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The Saddle Hunting Kit Guide: From a Skeptic to a Believer

By Oliver Thornton
Outdoor Equipment Specialist & Bowhunter | 12+ Years Experience

I’ll be honest with you—when a friend first described saddle hunting to me, I thought he was pulling my leg. Intentionally strapping yourself to a tree with a bunch of ropes? It sounded more like a circus act than a serious hunting strategy. But after countless chilly mornings suspended in the canopy, I can’t imagine going back to a cold, rigid tree stand.

Saddle hunting has completely changed the game for elevated hunting. It’s a minimalist, mobile, and—believe it or not—incredibly comfortable way to hunt once you get the hang of it. But getting started can feel overwhelming. What gear do you actually need? What’s essential, and what’s just a nice-to-have?

That’s what we’re going to sort out today. This is the complete, no-nonsense guide to building your first saddle hunting kit.

So, What Exactly Is This Contraption?

Before we dive into gear, let’s clear this up. A saddle hunting kit isn’t one single item; it’s a system of specialized gear that works together to get you up a tree and keep you there safely and comfortably, without a traditional stand.

The system revolves around a tree saddle, which is essentially a super-engineered harness. You wear it around your waist and legs, and it connects you to the tree with a rope system. Instead of sitting on a platform, you’re leaning against the tree, suspended in the saddle. It sounds weird, I know. But this method gives you the freedom to hunt from almost any tree and the mobility to shoot 360 degrees around it.

The Heart of the System: Your Saddle Hunting Kit Components

Every functional saddle setup is built on four core pillars. If you’re missing one of these, you’re not ready to climb.

1. The Hunting Saddle (Your Throne)
This is your base of operations. A good saddle is designed to distribute your weight across your hips and backside, making long sits surprisingly comfortable. They come in two main styles: one-panel (lighter, more minimalist) and two-panel (often offering more support). I’ve used both, and it really comes down to personal fit and comfort. The saddle connects to your main rope via a “bridge”—a short loop of rope at your front that allows you to pivot effortlessly.

2. Your Lifelines (Ropes and Tethers)
This is the gear you never, ever compromise on. You’ll need two primary ropes:

Lineman’s Rope: This is your safety line for the climb. It wraps around the tree and keeps you connected at all times as you ascend and descend.
Tree Tether: Once you reach your desired hunting height, this is the main rope you’ll use to connect your saddle’s bridge to the tree.

These ropes are your life support system. Look for ropes specifically rated for climbing (usually 8-11mm in diameter) with a tensile strength in the thousands of pounds.

3. Your Climbing Method (Getting Up There)
You need a safe and efficient way to scale the tree. The most common methods for beginners are:

Climbing Sticks: These are lightweight, stackable sections that you attach to the tree to create a ladder. Three or four sticks is the standard for most hunters.
Climbing Aiders: These are small webbing or rope ladders that attach to your sticks, allowing you to get more height out of each placement. They seriously reduce the number of sticks you need to carry.

More advanced methods like the “one-stick” or rope climbing exist, but master the basics with sticks first.

4. A Platform (Your Foothold)
Technically optional, but I’d call it essential. While you can hunt by just bracing your feet against the tree, a small, lightweight platform makes a world of difference. It gives you a stable surface to stand on, shift your weight, and pivot for a shot. Modern platforms are incredibly light (1-2 lbs) and are worth every single ounce.

Building Your Kit: The Complete Checklist

Let’s put it all together. Here’s a practical list of what you need.

The Absolute Must-Haves:

Tree Saddle: The core of your system.
Lineman’s Rope: For climbing safely.
Tree Tether: Your main connection at hunting height.
Climbing Sticks (3-4): Your ladder to the canopy.
Carabiners (at least 2): To connect your ropes. Make sure they are climbing-rated!
Platform: For comfort and stability.

Highly Recommended Gear:

Saddle Bags/Pouches: To store ropes and gear, keeping your hands free.
Gear Hanger: A simple strap or hook to hang your bow and backpack.
A Good Pack: One designed to carry sticks and a platform quietly and efficiently.

How Much Will This Actually Cost Me?

You can get into saddle hunting at various price points. Here’s a realistic breakdown:

Entry-Level Kit ($350 – $500): Brands like XOP and Hawk offer fantastic starter kits that include everything you need. The gear might be slightly heavier, but it’s safe, functional, and perfect for figuring out if saddle hunting is right for you. I know guys who have used these kits for years.
Mid-Range Kit ($500 – $900): This is the sweet spot for most serious hunters. You’ll get lighter materials, more comfortable saddles, and more refined designs from brands like Trophyline and Latitude. The weight savings alone make the hike in and the climb up much more enjoyable.
Premium Kit ($900+): This is the top-tier, ultralight world of brands like Tethrd. You’re paying for cutting-edge materials, incredible comfort, and the lightest possible setup. It’s an investment, but if you’re fully committed, it’s a dream to hunt with.

Your First Climb: Practice Before You Hunt

I can’t stress this enough: do not make your first climb in the dark on opening day. Your backyard is your training ground.

Find a safe, healthy tree and practice these steps until they become muscle memory:

Practice on the Ground: Put your saddle on and hang from a low tree branch to see how it feels. Adjust the fit until it’s perfect.
Learn the Ropes: Practice attaching your lineman’s rope and tether. Get comfortable with the movements.
Climb Low: Start by climbing just 5-6 feet off the ground. Practice everything: setting sticks, moving your lineman’s rope, and transitioning to your tether.
Simulate the Hunt: Once you’re comfortable, practice pulling up your bow, moving around the tree, and aiming at different targets.

Your goal is to be able to do this entire process smoothly, quietly, and safely in the dark.

⚠️ The Golden Rules of Saddle Hunting Safety

Your safety is your responsibility. These are non-negotiable.

Stay Connected, Always: From the moment your feet leave the ground until they touch it again, you must be connected to the tree with either your lineman’s rope or your tether. No exceptions.
Inspect Your Gear Religiously: Before every single hunt, check your ropes for frays, your saddle stitching for wear, and your carabiners for proper function.
Trust the Tree: Only climb healthy, living trees. Avoid dead trees, leaning trees, or trees with weak-looking branches.
Know Your Limits: Understand the weight ratings of your gear and never exceed them.
Have a Plan: Always carry a phone and tell someone exactly where you are hunting and when you expect to be back.

The Real Payoff: Why This System Is a Game-Changer

So why go through all this trouble? Two massive reasons.

1. The 360-Degree Advantage: With a traditional stand, if a deer approaches from the wrong side, you’re often stuck. In a saddle, you just pivot. You can use the tree as cover and effortlessly swing into position for a perfect shot, no matter where the animal appears.

2. The Public Land Game-Changer: This is where saddle hunting truly shines. My entire kit weighs about 12 pounds and fits in a small backpack. This allows me to hike miles into public land, away from the crowds, and set up in overlooked spots. I can hunt from crooked trees, trees in thick cover, or small trees that could never hold a traditional stand. You’re no longer hunting for the perfect stand tree; you’re hunting where the deer actually are.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

Saddle hunting requires an investment of time and money. There’s a learning curve, and it demands your full attention to safety. But the payoff is immense. It makes you a more mobile, adaptable, and effective hunter.

It may not be for everyone, but for those willing to embrace the process, it opens up a new world of hunting possibilities. Start with safe, reliable gear, practice until it becomes second nature, and prioritize safety above all else.

The woods are waiting, and with a saddle hunting kit, you’re no longer limited to just a handful of trees. There are thousands of them—and that’s the entire point. Climb safe, hunt hard, and welcome to the club.