Saddle Back support strap

[noxninja]

Does anyone use the back support strap that came with the Sit-drag? That seems like the easiest option, at least until you decide whether or not the back support works for you. I did my first hour in my Sit-drag this weekend and didn't use any back support. I did lean into the tree though, and can't envision leaning back much.

I used them at first and found them somewhat comfortable for a time being. The next step I made was to wrap the middle of them in pipe insulation and then camo tape that section up. Once I used it a time or two it formed to the shape of my back, but then that took away from the packability, so I ditched that after a few times. I tried using wider web belts with metal adjust buckles, they worked fine as well (maybe even a little better) but I didn't like the added metal for noise and weight. So the short answer is yes, but not for long hunts.

 

[Inconel710]

What sucks is it never gets easier. Even if you rest a week and come back to it, 2 minutes is still tough. The first minute is easy peasy, but about 10 seconds into the second minute it's like somebody flipped the switch.

Doing planks made my saddle more comfortable, my kayak stroke more efficient, and my bow draw easier. Pretty dirt-simple way to upgrade yourself.

I'm working my way up to 2 minutes. Doing it daily, even if it is right before bed, I'm up to 1:20.

 

[Nutterbuster]

I'm working my way up to 2 minutes. Doing it daily, even if it is right before bed, I'm up to 1:20.

Good for you brother! I need to start pushing to do some tougher, modified planks. I did start working side planks in.

Crazy how much work lying down on the floor can be.

 

[Charliea]

I use a 24” “Shockle” with two Amsteel “Line Grabbers” girth hitched to my amsteel bridge for a back band. The Shockle is a super strong bungee cord inside a nylon webbing (300 lb test) with stainless snaps on the ends. Very comfortable, the bungee keeps the band in position on your back, and doesn’t drop down when leaning forward towards the tree like fixed length back bands...Mfg by Davis Instruments, I picked em’ up at our local marine store. Part of my saddle, I always
use it.

 

[rakbowhunter]

Very nice setup. Very interested in this as well. Thanks for the post!

 

[BudgetBuck1]

I lean back a lot of the time I am in the saddle so I require back support. I used a thin strap at first but it didn't seem to help. I made a strap with a foam pad and it works great. It makes it less "packable" but lets face it, compared to a tree stand, any saddle is packable. I don't wear my saddle to the stand and don't put it in a pack. I attach my saddle to the outside of my backpack and put it on at the base of the tree so I like a padded back strap. It is Muuuuuuuch more comfortable. I hear people talk about getting into saddle shape and with some saddles I am sure that is a requirement but with a padded saddle there isn't a need to get into "saddle shape." Here is a couple of pics of my set up with back pad. If you have a sewing machine, paracord, fabric and some foam you can make one cheap and with the prussic knot it is adjustable. I think my back pad is 6 inches wide and 25 inches long. The padding is cut in the center where it folds over easily for packing.

 

[rakbowhunter]

Another great idea! Definitely looks super supportive

 

[Allegheny Tom]

I like a back strap, but I don't like the stock strap that comes with a Kestrel. The cordura wrapped foam is too noisy when pulled out if you stowe it away while transporting, etc. No need for it to be constructed with noisy components.

I swapped it out for a camera strap and I like that better.

Another thing I'm fooling around with the back strap... I will drop it below my back, then around my butt, to the back of my thighs. What that does for me, is it gives me a little side support for my legs. I have a tendency to "man spread" my legs which causes a little more hip pinch and also allows my knees to separate around the tree...I end up with the tree up to my crotch and in my face. With the strap down behind my thighs, my knee pads rest against the tree and I distribute my weight evenly between my feet and knees with a lot less muscle tension in my legs. A little hard to explain, but for me, lowering the strap around the backside of my thighs really helps my comfort.

 

[Allegheny Tom]

https://www.google.com/shopping/pro...&ved=0ahUKEwiT_fj6hNzcAhVPtlMKHUlHDQYQgTYIwwQ
I’m using this strap this year. It will carry my sticks and become my back strap. I think I got it for $19.99 at HomeDepot.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Not to jack the thread, but for a carry strap for sticks, I use one of the extra Ameristep straps that was leftover from removing the steps to make a ring of steps. After I get to the tree, I remove the ameristep strap from the carry position and loop it on the bottom step of the bottom stick like a one step aider...gives me a little more climbing height and I love it when I can make stuff do multi tasking.

 

[ImThere]

Not to jack the thread, but for a carry strap for sticks, I use one of the extra Ameristep straps that was leftover from removing the steps to make a ring of steps. After I get to the tree, I remove the ameristep strap from the carry position and loop it on the bottom step of the bottom stick like a one step aider...gives me a little more climbing height and I love it when I can make stuff do multi tasking.

I will take some pics of mine its works pretty sweet

 

[raisins]

Here's an option that I DIY'd the other day and am happy with it after one trial run at ground level.

I was trying to find something to use and picked up an elitefts (make excellent stuff) wrist wrap for weightlifting I had lying around. It was 60 cm and red. These are heavy elastic and durable. I held it behind me and leaned back and knew it would be extremely comfortable. I ordered a pair of camo ones that are 80cm.

elitefts™ CAMO Wrist Wraps

elitefts™ Camo Wrist Wraps You asked for it! High-demand color option Light-weight tension wrap Flexible fabric blend Safeguard your wrists

www.elitefts.com

I cut off the thumb loop and removed the sewing that holds the hook side velcro and emblem on which leaves you with just a piece of camo elastic that is 3 inches wide and 31 inches long (with a little patch of soft, loop side velcro you could also remove if you preferred). I sewed 5/8" webbing on each end to make a loop. I used a scaffold knot on one side to attach 750 paracord to the left side. On the other side, I tied a loop (fishermens knots) of 550 paracord through the webbing loop on the other side of the elastic and used that to make a prusik on the 750 for adjustability. The prusik works great and it is as comfortable as something padded without the bulk. The wraps come two to a pack so you can have a back up or split it with a buddy and each take one.