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Sore back

Wlog

Wlog

Well-Known Member
SH Member
Joined
Oct 16, 2016
Messages
490
Location
Chesapeake City, MD
First hunt in my sit drag yesterday after a 5 year hiatus from saddle hunting. Everything went really well other than only seeing 1.5 year old bucks and having a sore back when I got home.

I know I wasn't really paying attention to having good posture while I was in the tree but man was my back sore afterwards. Couple questions...Is this just a core strength issue? Would a back band help? Am I just out of saddle shape?

Sit drag is my only option right now. I'm waiting for the new kestrel and my TL Ambush that I used for several years has some stitching coming apart on the linemans belt loops, so I don't feel confident going in a tree with it.

Any help would be appreciated! Thanks in advance!
 
I remember getting sore shoulders the first season but not a sore back. Could be from not being in 'saddle shape'. I suppose some core exercises might help, but it could also be related to posture/support as well. I think after a few sits you will start to adjust and back will not be as sore, but it can't hurt to try a back band.
 
I would recommend trying to get the sit drag more underneath you so your closer to sitting than leaning. I have had back problems with tree stands and unfortunately the saddle hasn’t resolved them but it does help some. I mostly stand on my platform and lean which isn’t too bad but It does feel a little better if I switch to an almost sitting position. I just feel like it will require a lot more movement from that position if a deer comes so I only do it at times to give me some relief.
 
I've been hunting out of the kestrel with the back brace and I'm experiencing opposite results--my back feels better! I drive a desk most days but these last few days putting 20-40% of my weight into the back brace has taken a lot of stress off my lower back. I may ask for a kestrel desk when I get back to the office. :)
 
sureshotscott said:
I've been hunting out of the kestrel with the back brace and I'm experiencing opposite results--my back feels better! I drive a desk most days but these last few days putting 20-40% of my weight into the back brace has taken a lot of stress off my lower back. I may ask for a kestrel desk when I get back to the office. :)
Click to expand...

Same here. My Kestrel with the back band has been wonderful on my lower back. Can’t remember the last time I didn’t have any disc pain when using regular stands. Gotta be at least 25 years. Zero pain with my Kestrel.


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Dewey said:
Same here. My Kestrel with the back band has been wonderful on my lower back. Can’t remember the last time I didn’t have any disc pain when using regular stands. Gotta be at least 25 years. Zero pain with my Kestrel.


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Click to expand...

Dewey, are you sitting, leaning or a little of both?
 
I tried out the back band on a couple hunts and it was very nice and comfy. I have never used one besides that, but I think saddle hunting is so much better for your back than treestands. I have a herniated disc and sciatica and standing and sitting in the saddle are really the only 2 times I don't feel any pain or tingling.

For your problem @Wlog, you were probably either sitting funny or just have to get back in saddle shape :D.
 
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I have 2 fused disc and one herniated disc I have to have some sort of relief after a couple of hours the back band works for me. I do have to say the saddle is so much better than a lock on. Give it a try new tribes back band is only like $27.00 if I remember correctly


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Wlog said:
First hunt in my sit drag yesterday after a 5 year hiatus from saddle hunting. Everything went really well other than only seeing 1.5 year old bucks and having a sore back when I got home.

I know I wasn't really paying attention to having good posture while I was in the tree but man was my back sore afterwards. Couple questions...Is this just a core strength issue? Would a back band help? Am I just out of saddle shape?

Sit drag is my only option right now. I'm waiting for the new kestrel and my TL Ambush that I used for several years has some stitching coming apart on the linemans belt loops, so I don't feel confident going in a tree with it.

Any help would be appreciated! Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
I would use use the back band. I had a back injury and it helps my back tremendously wouldn't hunt without it.
 
So I spent about 8 hours in my sit drag yesterday with no back pain whatsoever. I just adjusted up to where I was leaning rather than sitting and I stayed much more comfortable. Bad news is, target buck never showed up and I got pictures of a trespasser with bow in hand on one of my cams.
 
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