saddle hunting with rock climbing harness

Take your kids on a hunt? Pleated Saddles -Pleated saddles are single-panel saddles with an "expansion chamber" that increases the size of the saddle to deliver enhanced comfort. 5. Youll find that its impossible to pull it over your hip. I've seen some mods on youtube, but not super keen on cutting and sewing onto a harness. For custom sizes outside these ranges please contact us. More advanced saddles incorporate features like heat-molded padding and adjustable buckles for increased comfort for long days in the tree. She is 5' and 100lbs. So is tieing off to that center attachment point to climb secure enough for a static fall should she need it? That said I too have decided to delve into making a fleece saddle. One good example is the black diamond BOD if you want to see the leg strap attachment. These are all great things to hang from your harness gear loops. The video was just released a few days before I typed this, and I had been working on it for about a year. For a secure fit and safety, Hawk adds a durable elastic chest strap and quick-release leg strap. Looking to get the most bang for your buck? Nice when you can custom tailor the exact size or alter it until it is right. If you've gone hiking though, you probably haven't used a walking stick unless Hello! I was just hooked up to the tree. That is made of the same carabiners and Petzl rescue cord, and a Wild Country Ropeman II. You have to get it just right so they can reach it but still have enough room to make progress ascending. The Micro Raider is perfect for throwline use, a direct connection from your chest harness to tend a climbing system, mounting a handsaw, and any other non-PPE function you can think of. We Have a Wide Range of Saddle Hunting Gear and Accessories Showing 1-32 of 135 results Whats the biggest mistake youve made that youd want to tell other saddle hunters to avoid? This option can also be paired with a fleece sitdrag/saddle to make a cheap starter option. $589.95 + $69.05 shipping. Along those lines, I tied my LB out of tubular webbing, caught the descending portion of the leg loops in the linesman's loops, so everything's tied together and solid. The rock climbing stuff I have looked at says to double up and tie into the "tie in points". For a complete saddling hunting setup, you will need a saddle, lineman's belt, tree tether, bridge, a platform to stand on, and some sort of tree climbing method. Picture Information. His Patreon members will be of the first to provide thoughts and feedback on new products we develop for JRBs climbing systems, and may have chances to try out the prototypes and help us refine them to be the most comfortable, practical, and cost-effective options on the saddle hunting market. However, this shouldnt put you off. Which tree stand is unsafe? She now prefers DRT climbing over srt. Check Traditional Bowhunting and Wilderness podcast on YouTube. Muddy Magnum Pro 13 If you're still relatively new to the world of hunting, the Muddy Magnum Pro would be a great starting harness. Well, this modification allowed me to make a minimalist saddle from my rock harness for about $40. I don't want a lifeline that slips. You can setup in any tree at any time. 7/16" x 42" KM Max Green. If you plan on using bolts or climbing. I have shown several people the harness at work and almost all of them plan on getting one. And it was at this meeting that I did my first demonstration of my MRS climbing system, which received strong support from the audience. As for the package, you get pretty much the same thing as Bowhunter. NewDoar Climbing Harness, Mountaineering Rock Climbing Harness, Half Body Harness for Rappelling Fire Rescuing Tree Climbing 4.4 (298) $3899 Save 5% with coupon (some sizes/colors) FREE delivery Thu, Dec 22 Or fastest delivery Tue, Dec 20 Arrives before Christmas Weaver Leather WLC 300 Saddle with 2" Nylon Leg Straps 4.5 (109) $21722 Without 3rd party testing in a certified engineering facility you are putting yourself at risk! I always wore my full body harness under my heavy clothes and I wear my rch the same way. And since were on the topic of harnessing, why dont you take some time for our other recommendations? The main pain comes from the belt part digging into your back while hanging. Climbers are typically just tough to shoot directly behind you since the tree is there. In general, this is everything you would expect from a traditional climbing harness. Shooting out of a saddle is awesome. An ongoing challenge is devising and refining a single