I’ve tried to make the process easier by doing my own research and breaking down some of the most popular sticks on the market, covering the specs and best features of each, then comparing those features with the price tag to help you make a decision you’ll be happy with for seasons to come.

By the way, I’d love to hear your thoughts, as well. Be sure to drop your experience with different climbing sticks in the comments section below.

Best Overall: Tethrd One Sticks

Specs:

Length: 18.5 inches
Weight: 15.9 ounces including the attachment rope
Weight Limit: 300 lbs
Step Configuation: Dual steps
Sold in a pack of three

What I Like:

• Lightest sticks on the market that I’m aware of
• Steps point away from the tree like the Skeletors
• Dynaloc Tab and Dynalight rope attachment method
• Glow tabs on each step help you see them in the dark
• StickLoc pin system

As I mentioned above, Tethrd One sticks are what I use, and my only complaint since I’ve owned them is that a few of my StickLoc pins that hold the sticks together during transport broke. It was a common issue with when they were first released, but has since been resolved with new pins.

Tethrd One climbing sticks are super lightweight at 15.9 ounces each. That’s thanks to the titanium tubes and 6061 aluminum machined steps. I would recommend putting some Stealth Strips on the hollow tubes because they can be pretty noisy if you accidentally hit them together during setup.

CHECK CURRENT PRICE >

Runner Up: Latitude Carbon SS

Specs:

Length: 18 inches
Weight: 19 ounces per stick
Weight rating: 275 pounds
Step Configuration: Non-folding double steps
Sold in packs of 3, 4, 6, 8 or 12.

What I Like:

• Strong one-piece carbon fiber design
• No metal parts to make noise
• Super lightweight at just 19 ounces each
• Fast, quiet Amsteel attachment method
• Made in the USA with 5 year warranty

Latitude is known for great quality saddles, but last year all the attention was focused on their new one-piece carbon climbing sticks. And it’s easy to see why. They hit a home run with their Carbon SS sticks.

Using technology from the automotive and aerospace industries, Latitude created a solid, lightweight stick that rivals anything on the market. The one-piece, metal free design will help you stay quiet during setup and tear down, and the Amsteel attachment method allows you to quickly mount the sticks to the tree.

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Best Value: XOP X2s

Specs:

Length: 18 inches
Weight: 26 ounces per stick (1.625 lbs)
Weight rating: 350 pounds
Step Configuration: Non-folding double steps
Sold in four packs

What I Like:

• Easily stackable with two options – on top of each other or side-by-side.
• Reasonably priced for the included features
• You get four sticks

XOP offers a wide variety of climbing sticks including a pivoting step, two-step stick; a fixed step, two step stick; and a pivoting step, three-step stick. For the purpose of this buying guide, we’re going to look at the XOP X2 fixed double-step sticks.

The XOP climbing sticks feature a unique slide-lock technology that allows you to neatly stack them on top of each other or flush side-to-side for low profile transport. The large 10-inch steps and increased stand-off offers plenty of grip and foot room for even the largest boots. XOP’s sticks are crafted from powder-coated 6061 aluminum.

CHECK CURRENT PRICE >

Another Great Option: Tethrd Skeletors

Specs:

Length: 20 inches
Weight: 2 pounds including the attachment rope
Weight Limit: 300 lbs
Step Configuration: Dual steps
Sold in a pack of four

What I Like:

• Steps that point away from the tree giving more foot room
• Dynaloc Tab and Dynalight rope attachment method that is extremely quick and quiet
• StickLoc pin system to firmly hold the sticks together during transport

This is one of two Tethrd climbing sticks on our list for saddle hunters. The Tethrd Ones discussed above are what I currently use, and I truly believe they are the best sticks on the market. I’m not aware of any other climbing sticks in existence that weigh less than one pound each. However, they are also pretty pricey at over $300 for a pack of three.

Realizing that the Tethrd Ones are out of the price range of many saddle hunters, Tethrd went back to the drawing board and came back with their new Tethrd Skeletors. The Skeletors share a lot of the same features as the Tethrd One sticks, but at a much lower price point.

In fact, not only are they cheaper, but you get four of them as opposed to three. So why would anyone choose the Tethrd Ones over the Skeletors? Simple. Each Skeletor stick weighs twice as much as their Tethrd One counterpart. Saving weight comes at a premium when it comes to saddle hunting gear, especially climbing sticks.

