Ever thought of using a hunting tree saddle for deer, elk or turkey hunting? It is another form of hunting you might want to give a try. You will get a different feel to hunting being in the air verses on the ground, and it is more adventurous than using a tree stand. You might be surprised by how some of the best hunting tree saddles will change the whole hunting experience for you.
Contents
- 1 What is tree saddle hunting?
- 2 Is Tree Saddle Hunting Right for You?
- 3 Best saddle hunting tree strap reviews – research picked saddle strap by experts
- 3.1 1. Notch Sentinel Harness
- 3.2 2. kissloves Full Body Safety Harness
- 3.3 3. Sequoia, Tree Care Seat Harness
- 3.4 4. TREE ACCESS EVO SEAT HARNESS
- 3.5 5. Tree saddle Weaver Leather Weaver Arborist Saddle
- 3.6 6. Buckingham Wide Back Saddle
- 3.7 7. HUAWELL Tree Climber Set
- 3.8 8. Summit Treestands Surround Seat
- 3.9 9. X XBEN Climbing Harness
- 3.10 10. SportClimbers Tree Climbing Spikes
- 3.11 11. XtremepowerUS Outdoor Tree Stand
- 3.12 12. Browning Camping Strutter Hunting Chair
- 3.13 13. Benchmaster – Shooting & Hunting Chair
- 3.14 14. Millennium Treestands M300 Tree Seat
- 3.15 15. Rivers Edge Tree Seats & Accessories – climbing tree stand
- 4 Benefits of using tree saddle for hunting
- 5 Saddle Hunting Overview! Everything You Need to Know
- 6 Frequently asked questions
- 7 Conclusion
Every dedicated tree hunter swears by the various benefits of tree saddle hunting. And now you can too with these tips and reviews.
What is tree saddle hunting?
Tree saddle hunting is a generic name given to a form of hunting that uses a harness to suspend you from a tree. The strap should be attached around your waist while the other part of the strap is attached to the tree.
The strap allows you to suspend yourself thereby allowing you to rest on the tree with your feet. With this, you can move in any direction to shoot at your target.
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Is Tree Saddle Hunting Right for You?
Before you go into saddle hunting, there are things you need to consider.
Do You Have Good Attention to Detail?
Saddle hunting can go beyond the normal fun and excitement of hunting, and yet, it can also turn to hell if you fail to check all of your cables and clips before starting. You should carefully check and inspect each strap to ensure it has no sign of wear or tear.
It is a must that you ensure that the equipment is working perfectly.
Are you willing to learn?
No one becomes an expert in a day but consistent practice will help you see improvements. Saddle hunting requires getting familiar with the equipment and learning how it works properly.
For example, you will need to know how to use a lineman’s belt or tree tether, and you need to learn before you move into the woods. If you don’t know how to fix and wear the lineman’s belt then you are essentially risking your life. So, the best strategy is to learn first and then apply the steps.
These are essential factors to consider before you claim to be fit in this field. But, there are benefits you get from saddle hunting, which I will discuss shortly after sharing with you some of the best tree hunting saddles that you should consider.
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Best saddle hunting tree strap reviews – research picked saddle strap by experts
1. Notch Sentinel Harness
Some customers have complained about the saddle harness because they failed to choose the right size for them. The saddle hunting strap comes with different sizes, and you need to choose the right one for you to get the best performance you desire. This is one the best saddles as it provides you the best protection and is widely used by bow hunters that enjoy saddle hunting too.
Irrespective of your level of expertise with saddle hunting, Notch Sentinel Harness is effortless to use, and you can be assured of your safety while in the tree. It is better than using a tree stand as it gives you the ability to move quickly and comfortably.
Also, the Notch Sentinel Harness is constructed with the desire that users enjoy it, which is why it is made from light-weighted materials. You can even pair it with the YXGOOD Treestand Harness.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Adjustable for a perfect fit
- User-friendly
- Comfortable and easy to customize to suit your style of hunting
Cons
- Fairly expensive
2. kissloves Full Body Safety Harness
The hunting saddle safety harness is certified [CE], and it comes with a perfect fit specification for different sizes which you need to look into before choosing. It is made from quick-dry nylon webbing, high-quality sewing thread which makes it durable and safe to use.
The construction of the safety harness comes with traditional buckle, waist belt, and leg loop both lined with breathable mesh to ensure it is comfortable to use and the design helps to distribute pressure as a means to keep you comfortable.
Pros
- Back and leg comfort padding
- Waist support with a waist belt
- Leg loop with doubled straps
- Comfortable
Cons
- It has no significant setback
3. Sequoia, Tree Care Seat Harness
The saddle hunting seat harness is built for comfort as it comes with semi-rigid, wide waist-belt, and leg loops for better tree standing. For extra comfort, the safety harness has sculpted and lined with perforated foam to ensure you are safe during suspension on the tree.
Also, the strap has foam on the leg loop, which can be adjusted to have a perfect positioning whenever you are on the tree. It has a mobile side attachment that also enhances movement. Furthermore, the safety harness is safe to use even when using hunting gloves.
Pros
- The waist belt and leg loop for safety
- Easy to readjust
- It comes with excellent material used for the saddle hunting gear
- Compatible to use with gloves
- Comfy and safe to use
Cons
- It has no significant setback
4. TREE ACCESS EVO SEAT HARNESS
The construction of the seat harness incorporates an innovative mobile bridge system from a 10.5 mm semi-static rope covered with tubular webbing for durability. Also, it has two loops right on the bridge to help you have a better positioning.
It has also an adjustable connection which helps you adjust the seat harness for better positioning.
Pros
- Perfect for saddle hunting
- Comfy and safe to use
- Durable with adjustability options
- Extra padding for great comfort
Cons
- No significant setback
5. Tree saddle Weaver Leather Weaver Arborist Saddle
This hunting saddle is very lightweight but at the same time, it comes with excellent material that you can’t possibly find on other hunting saddle gear. This combination is very hard to get in terms of bow hunter gear but this company has done their job.
It has an adjustable waist with a loop belt to ensure you can have a comfortable fit. With that, you can hang on the tree at any angle to aim at your target.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Portable
- The material is very tough and of high quality
- Safe to use
- Adjustable and versatile for all kind of tree climbing adventures
Cons
- It has no significant setback
6. Buckingham Wide Back Saddle
The design integrates a strong waist widen and thicken waist pad that is made from breathable foam to ensure that the user is safe and comfortable for as long they remain on the tree hunting.
Pros
- Convenient to use for tree hunting
- Comfy and safe to use
- Lightweight and portable
Cons
- It has no significant setback
7. HUAWELL Tree Climber Set
Using the tree climber is easier to do if you can carefully follow the instructions and guidelines given by the manufacturer. It boasts of a steel split ring, which helps to secure the ankle strap and serves as foot support.
The safety belt that comes with it gives you all around support and protection, which means you can move to any angle of the tree while trying to get a perfect shot at your target.
NOTE: It is out of stock but Hunter safety system is a better replacement
Pros
- Lightweight and durable
- Safe to use
- Ideal for practice
Cons
- Not to be used for serious hunting
- Can only be considered for training and practice
- A lot of things are not ideal with the design
8. Summit Treestands Surround Seat
One of the best is the Summit Treestands Surround Seat. It comes with padded sides to keep you warm and protects you from the wind as well. It comes with three Velcro pockets and quick-release buckles for easy storage of miscellaneous items.
It conveniently fits on almost any tree so it can be considered a great option to take your hunting experience to a greater height (literally).
Pros
- Very strong and sturdy to keep you safe
- Withstand weight of about 300 pounds
- Strong and durable
- Padded sides for comfort and convenience
Cons
- No significant setback
9. X XBEN Climbing Harness
The padding is put in just the right spots helping you avoid any form of pain in common parts of the body, like the hip and lower back. To achieve that comfort, the fit needs to be stable.
