The Superior Saddle Setup: How Strap-On Steps Beat Climbing Sticks Every Time
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- čas přidán 8. 09. 2024
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In this video we cover: the most versatile hunting saddle setup, the best alternative to climbing sticks, and our preferred hunting saddle platform.
We demonstrate climbing a tree and the why saddle hunting is better than using a tree stand. This method is perfect for public land deer hunting where screw in steps are not allowed.
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*Note* We are not paid to recommend these products. We actually use these products and paid full price for them. That being said, some links are affiliate links where we earn a small commission if you use them.
Products used in this video
Cranford EZY Climb Folding Rope Step (paid link) - amzn.to/3idRork
Cranford EZY Climb Saddle Scaffold Ring of Steps (not paid link) - ezy-saddle-sca...
Tethrd ESS Tree Saddle Kit (not paid link) - tethrdnation.c...
Wild Country Ropeman 1 Ascender (paid link) - amzn.to/3V7IBWE
Scentlok Gear (paid link) - amzn.to/3GIhZXQ
I am going to subscribe based on your focus from a safety aspect. I had just previously watch a video of someone demonstrating a sadlle setup and they were bouncing and swing around and leaning way back and had just the single tether and I was thinking if they were a rock climber, they would be dead by now. Thank you
Thanks or the sub Tony! Safety is definitely the most important thing when climbing trees. We always want to come back home to our families.
Steps are the way to go! I carry 10 of the old school Golden Buck Speed Steps with me and use Bullman Outdoors platform ring of steps once at hunting height. I've thought about going to sticks or maybe one sticking, but I love having the option of leaving my steps on the tree if I'm going to hunt the same tree the next day. No faster way up a tree than already having all your steps on it when you arrive in the morning!
100% Jacob! I too am tempted to do the stick thing but the portability and flexibility of steps is too appealing. Thanks for commenting and engaging in the conversation!
I've been mobile hunting in some fashion since 1976. We began building our tree sets with scrap wood in the off season and spikes or Cranford screw in steps. Remember, this is before the evolution of strap-on steps or climbing sticks and before allot of regulations in my home state of NC. Moving forward we evolved to the hang on stands, then into the climbers. In 2020 I purchased my first saddle from Aero Hunter and the fun began. I started off with Lone Wolf sticks and then to the WEI steps. The steps are my present choice for climbing. I like watching you young guys for new ideals and innovations. Great content!
Thanks for the kind words. That's a very similar path that I went. Ladder stands --> hang ons --> climber for a bit --> saddle. I won't go back. We're glad you're watching and weighing in!
@@huntkillcookI was already thinking about going this route with the steps to get away from climbing sticks, because I hate them, even the minis ugh...and this video of yours confirmed it for me. Thank you
1. Sick name. 2. You're welcome! Glad we provided some value to you. We're happy you're watching!
@@huntkillcook have those cranford steps that you climb with ever slipped while you're climbing? Or has the strap? I'm worried about that if I try these. Also, is there an alternative strap and step I could try if they do slip on me? Perhaps some squirell steps with ocb straps
In my experience over the last few years, I've never had a strap/step slip. I've used them in the snow, ice, and rain; I've never had a problem. The only thing that has ever happened is they sometimes loosen up a tad (after your weight has been on them from climbing), which causes the angle of the step to be *very slightly* slanted towards the ground. It's never caused a safety concern for me but that's the worst I've experienced. I would still highly recommend. The squirrel steps and ocb straps look be fine too but don't fold up, that's a feature I really like about the cranfords.
Good stuff! I really like the idea of using the linesman rope as a backup tether...
Thanks! Yeah I get a little nervous up there with only one attachment point. I'm sure it's fine without it but I like feeling secure.
This is a good video. The ROS and two panel saddles don't get enough love.
For sure, it's such a versatile system. Thanks for watching!
I need to check out those steps, nice setup!!
They are a game changer for me
Great video. I like my Tethrd one sticks but think I am Going to grab a four pack to allow me to get higher off my sticks if needed. Appreciate you sharing this!
That sounds like a great use case, thanks for watching!
I'm still bias towards my WEI step ladder system. With a Knaider/Swaider I can take 4 steps and get 18 foot or higher. The JE saddle is awesome.
Awesome! That's a great setup for sure. 4 steps sure is nice! Thanks for sharing your setup.
