CATMAN'S MOBILE HUNTING SETUPS: Treestands and Saddles

A lot of y'all have asked for it...here are my mobile hunting setups for climbing almost any tree.
PRODUCTS USED:
• Summit Explorer - amzn.to/2E9SIpO
• Summit Titan - amzn.to/2SnAbJY
• Pipe Insulation - amzn.to/2KJoeM5
• Camo Form Tape - amzn.to/2QsKsad
• MOLLE II Shoulder Straps - amzn.to/2SlmniT
• MOLLE II Kidney Belt - amzn.to/2P94sKs
• X-Stand X-Pedition Lock-On- Treestand: amzn.to/2E5CBtr
• Stealth Strips - tinyurl.com/y9loehu8
• Rock Climbing Harness - amzn.to/2U19dJD (NEEDS LINEMANS LOOP MOD - • DIY Harness Modificati...
• DIY Sportsman Lineman's Belt - • DIY Lineman's Rope for...
• Lone Wolf Climbing Sticks - amzn.to/2QrQiJ2
• Tubular Webbing - amzn.to/2QvHhi5
• HME Accessory Hook Belt - amzn.to/2KKPwl7
• Wild Edge Steps - www.wildedgeinc.com/
• Sit Drag Saddle - amzn.to/2QtonZc
• Tethrd Mantis Saddle - tinyurl.com/ybbyvhe6
• Tethrd Tree Tether (works for any saddle) - tinyurl.com/y7b476ow
• Predator Platform - tinyurl.com/ydbbear5
• New Tribe / Aero Hunter Saddles - tinyurl.com/y8vtpqaq
• Knee Pads - amzn.to/2KINguy
• Wild Country Ropeman 1 Ascender - tinyurl.com/yb37gcll
• Everything you need to know about saddle hunting - www.saddlehunter.com

[@trinkladd]

The main thing to remember is to practice a lot before you ever use these in a hunting situation. 6 am is not time to learn how to use a tree stand/ harness. Practice makes perfect. Awesome video Catman.

[@njgrplr2007]

Prior to this video, I had never even heard of a saddle setup. As a 53 year-old deer hunter, my initial reaction was to laugh and wonder why someone would EVER want to torture themselves like that. Then I remembered how I shot deer from the crotch of a big tree when I was young and probably would have been much safer with your saddle method. To each his own!

[@12ernie]

Great video! Thanks for making them!

[@trevybumps8463]

Great video on a couple different setups!

[@dywildatheart]

Thanks for the video and the explanations and time you put in.

[@wesmac68]

Thanks for showing the saddle set-up!

[@toddnichols2990]

Thanks for the Great video... I enjoy see the difference between trees stand and the saddle. Good luck on your hunt.

[@jamiejohnson1200]

Great video, keep after them big ones they're still out there!

[@russellwilson4531]

Pretty cool I'm digging this saddle deal

[@jeremiahwilson7640]

Thanks for the video! It was great seeing you hunt with the Hunting Public this year! I am making the switch to the saddle this year.

[@janetschafer7053]

So very interesing, Jonnie & educational , even though we're not hunters but so glad you are!!!

[@G2Outdoors]

Nice explanation of all 3 setups. Something for everyone!

[@traviswagner1178]

Thank you for the demonstration

[@dropsofblood8336]

That’s new to me. Ima need to try that, thanks for the tips and help.

[@jmh8743]

very well done. a little for everybody.

[@yeehaw2720]

I enjoy watching,your videos bud... A lot,of setup time it seems before each hunt...

[@fredsalay720]

I'm 53- wouldn't trade my summit for nothing, my friend got a summit Goliath. Gave me his old open shot!!! That's a good friend!!!! Nice video guys!!!

[@bandedcalls]

I had a summit used it all the time with no harness bought a harness one day out the blue the day before hunting season fell twice on the way down never been back in a climber since then lol

[@chuckswayzee]

one of the most informative videos on how to do this. thanks for describing the gear, stating what it is, what it's called, where you bought materials, etc., and linking to it.

