MAVinWA
New Member
Modifying my system for less weight, run-n-gun (bow), as I hunt western & NW states. While I mostly spot-n-stalk, will occasionally pattern deer/elk and post up in a good tree when necessary.
Often hiking up to 3 miles from vehicle/camp, gaining elevation, mountain trails & ridgelines, so not wearing my saddle on the hike in.
B4 adding saddle system weight, Pack used are either Kifaru Scout w/6 LBS basic hunt gear or 22-MAG 2nd Gen, carrying 10 LBS hunting gear.
When packed, Kifaru Pouch/Rope-Rappel system stacked & secured onto 1-Stick. Rope Bag/1-Stick is strapped to bottom on either pack.
Saddle is strapped onto Scout or inside 22-MAG packs.
Once at tree, put on saddle, set up gear and up 15' platform height in <15 min and ready to hunt.
Not as high as you eastern gents as western game not educated to look up, scan as those eastern whitetails do...Yet.
IMG 1: Saddle Kestrel Flex & strap bridge with 2 pouches and necessary accessories (lineman belt, bow hoist/rappel rope retriever, gear hangar strap) = 5.95 LBS.
A: thinking about dropping lineman belt/carabiners and just going with rappel/tether rope. Save 1-LB. Install Amsteel rope short bridge backup instead. But was always told to have a lineman's belt. >Input?
IMG 2: Rope Bag only, as folded saddle in picture too:
30' rappel-tether rope, delta link, bridge carabiner, MadRock SafeGuard, 2nd carabiner w/redundant block, = 3.9 LBS
IMG 3: 1-Modified LW Mini-Stick
Added 2019 Artisian Outdoors mini platform top of stick, 2020 added Eastern Woods Outdoors Dbl Step & Ultimaider to bottom of stick = 3.4 LBS.
IMG 4: All packed up in/on Kifaru Scout.
Total weight Saddle System = 13.25 LBS.
Longer sits, closer hunts from camp/vehicle will often bring my 2018 Predator platform too, adding 3-LBS. No buckle strap, converted to Versa Strap.
This brings my saddle system to 16.25 LBS.
Often hiking up to 3 miles from vehicle/camp, gaining elevation, mountain trails & ridgelines, so not wearing my saddle on the hike in.
B4 adding saddle system weight, Pack used are either Kifaru Scout w/6 LBS basic hunt gear or 22-MAG 2nd Gen, carrying 10 LBS hunting gear.
When packed, Kifaru Pouch/Rope-Rappel system stacked & secured onto 1-Stick. Rope Bag/1-Stick is strapped to bottom on either pack.
Saddle is strapped onto Scout or inside 22-MAG packs.
Once at tree, put on saddle, set up gear and up 15' platform height in <15 min and ready to hunt.
Not as high as you eastern gents as western game not educated to look up, scan as those eastern whitetails do...Yet.
IMG 1: Saddle Kestrel Flex & strap bridge with 2 pouches and necessary accessories (lineman belt, bow hoist/rappel rope retriever, gear hangar strap) = 5.95 LBS.
A: thinking about dropping lineman belt/carabiners and just going with rappel/tether rope. Save 1-LB. Install Amsteel rope short bridge backup instead. But was always told to have a lineman's belt. >Input?
IMG 2: Rope Bag only, as folded saddle in picture too:
30' rappel-tether rope, delta link, bridge carabiner, MadRock SafeGuard, 2nd carabiner w/redundant block, = 3.9 LBS
IMG 3: 1-Modified LW Mini-Stick
Added 2019 Artisian Outdoors mini platform top of stick, 2020 added Eastern Woods Outdoors Dbl Step & Ultimaider to bottom of stick = 3.4 LBS.
IMG 4: All packed up in/on Kifaru Scout.
Total weight Saddle System = 13.25 LBS.
Longer sits, closer hunts from camp/vehicle will often bring my 2018 Predator platform too, adding 3-LBS. No buckle strap, converted to Versa Strap.
This brings my saddle system to 16.25 LBS.