Looks like a good method. Thanks for sharing
I use these. 👌run a 5-step aider on my first and second steps. Then 5 ros squirrel steps on an over-center buckle. nothing beats the setup in my opinion. Been using this for 3 years. just wish Cranford would make a folding rope-on in aluminum instead of steel.
Wow, a 5-step aider sounds awesome! So, if I'm reading this right, you only use 2 steps and the ring of steps? If so this is one of the lightest setups I've heard of. Does the 5-step aider get tangled up or is it hard to use with so many steps? Thanks for sharing your setup! I'm sure it's interesting to others on here too.
@@huntkillcook So, after the aidered steps I have 3 more rope-on steps to use if needed. I just wrap the aider (Black Diamond) around the folded step with the rope for stuffing in my side bag. Jam your toes into the tree when using the aider.
Awesome! Thanks again for sharing
Being semi afraid of heights, I generally take two tethers with me. after getting set up, i will run the lineman as a 2nd bridge to the lineman loops, and with the 2nd tether, it eliminates the tether and bridge as failure points.
Yep that's another good way to do it. If it helps you be more confident in the tree, I see it as a good thing. Thanks for sharing @joshkeller84
Awesome video...awesome job...you have done your homework and practice...very nice...Thanks!
Thanks so much! Really appreciate your support!
I like how quiet they are, I have a set from years back. Where I hunt, Northeast & Mid-Atlantic, we have too many perfect trees for a Lone Wolf climber, I went from saddle back to the climber (I'm a John Eberhart fan from waaaay back to his first book), but my climber is so quiet, light and fast set ups, less movement. However, not competing with saddle, also a great system, just set in my ways after 30 years of using the climber, & have the right trees available.
Yeah Underdog it sounds like you have the perfect environment for a climber. I take it you don't have to carry it very far to your hunting spot? Probably my favorite aspect of the saddle is how light it is when walking in. I had an old climber years ago and it was great and very comfortable when I didn't have to carry it very far. Thanks for weighing in and being part of our community!
@@huntkillcook Saddle is great for walking in, & also for giant trees in good spots that can't be hunted with a hang on or climber too, saddle can be used in any tree too, lots of advantages. LW climber is about 17 pounds, folds flat, effortless to carry as well, very fast & quiet to set up. Weight savings is sometimes a wash with a saddle & sticks, unless you use a one stick or have tree's already set up with screw in steps. I started using an ebike this past season to get back to some hilly areas, super fun & almost feel guilty, packs all my gear. It's legal most places so long as it's 750 watts. Doesn't spook deer like walking in most cases. I like your channel, great content.
@underdog outdoors Thanks for the kind words! My old climber was definitely not 17 lbs haha Glad you have a setup that works so well for you. I've seen the e-bike thing and it does look REALLY fun. Can you drag a deer out with it?
@@huntkillcook Yes, with a mid drive type ebike, very easy to drag a deer. Also, any make shift cart you can bungee to your bike rack works great. I'm going to put together a video on it.
@underdog outdoors That's fantastic, can't wait to check it out!
Two comments. I highly recommend looping your tether twice through the loop or twice around the tree. a single loop can slip down the tree if you take the weight off to adjust something.
Second. I find it a lot easier to climb with both feet at the same level when adding the next step or stick. Bad knees. An 18” two sided stick works great. The two types from tethrd connect to the tree the easiest of any I have tried.
The Stepp ladder system if you like a single step and spend the time to lean the knot also works well and you can use 3-4 steps to ring the tree. I always make noise with the Stepp ladder and they weigh a lot.
Thanks for the comment Scott, I've personally never had the tether slide down the tree but I think I'll do the double loop now just in case. I see how the sticks might be more comfortable to climb with, and might be better for someone with knee issues, but I haven't seen a method that is lighter and more flexible than the EZY climb steps from Cranford. I agree that the Steppladder system is clunky and weighs a lot, I looked into those before I got the strap on steps. Thanks again for weighing in and adding to the conversation, we really appreciate you!
If you know someone who has either of the of the Tethrd sticks, it might be an interesting video showing how each packs out and works in different trees. I don’t know if sticks would work at all on that pine you climbed in the difficult tree video. I use an 18 inch single step rope aider with each stick. Each stick gets me 4.5 feet of height.
Hmm yes I think I may know someone, that's an awesome idea thanks Scott! That tree was a tough climb for sure but that's not the norm :) ... and 4.5 feet per stick is really good!
John Eberhart reaches in through the tether loop and pull the line through the loop then slips the end of line through the loop he just made. No slippage.
@ W Cully Thanks for the tip, I haven't seen him do it that way (that I can recall) We're glad you're here!
Great video! The sound of ratcheting those ring of steps on a cold frosty morning is a no go for me. I can see their usefulness just need to find a better way to secure them imo. Maybe there is that I'm unaware of. Either way great informative video and good luck hunting!
Yeah I thought that too when I first got it, but after dozens of frosty mornings, I can confidently say that it's not as loud as the video may have made it sound. Also if you depress the ratchet release while bringing the ratchet to the closed position it makes it almost silent. Thanks for the comment!
I replaced the rachet strap with an Over center buckle from eastern woods outdoors. There are other similar straps you can find online real cheap.
That's fantastic Brett!
+1 for the OCB. Way better than a rachet.
The key is to cough really loud before the clicks.
Ground n pound ma whole life.... Known to sneak up on deer n ther sleep... certified 💯.
I'm up n age... The stix n platform thing worried me... Do to weight... Bad knees,from hard work all my life... N have to drag a 200 lb deer out that has been gutted already.... I'm gonna try to this next year, not so much on the knees. Had to drag 2 8z out at same time last yr.... Neva hapn again... Even tho I was blessed. looks like an Xtra 25 lbs stead of 40-70. Old dog can learn new tricks.👍😜🍻💯
Thanks for the comment Joe! The light weight nature of this system is a HUGE plus and was the biggest factor that brought me to try a saddle in the first place. If you're going to try the saddle please do yourself a favor and get some knee pads. In my opinion this system is almost unusable without them. Also I'm SUPER interested in sneaking up on deer and we are going to be coming out with some ground specific content very soon. Congrats on the deer too!!
@@huntkillcook hav many pair knee pads, 👍,lay brick 🧱. Gud luk w ur ground game... My trik....n B4 dawn... Out afta dusk... U havta b ther ,to do the work. Wind most valuable ally,use of sent n sound a must. Visually... I use a huge camo net, setting determines type, B4 ThermaCELL, culd sit inside w hundreds of squitoz... Neva b bit. couple taped up cut up trash bags hav portable rainproof blind... Supa lite.... U look like bush or tree . I like sitn n natural holes, wer trees fall. We n deep south Georgia, on okloknee n flint rivers... Sav urself alot of time... Invest in a tracking dog. They invaluable n cheaper f u own it. Thank me later. Y'all b blessed 🙏 Prayers2UBruh
@Joe Drt Those are some awesome sounding tips that I can't wait to try! Thanks for sharing and God bless!
Nice set up. Try the WLR Hitch from Wild Line Ropes. Just as easy as the rope man but a friction hitch.
Thanks Robert I'll check it our for sure!
good video
Thanks Zach!
Outstanding video
Thank you so much James! We appreciate you
Very well presented and good content. I do use steps with a small Hawk Helium platform on the top step and cranford strap-on steps to enable movement around the tree. I will look into the Ring-O-Steps. I’ll try my strap-on this off season for climbing. I did have one question. Where did you find the Scent Lok Fanny pack? I tried the link provided as well as Scent Lok site and couldn’t find it.
Thank you so much Lauren! I didn't think to use a platform with the steps to move around the tree. As far as the Fanny Pack, I bought it on amazon from the ScentLok store, but it's discontinued unfortunately.
Special thanks to @johnfrost here is a (not paid) link to the fanny pack he uses. www.trophyline.com/products/the-platow-pack
Many climbing methods work well on straight, limbless trees.
Thanks so much for the feedback! I think we should demonstrate this climbing method on a gnarly old tree. For simplicity's sake we chose a tree that was easy to climb/film, but I see how it would be useful to see more difficult setup.
@@huntkillcook the individual steps are the most useful on trees you can partially free climb. Old beeches, pines, tamarack, swamp edges oaks etc.
That is my number one beef with literally every saddle climbing video on CZcams. Every video is on a straight limbless tree like a telephone pole. If I'm hunting a spot with trees like that, screw the saddle. I'll take my Lone Wolf Hand Climber, and I will be in the tree in 90 seconds with a full size platform and a seat.
@C. E. @TerryKetterer76 Oh we heard you both and came out with this video showing me climb the gnarliest tree we could find. We'd love to know your thoughts! Thanks!
czcams.com/video/IohUXC26O3w/video.html
@@huntkillcook Sweet! I’ll check it out.
I think I'll stick to my platform stands.
