37. Walking and climbing in a 2 panel saddle

[@jasonkellett2110]

I've been hunting out of ladder stands, climbers, and lock on's for years...I was a bit skeptical about saddle hunting for several years. I decided to quit being close minded and look into it. Long story short, I borrowed a friends saddle and tried it a few times but felt the adjustment was not for me. Then, all of a sudden I stumbled upon John Eberhart's videos series. Ordered an ESS and I can already say it's absolutely without a doubt the best overall saddle in the entire industry. 5 sits now and I love it, and I'm kicking myself for not gravitating to this years ago. Many thanks to the great John Eberhart as he has done all the heavy lifting and research and decided to sacrifice his time and make some great videos to help us all become better Sportsmen!

[@DanielMohammed-bb4gq]

I followed the hype with all the saddles the industry came out with never could figure it out or they caused more pain to me . Went back to hunting with stands and decided to give saddles one more time . Friend gifted me one of Mr.John’s book and looked him up and went for it did some modifications like he said to and I can not say how much this has been a game changer for myself pain in my joints and back stay in the woods longer so many additional advantages I’m kicking myself for not finding this sooner this man is the legend . And has helped the hunting community greatly so thank you Mr Jhon .

[@richarddean3154]

No wonder you have killed so many big whitetails - your attention to detail is off the charts. Thanks for the excellent insights.

[@usernamehere6061]

Na hes in his head too much. Has success once with a strategy and then states it as a law. Nothing more than superstition. A sys hauler will not dangle and scare a big buck... he always acts like where he hunts is impossible without his methods yet the data for his state suggests that is an exaggeration.

[@johneberhart4062]

@@usernamehere6061 You have no clue what you say. I have success once, really!! I have more bucks with a bow in the Michigan record book with a bow than anyone in the state and I exclusively hunt public and free knock on doors for permission properties only. No bait, no food plots, no leases, no property of my own, no family property, no managed, and in the state with the most bowhunters of any other state and we are a 2 buck state to boot. You may want to look up the stats before you speak and I would guarantee you that if you came to Michigan and hunted public land in zone 3 that you would be in for a real treat and would likely never kill a P&Y buck in your lifetime. ANYTHING dangling and moving from you while hunting can be picked by a mature deer in a heavily pressured state or area and you just made a statement that shows me the type of area you hunt. Mature does and bucks actually move through the woods looking in trees for hunters in many areas I hunt and likely in many other heavily pressured states like Pa., W. Va., Va., N.Y., NH., and in the northeast where populations are high per land mass. That is why I'm so big on using a ring of steps so you can move around and hide behind the tree's trunk. Obviously where you hunt, that is not a concern.

[@usernamehere6061]

@@johneberhart4062 You have no idea where I hunt. Secondly, I never said you only had success once. I said you have success once and then live and die by superstitions that you believe gave you success. I believe you can kill pope and young bucks where you hunt without worrying about a sys hauler. I've seen people do it... I know your record but I also know you're superstitious and would have just as much success without doing your rituals. I hunt both from a saddle and from the ground and I've killed a mature p&y caliber buck on public land multiple years running. I'm not as old as you but for my time hunting I have had my own success. My only point is stop living and dying by these stupid superstitions where you think only a certain brand of bowstring wax will kill p&y bucks. LOL

[@zjs3157]

Previous video helped me out a lot and this one showed me some other things to do . I was frustrated with the saddle first 2 sits but by the third I really started getting used to it and how to do all the above . Now I absolutely love the thing. You gotta practice with it but Once you find that sweet spot with the panels it’s so dang comfortable . Being able to change your top layers so easily is an understatement of importance. I’m like a ninja going up the tree now and I wear mine while walking in no problem . If your new to using it , understand there’s a learning curve but once you get your process down it’s so worth it.

[@johneberhart4062]

Thanks Zack

[@thomasbrown6651]

I just bought this saddle and will be testing it this weekend. I had the pleasure of meeting John recently and he is one of the most intelligent, detail-oriented and nicest people I have ever met. He graciously signed my copy of his book, Bowhunting Pressured Whitetails (highly recommend this by the way) and even let me take a photo with him! Every single video John makes is solid gold. An hour of him discussing his system is like getting a personal sword lesson from Yoda himself. This man is a stone-cold big buck assassin with the numbers to prove it, which is why anyone with half a brain pays attention to every single thing he says.

[@johneberhart4062]

Well Thomas that was very nice. And I can be a prick from time to time when idiots post on my sites. I wish if they didn't like what I speak of that they just wouldn't watch any of my videos, but for some reason they just keep watching them.

[@jeffclaycomb157]

Is there a way to adjust the saddle to reduce lower back strain?

