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All about saddles
I am regularly asked what saddle I recommend. I have tried on quite a few in recent years, and for 12 years before I ever heard of “Saddle Hunting”, I was building my own DIY models. Although a saddle might feel fine when we first try it out, it requires many hours and multiple sits in a saddle to really assess its comfort. For that reason, I won’t recommend a saddle I have not worn extensively. I have no reservations about recommending the Ape Canyon Saddles. Use the links below and use the JRB15 coupon code for a 15% discount on non-sale items:
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Priorities for a Saddle
YOUR priorities might be different, or in a different order, but here are JRB’s priorities for a saddle:
- High quality. It has to be rugged, strong and well built, with sturdy components and connectors.
- Reputable brand and supplier. Remember Rule #2 in the JRB 10 Rules for Climb Safety.
- Comfortable… Sitting, leaning, standing, walking.
- Customizable. We all may run our saddles a little different. For example, can I get my two bridges where I want them?
- Made in the USA.
- Low weight/bulk profile.
- Inexpensive. Cost is my last priority, but the Ape Canyon prices are great, plus there is 15% off with the JRB15 coupon code.
Leg Straps
This question comes up a lot: leg straps are not optional. They hold us in place in the event of a mishap (such as a slip or a loss of footing) allowing us to fall through our saddle. Also, if your leg straps can easily or accidentally open (typical with open hook connectors), your safety is in jeopardy. Get a better saddle.
Other Harness Systems
JRB does not recommend saddle hunting using a Rock Climbing Harness or Fall arrest harness or anything marketed as a “saddle” that is just a couple of straps running under your thighs. Why? Because in the event of a mishap and loss of footing, we don’t have much time to self rescue. Suspension Trauma can leave us unconscious from lack of blood circulation in less than 30 minutes. We all should be ready for an unexpected mishap and have a plan for recovery. If it can happen, it probably will.
Recommendations
Land Baron Saddle
The newest and least-expensive Saddle from ACO was introduced in 2024. It’s a single panel saddle which is incredibly light and comfortable. It’s smaller than the Wood, but larger than the Pioneer. Frame buckles on the waist and leg straps. It has two bridge loops on each side, which are handy for creating redundant bridges. Currently, it is currently only available in an olive green.
Wood Deluxe Saddle
As of 2024, I did most of my early season hunting in the new Wood Deluxe Saddle From Ape Canyon Outfitters… it’s a great saddle. It has an expanding pleat which provides more coverage from waist to crotch. It has a Cobra buckle waist belt connection… If ya like to open the belt rather than lengthen it, you’ll like this better than a Frame Buckle.
Pioneer Saddle
JRB used the Pioneer in the 2023 hunting season. It’s a great saddle at a great price, and available in cool Kryptek camo patterns.
Features:
- Connectors: Frame Buckles are strong, small, light. Can’t accidentally open, and can be locked to prevent opening.
- Correctly Sized. I am 34 waist and got the medium, and it’s a perfect size. When I put all the slack in, the belt is just long enough to comfortably step into with my boots on, then cinch onto my hips, without a belt flopping all over. No unnecessary slack in the leg loops either.
- Colors and Camo. Unlike some of the Saddles I have seen, the Pioneer is quite incognito. I love the Kryptek patterns! I never heard of the brand at the time, but saw a Kryptek hat at a roadside store in Pennsyslvania a long time ago and been wearing Kryptek stuff ever since. Great patterns.
- Accessories. I love the Saddle Bags which are installed by just squeezing the ends into the molle loops. There’s also a back band. Especially on long sits, getting some support for your back also absorbs a bit of your weight and can really make a difference in your comfort profile.
The only modifications JRB made to it were: 1) Installation of the “double adjustable bridge”, replacing the standard single adjustable bridge 2) Locked / silenced the clasps on the leg loops and the waist belt using a small cable tie on each one. They can still be adjusted, but can’t be opened and therefore can’t jingle. Note: JRB prefers NOT to open/close any clasps getting in and out of a saddle. It’s just faster, less error prone and works with thick gloves. I am also considering some usages for the Auxiliary loops.
Break testing … This is really impressive…
Accessories
JRB recommends adding a Back Band and Saddle Bag (or 2). Some products are listed below, but the full selection is available here:
https://www.apecanyon.com/product-category/saddles-harnesses/saddle-accessories
Back Bands
A back-band can greatly increase our comfort in a saddle.
Saddle Bags
Anything we need has to be attached to us. JRB likes a saddle bag on each hip.