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Best Budget Option: Muddy Pro Climbing Sticks

Specs

Length: 20 inches
Weight: 2.5 pounds each
Weight Rating: 300 pounds
Step Configuration: Two sets of double folding steps
Sold in a pack of four

What I Like:

• Unique rope cam system for quick and quiet installation
• Affordable price point
• You get four sticks

The Muddy Pro climbing sticks feature the peg-pack series that allows them to pack together with several of the Muddy hang-on treestands. Of course, that’s not going to be real helpful if you’re using them for saddle hunting!

Regardless, each aluminum stick features built-in teeth for extra grip and a unique rope cam system for a quick and quiet installation. These sticks are the heaviest on the list at 2.5 pounds each, but if you can tolerate the weight, you can’t beat the price point.

CHECK CURRENT PRICE >

Features to Consider

When you think about climbing sticks for saddle hunting, it may seem they’re all basically alike, making it tempting to base your decision on price alone. However, if you do your research, you’ll quickly realize there are actually some major differences among the various options.

Here are the key features we recommend investigating when comparing climbing sticks for saddle hunting that should ultimately help you make your final decision.

Weight

Probably the biggest factor when purchasing gear for saddle hunting is weight. The whole purpose of saddle hunting is to be lightweight and mobile, so you don’t want to be weighed down by a heavy set of climbing sticks.

Just keep in mind that light weight typically comes with a higher price tag as you saw in the products outlined above.

Length

Not only does the length of your climbing sticks impact the overall weight, they also can impact the packability of the sticks as well. Longer sticks strapped horizontally to your pack can be a nightmare hanging on every sapling and vine you pass by, so keep that in mind when deciding what length climbing sticks you ultimately choose.

Climbing stick length also impacts how how high you can climb with those sticks, and ultimately how high you can hang your hunting platform. Obviously, longer sticks with three sets of steps will allow you to climb higher than the same number of shorter sticks with just two sets of steps each.

Weight Limit

This is not going to be an issue for most saddle hunters, but it’s something to keep in mind. Most all of the climbing sticks discussed above have the same 300-pound weight rating with the exception of the XOP sticks which have a 350-pound rating. My guess would be all these figures are pretty conservative, but I wouldn’t recommend exceeding them regardless.

Attachment Method

The way you attache a climbing stick to the tree may seem somewhat trivial, but to me it’s one of the main considerations when buying climbing sticks. You want to be able to attach your sticks to the trick quickly and quietly, and you want them to be secure.

To me, Tethrd has the best attachment method, hands down, with their patented Dynalite rope and tab. Both their One sticks and Skeletors feature this design.

Step Configuration and Spacing

The final feature to consider when choosing the best climbing sticks for saddle hunting is the step configuration and spacing. While having single steps may shave a few pounds of overall weight, it may create issues when climbing or descending the tree.

I prefer dual step models where I’m not limited in which foot I move up or down at any given time. It’s also nice to be able to rest both feet at the same level when hanging your platform or adjusting your lineman’s rope. In my mind, there’s less chance of missing a step as you climb up or down the tree in the dark, too.

For those reasons, I mainly featured double step models in this article, although several of the manufacturers offer single-step models if that’s what you prefer.

Give Us Your Feedback

If you have experience with these or any other climbing sticks, we would love to hear about it in the comments section below.

The Mobile Hunters Expo, the nation’s only trade show dedicated to mobile deer hunting, will host three events in 2024:

The Southern Show
Dalton Convention Center
Dalton, Georgia
June 28-30, 2024

The Northern Show
Kalamazoo County Expo Center
Kalamazoo, Michigan
July 26-28, 2024

The Nor’easter
Spooky Nook Sports
Manheim, Pennsylvania
August 9-11, 2024

The Mobile Hunters Expo is unlike any other outdoor expo, providing an interactive learning environment where you can try out mobile hunting equipment from the top manufacturers in the industry and learn from the best in the business through informative seminars.

“We wanted a place where like-minded hunters of all levels could gather and exchange stories and knowledge, as well as try gear before they spend their hard earned dollars on it,” said Christopher Leppert, CEO and Founder of the expo.

Attendees can expect to see and test gear from some of the top companies in the mobile deer hunting industry, including Tethrd, XOP, Tactacam, Elevate Stand Co., The Amsteel Guy, and many more.

The Mobile Hunters Expo started with a single small show in Ohio in 2021. In 2023, it expanded to two shows — a southern show in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and a northern show in Kalamazoo, Michigan. This year promises to be the biggest and best year yet, with three great shows and more vendors and seminar speakers than ever before.

Tickets for all three shows are on sale now. Single day passes are $20, or you can get a full weekend pass for $40. Discounts are available for military and first responders. 

To learn more, or to get tickets, visit themobilehuntersexpo.com.

A Roomy, Lightweight Platform

A Roomy, Lightweight Platform

Tethrd Predator/Predator XL

The Predator is the OG of modern saddle hunting platforms. It’s a relatively lightweight option (3 lbs or 4 lbs for XL), that when seated properly, is rock solid on the tree.

The sub-$200 price tag makes it a great mid-priced option. Overall, I’ve been extremely happy with the platform.

How We Tested

Aside from three years of hands-on experience using the Tethrd Predator XL for hunting, we made sure to put it through specific testing for the purpose of this article. We tested it on a variety of heavy bark and slick trees of all sizes.

We looked at what it takes to ensure the platform is rock solid on each tree, and how much the stand flexes under normal use. We also tested its quietness and platform grip (do your feet slip on the platform?)

Pros and Cons

Scoring

Performance

With three full seasons of testing under my belt now, I can say the Tethrd Predator XL has been a great platform. At 4 pounds, it’s not the lightest one on the market, but it provides a great blend of foot room and stability for the weight. 

I wear a size 12 and wanted the ability to turn around and stand on the platform to make a weak side shot when needed, so a roomy platform was a must for me. The Predator XL provides that, and the grips on the top and sides of the platform allow you to maneuver around it as needed without slipping.

Another critical factor for any saddle hunting platform is rock-solid stability, and the Predator has that when set up correctly. 

When I first started using the platform, I didn’t know how to properly “toe hook” it, so I often hunted with the teeth at the top of the post not firmly against the tree. It still never kicked out on me, but it did have some give like that.

Once I figured out that I needed to strap the platform to the tree, and while it was still folded up, put weight on top of the post to seat the saddle down into position, and then fold the platform down after that, I never had any issues. That left the entire platform post extremely snug against the tree, and locked in tight.

The Predator XL platform is pretty big, so it does have some flex to it when standing on the corners, but it’s not enough to cause any issues or to make me feel unsafe in any way. 

At the end of the day, the only two changes I would make to the platform are the incorporation of some type of buckless strap system to avoid the current heavy, noisy buckle. And I would like to see some type of low-sheen finish on the platform as opposed to the shiny, unfinished aluminum. 

I can’t say that a deer has ever busted me due to the aluminum finish, but it just doesn’t seem right on hunting gear, and for $199, I don’t feel like you should have to paint it yourself.

Platform Specs

Should You Buy the Tethrd Predator?

The Tethrd Predator XL is a great platform for someone who prefers plenty of footroom and rock-solid stability at a decent weight and moderate price point. If you’re more concerned with overall weight than foot room, then you can always opt for the standard Predator model, or go with one of the lighter (and likely more expensive) models on the market. 

Not soon enough. But before you know it.

There is no better time than now to start preparing for the upcoming season. In fact, here are five things you can start doing now to tip the odds in your favor come fall.

Scout!

Now is a great time to scout. But then again, there aren’t a lot of BAD times to scout.

The best part about scouting this time of year is the deer have plenty of time to excuse your intrusion before the kickoff of deer season.

This is also a great time because the woods are looking a lot like they will in early bow season. So you can get a good feel for how thick an area truly is and how much trimming you will need to do for good shooting lanes.

Aside from getting your trail-cameras out — which we will discuss in the next section — you can use this time to better learn the lay of the land, check out spots you may have overlooked last season, and even start pinpointing stand locations.

If you are fortunate to live in an agricultural area with plenty of crop fields around, summer is a great time to get in some evening glassing to see what bucks are using the fields and how they are entering and exiting those fields.

Get Those Trail-Cams Out

Don’t wait until season is almost here to put out your trail cameras. Get them out now so you have plenty of time to move them around to pinpoint travel patterns as well as the quality of bucks in the area.

Sure, the bucks are really just getting a good start on growing antlers, but it’s always fun to watch that growth and monitor their development as the season progresses. And once you get on a potential good buck, there’s a good chance he’ll remain in the area until food sources change and hunting pressure ramps up.

Hang Stands and Prep Stand Locations

Why not take advantage of this time of year — before it gets unbearably hot — and start preparing stand locations? That may mean actually hanging some stands, or just picking out stand locations and trimming shooting lanes.

If your stands have been out since last season, then please take this time to carefully inspect all the straps, cables, and chains. If you’re using straps, my recommendation would be to go ahead and replace them.

I know they aren’t cheap, but they’re much cheaper than the cost of a hospital stay or funeral when you fall from a tree.

Again, prepping stand locations this time of year will give the deer plenty of time to settle down from your intrusion, will allow you to go ahead and get your shooting lanes trimmed back, and with that step out of the way, you now have more time to focus on other aspects of the preparation, like shooting your bow!

Shoot Your Bow

For years I was one of those guys who hung his bow up after deer season and didn’t pick it back up until a few weeks before the next one — which may explain my poor success rate early in my bowhunting career.

Fortunately, several years in, I discovered the fun of shooting 3D archery, and I suddenly had a reason to shoot all year.

If you have never shot 3D archery, I would highly encourage you to give it a try. But even if you don’t, set aside time weekly to shoot your bow during the off season.

You will be amazed at how much more confident you will be  with your shooting ability when the season arrives. We owe it to the game we pursue to be as proficient with our equipment as possible to make a quick, humane kill.

Find a New Spot

Are you limited on places to hunt? If so, you are certainly not alone in your struggle. However, summer is a great time to work on that problem.

Network with family, friends, coworkers or anyone who will listen and let them know you’re looking for a new place to hunt. You’d be surprised how often a friend of a friend owns land or has a family that owns land and it’s much easier to gain permission with someone to vouch for you.

Aside from networking, you can go the old fashioned route and knock on doors. You can find potential spots by perusing aerial photos and the private land ownership layer on an app like onX.

Once you’ve located the owner, knock on their door, dressed presentably (not in camo ready to hunt), and ask about hunting the property. This is not the high-percentage tactic that it once was, but it’s a numbers game. If you knock on enough doors, sooner or later you will get a ‘yes.’

Final Thoughts

I don’t want to wish my summer away, but I sure am looking forward to the first sunrise of deer season.

But since we all have to make it through these next few months, we may as well use the time to do everything we can to prepare for a safe, successful deer season.

If you’ll work on these five tasks from now until deer season, you’ll definitely be ahead of the game come opening day.  Good luck this season!

But once I finally bought my gear and got started, I realized it didn’t have to be complicated at all. All you really need is some basic equipment and plenty of practice time to get started. Once you learn the ropes (pun intended) and get comfortable in the saddle, then you can look into upgrading or modifying equipment, if you want.

My goal with this guide is to walk you through the basics of what you need to know and buy to get started in as simple terms as possible. If you have any questions after reading this, please don’t hesitate to drop them in the comments below, and I’ll do my best to answer them.

What is Saddle Hunting?

Saddle hunting is a method of elevated hunting that involves wearing a tree saddle or harness that is tethered to a tree with ropes. The hunter typically rests their feet on a small platform or ring of steps and leans away from the tree, with their weight supported by the tether rope.

If that sounds confusing, I included the photo above to help you get a visual.

Saddle Hunting Necessities

One of the biggest roadblocks I ran into when I started saddle hunting over three years ago was figuring out exactly what equipment I needed, and what I didn’t. There are lots of different products on the market, and lots of guys modifying their equipment to best suit their hunting style.

What I finally realized after a lot of research was I really only needed three pieces of saddle hunting gear to get started. I realize the video thumbnail above says five, but if you buy a hunting saddle kit, the ropes will come with it.

The hunting saddle kit should include your lineman’s and tether ropes and necessary carabiners. I’d recommend going that route rather than buying the items individually to simplify the process.

You’ll then just need a platform to rest your feet on, and some climbing sticks to climb the tree.

Must-Have Accessories

While you can start hunting with just a saddle, lineman’s rope, tether, platform and climbing sticks, there are a few accessories that will make saddle hunting a little easier.

Back Strap or Recliner

This is another accessory that’s worth its weight in gold. The back strap – or recliner – is just a strap that hooks into the carabiner on your bridge and goes around your body up under your arms to support your back as you lean away from the tree. It doesn’t look like much, but it adds a whole new level of comfort to saddle hunting. When a deer comes in, you can lean forward just enough to release the pressure and the recliner should fall down around your waist and out of your way for a shot.

Knee Pads

As I mentioned above, if you’re going to spend time in the sitting position with your knees against the tree, you will want knee pads or a cushion that straps around the tree. I can tell you from experience that it doesn’t take long with your knees digging into the side of a tree to get very uncomfortable.

Accessory Strap/Bow Hook

The last accessory item I recommend is some type of strap and hooks to go around the tree and hold your gear. Tethrd makes a simple one with a series of loops to attach hooks to so you can hang your pack, binos or a rangefinder, grunt call, and even your bow.

Backpack

And to carry all this gear in the field with you, you’ll want some type of pack. The size and type of pack will depend on what gear your choose and personal preference. Fortunately, with the increasing popularity of saddle hunting, more and more packs are being manufactured with that style of hunting in mind.

Did I miss any important accessories? If you think so, be sure to let me know down in the comments, and I can add to the list!

You Have Your Gear, Now What?

Once you have your gear, you’ll want to spend a lot of time practicing with it before hunting season rolls around. I’d recommend spending the first few practice sessions just above ground level until you get comfortable in the saddle.

To do so, you can simply strap your platform to a tree a foot or so off the ground. With your saddle on, step up onto the platform, loop your tether rope around the tree about eye level, and attach the carabiner from the loop of the prusic knot on your tether rope to your bridge rope.

You are now tethered to the tree, and should be able to lean back away from the tree while standing on the edge of your platform. You may need to adjust the length of your tether by moving the prusic knot up or down the rope to get an angle that suits you.

This is the perfect time to practice maneuvering around the platform, and getting into shooting position for various potential shot opportunities. As you get more comfortable, you may actually want to incorporate your bow and a target into the practice sessions so you can shoot at various angles.

I can tell you from my experience, it’s going to feel very strange leaning away from that tree and putting your faith in that tether rope the first few times. But once you get used to it, it’s a freeing feeling. I actually feel safer and more free in the saddle than I ever did in a climber or hang-on stand. But it takes some time to get there.

Once you’ve developed that faith in your gear and gotten a feel for the saddle, you can then incorporate climbing the tree with your climbing sticks. That part is pretty self explanatory, but the key is to use your lineman’s rope from the time you leave the ground until you’re hooked into your tether rope at hunting height. Not only will that help keep you safe, but it also frees up your hands to hang each stick as you climb, as well as your platform when you get to hunting height.

Final Thoughts

Saddle hunting is a great way to lighten your load, get more mobile, and put another valuable too into your deer hunting toolbox. No, it’s not for everyone or for every situation, but it has it’s place, and I would recommend every deer hunter at least give it a try.

The GRIT series was designed to provide saddle hunters with high quality gear at an affordable price point that they can try and buy from local retailers. 

“GRIT is a whole new section of saddle hunting equipment focused toward the guys who get their hands dirty,” said Tethrd co-owner Ernie Power. “You’re the guys who are out there making the world work, and you shouldn’t have to be punished by an entry barrier of cost to get into saddle hunting.”

The GRIT series includes three key pieces of saddle hunting gear:

Workhorse Saddle

The Workhorse is a great-looking single-panel saddle with no shortage of great features. It’s built with the same quality you’ve come to expect from Tethrd gear. The saddle comes in two sizes  — regular and XL — and is available in Mossy Oak Bottomland and Realtree APX. 

It comes with built-in pockets on each side, plenty big enough to hold your ropes, rangefinder, archery release, headlamp, or any other hunting gear you may need with you in the tree.

The Workhorse saddle features raptor buckles and a Dynalite bridge, and comes with the necessary tether and lineman’s ropes, carabiners, as well as a back band.

The Workhorse saddle will retail for $299. 

Workhorse Platform

The Workhorse platform looks very similar to Tethrd’s extremely popular Predator platform, but with an updated antler bracket. It will be offered in a regular and XL size. Tethrd hasn’t released any size or weight specs yet, but I would expect they will be very similar to the corresponding Predator and Predator XL counterparts. Unlike the Predator, though, preliminary photos seem to indicate the Workhorse platform will come painted or dipped. 

The regular Workhorse platform will retail for $175 and the XL $185.

Workhorse Climbing Sticks

While I expect the entire GRIT line will do well, I really think Tethrd is going to sell a pile of their new Workhorse climbing sticks. They remind me of a cross between Tethrd One and XOP’s X2 sticks. 

Like the One sticks, they feature Tethrd’s patented Dynalite tab and rope connection method. I believe it’s the lightest, fastest and quietest climbing stick connection system on the market. 

The Workhorse sticks have large standoffs that make for plenty of foot room on the dual steps, and they neatly stack using the same StickLoc pin system used on One sticks. 

Tethrd has not officially released the weight of these sticks.

The Workhorse climbing sticks have a retail price of $199 for a four-pack.

Final Thoughts

Another unique aspect of the Tethrd GRIT series is that it will only be available through retailers, not directly from Tethrd. This should help build Tethrd’s retailer base, which in turn means better opportunities for would-be saddle hunters to try out gear first-hand before purchasing. It’s a win-win for Tethrd and retailers.

“GRIT is a great way to get started,” said Tethrd co-owner Greg Godfrey. “You can find it in your local retailer, you can test it out in your bow shops, and wherever you buy your gear normally, you can get your GRIT gear there.”

Tethrd has said the GRIT series of gear should be available this summer. There will be more details to come, as far as specific weights and finishes, but it’s already obvious this is going to be a homerun for Tethrd. It’s also going to be a win for new saddle hunters, as they gain access to top-notch gear in a simple, affordable package.

Learn more about Tethrd’s new GRIT gear, including where to get yours, at GritGear.com.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on the new Tethrd GRIT saddle hunting gear over in our Mobile Deer Hunter forums.

Us saddle hunters love lightweight gear, and Trophyline has seemingly set the bar with this new line, which was four years in the making. 

“Our HyperLite series of platform and sticks are made of a new proprietary material called Magnite,” said Nick Betts of Trophyline. “Magnite is 33% lighter and 22% stronger, 110% harder, and has three times more vibration dampening that current aluminum.”

He went on to say that a carbon fiber stick with the same strength would be 50% heavier than the Magnite version. 

HyperLite Climbing Sticks

With that in mind, let’s take a look at the specs on the HyperLite climbing sticks:

• 16 inches step-to-step
• 9 inches wide
• 3.4 inch step depth 
• Weigh just 17.5 oz each (4.4lbs for a 4-pack)
• 300 lb weight rating.
• Suggested retail price of $449/4-pack

Additionally, the sticks have a quick and silent amsteel attachment method using new QuickHitch Tabs.

The sticks stack flat against one another, taking up just 5 inches of depth for four sticks. 

And best of all, they are made right here in the U.S.

HyperLite Platform

As for the HyperLite platform, its specs include:

• 12” x 12” platform
• Weighs in around 2lbs
• Suggested retail price of $299

The platform has a similar design to Trophyline’s popular Onyx platform, but with all the reduced weight and improved strength benefits of the new Magnite material.

The leveling system has been updated and is now incorporated into the post. It can be adjusted with ease while in the tree.

When you combine the four sticks and platform, you now have a complete system that weighs less than 6.5lbs. 

Trophyline’s new HyperLite climbing sticks and platform will be available this summer. They have not announced pricing at this point. We will keep you posted as more information becomes available!

I ordered the option with an open bridge, and it shipped in less than 12 hours and arrived at my door just four days later. 

First Thoughts

When I opened the package I was immediately impressed with the craftsmanship of the panels and stitching.  It is obvious Buzzard Roost takes pride in their product. 

The ingenuity of the bridge loops adjustment method is impressive as well.  Two amsteel prusiks on each side tied into an open bridge is no small feat, but they got it right. 

I liked the lightweight mesh fabric and the overall weight of the saddle at about two pounds, making it comparable to the other saddles I’ve owned.  I also like the pliability of the straps, which were much less stiff than others I’ve hunted from.

Overall Performance

After a few test sits in the yard, I started to think I should have ordered the next size up, as I wasn’t finding the comfort others have bragged so much about. 

I called Buzzard Roost and Benny (the owner) answered while driving down the road. We talked for a good 30 minutes, during which he offered his advice on adjustment and offered to exchange the saddle if I desired.  

