The Ultimate Guide To Saddle Hunting Pack Setup: Every Detail You Need To Know

Saddle hunting is becoming increasingly popular among hunters of all experience levels. In fact, it’s estimated that over 25% of all hunters have tried saddle hunting at least once! 

And their common question? Well, it’s about their saddle hunting pack setup.  

Whether you’re a veteran hunter or just starting out, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to make the best out of your pack. From essential saddle hunting gear to helpful tips on packing and organizing, this guide will ensure you’re ready for the hunt.

So, let’s get started and get you ready for your next hunting adventure!

Backpack Basics: Choosing the Right One

When it comes to the saddle system, choosing the right backpack is essential. There are several factors to consider, such as the pack’s size, weight, and features. Fortunately, some top-recommended backpacks are perfect for saddle hunting.

Here are the features you should look for in a saddle hunting pack, and the top recommended backpacks!

Factors to consider when choosing a backpack for saddle hunting

There are three key points to consider when looking for a pack for your hunting: its capacity, durability, and comfort level. 

With these factors in mind, you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect pack for your aerial venture.

Capacity

Considering the number of hunting days and the amount of saddle hunting gear you’ll carry, choosing the right capacity for your pack is essential.

You’ll want to consider the following factors:

• What type of gear are you bringing?
• Will you need to pack food and water?
• What kind of terrain will you be traversing?
• How far will you be traveling?
• Will you be packing out the harvested game?

You’ll want to consider the answers to these questions when selecting the capacity of your pack, as the right pack can make all the difference in your hunting experience.

A pack that is either too small or too large for your needs can be uncomfortable and cumbersome and may lead to a less enjoyable hunt. With the right capacity, you’ll be able to take only what you need and will be able to move freely and enjoy your hunt to the fullest.

Durability

To ensure your hunt is a success, you’ll want to choose a saddle hunting pack built to last. Look for durable materials, like canvas or nylon, and reinforced stitching and seams.

Also, check for any added features, like water-resistant coatings or waterproof zippers, that can help keep your gear dry. Remember, if your pack isn’t up to the job, your hunt won’t be either.

Comfort

Comfort is key when choosing a saddle hunting pack. Look for adjustable straps, breathable mesh, and padding in all the right places for a fit that won’t leave you sore at the end of the day.

Also, choose a lightweight but durable pack with features that let you customize the fit to your body and needs. Remember to get the right frame pack with your body so there will be an even weight distribution.

Top recommended backpacks for saddle hunting

If you’re looking for the best pack for your saddle-hunting adventure, you’ve come to the right place! The Trophyline Palisade EVA Pack and TideWe Hunting Pack are both top-rated and highly recommended backpacks for this type of hunting.

Each pack offers different features and benefits, so you can pick the one that best suits your needs. 

Trophyline Palisade EVA Pack

The Trophyline Palisade EVA Pack is a great middle-of-the-road option for saddle hunters. It boasts a whopping sixteen pockets and 1,600 cubic inches of storage, all while maintaining a lightweight of just 3lb 9oz – a feat of engineering sure to astound.

With its unique drop-down sheath for holding the stock of a gun or the cam of a bow in place, this pack from Trophyline is perfect for the hunter who needs more storage than a smaller pack can provide. 

Not only is this pack comfortable and convenient, but it’s also incredibly durable, making it the perfect companion for any saddle hunter who wants to stay prepared for the unexpected.

Product Specs: 

• Pockets: 16 
• Body: EVA Molded Foam 
• Storage: 1,600 cubic inches 

Pros	Cons
Lightweight and durable Unique drop-down scabbard Great middle-of-the-road option  Comfort and convenience	Price may be too high for some budgets

TideWe Hunting Pack

If you’re looking for an affordable saddle hunting pack for under $100, the TideWe Hunting Pack is the perfect option. It offers 2,200 cubic inches of storage, divided into several pockets to store and access all your gear easily. 

It’s roomy enough to fit all your hunting basics, plus extra layers when you need them.

You’ll love the convenience and comfort of this pack, and the fact that it’s so affordable makes it even better!

Product Specs:

• Storage: 2,200 cubic inches

Pros	Cons
Affordable  Roomy  Variety of pockets  Durable	Not suitable for extended trips  Not as comfortable as some other packs

Tips for optimizing space and accessibility of equipment

Optimizing your saddle hunting pack setup for space and accessibility is essential for an effective hunt – here’s how to do it!

To maximize space, use a pack with multiple compartments and pockets. This will allow you to store and organize your gear efficiently. Additionally, make sure to use lightweight materials for your pack and gear, as this will help reduce your pack’s overall weight.

Use a pack with a wide opening and adjustable straps to ensure easy access to your gear. This will allow you to quickly and easily access your gear when needed.

With these tips, you can optimize your saddle hunting pack setup for space and accessibility, allowing you to enjoy a successful and comfortable hunt.

