Blog

Jul 23, 2023

New Tree Saddles for 2023

(Author photo) Saddles have become the go-to tool for many bowhunters desiring a level of quiet, lightweight mobility that traditional treestands just don’t offer. As their popularity has increased,

(Author photo)

Saddles have become the go-to tool for many bowhunters desiring a level of quiet, lightweight mobility that traditional treestands just don’t offer. As their popularity has increased, so have the innovations in the space and the latest from Trophyline is a good example. Cutting no corners, the Venatic combines the quality and comfort you have come to expect from Trophyline in a 20-ounce package, making it their lightest saddle to date. Designed from an ultralight ripstop fabric to ensure rugged durability, Trophyline removed the bulky straps from past saddles and replaced them with strategically placed narrower ones, while also incorporating a rubberized waistband to ensure it won’t slip. When adding a set of their lightweight Double Step Mini Sticks and platforms, Trophyline delivers the complete saddle package.

Tethrd is another fan favorite, and their Phantom Elite will certainly wow the Tethrd faithful. With all the same competent features as their other Phantom model, the Elite is wrapped in First Lite’s Specter camo, and comes with special addition SYS Haulers and an MVP back support for enhanced comfort. At just 24 ounces, it’s a minimalist’s dream and incorporates other notable features like Comfort Channels for high, medium, and low support settings and a strong UtiliBridge system that offers nearly 37 inches of easy adjustment.

Bring their years of treestand design experience to the drawing board, Hawk Hunting jumped into the saddle arena recently with the Helium Hammock. With all the quality and innovation you’d expect from Hawk, the Helium kit comes in at less than 4 pounds and features a removable padded seat and adjustable reclining belt to ensure a comfortable hammock-like feel. It comes equipped with high-grade climbing accessories to ensure safety and folds up into an included case for easy transport.

Building upon the success of their original Slingshot, H2 Saddles adds some enhancements to the 2.0 model with a price point that is sure to be a fan favorite. Available in multiple color schemes, the 2.0 features larger linemen loops for easy hookups and reinforced bridge loops for added strength and stiffness. It's equipped with both loose and tight molle webbing along the top and bottom, and is also equipped with additional sets of gear loops below the seat that are perfectly positioned for accessing steps when initially setting up. It comes standard with a tubular web bridge but can be upgraded to a fully adjustable TriAd AmSteel bridge that glides through the carabiner with ease.

Latitude Outdoors is no stranger to tree saddle success, and their Method 2 is just their latest to the cause. Complementing their original Method saddle, the next generation features a unique two-panel system that allows users to find their sweet spot with ease. It comes in at just over 30 ounces and features an updated bridge system for maximum adjustability that is now designed with a lighter and easier-to-adjust Amsteel. To make slipping in easier and more comfortable, the Metod 2 also features user-friendly removable leg straps, and a magnet system to keep them together while hiking to your stand.

Handcrafted from the state of Texas, the LoneStar Saddle from TX5 Custom Gear is completely customizable when ordering, and is available in either a stretch seat or their popular XPD pleated seat. It features a patent-pending Hip Pinch Reduction system that prevents the upper and lower webbing on the chassis from collapsing under pressure, and a newly designed Viper lineman’s loops that are more stream-line than before and extends forward for easier access. It comes standard with an adjustable 8mm Rescue Tech bridge and also features a row of Molle Webbing at the waist, as well as a pair of 1” gear loops at each hip for attaching steps and a platform when climbing to initially set up.

Designed for saddle-goers looking to reduce the size and weight of their platform without giving up stability and durability, the Fix sports Lone Wolf's topside platform leveling system and flat bottom design. A built-in MOLLE hook on the post lets you climb with the stand attached to your side, and LWCG's offset technology lashes the stand to the tree in a matter of seconds without any extreme sideload. The Fix's platform measures 12" x 12.5" and weighs 3.9 pounds. The platform is branded with a 300-pound weight limit.

Two years in the making, Tethrd gives saddle hunters the FAS Pack Bundle. Made in the USA, the FAS Pack is crafted from bulletproof material and customizable to fit each individual's needs — there is laser-cut MOLLE all over the pack. The pack features a 1000-cubic-inch main pocket with 600 to 800 cubic inches via the top lid and side pockets. YKK zippers are used throughout the pack, and a soft microfleece lines the interior. The FAS Pack Bundle comes with the pack, Compression Kit, 2X M MOLLE Pouches, and the Predator Pack — you choose either standard or XL.