climbing SYSTEM which can be used for all of my climbing METHODS, (JRB doubled, JRB Hitch, MRS, SRT) and without modification, such as tying knots at the climb site. A Prusik won't slip under load so is less susceptible to this than some of the other friction hitches people use. 6. Its right behind her head, so really limits the mobility. Thats because this instrument comes with its own instructional DVD. A saddle will also work, just get one with an adjustable bridge and shorten it for the climb. Answers to these questions and more below! Here is SHRIKE, the Butcher Bird. This superior gear is made from high-quality materials, including polyester, rubber, nylon, and elastane. If you go rock climbing harness make sure you size for top your huniting clothes. They are no longer made. The 25-ounce Method is a connected two-panel saddle that can be "hitched" together for the hike-in and climb, then "expanded" so one section fully supports your lower back and another rides under and supports your rear/upper legs. SitDrag: ~$30 Being a decent hunting gear, the Hunter Safety System Countour has a scent-lock system to ensure the prey remains unaware of your presence. A quick search on Google or the saddlehunter forums will show a wide variety of platforms saddle hunters use, like screw in steps, strap on steps, a tree stand seat, climbing sticks, etc. Keep holding one side of the rope in each hand. Two-Panel Saddles -Two-Panel saddlesdeliver the most compact configuration currently available in the saddle market. One sticking with the RCH was not comfortable at all. Well, this modification allowed me to make a minimalist saddle from my rock harness for about $40. If it's fairly comfortable, I can switch between using my stand and no stand without needing an extra device. After spending some time with this harness, we can safely say that this is the best rock climbing harness for hunting. Tie the life line off at the base of the tree and bring it up with you and make it tight. AU $123.63. Sure, these are safe enough and will do the job, but theyre really not comfortable and are terrible to wear all day and night. And in case you werent familiar with a rock climbing harness for hunting before, theres no need to worry. Shooting efficiency is one of the main benefits of hunting from a saddle. Speaking of hunting, we have lots of great recommendations regarding hunting gear here. To ensure you have the most pleasant climbing experience, Hawk Elevate Lite features a lightweight construction made of nylon and utilizes soft shoulder straps. In my opinion, the Alpine Bod is better, and is actually even usually cheaper than the Vario Speed Harness. Grab a shoulder harness add-on or a chest harness to help tend your climbing system. And in case youre having some trouble putting this thing on, theres an instructional DVD included in the package. How can saddle hunting help me be more efficient? Be sure to get an RCH with lineman's loops. 18kN COBRA buckle by AUSTRIALPIN 6,000 lb rated Waist Belt Webbing 4,000 lb rated Tubular Nylon Lineman Loops Choice of G-Hook or Premiumleg straps Kit includes Leg Strap Enforcers. The MRS climber needs to configure the rest of the system and prepare to fight friction. New tree stand hunter here - please bear with me. But not sure how much she is gonna use it. To be clear, I did not invent the Garda Hitch, but I did figure out a way to solve its reputation for being unreliable. If she falls on a LB there's a chance she'll get pretty scraped up. Its a saddle and fall arrest stand harness all in one. Ropes -Tether (connects you to the tree at hunting height) and lineman belt (used while you climb so you're always connected to the tree). DIY Fleece Saddle DaveT Inspired Well, it looks like I am not alone in getting excited for my first ever saddle (Mantis) to arrive. In fact, the Black Diamond Vario Speed is an affordable rock climbing harness for hunting. Meanwhile, I started receiving other questions via social media: is it possible to climb a tree using a rope, but NOT require the use of a throwball? A hunting harness thats solid and tough, designed for top-notch performance. Attaching the 'biners to the belt behind those straps keeps them from sliding forward on your belt. What is Saddle Hunting? Hopefully, this sort of quick buying guide will make your quest for the right gear that much easier. An affordable climbing harness for hunting, great for beginners. My primary rock harness I use for climbing is sized for summer weight pants and not much else. It sucks tying the Blakes hitch and