How to Climb the Tree in One Trip - Saddle Hunting Basics

One of the biggest learning curves in saddle hunting is how to climb the tree as efficiently as possible. In my opinion, it is critical that as a bow hunter, that you are able to climb the tree in a single trip to make sure you are as quiet as possible while taking the least amount of time. Not to mention, being able to climb the tree in one trip, regardless of climbing method, will result in the least amount of sweating. In this video, I walk through my process to accomplish this goal, as well as touch on some of the gear and accessories I use. Whether you are a new or experienced saddle hunter, this system should help!
Gear List:
Saddle: bit.ly/45Ak6qb
Platform: bit.ly/3OXQVpX
Sticks: bit.ly/3Op4S0V... Hanger:
Retractable Bow Hoist: amzn.to/46ZLRcZ
Helpful Videos:
Saddle hunting basics: • Saddle Hunting 101 - E...
How I mod my sticks: • Top Mods for Latitude ...
FULL GEAR LIST BELOW:
Saddle: bit.ly/3MPy3sd
Climbing Sticks: bit.ly/3MPy3sd
Platform: bit.ly/3OXQVpX
Camo pnumaoutdoors.c... (SAVE 20% with code NSO20)
Backpack: amzn.to/3ts7Ckd
Release - amzn.to/3bLLQfu
Rangefinder: amzn.to/3ft8Nrv
Knife: amzn.to/33x7pBo
Flashlight - amzn.to/2yJpAV3
Headlamp - amzn.to/3qrE9VA
Binos - amzn.to/3tJcy4z
Bino Harness - amzn.to/3FosdIF
Water Bottle - amzn.to/2YeOmaf
Folding Saw - amzn.to/3cTcvr8
Grunt Call - amzn.to/2ScrrZr
Ozonics - bit.ly/3ZT8QTF
Best sleeping pad system I've ever used: bit.ly/46NVoD5
Tent I used for this trip: bit.ly/3ZTtWS2
Portable Jumper Pack bit.ly/48SfWMj
Main Camera: amzn.to/2SdpBHJ
Mirrorless Cam: amzn.to/3FF5eZG
Favorite Lens: amzn.to/3qBPum2
Camera Arm - amzn.to/2XALJPP
Fluid Head - amzn.to/3eYPKne
Shotgun Mic - amzn.to/2yKlfB8
360 Cam: amzn.to/3nDHxuG
GoPro - amzn.to/3rlRj5H
Links may be part of an affiliate program, in which I make a small commission at no cost to you. I appreciate the support!
Aaron
#saddlehunting #mobilehunting #saddlehunter

[@wolframvonschoen6941]

Excellent video! No rambling for ego, very to the point and clear and some great suggestions too. Thank you!

[@NextStepOutdoors]

Appreciate the kind words! Glad it helped!

[@dennistrelinski1003]

I climbed professionally for lumber jacking and trimming around power lines. It’s a skill set that takes time of practice! I trained my ground man about 4 ft off the ground is ALL u need. Get in the stand 4ft high and have lunch. Stay in it as long as possible. Watch a movie or something. That’s training 👍🏻

[@NextStepOutdoors]

Definitely don’t have to get high to start getting comfortable!

[@richnfishn]

Im new to saddle hunting and Im already in love with it. This is a great vid explanation. I never thought to use my lineman's belt to hang my bag. Brilliant! Thank you

[@NextStepOutdoors]

Glad you found it helpful! Good luck this year!

[@conraywest]

He makes it look a lot easier than it is lol

[@pathfinder5804]

Awesome video!!!! I just got into saddle hunting last year after contemplating it for the last 25yrs. Coming from the land of ladder stands and ground blinds up here in the NorthEast it's hard to try and describe to guys just what its like. We do use alot of climbers up here which are easier to get used to and generally more comfortable out the box but VERY limiting as far as trees goes and impossible to walk around with for any distance. I luv not having to be 20-25ft up just to get out of the sightline of the deer I'm hunting. Ican just pick a tree with lower cover and get to that 15ft mark and use the low cover. Also a crooked wonky tree usually provides cover like that and a climber can't use that tree Once you got your system down and your saddle lined out it may take a tic longer to get up and ready in the tree but the walk in is quicker and quieter and the saddle can be nearly as comfortable to sit in. I'm gonna have to watch your video on the new sticks again cuz I luv how you have them packed and setup to go up and down the tree with!!!! Again Great Video!!!!

[@apexpredatoroutdoors8308]

Minimizing steps is an excellent notion. That has been my approach as well. The system I use allows me to be climbing as soon as I reach the tree. Nothing gets set on the ground.

[@NextStepOutdoors]

Wow, that's impressive!!! Do you strap your bow to your pack?

[@apexpredatoroutdoors8308]

@@NextStepOutdoors my weapon is slung over my shoulder.

[@Deez440]

Best video of all time. Amazing how hard it is to find a video like this 😂😂

[@NextStepOutdoors]

Glad it helped!!

[@AsocPaladin0016]

Using the lineman belt as a backpack holder is something I never thought to do. I usually just toss the belt back in my side pouch until I come back down.