[@robertgolden3799]

Great video! Thanks for the information.

[@TheBuckPsych]

Great job guys.

[@apexpredator958]

Great video guys. Keep it up

[@dougrogillio2223]

Excellent informative video! Very well orated.

[@bentoplikar1023]

Awesome video! Packed full of incredibly useful tips, tricks and recommendations! Really appreciate your time and effort in making this!

[@Gtv7803]

Great video. Thanks for the info.

[@eduardogonzales7959]

thank you. very informative

[@pensnut08]

Camo Form tape is awesome!! I don't think I'm alone, but packing the Summit stands drives me nuts!! Great video guys!

[@jackpinebadger268]

Guys, you really did a swell job explaining the whole waterfront, so to speak. Thanks! I've stayed on the ground, with minimal success. I'm hoping to take the off-season to piece together a set-up and learn it well. Probably will have to include crocs!

[@timk1512]

I appreciate your video! Thank you, from a new hunter.

[@mikeneuburger3989]

Legend has it that tripod is still out there in the woods, stalking self filming hunters

[@bigjhunter7660]

Good information catman 👍🏻

[@trophybowhunter1]

Thanks, that was helpful.

[@AFSportsOutdoors]

Good video guys. Love the saddle!

[@HeavyFOC]

Good explanation guys. I’ve been a stand hunter for over 40 years. I just started with the saddle this year. I should have made the switch long ago.

[@Hunter30394]

Well done.

[@davlterr]

Good stuff guys very similar to my setup. I went with a Tethrd Mantis and just scored a pack of WildEdge Stepps

[@alancall5113]

That is a l o t To Remember especially when you're dealing with morning hunt in the dark but a lot of great tips thanks for the video keep them coming

[@CatmanOutdoors]

Alan Call it becomes second nature once you do it a few times and figure out your preference for climbing.

[@roadrunnerzx7]

Super serious video “ now you normally hunt out of those crocs “. 🤣🤣

[@isaacingram1103]

I kept thinking the ropes were in the way for bow hunting on a saddle untill did that mock draw back and i was like woah... thats awesome.

[@davidlane9724]

great video guys, had me laughing about the crocs, "not everyone can do this"

[@Clifwalker]

Good video, thanks.

[@aidanharvey738]

Great video

[@ahoward2333]

Great video, thank you!

[@amosmoses8718]

Thanks for taking your time to help keep us safe. I had a new latter stand break on me last year, I fell over 20 ft. breaking my hip. If a friend would not have been with me at the time of the accident, I would have died there, due to no phone service. Please wear your safety gear.

[@andrewe7165]

Thanks for the info guys. I was just wondering about a standard climbing harness vs the expensive saddles!

[@galipavo21]

Great video...Lots ways to get up a tree....I'm 58, and like someone said below, have to hunt with ladders, as my back has seen its better days!....Keep up the good job videoing!

[@thereelaccountant9246]

One word....... yoga

[@ForgetU]

I think I would be one of those not trusting my equipment. thanks for the explanation.

[@darrelllogan1274]

Good stuff. 👍

[@mr.matthew84]

Great informational video. I have used a tree lounge for almost 20 years they are heavy but the only thing I can sit in all day for the rut. Other stands are ok for short hunts.

[@georgekershner6626]

Man I seen a guy in one of them one time, I took a crap right under his stand and he never said a word , I wiped buried my paper looked around pull my pants up something told me to look up and there was just smiling at me staring I waved at him and walked off like a dog with my tail between my legs he could at least give me a hoot any guy would give it a guy a hoot.