a tending knot for someone short. The Metolius is a little bit of a pain to put on and take off but is a really comfortable harness in use both walking and climbing. Promises impressive durability through its nylon structure. I also got some questions and those questions fueled my own thought process and innovation. As a result, hunters are able to more efficiently adapt to changing conditions and improve success rates. I did some research, learned how a Moving Rope System works, and created and refined one and climbed on it for a dozen years. I felt it was unsafe and by the looks of the minimalist saddles which resembled some of my first prototypes, it was also uncomfortable. All you have to do is tie a piece of rope to the tree and then sit or lean on the harness. Saddle hunting has been around for over 30 years and is now making . We were recently visited by our good friend John, a saddle hunter and tree climber whose online tutorials have gained visibility and audience members at a rapid rate. Using a rock climbing harness instead of a full body hunting harness can reduce pack weight by almost 2 pounds, depending what model you decide on. Husband, Father, Wild Animal. Hunting saddles are designed to help hunters be more mobile and hunt in locations that were inaccessible with a tree stand. This comes with just the seat assembly. Keep the safety system taut, with just enough slack so you can move around. MRS is terribly inefficient due to the friction caused by a rope grinding across a tree crotch. I have shot a deer with the Xbow from a saddle and its awesome. If youre in for something that offers good value for money, then this one wont be a disappointment. Hang-On. $ 24.95 Buy in monthly payments with Affirm on orders over $50. It's basically an alternative to hunting at high altitudes, without using a tree stand. At one point i went to stretch my left leg and when this happened I immediately slid off my seat and off the stand. I ordered this harness after running a traditional styled harness for over 75 sits and never being able to get comfortable. It was fun to meet others with similar interests and gain perspective. Twist is adjustable and obviously has a good name behind it. Go to an outdoor gear store and try hanging in a rock harness with your feet off the ground for 2 minutes and then imagine doing that for anywhere from 3-10 hours daily. They have quickly become the most popular category because being compact no longer comes at the cost of decreased comfort. I devised a unique Moving Rope System (MRS) which evolved for 12 years. They are also the budget option within the saddle market. I started out with a RCH paired with a Dryad Drey. Our all-new for 2023 carbon fiber climbing sticks are officially here. We were recently visited by our good friend John, a saddle hunter and tree climber whose online tutorials have gained visibility and audience members at a rapid rate. Stewart Ray (verified owner) October 4, 2022. 6. Superior comfort with its oversized leg straps and waist belt, self-adjusting, and automatic buckles. After a decade of MRS, I also devised a Stationary Rope System (SRS/SRT) which uses no mechanical devices and my Double Michoacan assembly and JRB Garda Hitch Footloop as the enablers. So I'm looking at replacing the whole works with some better stuff. Choice of G-Hook or Premiumleg straps 18kN COBRA buckle by AUSTRIALPIN 6,000 lb rated Waist Belt Webbing 4,000 lb rated Tubular Nylon Lineman Loops Kit includes Leg Strap Enforcers. Click hereto sign up for early access to our new climbing sticks. The use of two straps - lineman's and tether - proved itself out my first outing to get around branches and such without ever being detached. If you are going to use a RCH gear loops for linemans attachment make sure you get a harness with load rated loops. Custom-built tree saddles with a solid construction, design, and safety, our new line of tree saddle hunting platforms are better than the competition. The safety harness attachment gets in the way with the sit drag. AU $71.99. And not need any mechanical devices? If I could explore canyons and cliffs every day, I would. That is already happening, but we have a long way to go. Comes in Army Green or Black based on availability. It offers everything you need, from linemans ropes to carabiners to SRS. Pleated saddles are known for being comfortable, but struggle in terms of being compact and packable. No reason to wait until youre up high and risk falling! For that, we highly recommend you check out our list of 13 best climbing harnesses