[@NextStepOutdoors]

I used to do that too and one time I didn't have a way to hang my bag, so I used my linemen belt and have been doing it ever since.

[@matthewpillar2104]

Another excellent video! Thanks for making such helpful and well-produced content. Your stuff really flattens the clumsy curve for new saddle hunters. 👍🏼👍🏼

[@NextStepOutdoors]

I appreciate that! Glad you find these videos useful!!

[@bradbishop-atfulldraw7491]

Thank you I picked up a few things to try.

[@gcorley89]

Awesome video, I just got the saddle by latitude. I need to get my lineman and tether next, then my sticks. I have seen a ton of videos. Thus was the best one by far

[@NextStepOutdoors]

I appreciate you taking the time to leave a comment. Really glad you found it helpful! Let me know if you have questions once you get all the gear!

[@EasternWild]

Another awesome video! 🤙🏻

[@NextStepOutdoors]

Appreciate that big time!!! 🤙🏻

[@MoMan.88]

Thanks for doing this video, very helpful I’m brand new to saddle hunting just purchased one and did my first practice climb in my front yard yesterday, shew definitely gonna have to do some practice people make it look so easy but it’s definitely more challenging than it looks lol 😅

[@NextStepOutdoors]

You'll figure it out! Just like anything you get better with practice.

[@dawsoncoleman6287]

I tried it today to put up the sticks I bought and my platform it took my almost an hour and had about 6 heart attacks🤣

[@NextStepOutdoors]

@@dawsoncoleman6287 it gets exponentially easier with practice!

[@harveyrousejr.2069]

I observed how any subscribers you have to date and immediately subscribed. If 11K have subscribed you probably have 30K watching your content. Must be pretty interesting.

[@NextStepOutdoors]

I appreciate you checking my channel out! Hope you find it as interesting as you hope!

[@williamhamilton400]

Thanks for the info brotha

[@NicholasPiparo]

Great video! Very helpful

[@NextStepOutdoors]

I'm glad it helped! Good luck this fall!

[@RUGG-D]

👊🏻 Heck yeah!

[@NextStepOutdoors]

💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻

[@Scorpi0n-15-b1r]

Sweet setup! Now with all that knowledge of ropes, you can do tree work & rock climbing 👍🏽.

[@NextStepOutdoors]

We will see about that! 😅

[@Eightball2516]

I wish some pro shop would have a saddle that people can try before you buy it because I know they are expensive and to make sure that people would like it.

[@NextStepOutdoors]

Some stores have them to try. Where are you at?

[@tractorboys716]

A guy in belfast ny does. That's where I bought my rig

[@fishingwithphil2582]

Can you please go into more detail on how you have your sticks attached to you and together?

[@NextStepOutdoors]

I made a video talking about all of that kzbin.info/www/bejne/gWW5dHaKh5ekgJIsi=SMnrBzWcKUkEHVIn let me know if you still have questions!

[@ottisc]

Great video, thank you. Trying saddle hunting for the first time this year and excited to see how it works for me. One question for those with experience, do you find your feet get sore after a long sit. I find myself using the arch of my foot for the majority of my weight on the platform while using the heel of the boot to keep in place. In other words my feet aren't necessarily flat on the platform and just curious if my rubber boots sole will not be stiff enough to remain comfortable. I appreciate any tips / tricks or other recommendations. Thanks.

[@MurkFlurFlin]

link for the pouch that the hoist is resting in? great video, thanks!

[@NextStepOutdoors]

Sorry I missed this! www.customgearmodifications.com/product-page/gear-hoist-bag

[@Taro-md5zt]

Excellent explanations and techniques, but I feel like I will get a bachelor's degree by the end of this tree-climbing process. Using a good old Viper Summit climber works better for me.

[@NextStepOutdoors]

More power to ya! That's the beautiful thing...you can use whatever works best for you!

[@jessehartness7560]

Could you do a gear video showing this gear and how you attach it you your saddle and backpack

[@NextStepOutdoors]

100% will do that when I get back from this hunting trip I'm on!

[@jessehartness7560]

@@NextStepOutdoors awsome!

[@gtacontentandclips3127]

Does not having any back support get uncomfortable after a few hours

[@Jmanb13]

Great Video! Thanks for the info! What is the hanger you used on the back of your belt? It looks like the link in the description is missing.

[@NextStepOutdoors]

Thanks! It's made by genesis 3d printing! genesis3dprinting.com/collections/platform-hangers

[@joanstanley1475]

This really has nothing to do with the modifications… but on average how long does it take you to get fully set up in a tree? And pack up? Thank you!!

[@andrewsanders5774]

I use the one stick climbing method and it takes me about 15min once I get to the tree to be fully setup and ready to hunt. That is taking my time to be nice and quiet.

[@conraywest]

Beast

[@NextStepOutdoors]

💪🏻

[@ChrisB6061]

What is that you have covering your buckle on your platform strap? Great video

[@NextStepOutdoors]

That's from genesis 3d printing. I appreciate it!!!!

