Walk into a hunting store and you’ll find aisle after aisle of camouflage clothing and accessories. Getting the right gears can make or break your next hunt. You need to be prepared so that you can stay out in the field for longer and bring home more meat for the freezer. Read on Elk Calls for more information.
Latititude Method 2 Tree Saddle
For hunters who want to get a little more stealthy when they’re stalking prey, hunting from a tree saddle is an excellent option. These lightweight, compact harnesses make it easy to get into and out of a tree without making too much noise, which is a huge benefit for whitetail bowhunters.
The popularity of saddle hunting has sparked an arms race among manufacturers to create lightweight, modular solutions that can be combined to create the ultimate treestand system. But with so many options out there, it can be difficult to determine which one is right for you. To help you decide, we’ve tested nine of the best saddles on the market to find out which ones offer the most value.
A good saddle will offer a customizable fit, be durable and comfortable to use, and come with a variety of accessories. The Grit Workhorse by Tethrd is an ideal choice for beginners to the sport because it comes with everything you need in one box: an 11mm lineman rope, an 11mm tether, and a recliner backband. This makes it a great value compared to other tree saddles, which typically require you to purchase these accessories separately.
Single-panel tree saddles are simple and stow away easily in a backpack, making them perfect for hunters who prioritize mobility. Double-panel saddles, on the other hand, provide superior comfort for those who will be spending dark-to-dark time in a tree. Hybrid options like the XOP Mondo serve as both an ASTM-certified treestand full-body fall-arrest system and saddle and are a good choice for anyone who wants a do-it-all setup.
Saddles also eliminate the abuse that traditional treestands suffer from hanging all season long. And although they may cost a bit more than a quality hang-on treestand, you’ll save money over the course of a few seasons when you consider how much you spend on climbing sticks and safety harnesses.
The biggest advantage of a saddle is its versatility. It can be used to hunt from almost any tree, no matter its shape or relative lean. This flexibility is a huge advantage for hunters who hunt pressured properties, as it allows them to hunt in areas that would be impossible with a traditional stand.
Cabela’s Chest Harness
This chest harness from Cabela’s offers a comfortable fit and plenty of storage for your turkey hunting gear. It features a main binocular pocket with a magnetic lid closure for easy, silent opening. It also includes 2 reed call pockets to hold your calls and keeps them close at hand. The front of the pack features a rangefinder pouch and zippered mesh side pockets. It also has a suspension relief strap and deer drag to help you get down after the kill. It is made from breathable, lightweight fabrics and features ElimiShield scent control technology to stop human odors. It is also lightweight and quiet, making it easy to wear under a backpack or camouflage.
A great addition to your hunting gear is the Cabela’s Ultralite Binocular Harness. This harness helps reduce neck fatigue by distributing the weight of your binoculars over your shoulders rather than your neck and back. This helps you stay comfortable during long hikes and glassing sessions. The harness is made from quiet and durable polyester tricot and can be adjusted for a custom fit.
The padded harness offers quick-release cam leg buckles for a secure, comfortable fit. It also features a rugged, anti-shock bungee tether for safe and stable hanging in the stand. It also has a suspension relief pocket and binocular attachment straps to keep your equipment within reach. The harness has a maximum weight capacity of 300 lbs.
Always use a full body fall arrest harness system that meets industry standards recognized by TMA while hunting from a treestand. Before using a new harness, it’s important to practice installing and using it at ground level with a responsible adult present. It is also important to know what to do if you should fall from your stand. If you have any questions or concerns about your safety, be sure to contact a TMA-recognized manufacturer.
Latititude Tree Saddle
While there are many advantages to hunting from a saddle, mobility and stealth are perhaps the most critical. Saddle hunters can sneak into hard-to-reach areas where traditional treestands are often too noisy to be effective. Additionally, a saddle allows the hunter to use a variety of trees with varying heights and angles, which can be extremely beneficial in challenging conditions such as wind.
The good news is that the latest tree saddles are lightweight and modular, making them more convenient than ever before. In fact, some are designed to eliminate the need for climbing sticks altogether and function as a single unit that can be adjusted to a variety of heights using a simple buckle system.
With so many options available, it’s important to weigh your needs against what each saddle offers to find the right fit. A single-panel saddle is ideal for minimalists who want to pack theirs away in a backpack while hiking to their stand, while double-panel designs offer more comfort for those who prefer to sit and hunt all day. Hybrid options, such as the XOP Mondo, offer the best of both worlds by serving as both an ASTM-certified treestand full-body fall-arrest system and a comfortable saddle.
Ultimately, the most important factor is finding a saddle that’s comfortable for your particular needs and budget. The cheapest saddle in the test was $150, while the most expensive was $430. However, it’s essential to consider what’s included with each kit and compare prices to ensure you’re getting the best value.
For example, the Latitude Method 2 is one of the simplest and lightest saddles on the market, boasting a weight of just over 1 pound while also offering a full range of features. Its slim design wears tight to your body to minimize brush hang-ups and its adjustable two-panel construction lets you choose between a lean or sitting position. Likewise, the Grit Workhorse comes fully equipped with an expandable body, 11mm lineman rope, tether and recliner backband, providing the value of a complete package while remaining just as capable as pricier options.
Cabela’s Trail Saddle
A saddle is one of the most important pieces of equipment a hunter owns. It should be well-fitted to the animal and comfortable for both rider and horse. It should also be able to carry the hunter and all of his gear. There are several different types of trail saddles available. Some are more suited to long distance riding, while others are best for shorter rides. The type of saddle you choose depends on the type of hunting you plan to do.
A good quality trail saddle will cost between $350 and $500. It can be found at local saddle shops or in the classified ads. These older saddles are often of excellent quality, but may need a little elbow grease and some repair work. They are more than worth the effort and will last far longer than any new saddle marketed for less than $1,000.
Some saddles are made with fabric coverings, which are very lightweight and therefore very comfortable for a short ride. However, the lack of a sturdy frame makes them unsuitable for long rides on heavy horses or for riders who put a lot of miles in the saddle. They are similar to wearing flip-flops on a five mile hike; they feel fine at first but begin to rub against your skin as the miles add up.
The Cabela’s Trail Saddle is designed with your safety and comfort in mind. It features the Axis True Fit tree, which is built using kiln-dried South Dakota white pine. The bars distribute weight evenly, while the fiberglass seat provides a secure ride and allows full movement. It is a versatile saddle suitable for training, colt starting, competition and ranch work.