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Interesting on how light you can get with this setup especially when hunting private land. For me, I'm looking to hunt NY and Ohio state public land as well so the use of tree steps/bolts won't be an option being illegal. However, it seems the climbing sticks and saddle are still quite light probably coming in around 10 to 12 pounds total with 4 hawk helium sticks? I'm thinking you can get to 16 to 20 feet depending on spacing and user size with 4 of them?Thanks for the info. Some good stuff to ponder here before next season.
I currently use 4 Hawk sticks but I also have 2 3-step webbing aiders. I modified my sticks to make them shorter so they are 2 steps instead of 3. It makes them lighter and less cumbersome (getting caught on branches in thick areas while walking in is unacceptable/annoying to me haha). Without the mods, 16ft is reasonable to get too for sure. Making them shorter isn’t necessary but I enjoyed modding them and saddle hunting to me overall is just fun. I never sit in the same tree twice. And it’s very comfortable. With even 1 aider and 4 sticks, 20ft is doable if you need to get that high. I like to get high in the open hardwoods on public land that I hunt so that’s why I use 2. I could go on and on talking about saddle hunting and I am probably getting way too in depth about it with the aider talk haha.
Quote from: BennyYL on December 19, 2019, 01:03:12 PMI currently use 4 Hawk sticks but I also have 2 3-step webbing aiders. I modified my sticks to make them shorter so they are 2 steps instead of 3. It makes them lighter and less cumbersome (getting caught on branches in thick areas while walking in is unacceptable/annoying to me haha). Without the mods, 16ft is reasonable to get too for sure. Making them shorter isn’t necessary but I enjoyed modding them and saddle hunting to me overall is just fun. I never sit in the same tree twice. And it’s very comfortable. With even 1 aider and 4 sticks, 20ft is doable if you need to get that high. I like to get high in the open hardwoods on public land that I hunt so that’s why I use 2. I could go on and on talking about saddle hunting and I am probably getting way too in depth about it with the aider talk haha.Learning a whole bunch of new terminology - aiders, swaiders and knaiders. Who would of known this stuff existed. Anybody with any experience with swaiders and knaiders? Learning towards a setup of diy climbing sticks with aiders myself.
Quote from: GooseCommander on December 18, 2019, 07:01:01 PMAnother thing I've read and seen is the use of knee pads to alleviate bruises/improve comfort with contact with the tree. Do either of you guys use them or see a need for them?Do you notice any fatigue in your feet from standing on such a small platform? Are all day sits possible with the setup?Also, how long does it take to go up a tree while setting up and to come down a tree while taking down the setup?I do use knee pads and highly recommend them. I use the Arcteryx knee pads and they are comfortable enough I wear them right from the truck and forget I have them on. Even worn them when still hunting and not in the saddle. There are two main types of saddle hunters, leaners and people who sit. I sit 90% of the time and occasionally lean to stretch out. Kneepads a must if you get used to sitting and not leaning. https://youtu.be/Jii9JiLq6fcFor longer sits I use a backband that came with the kestral and that thing makes it feel like I am sitting in a seat. Even better than a treestand because I can make adjustments. It does take practice to get comfortable because there are a number of adjustments you can make. Examples are the length of your bridge, height of your tether etc but you can worry about those adjustments as you get familiar with a future set up. I would estimate it takes me 15-20 mins to set up because I like to take it slow and be quiet. If it is cold I like to set up then climb down to change my socks (long walk in) and base layer, add a coat etc. Being quick and quiet will come with practice of course. Shooting angles is another thing to practice in the off season. There are a bunch of good youtube videos on how to shoot 360 from the saddle with bow or rifle. Rifle from the saddle is great because you have the tree to use as a rest if the deer is in front of you and you have your bridge to rest on if off to the side. https://youtu.be/azvFKcpYu1M
Another thing I've read and seen is the use of knee pads to alleviate bruises/improve comfort with contact with the tree. Do either of you guys use them or see a need for them?Do you notice any fatigue in your feet from standing on such a small platform? Are all day sits possible with the setup?Also, how long does it take to go up a tree while setting up and to come down a tree while taking down the setup?
