 inches, I think the steps folded and they had the rope with the cam cleat.
Dan Infalt from Hunting Beast is supposed to be coming out with a set of sticks, I can’t find the link, @Ikeman found some photos somewhere. I don’t think they are for sale yet.
http://saddlehunter.com/community/index.php?threads/first-pics-of-dan-infalt’s-climbing-sticks.5044/
@bowhunter15 and @flinginairos have both made some pretty sweet DIY climbing sticks.
http://saddlehunter.com/community/index.php?threads/diy-climbing-stick-1-5lb.3412/
http://saddlehunter.com/community/index.php?threads/my-diy-ultra-light-stick-build.6384/#post-91458
-One Stick Method
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7TlGkTd82eM via @bowhunter15
-Climbing Spurs, a lot of guys use these, because they hunt on private land or don't have restrictions on the use of them. I have only tried once, an ancient set that my parents had lying around that we would play with as kids. It was dicey and I need to practice, but I can't use them where I hunt so it's kind of pointless. Also don’t completely disregard the chance that you are doing real damage to the trees. No hunter will ever admit that they are damaging trees and spreading disease because they are the lightest and least bulky climbing system out there. Talk to any arborist and they will tell you that spikes do real damage to trees and would never use them on a tree they are not taking down. Personally I would not use spikes even if they were legal.
-Wild Edge Stepps sells a pretty cool stepp, invented by Jim Stepp, I like how compact these are and you can use them for a platform, but they are pricy. I just got 8 and plan on using them for run and gun. They have a military discount as well, which is pretty cool. Youtube video on tying the knot a little easier. I’ve also heard that you need to stretch the ropes out when you first get them. I haven’t confirmed this but I think you basically just put them on a tree real tight and leave them for a while, that way they don’t loosen up on your first hunt.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjoaTtjPqrQ
https://www.wildedgeinc.com/
PLATFORMS
Most folks use a platform, it spreads the weight out on your foot making it much more comfortable. There are several different kinds and I don't think I could cover all of the options, here are a few.
-Predator by Tethrd Nation, recently released, predator is a Klemz style platform that has a self leveling system. It looks pretty sweet and is the first designed especially for saddle hunters, it sells for $170.
https://tethrdnation.com/product/predator-platform/
-XOP Hand Climber is what I'm using, because it's the only one that's also a climbing system, the only drawback that I can think of it, it does move a little when you put side pressure on it and it could fold on you, although it's never happened to me. Climbing with it takes some practice to get efficient, and you are limited to normal climber trees. There is a video of Bongo demonstrating it at Saddlepalooza 2018 somewhere, I haven’t seen it yet so I can’t help you there.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-4TXDBmn1U&t=153s
https://xopoutdoors.com/collections/replacement-parts/products/strike-force-hand-climber-top-only
-XOP Pivot Style(Post) A lot of guys will build a platform with an XOP replacement seat and a kit from @Erniepower on Saddlehunter.com. It's a stationary platform that you can't use to climb with, but it's pretty stable from what I gather.
http://saddlehunter.com/community/index.php?threads/xop-climber-seat-as-climber-and-platform.2031/
-Kleemz Style(Old Lone Wolf seat) Another option is to use an old Lone Wolf hang on seat, but they are really hard to find. If you find one, please sell it to me. The seat has its own bracket that makes it unique and it cams over very nicely to make a solid platform.
-Ameristeps, they don't make these anymore, but they show up sometimes on the classifieds, they are plastic steps that you web onto a tree, some guys use only these to stand on, I did this once and wasn't thrilled about it, but on a run and gun setup, I could deal with it.
-Screw in steps, again where allowed are a good option and some guys use them, but again if you are a leaner you're feet will hurt after a while.
SITDRAG Detailed write-up with links:
Sit Drag is a great option for folks just getting into Saddle hunting as its fairly cheap and with a few modifications can be quickly made into a viable hunting saddle. Keep in mind the Sit drag isn’t designed to be used above ground level so if you intend to use it as a tree saddle you will need to add a rock climbing harness or arborist harness to make the system safe. Some folks just use a heavy duty buckle to hold the sit drag in place while climbing and hiking, and feel safe using that as their safety system. The option is up to you and what level of safety you feel comfortable with. I would recommend that if you are starting out and are not comfortable climbing trees and hanging in a saddle that you start with at least a rock climbing harness. You can get a cheap rock climbing harness for around 50 bucks, they are super light so you really can’t go wrong with using one, in my humble opinion.
The modifications made to a Sit Drag are to improve its performance and make it easier to use up in a tree. If you are standing on a climbing stick or branch and trying to hook up a tether or lineman’s belt, you really want those loops easy to find and clip into, which is the first modification most folks make.
Mod list:
- Remove 2” strap
- Fold over end loops and sew typically with a sewing awl
- Amsteel, I haven’t done this but many have.
- Rope bridge
- Belt, 2” Cobra buckle with strap cut off from the bridge an be sewn onto the back to make a “safety/linemans belt”
- Molly loops
- Padding
DIY Sportsman(Bowhunter 15)
Climb a Tree with One Climbing Stick
Good explanation of the rock climbing harness and lineman’s belt mod.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7TlGkTd82eM
DIY Sportsman sit drag and rock climbing harness video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_OVhk7U2JY&t=222s
Sit Drag Website/Online Store
http://www.sitdrag.com/Online-Store.html
Cobra Buckle - http://www.strapworks.com/ProductDe...DZRfwlr6GWJLDtymp0KZotLGxIaMAMIQaApCWEALw_wcB
Rock Climbing Harness Black Diamond Alpine Bod, popular among Saddle Hunters, shop around there are lighter harnesses out there, you can go lightweight or cheap, up to you, depending on your climbing method you might want a little comfort.
https://www.backcountry.com/black-d...F4WKHSVSh-VeSYhh98uGLNL4jcS8JH-0aAvFEEALw_wcB
G2 Outdoors Sit Drag Modifications
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNhIOPty0do&t=3s
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