The Ultimate Guide for Saddle Hunting Comfort...

Saddle hunting is an incredible tool but occasionally, people have a hard time getting comfortable in the beginning. The goal of this video is to share my steps for helping you adjust your saddle to help you get as comfortable as possible. if you are wondering how to be comfortable in a saddle or if it is comfortable to hunt from a saddle, this is the video for you! I typically do lots of all day sits during the rut, all from the saddle so it is definitely possible. If you are new to saddle hunting and want recommendations on gear, check these links below:
Saddle: bit.ly/3MPy3sd
Climbing Sticks: bit.ly/3MPy3sd
Platform: bit.ly/3OXQVpX
GET THE KNEE PADS HERE: alnk.to/btnv4yG
Camo pnumaoutdoors.com/nextstepoutd... (SAVE 20% with code NSO20)
Links may be part of an affiliate program, in which I make a small commission at no cost to you. I appreciate the support!
#latitudeoutdoors #saddlehunting #saddlehunter #deerhunting

[@NextStepOutdoors]

Screen shot this comment so you have the checklist when you are setting up in your tree: 1) Setup Platform with slight downward angle 2) Adjust tether height between chin to eye level - If feeling too much weight on butt, Lower tether. If too much weight on feet, raise tether. 3) Adjust bridge length to 2/3 to 3/4 of total length - Lengthen if you are feeling pressure on hips 4) Set bridge to connect right in the middle of bridge loops to start - Slide up to feel more weight in top of saddle, lower to feel weight in bottom of saddle. Adjust until perfectly distributed. 5) Loosen belt slightly once set 6) Knee pads - Link in bio 7) Backband OR 2 panel saddle

[@redtrailninja]

This is good information for beginners. For those just starting, give it time. It takes a while to fine tune your setup and get comfortable. Once you do youre set! I run an original Anderson Treesling that i have heavily modified. I still use a stand on RARE occasions but, I'd never give up my saddle.

[@joshuaolsen8844]

I’ve only tried a saddle once but I could absolutely see the benefits.

[@NextStepOutdoors]

Nothing beats the mobility of a saddle!

[@ryanmoran-il5uw]

Started hunting 2 seasons ago using a normal hanger stand. You got me into saddle hunting and got a method 2 from latitude as well. Excited to use it for the first time this coming up season.

[@NextStepOutdoors]

That is awesome man! I’m super pumped for you! It’s a lot of fun having unlimited mobility!

[@sethprevette9172]

Have completed 4 seasons saddle hunting. No plans to go back to a stand. But I can't imagine they'll advance as much the next few years as they have the last few. First few of my seasons were with the Tethrd Mantis but upgraded to Cruzr Archon. My opinion the 2 panel sadddles are more comfortable in general. Never have had the opportunity to try any of the Latitude saddles. I use the Latitude SS sticks. I've tried all sort of sticks/steps and I think those Latitude sticks are a great bang for the buck. I've ran the Tethrd Predator platform all along and no plans to change that. Starting out I was always burning up by the time I was ready to hunt. A bulky pack on your back and heavy sticks were main reasons. I found the ease of ascending with a good set of sticks without buckles is key to being quick & quiet. I also found the Alpz Willow Creek pack to be a nice addition. I wear my saddle in and with the small pack I can take everything I need to the woods with me now that my gear is so light weight. That pack doesn't cover near as much of my back so I stay cooler. Never could have done that with the heavier climbing methods I had in the past.

[@NextStepOutdoors]

Super valuable info! Thank you for sharing. Sounds like we run a pretty similar program! I’ve ran the predator for multiple seasons. Last year was my first using the x-wing from latitude. Really liked it. Small and loved all of the surfaces you could rest your feet on.

[@Thenarrowpathoutdoorsmen]

Last year was my first season hunting from a saddle. I chose the tethrd phantom and to one stick. I was determined to stick with the one stick method no matter what. Even though I saw a lot of people didn’t like it. I practiced all summer. However all the practice doesn’t equal what you learn the first couple of sits. I researched a ton of tips for comfort and I eventually figure what I liked. All these tips from nextstepoutdoors are spot on to get you to that point.

[@NextStepOutdoors]

Appreciate you saying that! I haven’t tried one sticking yet. I see the benefit but also seems like lots of fiddling around. Carrying 4 of the latitude sticks doesn’t bother me since they are so light and pack really well. Would you still recommend I give it a try?

[@Thenarrowpathoutdoorsmen]

I think when most people have a system down it’s hard to switch. I love one sticking but that being said I’ve never done it the other way. The cost of the rope and repel device is expensive so if you can try a buddy’s equipment that would be the way to go. One major benefit is how quick it is to repel down relatively quiet and get out of an area when you feel like deer are going to be coming in but shooting hours has ended. Not to mention I can act like Batman every time I hunt 😊

[@328am]

I lugged a 35lb climber around (not including bow & bag) for my first two years. This past year was my first season in a Custom Gear Modifications Sidewinder saddle and XOP for everything else. No complaints here!