However, the biggest problem with Xben tree stand is that it can be tough to keep snug at all times. Some people prefer a more tight fit anyway, so it might not be a significant concern to them. For others, they might be too relaxed to do much.
The build materials of this Xben Treestand are all durable while still maintaining its lightweight (the polyester mesh’s gets the glory for this). It’s a tremendous first tree stand choice for a quite number of individuals, but those who delight in a consistent snug fit might not consider this product ideal.
Pros:
- Extremely comfortable
- A lot of padding throughout
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Hard to get a consistently snug fit
- Strap stitching could be better
10. SportClimbers Tree Climbing Spikes
The stainless steel makes it lightweight enough to be carried around the trees easily. It’s without a doubt a safe, convenient, and fun unit to have around.
You will be safe in this unit as it comes with a safety climbing belt that holds you up and keeps you firm while you climb higher. However, this unit is not certified for poles, climbing dead trees, or tree trimming. It is only designed for a quick climb up to a tree stand.
Pros
- Safe
- Easy to use
- Pocket-friendly
Cons
- Safety is not guaranteed with dead trees
- Can be used for a short while
11. XtremepowerUS Outdoor Tree Stand
In addition, this tree stand provides a unique chance to reach a very tall height without always having to change spots. With this tree stand comes comfortable hunting regardless of the height you choose to lurk. This product is made of soft foam seat that can be adjusted to your taste. With this, you can be on the seat for an extended period of time without any moments of discomfort.
One of the most exciting features we can’t help but share about is this tree stand’s portability. It’s made of a foldable frame that allows for easy packaging. Besides this, you can even attach it to the side of a backpack.
Despite the intriguing features, this tree stand packs, you’ll still get it at a very cost-effective price in the market.
Pros
- A foldable frame that can be nested together
- Easy to carry
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Padded cushion seating for those long hunting hours
- Excellent price point
Cons
- Customer service is not the easiest to get a hold of
12. Browning Camping Strutter Hunting Chair
Plus, it allows for folding after use, and it comes with arms on both sides to give more comfort. It weighs around seven pounds and has a carrying capacity of 300 pounds. Its simple design allows for easy mobility so you can bring it with you from one location to another.
It features four rotating legs for stability; this way you sit firmly on uneven terrain. You can easily set it up as well. The materials are such that it dries off quickly so in this case, you have no cause to worry even during rainy seasons.
Pros
- Incredibly comfortable
- Excellent Price
- Very sturdy (Great for turkey hunt)
- Folding chair making it easy to carry
Cons
- A little expensive
13. Benchmaster – Shooting & Hunting Chair
The tree stand also allows for extensive adjustments, including the bow or gun rest. Apart from its adjustable sitting positions and gun rest, the legs can as well be adjusted. This invariably means that there’s no awkward positioning, even on uneven terrain. The seat itself swivels, an invaluable feature every hunter wants.
Pros
- The swivel function is an excellent bonus
- Reasonable price for the style of chair
- Extremely comfortable
- Gun rest makes long hunts a little easier
- Adjustable legs
Cons
- Heavy
- Swivel is noisy so it’s not perfect for stealth hunts
14. Millennium Treestands M300 Tree Seat
Its overall build blends in with the trees. It also features a stretch-free fabric that doesn’t absorb water or scent so that your target doesn’t perceive you from a distance. It’s a pretty stand built for a more stealthy hunt.
The millennium 300 is made for durability and features aluminum construction that offers more than just support and stability, it’s also lighter. Every part is welded firmly to ensure that the stand can weather extra weight without failure. To top it off, the tree stand has a powder-coated finish that is known to last longer than normal paint.
Pros
- Designed to be quiet
- Lightweight construction for easy portability
- Easy to set up
Cons
- Does not have a stabilizer bar
15. Rivers Edge Tree Seats & Accessories – climbing tree stand
It is indeed a simple hunting tree chair compared to the more intricate Millennium tree stands.
