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XOP Vanish hybrid setup

tcmetrohunter

Well-Known Member
Joined
Oct 12, 2019
Messages
447
So this past weekend I decided to try my XOP Vanish stand in a hybrid style setup with my saddle for a management hunt I was doing. I tested the system in the yard with both straps on the stand and found it to be very solid on the tree even with all the side pressure I could muster.

My setup in the woods was on a hill side looking over a main deer trail that came off bedding and food. Due to the hill side I used two Helium mini sticks and hung the stand facing the trail/bedding area. We setup the day before the hunt period so I walked in with my saddle, 4 sticks, and a small pack with my ropes and straps on it. I have an old alice pack backpack strap setup on the stand and zipties to make the seat a load shelf. Walking around for about an hour scouting I didn't find the weight to be too bad and I weighed it at about 26 pounds which is a lot compared to my run and gun setup but I was going to leave the setup in the tree so I only had to carry it twice.

After two days of hunting I think I can honestly say for longer sits when its cold I prefer the stand over a straight saddle setup. I did not need to try and shoot behind me so that wasn't a issue. I should have shot a buck yesterday but my head got the better of me and I didn't take a shot on it because I thought it was too far. Turned out to be 22 yards. Ugh. I really enjoyed being to able to sit and then stand and then lean against the tree.

The Vanish is a great stand and moving forward for next season I'm probably going to try and setup a better back pack strap system, easy hang bracket, and use my T1 sticks with with to reduce weight. I don't plan on using it to replace my run and gun stuff but I'm happy I bought it and I'll definitely be keeping it in the aresenal.
 
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I thinking about running my Vanish with my Recon as my harness. I recently got some Titan Straps and they seem to work great to strap my Novix minis to my stand. I just like having the option of sitting and facing away from the tree. And honestly, aside from the extra weight, I think it carries better than carrying sticks, a platform, a pack, etc. I can basically eliminate a pack with the small pouch I have under the seat. I can strap layers to the stand.
 
I thinking about running my Vanish with my Recon as my harness. I recently got some Titan Straps and they seem to work great to strap my Novix minis to my stand. I just like having the option of sitting and facing away from the tree. And honestly, aside from the extra weight, I think it carries better than carrying sticks, a platform, a pack, etc. I can basically eliminate a pack with the small pouch I have under the seat. I can strap layers to the stand.
I'm with ya on all those points. I'm a short guy with a short torso so stand carries well for me and even when I had a bunch of weight loaded up on it with my mediocre strap setup I didn't find it bad carrying it. Now would I want to carry it for miles and miles? No. Do I ever hunt miles and miles away from the truck? Not yet and if I come across a place I want to I'll use my traditional saddle setup.

I just installed the LW foot rests on my stand and tested the EZ hang bracket yesterday. I find the foot rests to be a great addition and add to the comfort. The EZ hang bracket is awesome and makes putting the stand up a breeze. Top of the stand goes in the bracket and a cam buckle on the bottom location. Toe hooks well and very solid.

I ordered a new back pack setup this morning so that should be an improvement in that aspect.

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8259836d61659f0e530199043ccafe5c.jpg
 
I'm with ya on all those points. I'm a short guy with a short torso so stand carries well for me and even when I had a bunch of weight loaded up on it with my mediocre strap setup I didn't find it bad carrying it. Now would I want to carry it for miles and miles? No. Do I ever hunt miles and miles away from the truck? Not yet and if I come across a place I want to I'll use my traditional saddle setup.

I just installed the LW foot rests on my stand and tested the EZ hang bracket yesterday. I find the foot rests to be a great addition and add to the comfort. The EZ hang bracket is awesome and makes putting the stand up a breeze. Top of the stand goes in the bracket and a cam buckle on the bottom location. Toe hooks well and very solid.

I ordered a new back pack setup this morning so that should be an improvement in that aspect.

Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk
8259836d61659f0e530199043ccafe5c.jpg

I have the quick connect bracket as well. I had some foot rests on my XOP hand climber that I sold, may have to get another set. I still may pick up a Treehopper Tree Suit for when I want to go really light but also not break the bank.
 
That is why I am selling all of my saddles except for my JX3 Hybrid‘s. I enjoy a tree stand specifically Lone Wolf/Novix more than I do a tree saddle


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