[@NextStepOutdoors]

That sounds brutal! Your profile walking through the woods is probably half of what is was in addition to the weight savings!

[@bryanmoring4298]

I’ve ran an old climber that weighs probably 35lbs for years. I decided at 38yo I was ready for something lighter to get into the mobile hunting deal. I borrowed a tethrd phantom back in march and tried it out along with a one stick setup. The one stick/repel combo is pretty convenient I just couldn’t get comfortable and my hips were sore from it after trying it out for a weekend. I ended up ordering a hang on stand from xop. Idk if it was that particular saddle or all of them feel about the same.

[@robmechanic]

I started saddle hunting at the end of last season. Used it on 2 gun hunts. This will be my first archery season in my saddle. I went with the Buzzard Roost Saddle, Latitude sticks and Trophyline platform. Very happy with all three.

[@brianward5963]

I used a diy sit drag last year and considering pulling the trigger on a Buzzard Roos for this year.

[@robmechanic]

@@brianward5963 you will not be disappointed.

[@NextStepOutdoors]

That sounds like a solid setup!! Can’t go wrong with any of those products!

[@ianmurphy8633]

I just bought a buzzard roost saddle this winter. Will be my first year trying it!

[@NextStepOutdoors]

Good luck! Get some reps in before fall!

[@BoxieOutdoors]

Great stuff. I have saddle hunted for the past 4 yrs with the Tethrd Mantis. I took advantage of their $100 buy back and will run their Ultralock SD this year.

[@NextStepOutdoors]

4 years in the saddle makes you a seasoned vet compared to most 😂

[@BoxieOutdoors]

@NextStepOutdoors well we will go with that. Lol, one thing I know is you never stop looking for upgrading your system or looking for ways to be more comfortable. There are times I am afraid of being too comfortable and falling asleep for hours. 😆

[@NextStepOutdoors]

100%. Always open to new ideas to be more efficient. Lately, less and less is changing because I feel super dialed tho.

[@AsocPaladin0016]

Side note, I was cooking burgers while watching this and got distracted. Got some hockey pucks on the grill.

[@NextStepOutdoors]

Hope dinner was salvageable

[@AsocPaladin0016]

@@NextStepOutdoors one was inedible but the rest were fine if not overdone.

[@ericplaisance267]

Thanks for the information.

[@Bryan-wc3et]

I’ve been saddle hunting over 30 years and your video is very informative. Yes a back band is crucial for really being comfortable. I also use a podium foot platform for a seat, so I’m actually sitting more than leaning by far. You also make a lot less movement. With a seat and a back band you can take a nap very easily on all day hunts safely. The podium platform folds up easily and quietly when I’m leaning. Don’t know why nobody else has thought of using a seat when saddle hunting. I also have 28 ladder stands on 5 farms and saddle hunt out of all of them. Most of them I use the seat as my foot platform therefore getting higher up than just sitting in the stand and having the mobility of the saddle. By the way when sitting on the podium I’m straddling the tree. A lot of the foot platforms would work just as well. Just some of my advice from 30 plus years.🏹🏹🦌🦃

[@NextStepOutdoors]

You’ve been saddle hunting nearly as long as I’ve been alive so I’ll graciously accept that advice! Super cool idea using the platform as a seat. I may have to explore that further….

[@glennflake5732]

You forgot about sitting sideways with should against tree. I like it better than facing tree with knees on tree. All else perfect. Good job. New subscriber. Dryad Dray 2 ❤

[@NextStepOutdoors]

Ahh that is a good one! Did that a ton before I started wearing knee pads! Definitely a good way to switch it up and rest.

[@AsocPaladin0016]

I run the latitude outdoors classic and absolutely love it. The only issues I’ve had comfort wise were on the super long sits but for 3-6 hours, it’s a lazy boy.

[@NextStepOutdoors]

It takes some practice but the all day sits are definitely possible!

[@AsocPaladin0016]

@@NextStepOutdoors knee pad will help I’m sure. I tried using gardening ones last year and they sucked.

[@dylanroe7618]

This is great. Last season was my first in the saddle. Took a while to really find what was comfortable. A lot of trial and error.

[@NextStepOutdoors]

It takes some tinkering for sure. Helps to know HOW to tinker lol

[@kennethrogers1129]

Have a custom made soft saddle two panel similar Eberhart signature, but made a rigid saddle, very comfortable

[@NextStepOutdoors]

Did you make it yourself or order it)

[@MWM92688]

Last year I as my first year saddle hunting, it’s unbelievable how much harder it is than it looks, I love it, but damn it’s not easy to get setup in the tree, especially when you get a bunch of clothes on in the winter!!

[@NextStepOutdoors]

Practice, practice, practice! Glad you stuck with it instead of giving up.

