DIY tree saddle?

[Titan_Bow]

Getting a little tired of finding spots a mile or two in and not wanting to haul a hang on stand. Really interested in the idea of a saddle. I don’t really want to drop the coin on a Tethrd or the like. I’ve been using a rock climbing harness for years as my safety harness. Seems like it would “almost” work but hanging out in a rock climbing harness for more than a couple hours doesn’t sound fun. I have watched some YouTube vids of guys taking a sit-drag and using it as a seat for a DIY saddle. Anyone done this? Seems like it would be pretty simple and not expensive. Looking for some feedback from others who have gone this route.


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[WoodBow]

I have hunted out of one that I made for several years. Lots of builds on saddlehunter.com. They are very simple to make if you have sewing experience and a capable machine.

The bulk of a hang on is what I wanted to get away from. Both have their place.

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[camelcluch]

There is an arborist harness guys have used. It’s about $50. I’ll see if I can dig up the info. Other than that, there are plenty on diy plans.

 

[Carr5vols]

I bought fabric and wipped the ends like a hammock. No sewing required and works perfect with the RCH. Connected to tree by both at all times.

 

[Dos Perros]

We both are planning to buy commercially made saddles after this season

Why?

 

[camelcluch]

This is from a while back and I don’t think it’s on sale anymore but they pop up on saddle hunter every now and again. SH also has a member map of you can contact somebody with a saddle to try out, it helps a lot.

 

[Btaylor]

Made one out of fleece like what @Carr5vols mentioned above. Just used a gray fleece throw from walmart and some spare 8mm accessory cord. Paired with a rock climbing harness. There is a thread on SH about making them.

 

[Triple d]

I've been looking to buy a tree saddle for whitetail hunting. Never thought about building my own...... not sure I trust my sewing ability . Might have to looking one of those arborist ones to save some cash.

 

[theunit146]

is saving a couple hundred bucks worth falling on your head in the woods if something fails? find a good used saddle on facebook...

 

[ZuluBravo]

I’ve made two now. Easy to make if you have access to a medium duty machine. A two piece saddle is much more comfortable for me. Be sure to reinforce stress areas with a boxed x or bartack. I’ve got about $50 in each of these.

 

[fjefman]

Yes, I'd recommend NOT using a climbing harness...and most tree stand harnesses with a similar leg strap design. They are designed only to support weight in a fall...they do limit blood circulation and with long term "handing" use they will your legs to fall asleep and eventual unconsciousness.

This is why really good stand harnesses have a hanging leg loop that you can alternately stand on to relieve the constriction around the thighs.

And this is why arborist harnesses (mentioned above) have more of a semi-rigid seat.