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Sitter knee comfort

Antirain

Member
SH Member
Jan 17, 2022
87
183
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White Mountains NH
I spend my tree time in all positions but am able to be still longer while sitting. I have bad knees so knee to tree may be tougher than some but with TL kneepads I do do 20-30 min. at a time then switch knees. Having tried adding a pad to tree besides yet but will this season. Was thinking maybe next season of trying this and deleting kneepads:


Anyone try Something like that?
 

Blacksmith

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SH Member
Dec 10, 2018
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Bucyrus OH
LOCATION
Bucyrus OH
I use a 3/4" foam pad w/small bungees on each end. After sharpening the hooks, they bite into the bark.
 
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jphillips97

Well-Known Member
SH Member
Feb 8, 2021
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I spend my tree time in all positions but am able to be still longer while sitting. I have bad knees so knee to tree may be tougher than some but with TL kneepads I do do 20-30 min. at a time then switch knees. Having tried adding a pad to tree besides yet but will this season. Was thinking maybe next season of trying this and deleting kneepads:


Anyone try Something like that?
That is a lot to carry... A lot of knee pain is because the tree is round and there is just not much way around that. I have the TL knee pads and I swiftly upgraded to the tethrd. YMMV
 

devildog

Well-Known Member
Nov 1, 2014
322
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St Charles, MO
I am also primarily a sitter, and was using a one inch pad and knee pads but still after a few hours my knees would start hurting so then I would shift and move around way more than i liked. Last year tried a JX3 and that solved all my knee pain even if I was hunting all day. I don't even bring knee pads anymore.
 

ztrumble

Member
Aug 29, 2018
87
89
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36
I found that it wasn't actually my knee touching the tree that was painful. It was the side pressure and funny angle of my knee pressing against the side of a curved tree.

I use a pad around the tree. I also put pieces of radiator hose pipe, rubber hose about an inch and a half, vertically threaded through the strap. That creates a little stoppers for my knees and now my knees sit in the pocket between the rubber hose and the pad.

Kind of hard to explain in words I guess, I don't have a picture handy.

I'll see if I can get one and post it.
 

Antirain

Member
SH Member
Jan 17, 2022
87
183
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White Mountains NH
Actually I was thinking about something vaguely like that to try- just making a quick release/adjustable sling to rap around my legs and hammock into the tree. The advantage of this slingr is it just drops out of way if you stand to shoot. Also thought about trying the strap steps either side of tree but again need the knee pads to kneel into them.
 

boyne bowhunter

Moderator
Staff member
SH Member
Aug 17, 2016
7,589
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NW Michigan
I hang my turkey vest (I use this as my hunting pack) right in front of me and I have a foam pad in the vest game pouch. It works well as a knee rest. I too have bad knees and I'm perfectly comfortable sitting knees to the tree with this set up.
 

ricky racer

Well-Known Member
Aug 8, 2016
2,441
4,907
113
Niles/Buchanan, MI
This is what I've come up with that works great for me. I've been using it or years. It's awesome!


 

John 35

Well-Known Member
May 19, 2021
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I use my back pack for extra padding if needed. I think the jx3 would not be a great option for guys that might want to turn around on their platform.
 

JC3

Well-Known Member
Mar 26, 2019
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I use my back pack for extra padding if needed. I think the jx3 would not be a great option for guys that might want to turn around on their platform.
John-
You do not nedd a platform with the JX3, just a ring of steps.
 

elevatorman

Member
Sep 24, 2023
73
103
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32
They make knee pads that have a hard plastic outter surface and gel/padding inside. What the floor guys wear. I used those the last 2 seasons and have had no discomfort in my kneed at all, no matter how gnarly the bark is.
 

DelaWhere_Arrow

Well-Known Member
SH Member
Jul 16, 2019
2,595
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113
Delaware
I’m going to suggest you try leaning. I have bad feet and knees from years of martial arts and I find leaning to be WAY more comfortable for extended periods. Get a comfy pair of boots if you don’t already have some, and use the largest platform you can manage or straddle the tree with a ROS and sorta sit/lean.
 

John 35

Well-Known Member
May 19, 2021
597
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John-
You do not nedd a platform with the JX3, just a ring of steps.
Unfortunately a lot of the trees I hunt are not well suited for using a ros. To many limbs in the way blocking movement around the tree. If I tried to exclusively use an ros I would miss shot opportunities. I have no doubt the jx3 is comfortable though.