I continued to play with the adjustments and found the comfort I’ve been looking for, spending several all-day hunts in the saddle this season. The adjustments to the pull angles on the bridge loops are very sensitive, enabling the fine tuning for comfort that I hadn’t found in my 10 years of saddle hunting, using four different saddle companies’ products. 

The Aerohunter Kestrel and Tethrd Mantis and Phantom saddles all had significant hip pinch for me. The Latitude Method 2 saddle was much better, but the adjustment opportunity on the Buzzard Roost is far and away better due to the ability to make micro adjustments and user-friendly design they incorporated into the bridge loops. 

I might note that all these adjustments can be made in the tree while hunting. 

Buzzard Roost Specs

The Buzzard Roost Saddle is a true two-panel saddle. The patent pending design is two individual panels joined at a common fulcrum. This allows the individual panel angle to be adjusted independent from the other panel. Comfort can be dialed in for both leaners, sitters, high and low tethers. 

The Buzzard Roost also has the one-stick saddle hunting enthusiast in mind, with safety stop loops on both hips for right and left handers. These loops also serve as leg strap attachment points, and are convenient for adjusting the lower panel into position.

The waist belt sports a one inch dual bar adjustment Raptor Buckle. The buckle can be worn in the middle or offset to either side. 

The saddle bridge is made of 8mm Teufelberger Resc Tech Rope. Adjustment is made with an Amsteel Prusik.

Buzzard Roost sizing is as follows:

• Small:  26- to 32-inch waist
• Regular:  33- to 36-inch waist
• Large: 36- to 42-inch waist
• XL:  43+ inch waist

For reference, I ordered a regular, as I wear a size 34/35 waist in pants. I believe a large would fit me better as I have a bigger belly and could stand for the top panel to be larger. However, after hunting this season in it, I believe either size works as the saddle runs true to pants size.

What I Like

Overall, the Buzzard Roost Saddle is by far the most comfortable and adjustable saddle I’ve ever hunted in. I am a combination leaner/sitter, and found that separating the panels by 1.5″ or so I can do both without adjusting the panel gap at all while hunting. 

The open bridge is perfect and a really neat design. The panels are easily adjustable to almost 12 inches of separation if you desire, although I haven’t found a need for that much as of yet.

Buzzard Roost’s pricing is competitive as well.  They came in cheaper in factory offerings than several competitors with two-panel saddles.  

What I Don’t Like

The only con I can find to this saddle is the leg straps. I’m unable to wear the straps while walking in or out due to the low angle they have when attached. Instead I clip the straps out of the way until climbing, which works great. Once on the tree I have zero discomfort with the leg straps.

Final Thoughts

I’ve been extremely happy with the comfort and quality of my Buzzard Roost saddle so far. Hats off to Benny and his team for the design and craftsmanship they put into their product, along with top notch customer service! 

If you’re in the market for a two-panel saddle for next season, be sure to check out Buzzard Roost before you make your final decision. I’m sure glad I did.

There, I said it!

But before you skip down to the comments section to tell me I’m an idiot, hear me out.

I’m currently in my third season of saddle hunting, and still find myself choosing the saddle over other climbing methods more times than not. But for whatever reason, I think the benefits of saddle hunting have been over-hyped.

Heck, I’ve probably overstated them myself a time or two. 

The truth is saddle hunting can be a great tool in your deer hunting toolbox, but it’s NOT the only tool. There are situations when other tools make more sense, whether that be a climber, a hang-on stand, or even a ground blind.  

In this article we’ll break through the hype and take an objective look at saddle hunting, when it makes sense, and when a different hunting method may be a better option.

Perceived Pros of Saddle Hunting

Weight Savings

Can saddle hunting provide weight savings over a climber or hang-on stand? Absolutely! But I think if most hunters did the math, the savings would be minimal. Especially for guys (and girls) who are hunting whitetails east of the Mississippi River. 

Is five, or even 10 pounds really going to make or break you, when you’re walking less than a mile to your hunting spot?

I can understand it if you’re chasing elk out west, walking rugged terrain for several miles a day, but that’s not what most of us whitetail hunters are doing.

Now I realize that some of you go to extremes to make your saddle hunting setup lightweight. I’m looking at you, one-stick guys! In those cases, the weight savings can be more significant. Is it worth the trouble and expense? Only you can decide that. 

Mobility

In my mind, the biggest perk to saddle hunting is the increased mobility it provides. Not because of any weight savings, but more due to the reduced profile of the setup. Having everything strapped to a comfortable backpack that you can easily maneuver through thick brush or saplings is a big step up from packing a big, bulky climber on your back. 

