Platform carrying ideas

[mathhunter]

Brand new here, looking to get in to saddle hunting this year. I'm trying to think through how my whole setup will work before I purchase some things. One thing I'm trying to figure out is exactly how I'll pack everything in. If I get one of the smaller platforms like the Ridge Runner, Battlement, or maybe even the Phantom I think I could slip them inside my backpack. However, slightly larger platforms like the Trophyline EDP or the new Cruzr platform (which looks really cool) would be too wide for my backpack. I know there are really nice packs out there with external straps/pockets for carrying platforms, but I'm going to be spending a lot of money just getting started with my saddle, platform and climbing sticks. What options/methods have people used for carrying in a platform that doesn't fit inside a simple backpack.

 

[Catchot713]

I put backpack straps on my sticks and attach my platform and my camera arm to my sticks. I use a badlands Fanny pack to carry camera arm base and anything else I might need. Main camera goes in one of my saddle pouches.

 

[mathhunter]

I put backpack straps on my sticks and attach my platform and my camera arm to my sticks. I use a badlands Fanny pack to carry camera arm base and anything else I might need. Main camera goes in one of my saddle pouches.

That's an interesting idea I hadn't thought of. I have a fanny pack that could work, but it's not very big so I'd have to maybe think hard about what I really need to bring. Maybe that's a good thing though.

 

[Still Kicking]

Welcome from Central Illinois!

 

[Bigterp]

Come up with a way to strap to the outside of your pack. Then get all your stuff ready at the base of the tree & climb. I’d rather not fish around in my pack at height ( not completely setup)

 

[mathhunter]

Come up with a way to strap to the outside of your pack. Then get all your stuff ready at the base of the tree & climb. I’d rather not fish around in my pack at height ( not completely setup)

Yes, I understand that it's best to attach your platform to the back of your saddle with a gear tie while you are climbing.

 

[Bigterp]

Yes, I understand that it's best to attach your platform to the back of your saddle with a gear tie while you are climbing.

I actually keep a gear hanger on the pack ( that I’m wearing while climbing) & grab the platform from there getting setup at height. I don’t like all the extra weight on my saddle.

 

[Cbigbear]

The minimalist approach is to add backpack straps to your platform. I alternate between this and using a small pack. With either setup I strap additional clothing (jack & bibs) to the underside using some webbing & G hooks.

 

[paul.daniel.stanley]

Recommend using Nite Ize ties or something else to secure it, along with your climbing sticks, to the outside of your pack.

Sent from my SM-N976U using Tapatalk

 

[raisins]

I climb with my pack on. I have 4 bungee cord loops tied to my pack. Two have the ball removed. The other two are shorter with plastic ball wrapped in camo vet tape. The longer ones attach to the balls of the shorter ones and hold either of my 2 platforms very securely. I can reach around with my pack still on and snap those off and retrieve my platform.

I prefer a pack with loops on it to place your own attachments wherever it most makes sense. I'm not a fan of picking a pack based upon whether it has pre-built in places to hold my sticks and platform.

 

[ricky racer]

Carrying The Predator Platform

I just thought I'd pass along my attachment method for attaching my Predator to my backpack. I wanted something cheap and easy (kind of like me) that would be an easy DIY project and make for a silent attachment to my pack. This should work on most packs with attachment points like mollie loops...

saddlehunter.com

 

[RedOak]

I actually keep a gear hanger on the pack ( that I’m wearing while climbing) & grab the platform from there getting setup at height. I don’t like all the extra weight on my saddle.

Any chance you could elaborate on this? I’m trying to figure out a better way to getting the Mission from the base of the tree to hunting height. I don’t like the extra weight on my saddle either.

 

[Topdog]

Any chance you could elaborate on this? I’m trying to figure out a better way to getting the Mission from the base of the tree to hunting height. I don’t like the extra weight on my saddle either.

I took an extra piece of webbing from an old safety harness I got for free and just made a sling out of it that I left on my mission at all times, I made it long to fit over my heavy jacket and just threw it over my head and shoulder like carrying a rifle on an ATV or whatever, worked good for me, I hate stuff hanging off my saddle.

 

[RedOak]

That’s a great idea. I have a bunch of extra webbing. I’ll try that out. Thanks.

 

[BowhunterXC]

I use a U.S. Army molle pack to carry everything. There are enough straps, molle loops, etc. to attach my Muddy Aerolite climbing sticks and more than enough room inside the pack for my Hawk Helium platform.

BowhunterH2

 

[Dave56]

I think investing in the best backpack possible is the best way to start saddle hunting, a good backpack will make a heavy platform and heavy sticks feel light but a crappy backpack or carrying system will make your light sticks and platform feel heavy. Just like everything else you need to start with a strong foundation.