[@johngallagher2313]

I use Summit Climbers and one is a sit down climber but I do not use it much the other is an open front. For lock on I have several. My favorite is a Screaming Eagle. Not made any longer I think. The most rock solid hanging stand ever made IMO. I also have a Gorilla and an older Amacker no longer made. I use Ezy Climb steps both screw in and rope. They were made in America with good steel and strong rope. I bought a lot of them years ago and figure I have enough to last as long as I will be climbing trees. At 65 I wonder how much longer that will be. I also use a Hunter Safety System harness that comes with the linemans belt for securing to the tree while putting up and taking down. I can put all this stuff on the stand and carry it and if I can do it at 65 a younger hunter should have no problem.

[@joeltrussell1]

Dang that looks like a lot of work and I'd still be a nervous wreck. I'll stick to my Ol' Man Climber. Works like a charm. Best of luck to you Catman!

[@pissonthe0fighteverybody276]

green swamp buck-slayer Yeah I’d be mighty damn skittish in that set up. Esp cold and dark trying to get down.

[@garynonya4040]

Good shit...Thanks!

[@outdoorpremonition7251]

Haha i hunt with crocs. Super silent and deadly. Cool video guys!

[@rd6elite]

He's not going to kill a deer without those Crocs I hear you moblin.. great videos always

[@rickm5407]

I use a “Treesuit” which is similar to the saddle but a bit more cumbersome, however it seems to have a bit more back support.

[@bofa1330]

I filled my stands with expandable foam works great

[@dennisedwards8954]

Window n door rather than hi expandable eh?

[@1972davidt]

Great video! If I was your age and 100 pounds lighter, I would try it!

[@Ruger41mag]

Thx!

[@davidhunn5926]

Treestand vs Saddle? No comparison....Treestand!

[@sawtoothscream1521]

Made a sit drag saddle and never used it lol. Realized most of my spots have good climber trees and the lonewolf is just easier to deal with. Didn't even use my hang on and sticks this season. Eventually I'll try the saddle, need to figure out a better way to carry the sticks in with it.

[@claywatd4257]

Love the saddle set up but the xop will help transporting your climber in my opinion

[@vtwinaddicted5852]

Outstanding video, can you please put a link in you description on where to find the camo crocs, lol !!!

[@wrubhunts]

You left your tripod behind back at the demonstration tree!

[@JakeSmith791]

Well hell, that’s the way to hang and hunt. I’ve been doing it wrong for years and you can bet I’ll be getting a saddle.

[@gmass7238]

I would like to see you guys install this on a 26 deg morning with gloves and bibs , coveralls .. great video ....The saddle is a warm weather harness in my opinion ...

[@CatmanOutdoors]

g mass already hunted some cold mornings in the 20s out of the sit drag and it’s no problem.

[@AlmostHeavenOutdoors]

Thanks for the informative video. How many hours have you sat in the harness comfortably before you had to get down? Also, what's a general time table from getting to the base of the tree to bow in hand hunting? I'm very interested in trying out a saddle for the warmer months. Thanks Catman!

[@btpearce]

I am wore out just watching lol

[@ScottWConvid19]

Aider step 👍🏼 I'm still looking to consider switching to a saddle. Have you been using the phantom? What are the new sticks you're using with what looks like cables going through them?

[@thepubliclandnomad3365]

Im gonna have to get a saddle to play with.

[@danieldumas4518]

For your Aider there is a knot called a water knot it is a safer knot for your webbing. The overhand you have tied could come untied the water knot is the way rock climbers tie their webbing together.

[@TheBlindbowman]

well done guys . I was rock climber .. and this could help some of those new guys learn the right way and safe way ...I would add one thing ,rock climbing gear is not design for hunting gear .. just like the different types of locking carabineers there are many custom items that work better for rock climbing as the same for hunting gear where design may change from one to other ..those knee pads can safe you weeks with out ice packs injury in hunting season sucks ...something you did not cover as well as I would . is the climbing with arrows my grand father jump down from the last step about 3 1/2 ft and the arrow in his side belt quiver trapped under his arm and push the arrow broad head threw the bottom of his quiver and threw the back of his leg . he was a mile and half from the nearest road and they found him laying in the road and he spent 2 weeks in the hospital ,a very dangerous mistake that almost cost him his life ...and what really hurt was he was a conservation officer at the time ...so never get to cocky about safe climbing it can make a season great or end it in one mistake ... take care good luck like the video ...

