Saddle Hunting: Ring of Steps Setup with a Platform

I like the feeling of a platform to stand on when needed, but love the advantages of a ring of steps while hunting, so I use both. Here is how I set it up.
/ barefootdave_

[@mowerds33]

Marking the inside and top of the strap is a great idea.

[@BarefootDave_]

It really does make it a lot easier!

[@412OutdoorGuy]

I just used a sharpie to add black arrows showing the top and inside. Great idea. Thanks

[@BarefootDave_]

Glad you found it useful! Good luck this season

[@perryrusso3764]

Always position the bottom of the plateform to run level with your steps…you’ll have to run two straps but it will allow you to move around the tree much easier👍

[@BarefootDave_]

With the platform below and steps on top (with one strap), you can go from standing to sitting without adjusting your tether. I typically hunt from the steps but will setup and tear down while standing on the platform. Not needing to adjust my tether makes it all a lot easier.

[@perryrusso3764]

@@BarefootDave_ it’s really the two eyes from your strap that give your plateform real stability…it’s cutting a corner or step for convince rather than guaranteeing plateform stability from not being able to move out of anchored position…safety first

[@BarefootDave_]

@@perryrusso3764 hmm I never thought of it that way. The ratchet strap over the platforms post makes it wayyy more secure than just the cam buckle. With the cam buckle, there is still some play until you really can lock it in. The ratchet straps is locked in and barely if any sets when you step on it. To me, it’s actually better than the cam buckle.

[@tomzygmunt6891]

OCB buckle for ROS then set the platform over the belt. 👍

[@BarefootDave_]

I’m trying to avoid having two straps

[@Crayz919]

HANDS DOWN BEST MOBILE SET UP ON MARKET BULLMAN OUTDOORS PLATFORM ROS & PLATFORM CLIMBING STEPS EQUAL MOST EFFECTIVE AND EFFICIENT METHOD WHILE MINIMIZING YOUR GEAR AND MAXIMIZE YOUR HUNT AND SAFETY !

[@BarefootDave_]

LOVE THE PASSION! Haha. I haven’t used their climbing steps yet, but am very interested in trying it

[@Crayz919]

You need atleast 6 platform steps, I run 8 so I have plenty of footing all way around tree ...

[@aaronmelvin461]

I personally never totally disconnect from the tree unless I’m 3’ off the ground.

[@BarefootDave_]

For sure! It’s definitely very dangerous and safety is something that I do not skip out on!!

[@baseballslamer24]

I have the same steps and if I don’t ratchet them down very hard they slide down the tree each time I try to set them. Any tips?

[@BarefootDave_]

@baseballslamer24 you definitely have to ratchet them down hard, no way around it. Bullamn Outdoors has a video on how to do it quietly. I just go slow and do one click at a time. Really get it tight around the tree just like you would a platform when you cam lock it.

[@user-eo1qq4xz8w]

Just a question. Why did you wrap your platform edge with paracord?

[@BarefootDave_]

To quiet it down and prevent any metal on metal contact. Any clanks will ruin your hunt before it starts.

[@jeremymoore9601]

A platform realy needs steps...steps dont realy need a platform

[@BarefootDave_]

Agreed! They do work great together