[@toddlentner1708]

Nice explanation, John. Any help you can provide to hunters is greatly appreciated. BTW.....I recommend your channel to everyone to whom I sell a saddle. Education in saddle hunting is the key to success. Thank you.

[@johneberhart4062]

Yes it is Todd

[@richarddean3154]

You hit the nail on the head when you suggest that people hardly WATCH a video while viewing it and then have a ton of questions that the video actually addressed. Secondly, people want a mass-produced piece of equipment to fit them perfectly without dressing up any straps or ropes. Not smart on their part. Good luck this fall.

[@tonysobina8390]

So true...!

[@JBJHonez]

I like the fact that you bring up about how to change clothes while up in the tree because no other video out of maybe 3 dozen I’ve watched even mentions it. Great content btw

[@BrandonBarlowOutdoors]

What a classy guy Ty sir for your knowledge. My ESS arrives tomorrow! I put a beautiful two year old on the ground 10/29 over white oaks with a lock on stand here by the house hunting Nc public Anywho, I’m excited to hunt some areas you can’t get in to quietly with a lock on stand on your back. Thanks again. Stay safe sir

[@natekoser9440]

Thanks so much for this, Mr. Eberhart! This definitely helped me. I appreciate all the effort you put into these videos, as well as your wealth of information.

[@johneberhart4062]

Thanks Nate and good luck out there.

[@richardpeters69]

Great reference. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience.

[@rayduckett239]

Great video John. Deer season has ended in my state and I’m already looking forward to hunting next year. I’m already looking for new spots.

[@rodger603]

Coming from a arborist that is all about safety really liked you saying about using tether and lineman rope on the way up. I've worked with guys that would just hold on climbing using one safety. Uncle cut is and dropped 50 ft and bear hugged tree and was full of splinters. I enjoy walking and living lol. I always used 2 safeties and use my tether and safety the same as you do.

[@korykirkland8157]

Thank you so much! I dealt with one of my panels dangling down on the way up or down the tree this last season. Happened every time no matter how tight I strapped the belt on. It’s 100% because I had the saddle around my glutes. I can’t wait to go out and practice with this (new to me) information in mind.

[@tattoomike84]

I just received mine I am excited for sure!!

[@tonysobina8390]

Excellant video, John! Like the discussion on how you change clothes and how often you do it while on stand. I bought a ESS last year and really like it for its versatility. Best of Luck to you this season!

[@johneberhart4062]

Thanks Tony and good hearing from you.

[@BrettDeemer]

Been running your signature saddle this whole season really liking it so far👍

[@johneberhart4062]

Thanks Brett and the more you use it, the more you'll like it.

[@BrettDeemer]

@@johneberhart4062 Yes, each time I take it out theres one more reason for me to hate a treestand. A treestand doesn't even make sense to me anymore.Im kicking myself in the ass for not going to a saddle sooner. I've been taking your advice from your youtube channel and wow what a difference it has made. Totally changed my mindset when entering the woods. Spots I would normally hunt I don't even bat an eye at anymore. I was a field edge hunter, wide open hardwoods, etc. for the past 10 years and never killed a mature buck. I'm from PA so no wonder I wasn't seeing any haha. I've saw more mature bucks this season than the last 5 or 6 combined. So thanks for all the information I greatly appreciate it!

[@kevinflaherty7592]

Sorry for your loss my prayers are with you and your family john.

[@robertlocke7711]

2 panel is all I will use they are better in every way. I have a latitude method now love it have not try yours but want to. Good luck this year.

[@Allegiance_Outdoors]

understanding your stance on pouches, can you show us your setup/approach when using a public land climbing method (sticks or steps)? I am curious on how you carry and deploy your steps or sticks. Thanks!

[@garybucher6824]

I bought one a couple weeks ago. I liked that its pretty much all in one, compared to a single and having to buy and carry more junk with me. And being able to adjust it makes it pretty comfortable. When i pulled it out of the box it took me a few to figure out what was going on. And the first time or 2 trying it out it was a learning experience. But it didn't take me long to get it down. I can't wait to get more hunting in !

[@johneberhart4062]

Good luck Gary

[@garybucher6824]

@@johneberhart4062 thanks you sir ! I scouted some state land in Arenac county the other day , went in yesterday morning found some good runs and a fresh rub on a nice historical rub line. Went home had lunch grabbed my gear and got up in a tree. I ended up seeing 20 or more deer and didn't get busted until i got down. I think this saddle is going to be a game changer for me ! I've grown to HATE ladder stands as soon as the deer see one they automatically look up. I had a button buck walk up on me last week and he was already smart enough to know that it was trouble. I wish i would of heard of saddle hunting 30 years ago ! And i hope you bust a good Michigan buck this year ! Take care !

[@johneberhart4062]

@@garybucher6824 Awesome Gary

[@bv2181]

I use the waist strap to secure/hold up the two panels while I walk. When u put it on, pull it out tight away from your body with the bridge. Run the waist strap thru the D loops, refasten and pull tight(make sure it’s above your waist line like John says). Tuck in the bridge if it bothers you. When u get to your tree. Climb up like you normally would secured with your lineman’s belt. When you get to your spot in the tree. Lean back with pressure from the linemen belt and release waist belt, pull back out of D loops and re-secure around your waist and tighten or leave loose and carry on with the process. When hunt is done. Attach linemen belt. Pull up two panels above waist, lean back and put pressure to hold up panels, un-secure waist strap and pull back they D loops and re-secure thru the D loops and pull waist belt tight. Then remove tether and so on. It works slick. I had some issues the first couple times but I also used two pouches. I am going with one hs hauler for my ropes and such and I have no issues doing it this way. Stays up all the time. Love the flexibility for comfort since I hunt all day most of the time. I have been using an old trophy line saddle for who knows how long ever since Johns book sucked me into saddle hunting back in the day. So this new system is a dream compared to that! Good luck everyone!

[@aeestep77]

I definitely got to get me one of these

[@jeffsalsieder640]

John, thank you so much for this video and all the others. I have ordered the ESS and an looking forward to trying it out. I am an SRT climber, with about 40 trees set up on various properties. I presume that for climbing SRT with the ESS the panels will need to go on the butt cheeks for the climb. It will be interesting to test it out. I do use a pouch because in the SRT method I need a belay device. The pouch is a perfect way to keep it handy and prevents it from interfering with anything else when stored. However, I have the pouch more to the front of the body instead of behind me which, although not perfect, does cut down on the motion. I appreciate any feedback you may have.

[@dannypayge6547]

Hi John,,,, ima huge fan ,, thanks for all your input.. I’m no stranger to saddles,, I’ve been a tree climber/cutter my whole life . I recently purchased an ESS . My only issue is with my ropemans from tethrd . They SQUEAK when I tighten up . Do you have this issue with them ? I really don’t want to put wd 40 on them like the manual says because I’m very scent cautious.. should I send these dang things back or do they work themselves out ? Thanks again, Shane from South Georgia..

[@charlesdecker6342]

I had the same problem I was tightening the leg straps to tight and it was pulling the inner pannel down . I took them off until I get in the tree but I kinda find them pointless . Just thought I would help I'm also 6'2 245 I love this saddle so comfy

[@tywinkhart9211]

I found that by taking a plastic carabiner and connecting the two black D-rings together along with the waist belt allows me to walk and climb comfortably in my ESS. I disconnect it right before I connect to my bridge. In past videos you mentioned “modifying” your ESS. Does that mean removing the leg straps and leg loops? Any tips on the how to quiet the little jingle in the male end of the waist belt buckle?

[@johneberhart4062]

Maybe, I can't really post my modifications because they void the warranty of the saddle.

[@davidmartin8823]

I love watching different saddle/ climbing strategies. I have to say I still think I prefer a pouch attached to my saddle because there's less to fidget with. I keep my lineman's belt girth hitched to my saddle at all times so when I get to my tree, I can immediately clip onto the tree and start climbing, then just throw it back into the pouch once I have my tether attached. I do wish I could somehow get the comfort of the 2 panel with the simplicity of the single panel with a pouch. Also, John, please get yourself a prussik tender!!

[@jhuntley575]

That would suck to drop your pack with the linemens in it lol I like pouches too

[@drewcollins77]

I’ve seen him use a tender in the past! Wonder why he doesn’t have one here?

[@michaelaldridge2140]

No to pouches. Agree with John on this one

[@timwaldroup9654]

I've owned 4 saddles in last 6 yrs. Bought 2 panel 3 yrs ago and you could not give me a single panel since using it.

[@gordonneverdies]

The pouches were definitely a mistake. They're difficult to get gear in and out of and weigh down the saddle terribly. When I started I had two heavy pouches and my rappel rope dangling from the saddle. It was miserably uncomfortable. Using a backpack makes all the weight more manageable.

[@jessealvarado4319]

This saddle most definitely works well if you follow the instructions in the videos.

[@benjones4658]

Great videos very insightful. Not a saddle hunter yet looking to get a saddle this season. If people call it superstitions or rituals as long as your safe and hunt your own hunt and make it home to your family no one else’s option should matter. One question what is your climbing method? Thanks have a safe hunting season.

[@JRMny-nl4ut]

You ever use distilled white vinegar to wipe down with?

[@bmk506]

How's that walston heated vest holding up ?

