The Finest Tree Saddles of 2024, Examined and Reviewed

Saddle searching has boomed in recognition, as whitetail hunters embrace a minimalist mindset to save lots of weight and bulk in comparison with conventional treestand choices. Producers and types are in an arms race as they goal to supply light-weight and modular options to satisfy the calls for of the trendy cell hunter. This bodes properly for anybody hoping to improve their saddle equipment, however the seemingly infinite choices might be intimidating to navigate. I examined 9 of the most effective tree saddles in the marketplace to slim your search. 

The Finest Tree Saddles at a Look

How I Examined the Finest Tree Saddles

I’ve been searching completely from a tree saddle since 2018, after I was fortunate sufficient to kill a wonderful 8-point buck on opening day of Wisconsin’s archery season — I haven’t seemed again since. I used to be instantly keen on a saddle’s lighter weight and smaller footprint in comparison with my outdated hang-and-hunt setup. 

I’ve used saddles all over the place, from cottonwood-choked river bottoms in western whitetail nation to the traditional hardwoods of the midwest. I’ve tinkered with my setups over time, including DIY options for hauling sticks, platforms, and attaching additional gear. 

I say all that as a result of I used my expertise searching and experimenting with saddles to create my check methodology.

I evaluated saddles primarily based on the options which might be most necessary to me when shopping for one. This consists of consolation, options, weight, and worth. All saddles had been utterly kitted with dump pouches, ropes, and carabiners essential to climb a tree. I spent at the very least one hour at searching top, taking notes relating to consolation, hip pinch, how the bridge moved by means of loops as I pivoted my hips, and the way the options marketed by the producer translated to real-world use. 

Consolation

I climbed 17 ft right into a 15-inch diameter white oak utilizing 4 climbing sticks with every tree saddle. As soon as at searching top, I “frolicked” (unhealthy pun, I do know) for one hour. I spent at the very least half-hour leaning and half-hour sitting with my knees bent and resting in opposition to the tree. I graded every saddle on a rating of 1 to five, with 5 being probably the most comfy. 

Options

It’s tough to decipher advertising and marketing slang and perceive how particular options translate into the bowhunting world. I saved an inventory of all particular options manufacturers listed on every respective product and famous the performance.

Weight

Whereas all saddles are lighter than any of the greatest hang-on treestands in the marketplace, it’s necessary to be conscious of the extra equipment, like platforms, additional ropes, and carabiners, which might be required to saddle hunt. This may rapidly add up and result in a saddle equipment that weighs as a lot (or greater than) a light-weight treestand. With that in thoughts, I famous any saddle as “heavy” if it weighed greater than 2 kilos with out extra equipment and famous it within the cons part. Saddles had been weighed with a digital scale that precisely measured to the closest hundredth ounce.  

Worth  

Saddles are supplied at a variety of costs. Of the fashions featured on this check, the costliest was $430, and probably the most reasonably priced was $150, yielding a mid-price of $309. It’s necessary to think about what’s included together with your buy to totally perceive the worth of every product. On this check, something costlier than $309 was listed as “costly” and famous within the cons part.

The Finest Tree Saddles: Critiques and Suggestions 

Finest General: Timber Ninja Black Belt Final

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Key Options

• Two-panel
• Weight: 1 pound 15 ounces 
• MOLLE Webbing: Two rows, one on every panel
• Waist Belt: Webbing with magnetic buckle 
• Leg Straps: Webbing strap with G-hook 
• Bridge Kind: AmSteel with rubberized bridge loops 
• Particular Options: Magnetic platform holder, built-in Mud Flap stick provider panel, and two magnetic stick haulers
• Consolation Rating: 5
• Worth: $410

Execs

• Most comfy saddle within the check 
• Magnetic waist buckle is straightforward to function 
• Magnetic stick haulers rapidly and simply connect sticks to saddle whereas climbing 
• Magnetic platform hauler eliminates a DIY different 

Cons

The Timber Ninja Black Belt Final units itself aside from an already spectacular lineup of saddles featured within the check due to its consolation and options. 

As quickly as I reached searching top and leaned into the saddle, I used to be impressed by its consolation.  I didn’t really feel any hip pinch throughout the check, which solidified the Final as probably the most comfy tree saddle within the subject whereas nonetheless producing a modest, sub-2-pound weight ranking. 

I appreciated the magnetic parts used all through the saddle, which included a waist buckle and stick and platform haulers. Not solely is the waist belt magnetic, the middle buckle might be set offset to 1 facet, which eliminates stacking buckles on prime of one another. The built-in Mud Flap can carry as much as 4 light-weight climbing sticks, which I particularly respect for fast, early-season hunts after I don’t need to lug a backpack. The rubberized coating on the bridge and lineman loops will let you cinch down the ropes for a fine-tuned, non-slip match. 

Whereas expensive, Timber Ninja additionally provides a full lineup of premium accent baggage. The Final integrates with streamlined saddle baggage (proper and left particular) and might even settle for an extra lumbar pouch. All Timber Ninja pouches are water-resistant and have a high-visibility orange inside to assist discover small objects in low-light situations. 

Finest Worth: Tethrd Grit Workhorse Saddle Equipment 

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Key Options

• Single panel
• Weight: 2 kilos 5 ounces
• Saddle baggage built-in into the saddle 
• Waist Belt: Webbing with fast join buckle 
• Leg Straps: Webbing with fast join buckle 
• Bridge Kind: Adjustable AmSteel
• Particular Options: Consists of tether, lineman rope, and again assist recliner within the field, built-in zippered pockets constructed into the waist belt, and adjustable AmSteel bridge 
• Consolation: 4.5
• Worth: $300

Execs

• Finest worth within the lineup
• Consists of tether, lineman rope, and again assist recliner 
• Quiet material supplied in Mossy Oak Bottomland or Realtree APX 

Cons

• Bridge can slip in loops 
• Heavy

The Grit Workhorse by Tethrd is by far the most effective worth in saddle searching. Along with a extremely succesful saddle, you’ll additionally discover an 11mm lineman rope, 11mm tether, and recliner backband included within the field — a $140 worth that the majority producers require you to buy individually. Whereas the worth is unbelievable, don’t be fooled, the Grit Workhorse isn’t only a newbie’s tree saddle. Whereas it’s definitely a perfect possibility for anybody new to saddle searching, it’s additionally extremely succesful for a seasoned vet. 

The built-in zippered pockets are constructed into the waist belt and supply loads of storage quantity whereas sustaining a smooth profile that’s simply operated by one hand. The pockets present loads of room for the included 11mm rope and tether, recliner, and extra equipment like neck gaiter, headlamp, or no matter small gadgets you’ll be able to consider. Even when totally loaded, the pockets match cosy in opposition to your hips to get rid of undesirable bulk. 

The fabric is extremely tender and quiet, and resists abrasions. Whereas the Grit Workhorse weighs over 2 kilos, it’s necessary to know that weight consists of the pockets. For context, the Timber Ninja Black Belt Final weighs 2 kilos 7 ounces with a lumbar pocket and two facet pockets. 

Learn Subsequent: The Finest Looking Arrows

Finest Single-Panel: Trophyline Venatic

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Key Options

• Single panel
• Weight: 1 pound 10 ounces
• MOLLE webbing: Two rows, on constructed of conventional MOLLE plus an extra inflexible rubber design
• Waist Belt: Webbing with Raptor buckle
• Leg Straps: Webbing with Raptor buckle 
• Bridge Kind: Adjustable 33.38-inch rope bridge (polyester jacket over stranded nylon core)
• Particular Options: Rubberized inside again panel to forestall slipping, free-floating waist belt sleeve, bridge storage to safe bridge throughout transport, seat strap to compress seat whereas strolling, and rubberized MOLLE attachment factors 
• Consolation: 4.9
• Worth: $300

Execs

• Waist belt doesn’t slip as soon as set because of the rubberized inside 
• Breathable ripstop nylon materials
• Rubberized MOLLE attachment factors
• Waist belt sleeve retains your buckle centered 
• Comfy 
• Made in USA 

Cons

• Want the bridge didn’t want a carabiner to connect
• Bridge isn’t fabricated from AmSteel 

The Trophyline Venatic is thoughtfully designed, integrating many tech options distinctive to the Trophyline lineup. A rubber-coated inside locks the waist belt securely in place to get rid of undesirable sliding whereas strolling or climbing. I used to be immediately keen on the free-floating waist belt sleeve, which allowed me to align the buckle over my belt to forestall any discomfort whereas sitting. The Venatic integrates a bridge keeper into the waist belt, referred to as Bridge Storage, which stows the bridge out of the way in which whereas strolling. As well as, the seat strap compresses the fabric so the saddle doesn’t sag or really feel cumbersome throughout lengthy hikes.

The leg straps sit mid-thigh and don’t journey up after a couple of hours within the tree. I favor to take a seat with my knees in opposition to the tree when looking for quite a lot of hours, and located the Venatic to be extremely comfy because it cupped my waist with out undesirable pinching. 

The bridge requires a carabiner to connect to the saddle, which provides a little bit of weight and requires aftermarket stealth stripping to keep away from any undesirable noise. I’d favor an AmSteel bridge over nylon. Regardless of that, the Venatic is the most effective single panel in the marketplace.

Finest Two-Panel: Latitude Methodology 2

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Key Options

• Two-panel
• Weight: 1 pound 12 ounces 
• MOLLE webbing: 2 rows – 1 on waist belt on prime panel, 1 on prime of backside panel
• Waist Belt: Prusik knot
• Leg Straps: Detachable webbing strap with G-hook 
• Bridge Kind: AmSteel with rubberized bridge loops 
• Particular Options: Steel-free building, magnetic Fast-Join System attaches panels whereas on the transfer
• Consolation: 4.75
• Worth: $300

Execs

• Lightest 2-panel saddle within the check
• Steel-free design makes it extremely quiet
• Fast-connect magnets connect panels whereas on the transfer
• Magnets deploy simply whereas within the tree
• Inexpensive

Cons

• Would like open-faced G-hooks

At 1 pound 12 ounces, the Latitude Methodology 2 is the lightest two-panel saddle within the check. Its mixture of consolation, weight, and intentional options make it top-of-the-line two-panel tree saddles. 

The Methodology 2 makes use of a metal-free building that leads to a light-weight saddle that’s lethal quiet. Latitude went with a prusik knot within the waist belt to get rid of the necessity for extra conventional ADF Raptor buckles, generally present in different saddles. I instantly took discover of the dearth of any buckle system, and was hesitant from the beginning. Nonetheless, I discovered the prusik knot simple to make use of and it even helped me dial within the match. The knot allowed me to make micro changes with out tightening or loosening a waist belt. I’d particularly respect this when including/eradicating layers on lengthy sits with variable climate situations throughout the rut.  The leg straps on the Methodology 2 are detachable, which provides flexibility to these searching for a minimalistic design. 

While you’re on the transfer, the underside panel tucks beneath the highest panel and stays solidly in place due to an easy-to-use magnet, which Latitude calls the Fast Join System. This provides you the consolation and mobility of a single-panel saddle, however with the added consolation two-panel saddles are recognized for. 

At $300, I wouldn’t name the Methodology 2 a “budget-friendly” saddle, however the worth far exceeds its worth level. 

Finest Expandable: Tethrd Ultralock

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Key Options

• Expandable
• Weight: 3 kilos 2 ounces 
• Built-in pouched sewn into the saddle 
• Waist Belt: Webbing with fast join buckle
• Leg Wtraps: Webbing with fast join buckle 
• Bridge Kind: Adjustable AmSteel 
• Particular Options: Expandable design, built-in dump pouches constructed into saddle, Ultralock Hyperlinks, Ultralock Haulers, modular yoke, Ultralock Hyperlinks 
• Consolation: 4.9
• Worth: $430

Execs

• Comfy, expandable design retains a low profile when wanted, however extends 5.5 inches for added consolation 
• Increasing physique handles produce simple changes 
• Outsized, zippered dump pouches are constructed into design with loads of storage and one-handed operation
• Adjustable AmSteel bridge accommodates a variety of positions
• Modular yoke helps redistribute weight 

Cons

Serving as a hybrid between single- and two-panel tree saddles, the Tethrd Ultralock sits atop the newly rising class of expandable saddles. The Ultralock offers hunters the most effective of each worlds for many who need to keep away from adjustable webbing or clips present in two-panel saddles however superior consolation in comparison with single-panel choices. The Ultralock expands to an extra 5.5 inches of fabric for added consolation by merely grabbing the increasing physique handles (positioned on the underside of the saddle) and pulling the fabric down. When stowed away, the Ultralock Hyperlinks system prevents the saddle from opening up and sagging.

The Ultralock comes with handy zippered dump pouches sewn into the waist belt of the saddle. It’s important to purchase pouches individually for many saddles. The pockets present plenty of alternatives to arrange ropes and different small gadgets, reminiscent of headlamps and neck gaiters. They even present sufficient room for a compact binocular or rangefinder whereas sustaining a low-profile design, even when full. Because the pockets are built-in, they issue into the Ultralock’s total weight rating, producing the heaviest metric within the subject at over 3 kilos. Nonetheless, in the event you’d like to save lots of weight (and a few money), you’ll be able to select the Ultralock SD (SD stands for stripped down), which weighs 2 kilos 1 ounce and doesn’t function built-in pockets. In the event you go that route, you’ll be able to select any of the pockets Tethrd provides and configure your Ultralock nonetheless you’d like. 

They are saying consolation comes at a worth, and within the case of the Ultralock, that imply you’ll pay a slight weight penalty. Nonetheless, I discovered the included modular yoke system to drastically cut back the felt carry weight by distributing it throughout my shoulders and higher physique. I’d extremely suggest anybody utilizing the Ultralock to make the most of the yoke. 

Finest Light-weight: Timber Ninja Black Belt Nano

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Key Options

• Two-panel
• Weight: 1 pound 4 ounces 
• MOLLE Webbing: One row on the highest of the panel and one row on the underside of the panel 
• Waist Belt: Webbing with magnetic buckle
• Leg Straps: Webbing strap with G-hook 
• Bridge Kind: AmSteel with rubberized bridge loops 
• Particular Options: Magnetic platform holder, built-in Mud Flap stick provider panel, and two magnetic stick haulers
• Consolation: 4.5
• Worth: $330

Execs

• Lightest saddle within the check
• 4-way stretch materials 
• Magnetic waist buckle is straightforward to function 
• Magnetic stick haulers rapidly and simply connect sticks to saddle whereas climbing 
• Magnetic platform hauler eliminates a DIY different 
• Rubberized bridge and lineman’s belt loops present non-slip floor for ropes to chunk 
• Packs right down to the scale of a Nalgene bottle 

Cons

Weighing in simply over 1 pound, the Timber Ninja Black Belt Nano is the lightest tree saddle in the marketplace. The Nano makes use of a four-way stretch materials that doesn’t constrict motion, making it an incredible possibility for public land hunters with lengthy hikes forward of them. This distinctive materials lets you put on the saddle at or above your waistline and stretch it over your glutes for a snug, tailor-made match. I discovered myself positioning different single-panel saddles under my beltline, which isn’t as comfy, so this was a welcomed shock. In the event you’d moderately stow it in your backpack whereas strolling to or from the tree, the Nano compresses to roughly the scale of a Nalgene bottle, which simply matches in a water bottle pocket to unencumber house in the principle compartment of your backpack. 

The Nano makes use of lots of the identical options discovered on the Final from Timber Ninja, however in a smaller, single-panel configuration. I particularly appreciated the rubberized bridge and lineman’s belt loops, which let you cinch down your ropes and relaxation assured they received’t slide as you rotate your hips or modify your place. The magnetic parts, together with stick and platform haulers and waist belt, are in contrast to anything in the marketplace. I connected the stick haulers to my sticks earlier than heading to the woods, making it quite simple to rapidly and silently clip them onto my waist belt earlier than climbing the tree. 

The Remainder of the Subject 

CRUZR XC

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Key Options

• Expandable 
• Weight: 1 pound 14 ounces 
• MOLLE Webbing: Two rows on prime, one free and one tight 
• Waist Belt: ADF Raptor Buckle 
• Leg Straps: Webbing strap with fast join buckle 
• Bridge Kind: Adjustable AmSteel
• Particular Options: Xpansion Chamber mesh pleated panel, grey or black coloration choices 
• Consolation: 4.5
• Worth: $260

Execs

• Inexpensive 
• Breathable mesh material 
• Expandable physique offers extra consolation 
• A number of MOLLE choices to simply accept a variety of equipment 
• Twin modify waist belt 

Cons

• Expandable physique sags at occasions 

At $260 the CRUZR XC hits above its weight class on the subject of worth. The expandable physique extends to cowl properly under your glutes, making it very comfy regardless in the event you favor to lean or sit whereas searching. Two rows of MOLLE accommodate practically any accent — the highest row is free and meant for clipping carabiners or different equipment, whereas the second row is tight and constructed for aftermarket MOLLE equipment. 