[@arthurcarstens]

Hey Catman,really enjoy your videos, looks like "real" hunting, not the pretend shows killing monsters in high fence every week. Anyway, have been doing my hunting from the ground, very interested in saddle hunting, your videos are very informative. In your opinion, how hard would it be for an older guy who is a little pudgy and afraid of heights to get into saddle hunting? Like the concept of being mobile, picking any tree and "disappearing" from the field of view of the deer. How high do you typically go up the tree? Thanks for the help.

[@thelouster680]

Great video/info. Now all we need in western Ohio is public land and some deer, lol! Seriously

[@deboard_masonlee1028]

By using that wider and removing the bottom stick you can also prevent someone from stealing your stand if you decided to leave it set up

[@sireliot2149]

I hope more deer hunters are coming closer to accepting safe techniques like these guys are using. An alternative to ladder methods is to use arborist climbing techniques such single (srt) and doubled rope climbing (ddrt). Double rope can be accomplished using a single rope and no additional equipment as shown by Joe Bisping on here, and single rope (srt) is demonstrated well by Jamie Cline. Even outdated arborist techniques are much safer than free climbing trees in the dark.

[@Sjdlxfkwxjekexiwoqs]

I hunt w the summit specialist open front awesome bow set up lightweight and climbs well only bitch is you have to be very careful setting up in the dark trying keep it quiet

[@markpardo9707]

Are those Crocs for sale? I need a pair broken in like yours! Love it I had to replay for my family

[@CatmanOutdoors]

Sorry, can't put a price on seasoned Crocs like that!

[@tylergilles7301]

Wish I had it over again I wouldnt of bought a self climber stand I like this

[@longranger99]

Nice video. I have a Summit climber and really like it, super comfy but I'm looking for something even more mobile. I've been trying to decide between the Lone Wolf and Muddy Outdoors with climbing sticks but after watching your video on it I'm now contemplating a tree saddle, sticks with aider. What's the approximate weight of your saddle setup? Thanks for posting your videos, I find them both informative and entertaining.

[@CatmanOutdoors]

longranger99 I haven’t weighed my setup yet, but it’s definitely lighter and quieter than a treestand. My camera gear adds a lot of weight to the setup.

[@georgekershner6626]

I got to say , we have come along way from the first Baker tree stands. But at 54 I appreciate all this and I would climb with my Baker with just hugging the tree but think this is a young man's stand or someone really in good shape. I will stick to my ladders and once in while when I feel froggy use my summit. Thank you been wondering, as a retired Firefighter we had sop about useing rope more than one time for holding life unless it was totally tested after . Maybe I'm gun shy. One last thing, all rope will fail . Do your self a favor replace every year.

[@HuntinwithHattaway]

My Paw Paw gave me my first climbing stand around 1998 and it was a Baker. I used it for at least 10 years. No telling how many years he had used it...

[@wesmac68]

I am 50 had started with a Baker as well and pulling myself up a tree!!

[@1972davidt]

@TNDeer Stalker Outdoors I hear ya! I used my dad's old baker some. Still have it actually. It's hanging in the man cave as an antique!

[@georgekershner6626]

Reading your comments on the old Baker , I remember when I was probably 18-19 top of a straight tree just bottom not top hugging the tree and the bungee broke. I'm about 25-30ft up watching ol Baker walk the tree down , first thing I thought of America's funniest home videos .lol then I was like dang this going to hurt , slid down that tree like fire pole, heck what we could do when we were younger.

[@georgekershner6626]

@TNDeer Stalker Outdoors I remember having it somewhere but I'm not sure what happened to it.

