Many would agree that hunting success often starts from above. Higher ground means better visibility and a lower chance of being noticed, smelled or heard by the game below. You can watch a herd of deer grazing quietly, a flock of turkeys strutting through the underbrush or even a sneaky coyote weaving through the fields without drawing attention to yourself.
When it’s time to move up, you have two options: to set up a tree stand or strap into a saddle. Whether you go the traditional way with a tree stand or take a more flexible approach with a hunting saddle, there are pros and cons to each method.
Portability
When it comes to portability, tree saddles clearly take the lead. Lightweight and compact, they’re easy to carry over longer distances. So, if you want to move quickly between locations, adapt to changing conditions, and take advantage of unexpected opportunities while staying elevated, then tree saddles are your best bet.
Tree stands, on the other hand, are bulkier and heavier. They often require extra effort when transporting them and setting them up. This makes them less convenient if you plan to change locations throughout the day or hike long distances to reach your hunting spot.
Setup
Setting up a tree stand is not exactly a walk in the park. Depending on the model, you may need some extra gear to help you out, in the likes of straps, bolts or climbing aids to secure it safely. Next, you need to check that each connection is stable, adjust the height to the right level and make sure the stand is snug against the tree before climbing. This step can take extra time before you’re ready to hunt.
On the other hand, things are a bit easier with hunting saddles. Although this approach is not entirely zero setup, it’s minimal compared to a tree stand. At least there is no need to fumble with straps, bolts or other hardware. This said, you can use one almost immediately, without the need for assembly or additional setup. Simply strap in, adjust for comfort, and you’re ready to go.
Stability
While tree saddles let you move quickly and get into your hunting position with ease, tree stands offer unmatched stability. They provide a stable, comfortable and stationary platform for hunters planning longer sits or stands. They are usually set up by attaching a metal or wooden platform to a tree using straps, chains or bolts, depending on the model.
Many stands also include a seat or ladder section for comfort and ease of access. Furthermore, with tree stands, you don’t have to worry about balancing and windy conditions. Severe winds and uneven trees can make a saddle feel less secure, requiring you to constantly adjust your balance.
This means engaging your core muscles, repositioning your feet and gripping the tree or straps more firmly to stay steady. Over time, this effort can become tiring, especially during long sits, making it more challenging to remain focused on observing or aiming at the game.
Versatility
Let’s be honest, you can’t always predict where the game will show up, or what kind of trees you’ll come across. When it comes to versatility and staying flexible, tree saddles win out.
Saddles often come with adjustable straps, harnesses and panels, meaning they can be used with a wide range of tree sizes and shapes, even irregular diameters or leaning trunks. You can set up and observe your game in spots where traditional stands just won’t fit.
Beyond their ability to adapt to various tree sizes and shapes, many advanced models offer several features that enhance their versatility. For instance, some saddles often replace traditional clips and straps with magnetic panels. This design allows for smooth, silent transitions between transport and hunting modes and lets hunters adapt quickly to various situations.
Furthermore, many modern tree saddles let hunters rotate around the tree. This feature provides unobstructed shooting angles and allows the user to stay concealed while repositioning. With all this being said, saddles are a more versatile choice and a better option for hunters who want to take advantage of every opportunity that comes their way in the woods.
Comfort
When it comes to comfort, it’s not always easy to point out which one wins over the other. It all depends on the situation, personal preference and hunting style. Tree stands may seem more comfortable at first, but standing for long periods can cause fatigue and standard seats can become uncomfortable over several hours.
Many advanced saddles are designed for extended comfort. They feature padded seating, ergonomic contours and flexible positioning. Unlike rigid tree stands, saddles allow movement and weight distribution that can reduce fatigue. For long hunting sessions, these features often make modern tree saddles the more comfortable and adaptable choice.
