How I Climb with my Tree Saddle and an XOP or Lone Wolf Hand Climber

[@goplayoutside47]

Great stuff! I’ve been wondering why I haven’t seen saddle hunters do this instead of climbing sticks! You’re the first one who has confirmed my idea is good! Thanks for sharing. Hope to get my first deer this way!

[@perryfrazeoutdoors8019]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@2314jones]

Much appreciated for sharing. I’m ditching my steps this year and giving it a try

[@perryfrazeoutdoors8019]

Best of luck. Be safe

[@meekomouse]

I took off the arms and flipped the stand over and mounted the arms on the reverse side (swapping sides with the arms). The stand mfg cast gives you the perfect angle for climbing, no drilling required. I did mount a rail between the arms for additional rigidity. Probably not required but I wanted the arms to be supported like the base stands are. Once up I ratchet strap the stand to the tree and the system is rock solid. I keep an eye in the band to make sure it doesn’t have a severe angle like in your initial climb.

[@perryfrazeoutdoors8019]

I’ve thought about doing that as well. I’ve seen a few guys that have done it with good results

[@mbeckwith7514]

What did you use as a rail support between the two "arms" of the platform? I've thinking on this and am not sure what to use.

[@meekomouse]

@@mbeckwith7514 I made a bracket with some round pipe and welded 2 nuts inside each end. Drilled holes in the traction belt arms and bolted it all together

[@ScottWConvid19]

Well, this might be the info that helps me to graduate from my line wolf climber to a saddle without spending a lot more on sticks and a platform. Thanks.

[@perryfrazeoutdoors8019]

Glad you like it

[@ingeniousmechanic]

Scott W, same here. I use a summit climber and been looking into saddle, but haven't ran across a system this light and simple, plus purchasing things I may not enjoy.

[@BoxieOutdoors]

I had used my lone wolf just like that for 2 years. But since I have went to sticks and Hawk platform. Great video and on your way to 100 supporters. Have a BLESSED day and keep SHARING your PASSION

[@perryfrazeoutdoors8019]

Thank you

[@joshsweet5373]

What do you like about the hawk platform sir cause I've got the lone wolf too

[@BoxieOutdoors]

@@joshsweet5373 The Hawk is a bit smaller and other than the back bracket I think it is more solid when cammed over. I have to use a ratchet strap with the lone wolf hand climber. Now if I would incorporate using it to climb then I would reduce the need for sticks

[@MrShank12u]

Your video definitely opens my mind to the possibilities of getting up a tree. Looks easier to do in early season with less clothes on tho.

[@perryfrazeoutdoors8019]

Thanks. Glad you like it. I usually carry my heavier clothes because I tend to walk a good ways in on public. But yes, it is easier without bulky layers

[@timbow50]

I wish I had known or invented the saddle system back 30-40 years ago. In 80’s I made the old two pieces climbers of aluminum in my little shop. TIG welded joint and gussets. It was military grade 7071? aluminum I got from the old helicopter rebuild facility nearby. Both pieces weighed only 11#’s. The bottom section was the heavier naturally. Used this in Arkansas and killed many deer from it. I was still a rifle hunter then. At 73 now, I’m past my time to be climbing trees lol. I use ladder stands now. Enjoyed this video. And GOOD LUCK !👍👍🔥👀👀

[@perryfrazeoutdoors8019]

Thank you. I started hunting from saddles in the late 90's when I was at a big box store and seen one of the original Trophyline saddles on clearance. I picked it up dirt cheap and hunted out of it a lot. When saddle hunting hit mainstream few years ago, I found myself helping out some of the younger guys I know that hunt. I figured I should make a few videos to show what I know. Thanks for watching.

[@LouStoriale]

I call this No-Sticking. I tried with a summit and didn't work out well, but I'm not giving up. I think I need a shorter bridge. Good Job!