[@JOZEFWORD1]

You need to check out ny saddle hunters page for the rope climbing method. Also there videos of self tending prusik knots for one handed operation to avoid the $60 mechanical device.

[@DavidGonzalez-ek3zh]

Nice job. Why Mantis vs kestrel? Have lower back problems will saddle help alleviate back issues and ive hunted from lone wolf assault getting to be too heavy. Thx Gonzo in Ohio

[@bigasports1603]

David Gonzalez I had a Kestrel and just never could find the comfort I needed. I tried the Mantis and knew immediately it was gonna be a game changer for me. The comfort in the Mantis to me personally was way way better. Adrian

[@michaelbleckler9072]

Bro I admire all the work you just did but damn. I'll stick with my tree climber

[@pestka7151]

Catman, I am 17 and looking to get into saddles while I'm still in shape. I like your setup and feel it would be better off in my budget (I like the mobility more as well). What is the least expensive saddle out there that you'd recommend being I'm still young and don't necessarily have to worry bout comfort?

[@CatmanOutdoors]

That sit drag and RC harness is probably about as cheap as it gets for starting out.

[@traviskelly5480]

Pretty neat but I'll stick to my API

[@jeannineslack9992]

This is a great stand, period! It's lightweight, climbs easy kzbin.infoUgkxlQ7TDIrnnSXXbRgFFaxqwullRJJIuYAs and feels solid while in the tree. The seat is easy to fold up for climbing and sits comfortably for long days in the woods. The only downside I have is that it might be too comfortable, but I like napping in the tree anyway. This is the second Summit Viper I have owned. The old one is steel making it heavier, but this aluminum version is about 9-10 lbs lighter. I recommend buying a better fall harness as the one included is clunky and not super comfortable. I think it will work fine if you NEED to use it, but there are lots of other more comfortable options out there.

[@donovanstockton44]

Interesting video and what not. Is many options with saddle hunting. Are y'all sorta saying the Mantis is better than the Aero Kestrel? I'm looking to get either one and take the plunge. Lately I've been using the Lone Wolf Assault 2 or what not and the weight is a lot. Don't get me wrong, few men (or women juicing) will outperform me in the weight room but I just don't like carrying in a lot of weight and and working up too much of a schwitz (that's sweat for those of you living in Rio Linda).

[@CatmanOutdoors]

The Mantis and Kestrel are both very good saddles, but comfort levels will depend on who is using it. The Mantis definitely is a lot lighter weight.

[@zachclark5368]

What backpack are you using

[@nemarec]

I like my viper sd.

[@JulienKozak]

Did you rig up the loops on your harness where you attached your lineman's belt yourself? I'm pretty sure I have the same harness and there are no loops that came with it....and can't use the vinyl covered gear loops cause those aren't weight rated. If so, how'd you do it?

[@CatmanOutdoors]

JulienKozak I got some tubular webbing and a Speedy Stitcher from REI and made my own loops. Used a single piece of webbing that goes around the back of the harness with loops on either side.

[@julienkozak9023]

Catman Outdoors Nice. I’ll give it a try. Recently learned that even though a lineman’s belt can arrest a fall, it’s really more of a balance device to prevent a fall in the first place.

[@CatmanOutdoors]

Julien Kozak that’s exactly what it is. Gives you two free hands to work with as well. If you sew your own loops, make sure to use a lot of stitches and pull them tight...remember it’s all that’s holding you up

[@DracoLorenz]

Can I get my midday nap in while using a saddle?

[@leeward4714]

lol, that was to funny

[@TheCondor300]

Deer see those treestands... do your best at hiding them in the tree. I cut mine down so it's half the size of normal.