[@ETCarbonSlinger]

Got the Trophyline covert pro. 2.0. Started at the end of last season. Been practicing all off season. Looking forward to archery season

[@NextStepOutdoors]

Good luck!!! I’m sure you will love it!

[@pathfinder5804]

I use a CGM Cobra. It’s an expandable single panel that when stored on the walk in is only about 6in wide. Feels like a belt but can be a bit of futzing around to get it to stow correctly and actually think the Method 2 is quicker easier option. I think once in the tree the CGM is comfy as hell. Like all saddles you just have to play around with it preseason to figure out best settings. I don’t use knee pads I wear Kuiu guide pro pants with knee pads built in. They aren’t much but take the bite off the bark of the tree. I sit 90% of time in saddle and instead of big cumbersome knee pads I use my waist band for my pack as my knee pad. Took a minute to figure this out but I hang bag from my Ultimaider gear strap which I find to be a must. I get the bag hanging just right so my waist band is in proper level and it works like a charm and my pack is I perfect spot to give access to it. Back band is a must in my opinion too. I’m goin to be changing though I believe to a hybrid setup since I’ve switched to a traditional bow and shooting from saddle for me with trad bow isn’t comfortable at this point. Need my base to be my feet not my waist like it is saddle hunting. This was biggest change for me goin to a saddle but with a little practice with compound I got it but haven’t had same luck with the trad bow. Slight adjustment but same principles for comfort using hybrid setup as a saddle though and actually feels like more options.

[@NextStepOutdoors]

Thanks for sharing your experience! Hybrid hunting is a cool concept as well. I could see myself trying it sometimes although even a light small stand defeats the purpose of saddle hunting to some degree. Best of both worlds tho! Good luck with the trad bow! Let me know if you get one!

[@pathfinder5804]

@@NextStepOutdoors Ya I really wasn’t gonna do it either but I just can’t shoot a trad bow good out of a saddle. So I’m just using the saddle now as my safety belt and some butt relief as these small stands don’t have comfortable seats. If I go to a micro stand permanently I will cut saddle out and use something like a Killdeer safety belt. I’m hoping after becoming a better shooter with the trad bow maybe I’ll be able to use it in a saddle eventually. Up here in Maine we do a ton of gun hunting and the saddle has ZERO drawbacks with a gun. The ability to hunt any tree with a saddle is a premium advantage though and wish I’d have switched to it 25yrs ago!!! Practice, practice practice and get it lined out and it’s as comfortable as most any stand!!!!!

[@jeffreywadding7350]

I'm new to saddle hunting. I purchased a Method 2 back in Feb at Harrisburg Outdoor Show. Thanks for your videos. They are very informative and helpful as I practice this summer.

[@NextStepOutdoors]

I was at the show for a couple days working their booth. Do you remember seeing me or were you there a different day?

[@MarkJLarsonOutdoors]

Great tips! I just found your channel and can't wait to watch more! Good luck with everything my new friend!

[@NextStepOutdoors]

That means a lot! Good luck this fall!!!

[@foxracer457]

Great video! Got my method 2 for Christmas and I’m beyond excited to get out and hunt in it at the end of August! What pack would you recommend? That’s the last thing I need before the season gets here. I’ve got the full size seeker platform, latitude SS sticks. Need a pack that’ll haul that stuff plus my cold weather gear for later in the season (firstlite solitude bibs and jacket) I don’t really care to get a huge frame pack as I don’t plan on packing a deer out. Thanks for the video and any advice you have on a pack! Good luck this season!

[@juanrodriguez-mu7ko]

Don’t own one, looking to get one. New at the bow and hunting thing learning everything so thanks.🙏🏽

[@NextStepOutdoors]

So excited for you!

[@TheBowhunter_Project]

I’ve been hybrid hunting with a latitude saddle and a .5. Switching entirely to the saddle this year though just to simplify things.

[@NextStepOutdoors]

Sounds like an interesting concept!

[@TheBowhunter_Project]

@@NextStepOutdoors think i'll switch to one of those x-wings this year

[@jeffreywadding7350]

I was there Wed & Thurs evenings.

[@NextStepOutdoors]

We probably crossed paths then!

[@whitetaildna]

Solid! Dig these tips

[@NextStepOutdoors]

Appreciate it!

[@theamputeehunter2074]

I’m using the custom gear modification cobra saddle this will be my second year 😊

[@NextStepOutdoors]

Super cool! Sounds like a lot of people are in their first couple years.

[@SteveOpg22]

Another great and informative video!! I can’t wait to take my first deer out of my new saddle!

[@NextStepOutdoors]

Thanks buddy!!! I’m excited for you to get your first out of the saddle!

[@kennethrogers1129]

Yes on knee pads

[@NextStepOutdoors]

Must have. Idk how I went without them the first bunch of seasons I saddle hunted.