[@poolgnome]

John Love your saddle. Can I use this climbing into tree with ropes SRT,? Considering this option

[@johneberhart4062]

Of course

[@dustinstafford3728]

What type of rope do you use for your linemen and what size?

[@Mark-zz9rt]

This guy is the Navy Seal of bow hunting, dedicated to his craft.

[@LouStoriale]

Thank you sir!

[@chadbinette3201]

Been using a climber and ladder stands for years, looking at getting a saddle style and didn't realize all the options. Some people have told me for a beginner to saddle hunting the sling style wouldn't be best, but I think I'ld really like the options of the ess, being able to have back support if wanted and so on. Any feed back in your opinion would be greatly appreciated. My first, second and third concern is comfort. I build my own ladder stands for that reason, I'm a contractor/builder so I have no problem building ladder stands that are comfortable for all day sits. Saddles aren't super expensive but enough money that the wrong one is a regret, I'm torn between the ess and phantom, I think I know what you'll say, but any input would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, I live in Maine, southern Maine, so quite pressured, if never been to Maine Southern and northern Maine are like two different states, southern closer to Massachusetts and northern Maine is more like Canada. Again been hunting for over 20 years but new to saddle hunting and looking for the best option for the first saddle, Thank you, good luck this year.

[@johneberhart4062]

You can have back support with most single panel saddles as well if you purchase a recliner from Tethrd. But the ESS has many more advantages than just being able to use the outer panel as a back rest and I think I've put out enough info now that it should be easy for any newbie to get used to it..

[@wesleycampbell849]

What about one sticking??

[@rogerramjet7567]

Details matter. Always. It’s usually a small one that kills you or the deal. Big bucks pay great attention to small details. Figure it out.

[@johneberhart4062]

Amen

[@Zechariah-14-1]

Do you suggest using the clips that came with the ESS? Been using this all year so far and it seems they just either get in the way or move around far too easy. The pouch doesn’t bother me too much I actually enjoy using it because I try not to bring a big backpack out with me if I can suffice without one.

[@johneberhart4062]

No, the clip[ are worthless. Use it as it shows in this video for walking and climbing.

[@Zechariah-14-1]

@@johneberhart4062 Thanks for the response! This video helped a lot!

[@HockeyTownHooligan5]

Can you do a video on how you keep your things so organized? I have a major problem with forgetting stuff. Do you make lists or make labels? What’s your secret.

[@douglaslockard9241]

He has a pack dump video its pretty good

[@pcrhunting]

I can assure you I am much quieter in the pitch black early morning getting in a tree with a ladder stand or hang on than you are with all of that.

[@HouseBladeDesign]

I took a poney clamp put it on the back pull it together it is one piece until u put it on an take it of they seperate

[@rigginuts]

How do you pee standing on a ring of steps?

[@tjguerrieri69]

What steps are those ?

[@Zechariah-14-1]

Cranford strap on with ratchet strap. Recommend because some other strap on ring of steps come with shitty cam buckles and sometimes not even the correct one for the process.

[@ryankazmerski6573]

He literally tells you exactly what they are in the video....

[@dennybirchfield]

That's y I like the beserk

[@rodneyharouff5739]

looks pretty simple to me.

[@brooks8656]

People want instant gratification without the work. Using a 2 panel takes some time getting use to. Practice, practice, practice.

[@underdogoutdoors]

Thanks John. How does it feel to be a celebrity, hope your making some $$ from it!

[@johneberhart4062]

I sort of like helping other hunters out but it takes up a huge amount of time to answer questions as I get a ton of them.

[@cooterbrown1703]

Looks like John needs a prussic. tender

[@J155P]

Came here to say that

[@jhuntley575]

Prusiks suck, mechoacan friction hitch is where it's at. I think John knows what he's doing. He's literally carried the saddle hunting movement for decades.

[@otatime2655]

That statement about the leg straps has got to be one of the most ignorant I have ever heard! Probably should look up the statistics of climber falls. Bad advice on your part!! Other than that your video seemed very informative.

[@DanielFrein-n5r]

Yet, you don’t share those “statistics”.

[@otatime2655]

@DanielFrein-n5r if you're not bright enough to get the stats on your own that's on you it's not my responsibility to do your research.

[@jongutierrez9116]

I've adopted a ring of steps and now I only use the platform if the situation calls for it. Using a ring of steps with a single panel saddle is extremely uncomfortable. So I purchased the ESS 2 weeks ago and its a game changer. Thank you for all the videos you post. And for creating the ESS. Spot on sir. This video might not be the right one to post this question but what are some basic core fundamentals in regards to feet position/ body position while shooting on a ring of steps or platform. A lot videos out there don't talk about the angles, positions etc. Thank you!