Tree stand vs tree saddle?

[smithkl42]

I've done some light hunting from a couple of different styles of tree stands (a couple ladder stands, and a Summit Viper climber). The ladder stands feel much more stable and comfortable, but you pretty much have to haul them in well before the season starts, and leave 'em there. The Viper is supposed to lend itself to running and gunning, but, well, not really. It's just too bulky and heavy to carry around on any normal hunt. It's easier to move than a ladder, but really, once I've humped it into a spot, I'm likely to try to leave it there all season.

A couple months ago I ran across some videos and reviews of tree saddles, for instance:

https://thehuntingpublic.com/mobile-hunting-gear-stands-sticks-and-saddles/

Folks who've hunted in them say that they're probably more comfortable than tree stands, significantly lighter, and much easier to carry around. In fact, it sounds quite a lot like you really *can* run-and-gun with them.

Have folks here tried them? I searched through the archives, and didn't see any previous discussion on the topic.

[smithkl42]

Bumping this up again, just because I'm very curious about what other folks have found. (Unless nobody here has actually tried one?)

[OutHouse]

I have never heard of these but looks interesting. Anyone with even a shred of fear of heights probably would not want the saddle. Also, seems like you need a platform or something to put stuff on. Maybe hooks on the tree for a bag and the bow. The video wouldn't work for me maybe they explained all of that. I have summit tree stand. Its pretty nice (a climber) but sometimes the platform does not feel steady and it worries me.

[JasonG]

Bumping this up again, just because I'm very curious about what other folks have found. (Unless nobody here has actually tried one?)

Looking pretty hard at the Mantis right now! The thing that is stopping me is the 8 -10 week ship dates!

[brandon.b.sanders]

So I'm looking at these hard right now. I may even do a youtube series on them.

[MADMAX]

its a young mans game, kinda like a climbing harness for tree cutting
I'm too old to climb trees anymore voluntarily
good luck

[huntnnw]

Couldn’t imagine sitting 7 hours in 20 deg weather and trying to kill a mature whitetail out one of those. No thanks .

[TheStovePipeKid]

I've watched a few videos before because I too don't want to lug a climber stand around. My only hang up is whether I could take a nap in one, cause I'm all about the nap time. I saw one video where they had an optional neck strap that took the strain off your neck. I would need one of those for any prolonged sessions. I plan to hunt blacktail this year so I'm looking at options.

[pianoman9701]

Couldn’t imagine sitting 7 hours in 20 deg weather and trying to kill a mature whitetail out one of those. No thanks .

I could see it being good for early archery.

[pianoman9701]

its a young mans game, kinda like a climbing harness for tree cutting
I'm too old to climb trees anymore voluntarily
good luck

 I hear ya. Now, if we could erect a stair lift to go up around a tree...

[huntnnw]

Couldn’t imagine sitting 7 hours in 20 deg weather and trying to kill a mature whitetail out one of those. No thanks .

I could see it being good for early archery.

Not me. I don’t see that being better than a good stand . Trying to shoot from that looks like to much movement . Doesn’t not look comfortable, looks like trying to get shots from different angles would be way to much movement and noise.

[pianoman9701]

its a young mans game, kinda like a climbing harness for tree cutting
I'm too old to climb trees anymore voluntarily
good luck

Here you go, Max! https://twitter.com/TheTreeRider

[MADMAX]

I don’t mind walking deer trails for Blacktail or pushing timber and spot and stalk for elk or muleys
 I tried a climbing stand a few years back I made it about one trip
I can’t sit still in the same place that long now my relatives in Massachusetts they sit in their tree stands all day long

[pianoman9701]

I don’t mind walking deer trails for Blacktail or pushing timber and spot and stalk for elk or muleys
 I tried a climbing stand a few years back I made it about one trip
I can’t sit still in the same place that long now my relatives in Massachusetts they sit in their tree stands all day long

I stalk, too. I did while I grew up in NH, as well. Once made a tree stand out of a big piece of plywood and almost killed myself. That was the last time I was in one.

[MADMAX]

I grew up in NH also, Littleton