[@perryfrazeoutdoors8019]

Thanks for watching. Best of luck to you

[@Dadoutdoors24]

I plan on using the bottom of a climber. Saddle stands seem way too small for me and I feel a lot better having a little real estate under me.

[@perryfrazeoutdoors8019]

Sounds like a plan. Best of luck this season

[@Thangster72]

I will incorporate this with my rappel system so coming down will be a lot quicker.

[@perryfrazeoutdoors8019]

Best of luck to you

[@paulcrave3112]

Thanks for the video. Personally, I’d replace the prusik with a Catalyst hitch and it won’t bind up on you after being loaded.

[@perryfrazeoutdoors8019]

Thanks, I have thought about it, but haven’t pulled the trigger yet

[@kennymclean3222]

Enjoy your videos and appreciate all the information that you put out. If you can find one try the foot climber from one of the old Tomcat stands, I think you will find it more stable and easier to use plus it will go on an extremely small tree.

[@perryfrazeoutdoors8019]

Thanks for the tip!

[@seanlloyd8534]

I’ve used this method before and it pays to have a rappel kit on your person. Swap to the rappel line at the top, disconnect the tether. Remove stand and smoothly rappel down.

[@perryfrazeoutdoors8019]

Thanks for the tip

[@thefullaj]

The bungee is smart, that’s for that tip. I was going one foot under one foot on top. That will make for such a more efficient climb.

[@perryfrazeoutdoors8019]

Glad I could help

[@bi7235]

This saves so much weight. Thanks for sharing.

[@perryfrazeoutdoors8019]

Thanks, I'm glad you liked it

[@cdp50359]

If you like this, you will love my diy climber for saddle hunting.

[@perryfrazeoutdoors8019]

Thanks, I'll check it out

[@cdp50359]

@@perryfrazeoutdoors8019 I don't have videos or anything. But I can email or text it to you

[@StaggsintheWild]

Nice job Perry!

[@perryfrazeoutdoors8019]

Thanks

[@tonypapay]

Thanks for the video, hadn’t seen this before, I’ll give it try with my LW climber

[@perryfrazeoutdoors8019]

Thanks, good luck to you

[@leavethelandalone835]

Been considering a saddle, but it looks like it will take more time to get up the tree than my climber. They both have pros and cons. The saddle is interesting though.

[@perryfrazeoutdoors8019]

The saddle definitely has its place, but yes, getting up the tree has its issues.

[@jonathanpuls2489]

I own the lone wolf hand climber top and would like to make this work. I have mostly pine trees to climb. Does this method work well on pine trees? In my limited experience, the band gets snagged on the bark much easier. Thanks for the video.

[@perryfrazeoutdoors8019]

I have never tried climbing a pine tree with this method. I wish I could give you an honest answer, but not many pine trees in my hunting area. Give it a try and let me know. Good luck!

[@TheTopher15]

Just saw this video now, been using this method for the last year and instead of climbing back down I repel down with repel rope and figure 8, was faster and more fun

[@perryfrazeoutdoors8019]

I agree, way more fun. But I tend to not want to pack in the extra weight of the rope. Best of luck this season.

[@vincentlabruzzo5368]

Gptta watch the angle of your band. The way you did it puts tremendous pressure on the stand arms

[@perryfrazeoutdoors8019]

Thanks, I’ll make a note if that.

[@Crayz919]

Hook bullman platform ROS to xop hand climber for stability and access to walk around tree 360 ...

[@perryfrazeoutdoors8019]

Thanks for the tip

[@B_r_u_c_e]

Thank you.

[@perryfrazeoutdoors8019]

Best of luck

[@justinconrad5283]

tie the paracord to the foot straps then you can just pull it up to put your feet in.

[@perryfrazeoutdoors8019]

Thanks for the tip

[@MrJhara]

thanks for the tips man

[@perryfrazeoutdoors8019]

Good luck this fall

[@jpoutdoors23]

Where can you find the xop hand climber? I don’t even see it on their website.