[@MrRichgounder1969]

I will stick to my climbing stand, way to much connections and time. Then having to reverse all that after dark.

[@GarrettOutdoors]

What pack is that. Sweet setup

[@NextStepOutdoors]

It's the transfer pack by firstlite. I like it a lot so far. Definitely pretty large for early season but I think I'll like the size for later in the season.

[@whitetailrealityoutdoors958]

Where can I get the clip to Hang the platform off the back of saddle

[@NextStepOutdoors]

You can get them from Genesis 3d printings website. Full disclosure, after running that a few seasons I switched to this carabiner. You get a bunch of them for super cheap and that is also what I use to hook my sticks onto my hip. amzn.to/3wXfka5

[@M.Hodges]

Is it better to buy a kit or individual components?

[@NextStepOutdoors]

It just depends if you like what’s in the kit. You’ll likely save money if you buy it in a kit.

[@kennethrogers1129]

Sticks? I prefer rope, DSRT, SRT, pole hitch climb, rappel down…. With the sticks and a running eye tether you are really NEVER tied in to the tree and could fall at any misstep in the dark

[@NextStepOutdoors]

I take it you're an arborist or something similar?

[@powermfp1]

Do you like the latitude sticks? Been thinking about getting some.

[@NextStepOutdoors]

I love mine. Get them with the single aiders.

[@SwampLifeAdventures]

Where’s you get the hoist pouch?

[@NextStepOutdoors]

www.customgearmodifications.com/

[@my_lucid_dreams1850]

Did you cut the leg straps off your saddle? Ive seen guys do that before.

[@NextStepOutdoors]

This one has removable straps. I personally never use them. Probably need a disclaimer here *do it at your own risk*

[@Jeremy-jx3mu]

what is the hook you use on the back of your saddle to hold the platform on when you clime.

[@NextStepOutdoors]

It's from Genesis 3d printing. I've actually switched to a plastic caribeaner on the back so it lays down flat when not in use. Seems to work just as well.

[@SycoRoyoel3]

What pouch are you using for the retractable bow hoist?

[@NextStepOutdoors]

I believe it’s from custom gear modifications

[@MattHampton2211]

Is that the first lite bag? Specter color ??

[@NextStepOutdoors]

Yes, the transfer pack!

[@austindoughty2206]

What clip are you using to hold your sticks together while climbing

[@NextStepOutdoors]

It is from Genesis 3D printing. Ive actually switched to a lightweight plastic caribeaner though amzn.to/3PGJF24

[@joshuaolsen8844]

How much lighter is this than a traditional sticks/Platform set-up?

[@kidneystones3406]

I am using a beast mini stick at approximately 1.5lbs and bringing 3 steps in with me with my platform (most of the time I am using 1or 2 steps to strap around the tree). Using a framed backpack is very important for hunters who hunt public land. It eliminates a lot of stress from back and the ability to quater out a deer in hill country or marshes or swamps are huge. I don't look at the exact weight but the less climbing sticks the better. If you own private land then obviously your setup is going to be completely different from mine.

[@NextStepOutdoors]

Hard to say what a "traditional" stick/platform setup would weigh. It's not even compatible to a treestand and sticks tho.

[@nickricholetti754]

i actually just strap my bow to the back pack on my way up and eliminate a bow rope .

[@warrencowen5899]

What backpack are you using?

[@NextStepOutdoors]

That is the transfer pack from firstlite

[@dougr2279]

Try that in the dark ❤.

[@NextStepOutdoors]

I have several times this year already ❤️

[@tonydawson8908]

That platform would break your back if you were to fall.

[@NextStepOutdoors]

How do you figure?

[@wolframvonschoen6941]

I see his point. If you were to fall even from a low height and hit the ground you’d likely fall backwards after your legs hit first. You’d then fall right into the platform with your lower back while the platform would poke with the lower end into the ground, so the thing would essentially be a hard elevated edge your lower back is slamming into.

[@donst.pierre9468]

Too many sticks. One stick’s the way to go.

[@NextStepOutdoors]

I'm gonna give it a try next off season. Lots of ways to skin a cat tho.

[@ginganinja7958]

Im sorry but this seems way too complicated. Where I hunt, the deer would be in the next county over by the time I would make it up that tree with all that junk lol

[@NextStepOutdoors]

How do you hunt instead? Or do you just have pre set stands?

[@ginganinja7958]

​@@NextStepOutdoors22 foot pre set stand. I see the benefit of the saddle, but it seems like way too much when I am already trying to be very quite walking to my stand, and now you gotta set everything up.

[@jeffm.1256]

Man I SUCK at this. I’m always fighting everything. Safety Harness gettin caught on stick steps, lineman’s rope won’t tighten up. Straps over/ under lineman’s rope. Bow Pull up rope tangled under quiver , popping arrows out. I’ve only hung a stand & sticks twice. Seem to be getting worse not better. 🫤

[@NextStepOutdoors]

Lol that’s why they make ground blinds…jk. Stick with it and you will get the hang of it.