[@dalewalker8554]

OVERALL, YOUR VIDEO IS INFORMATIVE. SEEMS TO ME LIKE A LOT OF WORK ONCE YOU GET TO THE TREE TO HUNT. NOT TO MENTION ALL OF THE STUFF YOU HAVE TO CARRY IN TO THE TREE. I CAN'T SEE MYSELF CARRYING ALL OF THAT AND DOING ALL OF THAT WORK (I'D BE SWEATING TO DEATH AND ONCE I WAS UP THE TREE, I'D BE CHILLED AND MY HUNT WOULD BE MISERABLE OR OVER) ALL THE WHILE IN MY CLOTHS, HEAVY COVERALLS, GLOVES, ECT....YOU MAKE IT LOOK DOABLE AND IT MAY BE ANOTHER OPTION FOR OTHER HUNTERS, BUT I THINK I'LL STICK WITH MY BIGSHOT BUCKSHOT MAGNUM. IF YOU'VE NEVER USED THIS TREESTAND, YOU SHOULD THINK ABOUT GIVING IT A TRY. I CAN HUNT FACING THE TREE OR MY BACK TO THE TREE FOR BOW HUNTING. IT HAS A VERY LARGE FOOT PLATFORM, HAS ADJUSTABLE SIDE ARMS AND ADJUSTABLE BACKREST.....SAY YOUR UP THE TREE A COUPLE HOURS AND YOUR BACK STARTS HURTING. WITH THE ADJUSTABLE ARMS AND BACK, YOU CAN EASILY MOVE THE BACKREST UP AND BACK SO IT'LL HIT YOUR BACK IN ANOTHER AREA. ALSO, THE BACKREST WILL SWIVEL SO IT'LL LINE UP WITH HOW YOU SIT (FORWARD, STRAIGHT, BACK ....JUST LIKE IN A CHAIR IN YOUR HOME). ALSO, THE SEAT AND BACKREST ARE PADDED VERY WELL AND ARE AMAZINGLY COMFORTABLE. ONCE YOUR UP THE TREE TO THE HEIGHT YOU WANT, THE BAR THAT GOES AROUND THE TREE HAS PRE-DRILLED HOLES ON BOTH SIDES. THE PULL STRAPS THAT HOLD THE STAND TOGETHER FOR BACKPACKING ARE ALSO USED TO PUT IN THESE HOLES ONCE YOUR UP THE TREE. YOU USE THEM TO SINCH THE STAND TO THE TREE FOR EXTRA SAFETY......ONCE THESE ARE ON, IT IS ROCK SOLID. YOU CAN'T FALL OUT OF IT AT ALL....YOU'D HAVE TO ACTUALLY STAND UP AND CLIMB OUT OVER THE ARM RAILS TO GET OUT. MINE HAS A SET OF GUN RACKS IN CASE I NEED TO REST OR DO SOMETHING WHILE UP THE TREE. I LIKE THESE STANDS SO MUCH, I HAVE 6 OF THEM SO I CAN LEAVE SOME OF THEM ON THE TREE IN AREAS I TRUST LEAVING A STAND. YOU CAN PUT IT ON THE TREE IN JUST A FEW MINUTES. CHECK THEM OUT AND SEE WHAT YOU THINK. AGAIN, GOOD INFORMATIVE VIDEO.

[@stevethedude8740]

Thanks for no flat bills and not hugging each other...but i guess it's an elk thing.

[@bradw693]

Now that you have the tethrd, would you recommend someone wanting to purchase a saddle setup to just spend the money on the tethrd? Or just save money and do the harness/saddle combo?

[@CatmanOutdoors]

Depends what your budget is. The sitdrag/harness combo worked great for me to get started, but the Mantis/Predator is a really nice upgrade and well worth it to me.

[@ryderjames3028]

Gotta get some crocks

[@coryarchbold7085]

What’s the weight limits on the saddles?

[@alexmccombs9811]

So Adrian is using his saddle as his safety harness right? He doesn't have a secondary harness?

[@CatmanOutdoors]

Alex Mccombs yes, that type of saddle doubles a safety harness.

[@kevoman4980]

Amazon knee pad link plz

[@mikewisner8141]

rope man 1 is worth its weight in gold.