Essential Gear for Saddle Hunting

You’re ready to take on the challenge of saddle hunting! It’s essential to have the right gear, including a hunting saddle, platform, lineman’s rope and carabiners, and a climbing method (can be climbing sticks).

With the right accessories, you can make your hunting experience as safe and successful as possible. From securing your equipment to executing a successful climb, having the right gear will make all the difference.

Hunting saddle

A tree saddle is an essential part of the saddle hunting pack setup. It allows you to carry your gear in a sleek and stylish way that’ll make you the envy of all your hunting buddies. 

Its minimalist design makes the tree saddles perfect for those who crave freedom and adventure. It’s lightweight and comfortable, so you can easily move around and take on whatever the wilderness throws your way.

Platform

With a platform, you can enjoy your saddle hunting experience without worrying about exhaustion from a long hunting session in the tree. The platform also has an adjustable backrest to provide extra support and comfort while in the saddle.  

Also, some hunting packs have their own platform pocket, so you won’t have to worry about carrying your pack throughout your stay in the saddle. With the platform, you can enjoy the freedom of saddle hunting without sacrificing comfort or convenience.

Ropes and Carabiners

Once you’ve chosen the right platform for saddle hunting, you’ll need to ensure you have the right ropes and carabiners to attach yourself to the tree securely.

You’ll need ropes that are strong enough to handle your weight and your gear. Your carabiners are important to keep yourself connected to the rope attached to the tree and platform.

Investing in quality ropes and carabiners will ensure your safety, allowing you to enjoy your hunting experience without worry.

Ensure your setup includes the right ropes and carabiners to help you maximize your freedom and feel secure.

Climbing method

Getting the right climbing method for your saddle hunting setup is essential for a successful and safe hunting experience. Remember that you can use different climbing methods, even those used for tree stand hunting. 

And we get you; it can take a lot of work to choose the best one for you due to the variety of options. To make it easier, here’s a table that compares the different methods and their advantages and disadvantages.

Climbing Method	Advantages	Disadvantages
Free Climbing	Expensive Time-consuming	Requires strength and agility Potentially dangerous
Aid Climbing	Relatively safe Easier to ascend	Expensive Time consuming
Spurred Climbing	Highly efficient Low cost	Requires special equipment Potentially dangerous
Mechanical Climbing	Highly efficient Safe	Expensive Heavy

Each climbing method has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to consider what works best for you. 

Other accessories

Now that you’ve got the basics of saddle hunting down, it’s time to look at other essential accessories to make your hunting experience even more enjoyable.

Here are a few items that you should consider adding to your saddle hunting kit:

• A good quality knife – for cutting, slicing, and processing your catch
• A set of straps and buckles – for securing your gear and keeping it in place
• A lightweight tarp – for keeping your gear dry and protecting it from the elements
• A sturdy pair of binoculars – for scouting out your prey and tracking its movements.

With the right accessories, you can make the most out of your saddle hunting experience. So remember to include these items in your pack setup to ensure you have everything you need to make the most of your time out in the field.

Organizing Your Backpack

Organizing your saddle and other gear, properly storing ropes and carabiners, and positioning your climbing method can seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! With this step-by-step guide, you can easily organize your saddle-hunting backpack for maximum efficiency and safety. 

Organizing your saddle and other gear

To ensure an efficient and successful hunt, you’ll need to carefully arrange your saddle and other gear – like a puzzle piece fitting perfectly in place to make the most of your journey. When organizing your gear, you’ll need to consider the following: 

Saddle

Of course, in the saddle hunting system, the tree saddle is the star of the show. It should be packed in a way that’s easy to reach, as it’s one of the first things you’ll need. Depending on your backpack, you should secure it near the top of your main compartment or in a specialized compartment if one is available.

Other Gear

Organize your remaining gear based on how frequently you use it. Items like ropes, carabiners, and your climbing method should be in easily accessible spots. Pack them close to your saddle so your climbing setup is all in one place.

By organizing your saddle and other gear properly, you’ll be able to make the most of your hunt, allowing you to explore the outdoors with confidence and freedom.

Proper ropes and carabiners storage

Properly storing ropes and carabiners can help make your hunt smoother and more efficient. It’s important to ensure that the ropes and carabiners are kept in a place that’s easy to access and that they are organized in a way that you can quickly identify what you need.

To do this, it’s best to separate the ropes and carabiners into separate bags that can be tied or hooked onto the saddle. You should also make sure that the ropes and carabiners are free of knots and are easily untangled.

Conclusion

Having the command to have an efficient and optimized saddle hunting pack setup is an upgrade to your hunting experience and potential success. It’s important to note the factors to consider when getting a pack and the things to remember when backpacking. 

Looking for an adventure in the great outdoors? Look no further! Our hunt-by-state guide is exactly what you need to explore the wild and experience the thrill of the hunt in the United States.