Unfortunately this chair is not intended for anything other than ground use without additional purchases, and it does not come with a ladder or pully system. However, ground level hunters will likely prefer this anyways.
Hunters that prefer rifles will love this product as it allows for easy aiming. But if you are looking for something taller, then you should consider buying a tree stand.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Comfortable
- Made of sturdy material
- Spacious seat space
Cons
- Not intended for use off the ground without additional purchases and modifications
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Benefits of using tree saddle for hunting
Some prefer the use of tree stand while some opt for the tree saddle or chair. Here are facts to show you the importance or benefits the tree saddle has over a tree stand in the world of hunting.
Keep in mind that this is not meant to discourage the use of tree stands, rather to show how fun and exciting it is to use a tree saddle for hunting.
Mobility
Considering you have many things to pack in your backpack, you might find it easier to pack and carry a saddle. A tree saddle, compared to a traditional tree stand, is much lighter and easier to carry.
We would rather have the saddle around our waist while walking to and from our hunting site looking for suitable trees to climb rather than carrying a heavy, traditional tree stand. Hunters that cherish the mobile style of hunting will opt for a tree saddle over a tree stand because of the ability to move around.
Precision
Tree saddles can be used on any potential tree that can hold your weight, and they also enhance your hunting performance. Because there is less hardware and weight, it’s also easier to find a suitable tree for a saddle than a stand.
One other benefit of tree saddles over stands is that you don’t have to worry about someone else using or stealing your stand (as they are usually permanently placed). Saddles are easy to take down and set up each time you hunt.
Stealth
The tree saddle gives the hunter a wide range of opportunity to hide behind a tree to get their target unaware since it allows a wide range of movement.
But with a tree stand, the hunter has to position it in the direction of the animal, and some can flee by sighting the hunter.
With a saddle, you can hide behind the tree, find the perfect position to shoot at your target, and draw your bow without restrictions, which ensures a better shot.
Safety
The benefits of saddle tree devices are not complete without mentioning safety. It is very safe to use as it has a safety harness to ensure that you don’t fall. On the off chance that you do fall, you will not hit the ground because of your straps.
Also, you do not have to fret because most manufacturers build their products to withstand more than 5,000 pounds of breaking strength
Comfort
Now that you know tree saddles are safe to use, the question is, are they comfortable? From experience and reports from those that have used one or two tree saddles for hunting, the consensus is tree saddles are comfortable for almost anyone. You have the seat, the stand and a reliable rope (or system of ropes) that can hold with the weight of about 6,000 pounds to make your time on the tree comfortable all through your hunting period.
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Saddle Hunting Overview! Everything You Need to Know
Frequently asked questions
Are Tree Saddles Safe?
Tree saddles are safer than traditional tree stands because a saddle hunter tends to have a good connection to the tree at all times through the use of the lineman’s belt. You are always tethered to the tree with a saddle.
What Do I Need for Saddle Hunting?
All you need for saddle hunting is a saddle, safety ropes, and a sturdy tree. You can add some extra gear, such as a SYS hauler or mantis recliner, which both play a major role in enhancing your comfort on long hunts for those who stay longer on the tree.
Best Tree Climbing Harness?
- Notch Sentinel Harness
- kissloves Full Body Safety Harness
- Sequoia, Tree Care Seat Harness
- TREE ACCESS EVO SEAT HARNESS
- Tree saddle Weaver Leather Weaver Arborist Saddle
- Buckingham Wide Back Saddle
- HUAWELL Tree Climber Set
- X XBEN Climbing Harness
Conclusion
Every tree hunting fanatic should use either tree stand or tree saddle. For those who prefer tree saddle above the more traditional tree stand, these reviews should give you a better idea of what to look out for.
Each of the products is picked based on research and reviews with a focus on the features, quality, and comfort without leaving out the safety of the user.
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