Tree Saddles for Hunters: Is it a Good Fit For You?

Tree Saddles for Hunters: Is it a Good Fit For You?

By Aaron McKinney

Tree saddles have become a popular choice for hunters seeking a more mobile and versatile way to get elevated in the woods. Here’s a breakdown of their advantages and disadvantages, along with a look at traditional tree stand setups for comparison.

Why Hunters Choose Tree Saddles
One of the biggest reasons hunters are turning to saddles are the options for mobility. Mobility is especially vital if you are a hunter that will move stands to set up on target buck, or if you hunt public land and are willing to track deep into the timber. You have your set-up in your pack and are not limited so much by finding the perfect tree. You can maneuver around unwanted branches, unwanted curving in the tree itself, and other obstacles that leave treestand hunters looking for a different spot. A saddle’s lightweight, minimalist design makes it much easier to move through dense brush and climb hills and ditches compared to bulky tree stands. This allows you to access prime hunting locations that might be off-limits with a traditional stand.

While working at the Iowa Outdoors Store, I get to talk to a lot of hunters. One common thing I’ve heard saddle hunters say is that they’re really comfortable. Modern saddles are designed with features like breathable mesh, padded seats, and weight distribution straps to enhance comfort during long sits. Unlike a fixed tree stand, a saddle allows you to shift positions and find a comfortable posture, reducing fatigue and keeping you focused throughout the hunt. This is especially beneficial for younger hunters who might find traditional stands uncomfortable, and for older hunters who may have concerns about stiffness or joint pain. I’ve talked to hunters of all ages who use saddles and love them.

360-Degree Access
With a tree stand, you’re limited to shooting lanes dictated by the stand’s position. A saddle offers unparalleled freedom of movement. You can rotate 360 degrees in the saddle, allowing you to take advantage of unexpected shot opportunities and adapt to how the game moves. This is a significant advantage for bow hunting where distance and body angles are critical.
The entire saddle system, including the saddle itself, climbing sticks or rope, and a platform (if used) is lighter and more packable than a traditional tree stand. This makes it ideal for public land hunting where you might need to hike long distances or navigate challenging terrain to reach your hunting spot.

Accessories
While we mainly picture hunters ascending using the lineman type systems and climbing using the ropes, saddles can be used with various climbing methods. Some hunters prefer to pack lightweight climbing sticks to rope ascension systems. This allows hunters to tailor their setup to the specific trees and terrain they’re hunting. No matter how your rig up your saddle, make sure that you have a safety line when ascending and descending.

Additionally, platforms can be used for increased comfort and stability. Most of the time, these are screw-in platforms that attach to the tree. They allow hunters a place to rest their feet, but do not inhibit hunters from moving around when required. It’s also a good idea to have a screw-in bow hanger if you don’t want to hold your bow and pack the whole time.

Considering the Downsides of Saddles
Saddles have soared in popularity over the last few year. However, they’re not for everyone. Climbing and maneuvering safely in a saddle requires practice. Unlike climbing into a ladder or hang-on stand, using a saddle system involves more steps and can be intimidating for beginners. There are many resources available online and from experienced saddle hunters to help you learn proper techniques.

A quality saddle system can be an expensive initial investment. The additional investment includes the saddle itself, climbing equipment (sticks or rope system), and possibly a platform. While the initial investment might be higher, some hunters find the long-term savings appealing since one saddle system can be used in various locations unlike multiple tree stands.

Climbing and maintaining stability in a saddle requires upper body strength, core strength, and balance. It might not be suitable for hunters with certain physical limitations. Additionally, old injuries, knee problems and arthritis.

Traditional Approaches
As mentioned, saddles are not a good fit for every hunter, or every situation. If you’re going to continuously return to your favorite spot time and time again, then you will probably want to have something more permanent, like a ladder stand or a hang-on stand with climbing sticks. Tree stands offer a time-tested method for elevated hunting with some advantages. Climbing into and out of a tree stand is generally easier and requires less practice compared to a saddle system. This can be a benefit for hunters who prioritize convenience and a quicker setup time.

I personally like sitting in a tree and having some cover behind me to break up my silhouette. I like the tree behind my back, the branches, and foliage to hide me and allow me to be stealthy and nearly undetectable. For me, tree stands will always have a place.

While many hunters find the saddles comfortable, with a fixed stand you can reposition and move around to find a more comfortable position. Padded seats, backrests, and shooting rails, on your fixed stand might be a little more comfortable for you than the saddle. With both tree stands and saddles, you are limited by the timber, fence lines and lone trees available. Don’t throw out all of your gear and replace it with a saddle. There are always situations where having a pop-up blind, a hang-on stand, and ladder stand are handy. It kind of depends on your personal preference, but don’t completely ditch your stands and blinds for the saddle. You will want a variety.