for kids. Check Price at Amazon: 9 Our advice, look for a climbing harness for hunting that offers plenty of space. Just like most modern-day climbing harnesses for hunting, this one also comes with a flexible 360-degree movement tether. Click here to find upcoming webinars or watch the old ones! That will make it easier for her to ascend. Being that mobile you can really adjust to movement. Hover to zoom. That said I too have decided to delve into making a fleece saddle. I see it growing, gaining more of an audience as word spreads organically. (And When Should You?). | At the tragic expense of injuries to the current generation of climbers, I believe positive changes will evolve, and that saddle hunting will become safer. Interestingly, you can use the latter as a deer drag. As long as you have the proper fitting, theres no way you can fall off a harness. At H2 Saddles, we're driven by our dedication to offer a superior product that is delivered quickly right to your door. So she could probably fit a saddle okay. Jason is one of the most hard core mobile hunters that I know and prefers the comfort of a tree stand over a saddle (believe me I have tried to convert him to saddle hunting). My stand and seat froze and basically became an ice skating rink. I climbed back into my stand with no pain or discomfort anywhere. Plus made to climb trees. And if thats not enough, this gear also features a bungee tether. I review the XBEN climbing harness. *The three climbing sticks separately weigh 7.5 pounds. The other harness that a lot of hunters like to use is the Black Diamond Vario Speed Harness. Ah so you just hook the biners of the linesman rope right to the belt portion of the harness. No. Make sure the gear is made of quality materials, so it wont twist when youre up there. Pair the RCH with a Sit Drag seat, and put an extra bridge and prusik knot on your main main tether to adjust the seat comfort. Straddle the rope and pull both ends between your legs toward your back. This exquisite mechanism allows you to connect the harness to a scent-blocker jacket. Total Weight: 14.1 pounds. Check them out if you want to save some serious cash! Which to me seems more dangerous for here. 6. More advanced saddles incorporate features like heat-molded padding and adjustable buckles for increased comfort for long days in the tree. I have DRT climbed, a rope climbing method, in the same harness and it was not comfortable at all. This past weekend a hunted a day that called for snow but we received freezing rain the entire time I was in the stand. Whenever you decide to go with a premium solution, look no further than the Under Armor Mens Bino Harness. UP TO 400 LB LOADING CAPACITY. Now I run the site with my son Jake. Prusik cord: Petzl Vector 8mm Rescue Cord: ~$2 This is just the seat assembly, no unnecessary items thrown in to save you a couple more bucks. Hunting saddles are designed to help hunters be more mobile and hunt in locations that were inaccessible with a tree stand. The gear loops are not rated or meant to take a fall on but I feel safe using them for linemans use. A comfortable harness that excels on long, multi-pitch trad routes and is versatile enough for all kinds of rock climbing: One of the most comfortable harnesses you can buy, and our favorite for sport climbing: A high-performing rock climbing harness at an excellent price: Rating Categories: Arc'teryx C-Quence: Petzl Sitta: Black Diamond Solut. Running the Mini-Shikar with the scout platform, 3-step aider, and Cam cleat. The NT. An ultra lightweight harness that offers many possible configurations. It took some trial and error, but I was able to accomplish this. Almost like its X-1 Bowhunter version, the Hunter Safety System Ultra-Lite Flex is an equally popular piece of gear. The construction was inspired by military equipment, something they called MOLLE or Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment. Neither does the rock harness. Saddle, $225. A rock-climbing harness only goes around the waist and legs. Leaning into the saddle with a knee on the tree gives you enhanced support for shooting stability. I have a RCH that I had cgm add lb loops and used. In case of a fall, this rock climbing harness for hunting has a suspension relief strap. Kit Includes: Saddle, tether, platform, lineman's belt, and three climbing sticks. SRT is mechanically efficient, but has other disadvantages: Requires setting and retrieving an anchor, which is never fun for a hunter who is doing one or both in the dark. It is a traditional minimalist climbing harness as far as materials and belt closure, but adds extremely convenient leg release buckles. I still plan on using a life line for her to climb. Seeking some professional advice here. You should be able to find all the information you need to put this thing on. Copyright 2023 TreeStuff.com You can wrap the rope around your wrist once, and then hold it tightly. It seems like the same ole weight. And for those who need to carry a binocular, theres a silent low profile bungee bino holder for quick access. Practice your setup in your yard, or at a nearby park so that you know what youre doing and so someone is near you to help if you need it. I recall doing a few searches on the concept and not being impressed with what I saw: hunters on climbing sticks, lacking an adequate tie in during the climb, and not creating a tie in until they achieved hunting height. Saddle hunting is one of those things that Ive always been reluctant to try because of the cost of entry. Click hereto sign up for early access to our saddle platform. Accessibility. At hight, you are not going to be comfortable in it without a fleece saddle or sit drag to distribute your weight. You can also add the EWO Linesman's Belt + a battle belt. Last but not least, think about comfort. Just don't think i want to be hanging from it or something similar all day. $11.99. OurMethod 2 saddlewas the first modernized two-panel saddle and is positioned as the leader in this category. When to Retire a Climbing Harness Retire a climbing harness immediately if it shows signs of excessive wear, such as tears, fraying or other damage to the belay loop or the structural webbing of the harness (damage to the nonstructural padding and gear loops are not critical). They were woefully inadequate in my opinion and scary to use. We wanted to accomplish three main things with the FAS PACK: 1. If I go with a saddle, she would have to use a linemans belt. The latest sling-style Aero Hunter saddle is Shrike, named after the predatory little songbird that's as fierce as any raptor. Cruzr Archon Hunting Saddle. TBWS Tree Stand Harness Inspired by Jason Samkowiak of Traditional Bowhunting and Wilderness Survival. Most Rock climbing harnesses reduce circulation in a hanging position rather quickly. If youre still relatively new to the world of hunting, the Muddy Magnum Pro would be a great starting harness. At this point, I still did not own a commercial saddle, and wanted to get some opinions on what to buy, and was successful in so doing. But it is still fundamentally the same: a double rope climbing method with a non-anchored but stationary rope, and highly efficient ascent profile. In short, its one of the most inventive gear you can get on the market at the moment. My rock climbing harness set up used for treestand fall restraint, with arborists lineman's belt attachment at right. they all have a place in the center for your lifeline/tether to clip into. Do-able but not ideal. Some have even said that this gear is an impressive all-in-one package. 20 for the hanging gear, 5 lbs of call, headlamp, knife, gps, batteries, rainsuit, etc. Coming in at just over a lb, these sticks are light-weight and designed for the mobile hunter. A rock climbing harness with wide leg loops should be comfortable. Muddy Ambush is a harness thats known to have the most excellent fitting among others. I think EWO sells the 1Tigris, but I went to the Condor because I can just velcro it around my RCH instead of having to feed anything through. A quality harness, tailored specifically for female hunters. Saddle also makes 50% (maybe more) more difficult than out of a climber as your entire right side and behind you are the weak side for shot making and require a good bit of movement. I will then show how and why I use this style harness when I hunt or hang tree stands. This challenge led to the development of a 2nd and unique climbing method: the JRB Hitch climbing method. A quick search on Google or the saddlehunter forums will show a wide variety of platforms saddle hunters use, like screw in steps, strap on steps, a tree stand seat, climbing sticks, etc. Bullman Outdoors . This is just the seat assembly, no unnecessary items thrown in to save you a couple more bucks. Now we are custom sewing this new concept in a tree stand safety harness, featuring a large front loop, high visibility lineman's loops . There is a video on here for making a DIY fleece saddle. Living in the St. George area with my wife and kids. This is for ground use only unless paired with a climbing-rated rock harness.