Saddle Accessories

A lineman’s belt (or lineman’s rope) is used while climbing a tree to keep you safely connected at all times. It allows you to lean back and use both hands while climbing with sticks or steps.

You attach the lineman’s belt to your saddle’s side attachment points, then wrap it around the tree and connect it back to yourself using a climbing-rated carabiner or prusik system. As you climb, you “leapfrog” the belt upward with each step so you are always secured to the tree.

No. A lineman’s belt is designed for positioning and climbing support only, not for suspension. It should always be used in a way that keeps you braced against the tree, not fully suspended.

A tether is your primary safety connection while hunting from a saddle. It connects your bridge to the tree and keeps you securely positioned once you are at hunting height.

Saddle hunting is a mobile form of elevated hunting where the hunter uses a lightweight tree saddle system instead of a traditional treestand. The hunter is suspended against the tree using a tether and bridge system, allowing for 360° shot opportunities and increased mobility in the field.

A basic saddle setup typically includes a tree saddle, lineman’s rope,
tree tether with carabiner, climbing sticks (or another climbing method), and a
small platform. These components work together to safely climb, position, and
hunt from a tree.

Optional gear includes gear straps, bow hangers, storage pouches, and
haul lines for additional organization and efficiency.

Yes—when used correctly, saddle systems are designed so you are always
connected to the tree via a lineman’s rope during climbing and a tether while
hunting. This continuous connection helps reduce fall risk compared to
traditional tree stand setups.

Essential gear includes the components required to safely climb and hunt (saddle, tether, lineman’s rope, climbing system, platform). Optional gear improves efficiency, comfort, and organization but is not required for a functional setup.

Modern saddle systems are designed to allow multiple body
positions—sitting, leaning, and standing—to reduce pressure points and improve
comfort over long sits. Adjusting your tether height and body position helps
fine-tune comfort throughout the hunt.

Yes, but there is a learning curve. Most beginners benefit from practicing at low heights in a controlled environment before moving into full hunting setups. Once mastered, saddle systems become extremely efficient and versatile.