[@perryfrazeoutdoors8019]

I picked mine up from their website a couple years back. You may try contacting them. You could also check eBay, some classified sections of saddle hunter websites or Facebook pages. If that fails, you may look for a lone wolf hand climber. It's basically the same thing. Good luck

[@SuperSlappy25]

did you put bolts on both sides?

[@perryfrazeoutdoors8019]

Yes I did. Thanks for watching

[@markrandall2997]

🚨 What does a man plug into the Googles to buy one then foot platform you got there??

[@perryfrazeoutdoors8019]

It is the hand climber of an XOP tree stand. You can Google “XOP hand climber” but I’m unsure if they sell them anymore. You can find them used occasionally. Good luck in your search. There are a few other options out there. The hand climber from lone wolf is the same thing but a little more money usually

[@LIFEONTHELINE-xn8gs]

You should try the S.M.A.R.T. climbing method with your climber. It will be safer and quicker. I hope you try it.

[@perryfrazeoutdoors8019]

Thanks for the tip!

[@LIFEONTHELINE-xn8gs]

@@perryfrazeoutdoors8019 You bet.

[@LIFEONTHELINE-xn8gs]

@@perryfrazeoutdoors8019 I made a new video for you titled (Climbing Platform??)

[@andrewmcgaha9629]

Hey man, I know I’m late. Can you buy just the platform or did you already have the full stand?

[@perryfrazeoutdoors8019]

When I purchased mine, you could buy them separately. Unfortunately, I don’t believe that option is available anymore unless you find one for sale on a forum somewhere. There are some new companies out now that make climbing style platforms.

[@andrewmcgaha9629]

@@perryfrazeoutdoors8019 thanks. New to hunting (late in life :)) this looks like The Way for public land hunting. Really enjoyed the video.

[@perryfrazeoutdoors8019]

@@andrewmcgaha9629 thanks for watching

[@zachchadwick8323]

You got a parts list?

[@perryfrazeoutdoors8019]

I just use a Trophyline tree saddle and an XOP hand climber seat platform. Unfortunately those are hard to find, but other options are out there

[@tomalderman7598]

Man I wish my knees would bend like that. Ha. After two total replacements though , it’s tough.

[@perryfrazeoutdoors8019]

I understand that. Good luck this season

[@tomalderman7598]

@@perryfrazeoutdoors8019 you too

[@douglaslockard9241]

If you used a 35 ' length of rope as your tether like one stick guys do it may be easier to descend the tree

[@perryfrazeoutdoors8019]

True

[@Im.hurtnLinda]

How much does that hand climber weigh?

[@perryfrazeoutdoors8019]

I’m not for certain but I believe less than 5lbs

[@colinbussiere-nichols8524]

Dude I think if you added a repel rope to your system you might have one sticking to be

[@perryfrazeoutdoors8019]

Thanks, I may give it a try

[@504daron]

Brilliant!~ thx

[@perryfrazeoutdoors8019]

Thank you too!

[@LordNemoTGH]

A linemans belt is fairly cheap and would cut your climbing time to almost nothing. Edit: I didn't tell any of you that you had to go do it the way I suggested. Enjoy your thirty minute fumble handed tether climb. You'll get really good at nots and you'll get a lot of exercise 💪. Either way I hope you all stay safe.

[@perryfrazeoutdoors8019]

Thanks

[@rtemplar4004]

Perry how would a linesman’s belt make this faster? Please explain as I don’t see it. Thanks

[@perryfrazeoutdoors8019]

@@rtemplar4004 I’m not sure. Maybe EvilNinjaTeddybear can elaborate

[@LordNemoTGH]

Right now your using your tether to climb. Instead you could use a linemans belt which is a lot faster and more efficient. You're essentially replacing climbing spikes with your stand in this scenario. You also wouldn't have to do any knot tending until you get to your final height and secure yourself with the tether. I'm assuming you could connect to your saddle so the only gear you'd need is the rope itself and the hardware.

[@perryfrazeoutdoors8019]

Id like to see a video of your version. I'm sure it would be helpful. Thanks for the reply

[@bv12ringer]

I think I will try that and after I hunt I will rappel down

[@perryfrazeoutdoors8019]

Good luck

[@Liam-ql7tr]

Surprise this technique has taken so long to take hold with now (2023) with dedicated platforms just for this.

[@perryfrazeoutdoors8019]

I agree. Thanks for watching

[@Adamn7210]

Can you buy this set up?

[@perryfrazeoutdoors8019]

You use to be able to, but I believe this exact setup is no longer made. However, they can be found on some of the saddle hunting forum classified ads. I know there are a few companies making something similar. Good luck this season

[@JustinP-di1dz]

Those old summit climbing stands are heavy as the deer we drag out of the woods 😂😂 might be a way to get into saddle hunting without spending a ton of money on sticks and a platform Just carry the bottom half of my summit stand and my saddle with a pruisk knot on my teather and do this

[@perryfrazeoutdoors8019]

I’ve seen people use them. Best of luck to you this season!

[@wallygatorfilmsoutdoors1506]

Excellent!

[@perryfrazeoutdoors8019]

Thanks

[@SingleDadHomesteading]

Nice job

[@perryfrazeoutdoors8019]

Thanks

[@zfrank8420]

I like this a lot better than putting up steps. I was wondering how to do this.

[@perryfrazeoutdoors8019]

Thanks for watching. Good luck this season

[@LemasterDave]

you need to straighten that stand strap out some.

[@perryfrazeoutdoors8019]

Thanks. I will look into that.

[@shellyhatmaker8976]

i,ll stick with my summitt viper

[@perryfrazeoutdoors8019]

Everyone has their preference. Good luck to you

[@richiebailey282]

Nothing wrong with a summit.viper. I have 2 in the garage, that I used for years! Great stands, but now I absolutely love my saddle.

[@marvinwhittler518]

Be dark before you get ready

[@perryfrazeoutdoors8019]

Possibly.😉

[@aaronmeeks1155]

Looks like you need a ascender

[@perryfrazeoutdoors8019]

Possibly, I may get one sometime

[@504daron]

Finally...a solution for me to SAVE $ on a one stick!?!? thanks

[@perryfrazeoutdoors8019]

Glad I could help!

[@Nobody-c6g]

Why not just use a climber?

[@perryfrazeoutdoors8019]

You can. This is just a lot lighter in weight

[@kennethrogers1129]

can’t bypass limbs

[@perryfrazeoutdoors8019]

Actually you can if you tether above them, then sit in your saddle and undo your platform and the reattach above the limb.

[@brpnw4r94]

@@perryfrazeoutdoors8019 ...responding to the limb issue here. You'd be unclipped from the tree. I'd think about using the paracord to platform and attach it directly to the saddle molle plus 12" or so. Maybe just the length of your inseam plus 6". This way it wouldn't have to be unclipped from the tether. Then when having to go over branches you could connect a linesman. Disconnect tether and move above branch and repeat. I may try this method BUT being unclipped from your tether AND platform I'd asking for trouble, imo. And the above method doesn't address detaching the platform to move above branches. Hmm. Points to ponder

[@TeamTnA44]

First of all you're limited to telephone pole trees. Second it takes way too long Third you have zero platform . I'm sorry not for me . Just get yourself a good old loggy bayou and call it a day. Be safe

[@perryfrazeoutdoors8019]

Thanks for the comment. I have several methods of getting up the tree. This is just one I use and thought I would demonstrate. Good luck to you!

[@nsant]

You forgot your bow

[@perryfrazeoutdoors8019]

😬

[@din75cschmoo]

I’ll pass 😊

[@perryfrazeoutdoors8019]

Thanks for watching. Best of luck this season