Yeah Jason completely valid, the ring of steps isn't for everyone. Do you ever find yourself needing to move around the tree?
I've got these same steps. Thinkn about putting smaller diameter amsteel on them to cut down on some bulk. Thoughts?
Yeah bowhuntr00 you could probably *technically* get away with a thinner rope but I'm not sure I would try it. That friction knot tightening system they use might be a challenge to get right and is above my skillset to duplicate. I personally carry 8 steps and, compared to climbing sticks, I think they are light and easy to use as is. That being said, here's a quote from their website: "Cranford Manufacturing offers rope replacement services to their customers." It might be worth reaching out and seeing if they would work with you on getting new ropes, they might even be able to do it all for you. It's worth a phone call.
Thanks for the question and contributing to our community, we appreciate you!
Can you do this in the dark like an hour before any daylight? Without a light? Or do you use a red or green head mounted light?
Hey Tim, you can absolutely do this in the dark. It takes some practice but I usually get in about an hour before daylight to get set up. I would recommend having a light on hand just in case you need it though; on particularly dark mornings I do use a headlamp. Personally I don't buy into the red/green light thing and just use the normal white light on a low setting. I still see tons of deer. Thanks for the question!
I was always taught to know what direction the deer will come from.
Sounds like you had a great teacher @Greg Miller ! I agree that it's critical to know where the deer are coming from. We appreciate you and your comment!
@@huntkillcook You have me thinking though. After watching your videos I sent out some text about your setup. The more I thought about it
I like it. I don’t think I would give up my climbing stand but I would give up the semi permanent step stand. So thank you. You have definitely shown me some great information.
Fantastic! I'm glad we were able to give you something to consider. There are a number of people on here who love their climbing stands, which is great! I do agree the saddle makes the hang-on stand obsolete. Thanks for engaging with us on here and contributing!
Great video. Since watching this I purchased an Eberlestock fanny pack and 12 of the Cranford strap on steps. I’ve been playing around with them but seem to not get them as tight as I’d like. Any pointers?
Thanks Jacob! Yeah I know what you mean about getting them tight. What I do is: pull the tail of the strap as tight as I can, then push down on the step a few times quickly while pulling the tail until it cinches down tight. As long as the step doesn't move around the tree, you should be good; it doesn't have to be insanely tight. We can make a short to show what I mean, keep an eye out for that in the next day or so.
Thanks for the quick reply! Your comfort ability with your set up is impressive. Hopefully you can help settle another purchase for me. I looked at the Cranford ROS and noticed it’s about 3.4 lbs. Bullman Outdoors sells a ROS that’s about 1/3 of the weight, except theirs has plastic steps. Like the Cranford ROS, Bullman’s ROS uses a Rachet. Any recommendations on my purchase?
I've never used the Bullman ROS but from what I can say is the Cranford is SUPER solid once it's tightened to the tree. I like the metal and haven't really noticed the weight. After about 2 years the strap is starting to fray slightly but otherwise it's still functioning perfectly. If you do go with the Cranford ROS I would recommend getting some tape to wrap on the individual steps to silence them; they tend to clang around a bit when putting them on the tree. Maybe the plastic ones don't do that. Hopefully that helps, let us know what you decide to do!
@@jacobgardner4733 check out Treehoppers long handled OCB. I have a set of bullman pioneer (discontinued aluminum steps) on an OCB from eastern woods Outdoors but if I was purchasing new I'd probably go treehopper. I don't like the rachets at all.
@Jacob Gardner Here is a link to a short where I show how I get the steps tight. czcams.com/users/shortsy6B2QfafgP8?feature=share
You mentioned the importance of being quiet and then cranked down a rachet strap🤣
Haha Rooster, yeah the mic on my chest makes that strap seem louder than it is. It is louder than I think it could be and someone suggested using a locking strap instead of a ratchet. With careful handling it's pretty quiet. Thanks for the comment!
Lot of jackaround factor
Yeah I can see where you're coming from, it gets better as you practice though.
Nothing like a good climber stand. Way more comfortable
Hey Bruce thanks for weighing in! Yes climber stands can be really comfy but are also pretty inconvenient. I think the right set up with a saddle can be pretty comfortable too. In a recent video I review my current set up and talk about how I greatly increased the comfort of my saddle. Everyone has their own preferences and I'm glad you found what works for you, thanks for watching!
New subscriber here supporting you. Become an online boss > 'promo sm'!!!
Thanks for subbing