It's no secret that saddle hunters love gear. We buy it all. The good and the bad. What are your top 5 best and worst gear purchases and why. This is intended to help those who are new and trying to figure out what may or may not work for them while they decide where to put their hard earned money. Here are mine:
Best:
Tethrd Mantis - easy to mod, super light, comfortable, simple, and not a problem to wear while walking. In stock form it's almost perfect.
SRT climbing system - easy to climb, easy to descend, lightweight, packable, can be multi functional and it's very safe assuming you routinely check your gear.
Kifaru pack - built to last, easy to mod, functional, lots of options for saddle hunters.
Bolts (treehopper and carbon) - can be used as a climbing system, gear hanger and a ring of steps. Easy to pack and to use. Multi functional.
Muck pursuit shadow boots - best hunting boots ive ever owned. Get the benefits of wearing rubber boots but can walk all day in them. Somewhat low profile rubber/neoprene boots that can be worn in warm weather and laced up for long walks.
Worst:
Climbing spurs - easy to use but hard for me to trust. Just couldn't get it down and be comfortable while using them. Stepping on and off platform was weird for me and constantly felt like I was about to gaff out. Kind of odd to pack in as well depending on your pack and how you prefer to carry your kit.
Cheap backpacks - went through a ton of them and could've bought multiple high end packs with the money I spent over the years. My advice is buy once cry once.
Mechanical broadheads - unpredictable arrow flight in my experience. When it's showtime I'll take a fixed broadhead anyday. Keeping it simple here.
Climbing sticks - went through a bunch of different sets of these over the years and never liked the fiddle factor of 4 clanking sticks equals 4 clanking strap buckles while trying to be in ninja mode. Trying to make one trip up the tree with 3 sticks dangling from me like a wind chime didn't make sense to me. I think I'd use spurs before I went back to multiple sticks.
Pull ropes - also bought a lot of these over the years and made some from 550 cord. Again the fiddle factor of untangling 550 cord or most conventional pull ropes can be frustrating and cost you a lot of time. Nowadays I like to strap everything to my pack and it climbs up with me. Second to that would definitely be a Doyle's gear hoist. Third, use the tag end of my SRT line if that's the climbing method of the day.
List could change upon the arrival of my wild edge steps/perch. It's the only climbing method and platform I haven't tried. And yes I have more gear I could mention under both categories but let's keep it simple at 5. Don't need to go too deep on all the stuff Ive wasted money on over the years lol.
Best:
Wild Edge Steps, ultimate flexibility, versatility, strong, reliable and easy to use.
Doyle’s Gear Hoist, no more balled up/knotted pull ropes, mounted to back of my saddle and I completely forget it’s there till I need it and money when I use it.
Black Diamond Storm 375 headlamp, bright, versatile, waterproof, dimmable, red/green and don’t use it but blue lamps, long life. Perfect.
OnX and DeerCast Premium. Everyone knows these are both awesome.
Hand Muff, pick your type but keeps my hands warm and ready to shoot without bulky gloves, etc. also keep my cell warm and fully charged.
Bonus round: anything from Kuiu
Worst
-Screw in hanger systems that don’t screw in easily
-Synthetic Long Johns. Going Merino was best decision I ever made
-Scent control crap, here’s a clue, know where the wind and your prey are and don’t be on the wrong side of either.
-Cell phones, love them and hate them, they have their place but not once you’re up your tree! Every time I’ve been busted it’s because I’m messing with my phone and not being present and tactical.
-That’s it, cant bitch about too much more, I’m pretty miserly, do a lot of research and put a lot of stock in forums, I’ve been lucky enough to not buy too much crap. Listening to forums just like this and listening to smart fellow hunters has saved me time and money and given me great DIY solutions to everyday hunting conundrums.