Remember, JRB was saddle hunting for a decade in DIY saddles and systems before even hearing about “saddle hunting”, and therefore, was not influenced by the crowd. When it comes to comfort, consider that JRB can do an all-day sit with out kneepads or a platform; just a good branch will suffice for footing. How is that possible? Read on…
Saddle Hunting COMFORT must be considered in conjunction with the need for effective SHOOTING POSITIONS. After all, we can’t afford comfort to come at the cost of inability to quickly and quietly get our body and bow (or other weapon) in position for a stable shot in any direction. JRB prefers a platform, a high tie in point, and a LONG and adjustable bridge. See:
Common, Related Issues
There are a set of related issues experienced by saddle hunters which affect comfort:
Most saddle hunters get up in a tree before they have become comfortable trusting a rope and shooting off of one. As a result:
- Tether/lifeline anchor is too low
- Bridge is too short
This creates a geometry where the tether line is at nearly a 45 degree angle. This causes:
- Too much strain on legs and feet
- When sitting, pulls knees hard against the tree
JRB’s Tips for Comfort
- The saddle. There are many saddle designs, single panel, double panel, expandable panels, etc. The bottom line is that some saddles are more comfortable than others. Any saddle is comfortable in a lean, but we also need to be able to sit. Things to look for: 1) The more of our butt that we can get covered, the more comfortable we will be. 2) Side coverage: make sure the saddle wraps around your hips without any seams or gaps. 3) A rigid panel, not stretchy.
- A long, adjustable bridge. When sitting, our main bridge should be set very long, in order to minimize hip squeeze. How long? When JRB is in position, the bottom of the bridge carabiner is above nose height. If we need to remove a bit of slack in order to stand and face away from the tree, its a simple one-handed adjustment. (See JRB’s bridge designs.)
- Optimal bridge loop position. The bridge must attach to the bridge loop (on each side) in the optimal location, typically the center of the bridge loop. If the connection is too low, it creates more pressure under the thighs. If the connection is too high it creates too much pressure on the waist belt, and we tend to slide forward and out the bottom of the saddle. Ensure that your bridge cinches onto the bridge loops and stays put, but that it is still possible to adjust the position, if necessary.
- Lower back support. If you are in a 2 panel saddle, you may have enough back support already. But for a single panel, a back-band is recommended, especially for all-day comfort.
- A high connection to the tree. On a straight tree, JRB likes the connection to be about as high as he can reach with an outstretched arm, at least 7-8′ above the platform. A high connection pulls us to the tree at a less severe angle, making it easier to sit, making kneepads unnecessary, and providing more options for positioning. If climbing DSRT or SRT and the crotch is much higher, we can use a cord, rope or MFD to go around the trunk to pull the rope closer to the trunk, at an optimal height.
- Back-band. The use of a back-band can greatly increase comfort. JRB wears his back band around his lower back and the strap goes around the bridge and whatever height it naturally sits. No need to go through the bridge carabiner. And there’s no crime in using a 2nd one through the carabiner and supporting the upper back simultaneously.
- The platform. JRB prefers the smallest platform that allows putting both feet on it, approximately 12″x12″, and slopes it slightly downward. Larger platforms don’t affect comfort and are more to carry into the woods. Angled platforms are not necessary. Steps that are only large enough to put only a part of our foot on it might seem like a good idea, but will get uncomfortable after a few hours. We should not need rigid soled shoes in order to be comfortable.
- Change Positions. No matter what we are doing, in order to remain comfortable all day, the body needs to change positions. JRB periodically alternates between leaning, sitting and standing. Don’t stay in a position until you are really uncomfortable. Although the bridge length can be changed between positions, it is typically not necessary for JRB when rotating through those positions. How? A sit can be executed with the legs off the platform and simply pressed against the tree, pushing our body away. This is a very comfortable position. Unfortunately, most saddle hunters never learned to ‘trust’ their ropes and so they feel uncomfortable in this position. Standing can be anything from a full stand to a partial lean, including a lean away from the tree, leaning into our bridge which is pressed against our chest, with the carabiner over one shoulder. Watch the video below:
Get comfortable on the ground. Go to minute 4:30: