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All about saddles
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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, JRB won’t recommend a saddle until it has been worn extensively. JRB has 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:
Related pages:
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 differently. For example, can I get my two bridges where I want them? Can I add a back band for longer hunts and skip it for shorter sits?
- Made in the USA.
- Low weight/bulk profile.
- Inexpensive. Cost is the last priority, but the Ape Canyon prices are great, plus there is 15% off with the JRB15 coupon code.
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 has only a strap running under the 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 (research it). We all should be ready for an unexpected mishap and have a plan for recovery.
Leg Straps
Leg straps on a hunting saddle 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. We may never need our leg straps, but when we do, they can save our life. Consider this: Have you ever seen anybody conduct a demonstration wearing a saddle with no leg straps where they step off their platform a dozen times in different directions… simulating what it would be like if a platform collapsed? The climber is likely to fall through the saddle. But the same demo when wearing leg straps would be predictably safe. Also, if your leg straps can easily or accidentally open (typical with G-hook or similar connectors), your safety is in jeopardy. Get a better saddle.
Recommendations
These listings are made in the order of introduction: newest to oldest.
Pioneer’s Revenge
This is the latest offering from Ape Canyon, introduced fall 2025, and it is JRB’s favorite saddle yet. Favorite features:
- Larger amount of coverage with a cupped panel design. Very comfortable.
- Leg straps are integrated better; we don’t feel them or notice they are there.
- Easy to put on; the waist strap stays fixed in one place and connected. The leg straps can be disconnected, but JRB prefers not to. Nothing needs to be unbuckled, allowing us to step right into it like putting on a big pair of shorts, then draw the waist tight.
- Two sets of loops on each side, for a 2nd bridge or dedicated lineman’s loops.
Land Baron
The Land Baron Saddle was introduced in 2024. It’s a single panel saddle which is incredibly light and quite comfortable. It’s smaller than the Wood and Pioneer’s Revenge. Frame buckles on the waist and leg straps. It has two sets of bridge loops on each side, which can be used for Bridge and Lineman’s OR alternative bridge configurations. This is a great entry level saddle. How can you go wrong for the price?
Wood Deluxe
Introduced in 2024, the Wood Deluxe Saddle From Ape Canyon Outfitters is 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 saddle best.
Testing
What other saddle company has the equipment to do this kind of testing in-house AND publishes the results? 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. Here is one from the ACO collections. JRB prefers the regular size rather than Large and will cut the strap, and install a carabiner so that it can be opened.
Saddle Bags
Anything we need has to be attached to us. JRB likes a saddle bag on each hip as well as a cross-body bag. See: