Tree Saddle Hunting Kit

UpHillBill

Seeking Recommendations for Ultralight Tree Saddle Hunting Kit Optimized for Extended Backcountry Hikes

I am compiling an ultralight tree saddle hunting kit specifically tailored for extended multi-day backcountry hikes in mountainous terrain. While my primary focus is weight reduction, I am unwilling to compromise on safety, modularity, and ease of rapid setup/teardown in low-light conditions. My current points of contention are as follows:

Saddle Selection: Are there user-validated options sub-2 lbs that maintain robust lumbar support, ideally with MOLLE compatibility for accessory attachment?
Platform Design: What are the most stable yet portable platforms people have field-tested, potentially foldable or with minimalist profiles? Experiences with carbon fiber vs. aluminum?
Climbing Aids: Insights on single-step aiders, one-stick methods, or high-efficiency climbing sticks that pack compactly without causing undue fatigue?
Rope Systems: Recommendations for adjustable tether and lineman’s belt setups balancing abrasion resistance and minimum weight.
Ancillary Gear: Preferred pouches, dump bags, and harness modifications for cold weather scenarios and silent gear access.

Please share empirical performance data, failure points observed, or links to technical reviews. Any advice on integrating pack-based systems with saddle harnesses for seamless on-the-move transitions would be appreciated.

trekgearjunkie

For those integrating pack systems with their saddle harness, consider modular suspension systems like the Kifaru or Mystery Ranch yoke adapters—they ride close but detach swiftly, allowing saddle deployment without full pack removal. For cold weather: merino-backed MOLLE pouches help prevent zipper freeze, and magnetic or silent elastic closures on dump pouches make a big difference during early morning setups. On the one-stick method—test your climbing rope in subzero temps; certain dry-treated ropes handle frost and abrasion better, especially with repeated friction hitch use. Always good to carry a small Dyneema gear loop for hanging crucial items within reach. Anyone have long-term durability data on the new carbon fiber platforms after a season’s worth of real-world abuse?

TrailGlimpse

One thing I haven’t seen mentioned much: watch the hardware on those new ultralight carbon fiber platforms. I’ve had cleats and bolts work loose after a fair bit of use—they save ounces but pay for it in long-term durability, especially with heavy torsion from angled trees. Blue Loctite on your bolts is essential, and do a post-hunt hardware check. For climbing, the EWO Ultralight sticks punch above their weight in the long-term comfort/packability balance, but the steps get slick in frost, so consider non-slip tape mods. Anyone figure out a truly quiet pouch setup that doesn’t ice up in freezing drizzle? That’s been my Achilles heel.