The CRUZR XC has a twin adjustable waist belt, which helps tailor an ideal match and keep away from stacking your waist buckle on prime of your belt. The AmSteel bridge bites the loops properly and doesn’t modify when shifting positions or rotating my hips within the tree. Whereas the expandable physique is comfy (particularly for sitting), I discovered it vulnerable to sagging whereas strolling, incomes its solely con. 

XOP Mondo

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Key Options

• Single panel
• Weight: 2 kilos 3 ounces 
• MOLLE Webbing: One row on prime of the panel
• Waist Belt: Webbing with fast join buckle 
• Leg Straps: Webbing with fast join buckle 
• Bridge Kind: Friction hitch climbing ropes 
• Particular Options: Doubles as an ASTM-certified treestand full-body fall-arrest system
• Consolation: 3.7
• Worth: $150

Execs

• Inexpensive
• Hybrid design is flexible, best for anybody on the lookout for a treestand security harness that may additionally function as a saddle 
• Consists of all ropes and carabiners 

Cons

• Weight
• Would like an AmSteel bridge 

Serving as an ASTM-certified treestand full-body fall-arrest system and saddle, the XOP Mondo is the one hybrid saddle within the subject. At $150, the Mondo is on par with what you’d anticipate to pay for any premium full-body treestand harness (Hunter Security System Professional Collection at $170, or HAWK Elevate Lite at $100, for instance), but in addition offers the flexibleness for use as a saddle. This distinctive model is good for somebody inquisitive about saddle searching however not sure in the event that they need to totally commit. The Mondo is a snug and succesful treestand harness, however affords the flexibleness of serving double responsibility as a tree saddle. It even consists of all the mandatory ropes and auto-locking carabiners you have to begin climbing. 

I’d favor an AmSteel bridge over the included friction hitch climbing ropes. The built-in MOLLE matches looser than most flat MOLLE webbing, which limits the variety of equipment the Mondo will accommodate. The Mondo suffers in consolation, particularly from the treestand-style yoke that constantly pulled the saddle excessive on my decrease again, which I discovered myself combating to regulate. In consequence, it earned a 3.7 ranking, the bottom within the check.

Select a Tree Saddle

Single- vs Two-Panel Tree Saddles

Single-panel tree saddles are easy, using a single piece of material with out shifting items. They’re simple to make use of and stow away properly in a backpack, best for many who favor to pack their saddle as a substitute of carrying it whereas strolling to the tree. Double-panel saddles, because the identify implies, use two separated panels to supply a tailor-made match. Whereas a bit bulkier than single panels, a double-panel saddle offers unbelievable consolation, particularly for many who like to take a seat whereas within the tree. Hybrid saddles make the most of an expandable physique to supply additional materials when seated, however stows away whilst you’re on the transfer or leaning within the tree. 

Looking Model

Take into account the kind of searching you do most ceaselessly and purchase a saddle that meets your wants. In the event you’re a minimalist that hikes removed from the highway and prefers to stuff your saddle in a backpack, a single panel is a superb match. A double-panel is good for many who prioritize consolation, particularly those that might spend dark-to-dark within the tree. Hybrid choices are perfect for anybody who needs a do-it-all system and doesn’t thoughts lugging a bit of additional weight. 

Tree Saddle Options

Saddles are loaded with options to make your hunt simpler. Whereas issues like built-in stick or platform carriers are good, they arrive at a worth. These top-end options are good, and properly price their price ticket. Nonetheless, in the event you’re a minimalist or DIY-er, you’ll be able to customise a extra simplistic saddle to accommodate your wants. I’ve used Nite Ize gear ties and S-biners as an reasonably priced, do-it-yourself hack to connect a platform and climbing sticks to my saddle when ascending or descending. 

Producer Help 

Take into account the extent of assist you’ll obtain from the producer when buying a saddle. All the manufacturers featured on this check have responsive technical assist and are energetic on social media, and all responded to my questions in a well timed method. I’ve little doubt any buyer would obtain the identical degree of assist, so don’t be bashful with questions. 

Remaining Ideas on the Finest Tree Saddles

We’re within the golden days of saddle searching, as producers are consistently bettering and adjusting their merchandise to satisfy the calls for of as we speak’s cell hunters with purpose-built saddles. The most effective tree saddles are quiet, comfy, and full of options to assist us take pleasure in our time within the woods. All the saddles featured on this check fulfill these necessities and can make it easier to hunt extra successfully.