I was reminded of this recently, when I carried in my Summit Goliath for the first time in a long time. I only had to go a few hundred yards to where I was hunting, but that’s all it took to be ready to get that thing off my back and onto a tree. 

Versatility

If you’re hunting areas with limited straight, limbless trees, then saddle hunting can definitely provide some versatility over a climber by allowing you to climb and hunt in a variety of tree types. Of course, that same benefit can come from a hang-on stand setup as well. 

Comfort

Comfort in the saddle really varies from person to person and even from one saddle model to another. Personally, I find the saddle more comfortable than any hang-on or ladder stand I’ve ever used. But it’s definitely not as comfortable as my Summit climber.

But I can stay comfortable enough in my saddle setup to keep me from packing in the bulkier Summit for most hunts. There are a few exceptions that we’ll dive into below.

Cons of Saddle Hunting

So while saddle hunting certainly has some benefits over other methods of hunting, it also has its share of cons. The main three that come to mind for me are:

Cost

Saddle hunting is expensive! Fortunately, its increasing popularity has resulted in more and more manufacturers popping up, with some of those offering more affordable gear options. But it’s still not cheap. 

We did a whole article discussing the cost of saddle hunting, but in short, expect to pay from $600 to well over $1,000 to get started. 

Learning Curve

This is one we’re actively working on by providing lots of great saddle hunting resources and information on this site, but the learning curve is still pretty steep. Saddle hunting is much different than any other style of hunting, so it takes a lot of practice to get comfortable and proficient at it.

Just figuring out what gear you need to get started can seem overly complicated. 

It’s not. But it can definitely seem that way. 

The Fidget Factor

This is something I don’t hear anyone talking about, but I think it’s a real issue when saddle hunting. At least it is for me. When I’m in the saddle for long periods of time, I have a tendency to move around much more that I would while sitting in a climber or other type of deer stand. I shift from standing to sitting, rock back and forth while leaning, and just move around more overall. 

And movement = more of a chance of getting busted by an approaching deer.

And while many saddle hunters mention the benefit of being able to hide behind the tree from an approaching deer, I think if the deer approaches from any other direction, you stand out more than if you had your back against the tree in a climber or hang-on stand. And where I hunt in the heavily forested south, deer rarely come from the exact direction you expected. 

Sometimes Other Hunting Methods Make More Sense

As I mentioned early in the article, saddle hunting should be seen as another tool in your deer hunting toolbox. Use it when it makes the most sense. But even as a diehard saddle hunter myself, I realize there are times when other hunting methods make more sense.

If you’re only hunting a short distance from your truck, and there are plenty of good, straight trees available, then it probably makes more sense to hunt from a comfortable climber rather than a saddle. This is especially true if you’re hunting with a rifle or crossbow, where the railing of a climber can provide a steady rest for shooting.

If you’re hunting property you own or you hunt the same area consistently, then installing some semi-permanent hang-ons makes more sense. Then you don’t have to pack in much gear at all. Just show up with what you need for the hunt, and climb up in the tree. It’s quieter, and you’ll be less likely to break a sweat before the hunt. Win-win. 

More and more I’m finding myself seeking out thick cover to hunt. In the south, that typically means focusing on areas that have been clearcut within the last 10 years. The problem is, unless you’re hunting the edge of the clearcut, there’s rarely a good tree to get a stand or saddle in. The only option is to hunt from the ground.

If you truly want to get away from the hunting pressure and have the place to yourself, find areas where there are no trees to climb! It’s the ultimate lightweight hunting, and there’s nothing like making a shot on a whitetail at ground level. I think this will be the next trend we’ll see in deer hunting, but for now it’s still an underutilized method.

Final Thoughts

I’m glad I gave into the hype a few years ago and picked up my first saddle hunting setup. It’s been a great tool for staying mobile and hunting public land here in the south. 

But it’s not the only tool!

When the occasion calls for it, I’ll still break out the climber. I also have a ladder stand on my personal property where myself or guests can go sit safely and comfortably. And I’m finding myself leaving the saddle and platform at home more and more to hunt from the ground.

The take home for me is not to get caught up in the hype of any one style of hunting. Use what makes the most sense for the situation, and most importantly, have fun and stay safe!