Screen shot this comment so you have the checklist when you are setting up in your tree: 1) Setup Platform with slight downward angle 2) Adjust tether height between chin to eye level - If feeling too much weight on butt, Lower tether. If too much weight on feet, raise tether. 3) Adjust bridge length to 2/3 to 3/4 of total length - Lengthen if you are feeling pressure on hips 4) Set bridge to connect right in the middle of bridge loops to start - Slide up to feel more weight in top of saddle, lower to feel weight in bottom of saddle. Adjust until perfectly distributed. 5) Loosen belt slightly once set 6) Knee pads - Link in bio 7) Backband OR 2 panel saddle

Side note, I was cooking burgers while watching this and got distracted. Got some hockey pucks on the grill.

Started hunting 2 seasons ago using a normal hanger stand. You got me into saddle hunting and got a method 2 from latitude as well. Excited to use it for the first time this coming up season.

I’ve only tried a saddle once but I could absolutely see the benefits.

Great video! Thank you for sharing this and helping out the community 😊

Have completed 4 seasons saddle hunting. No plans to go back to a stand. But I can't imagine they'll advance as much the next few years as they have the last few. First few of my seasons were with the Tethrd Mantis but upgraded to Cruzr Archon. My opinion the 2 panel sadddles are more comfortable in general. Never have had the opportunity to try any of the Latitude saddles. I use the Latitude SS sticks. I've tried all sort of sticks/steps and I think those Latitude sticks are a great bang for the buck. I've ran the Tethrd Predator platform all along and no plans to change that. Starting out I was always burning up by the time I was ready to hunt. A bulky pack on your back and heavy sticks were main reasons. I found the ease of ascending with a good set of sticks without buckles is key to being quick & quiet. I also found the Alpz Willow Creek pack to be a nice addition. I wear my saddle in and with the small pack I can take everything I need to the woods with me now that my gear is so light weight. That pack doesn't cover near as much of my back so I stay cooler. Never could have done that with the heavier climbing methods I had in the past.

Ive been saddle hunting for 5 years and still running a hawk saddle. I want to upgradeto a double panel saddle but not sure which one and they are pricey. Good video, goodluck this season hope you get some kills on cam this season brother Id love to see the contenst. If you could touch on FOC and if its worth the extra weight that would be cool!

Good information! Thank you!!

I started saddle hunting at the end of last season. Used it on 2 gun hunts. This will be my first archery season in my saddle. I went with the Buzzard Roost Saddle, Latitude sticks and Trophyline platform. Very happy with all three.

Great stuff. I have saddle hunted for the past 4 yrs with the Tethrd Mantis. I took advantage of their $100 buy back and will run their Ultralock SD this year.

Thanks for the information.

Have a custom made soft saddle two panel similar Eberhart signature, but made a rigid saddle, very comfortable

I’ve been saddle hunting over 30 years and your video is very informative. Yes a back band is crucial for really being comfortable. I also use a podium foot platform for a seat, so I’m actually sitting more than leaning by far. You also make a lot less movement. With a seat and a back band you can take a nap very easily on all day hunts safely. The podium platform folds up easily and quietly when I’m leaning. Don’t know why nobody else has thought of using a seat when saddle hunting. I also have 28 ladder stands on 5 farms and saddle hunt out of all of them. Most of them I use the seat as my foot platform therefore getting higher up than just sitting in the stand and having the mobility of the saddle. By the way when sitting on the podium I’m straddling the tree. A lot of the foot platforms would work just as well. Just some of my advice from 30 plus years.🏹🏹🦌🦃

I run the latitude outdoors classic and absolutely love it. The only issues I’ve had comfort wise were on the super long sits but for 3-6 hours, it’s a lazy boy.

I'm new to saddle hunting. I purchased a Method 2 back in Feb at Harrisburg Outdoor Show. Thanks for your videos. They are very informative and helpful as I practice this summer.

Solid! Dig these tips

You forgot about sitting sideways with should against tree. I like it better than facing tree with knees on tree. All else perfect. Good job. New subscriber. Dryad Dray 2 ❤

Another great and informative video!! I can’t wait to take my first deer out of my new saddle!

This is good information for beginners. For those just starting, give it time. It takes a while to fine tune your setup and get comfortable. Once you do youre set! I run an original Anderson Treesling that i have heavily modified. I still use a stand on RARE occasions but, I'd never give up my saddle.

Great tips! I just found your channel and can't wait to watch more! Good luck with everything my new friend!

I lugged a 35lb climber around (not including bow & bag) for my first two years. This past year was my first season in a Custom Gear Modifications Sidewinder saddle and XOP for everything else. No complaints here!

Last year was my first season hunting from a saddle. I chose the tethrd phantom and to one stick. I was determined to stick with the one stick method no matter what. Even though I saw a lot of people didn’t like it. I practiced all summer. However all the practice doesn’t equal what you learn the first couple of sits. I researched a ton of tips for comfort and I eventually figure what I liked. All these tips from nextstepoutdoors are spot on to get you to that point.

I was there Wed & Thurs evenings.

Last year I as my first year saddle hunting, it’s unbelievable how much harder it is than it looks, I love it, but damn it’s not easy to get setup in the tree, especially when you get a bunch of clothes on in the winter!!

Don’t own one, looking to get one. New at the bow and hunting thing learning everything so thanks.🙏🏽

I just bought a buzzard roost saddle this winter. Will be my first year trying it!

This is great. Last season was my first in the saddle. Took a while to really find what was comfortable. A lot of trial and error.

I’ve ran an old climber that weighs probably 35lbs for years. I decided at 38yo I was ready for something lighter to get into the mobile hunting deal. I borrowed a tethrd phantom back in march and tried it out along with a one stick setup. The one stick/repel combo is pretty convenient I just couldn’t get comfortable and my hips were sore from it after trying it out for a weekend. I ended up ordering a hang on stand from xop. Idk if it was that particular saddle or all of them feel about the same.

I use a CGM Cobra. It’s an expandable single panel that when stored on the walk in is only about 6in wide. Feels like a belt but can be a bit of futzing around to get it to stow correctly and actually think the Method 2 is quicker easier option. I think once in the tree the CGM is comfy as hell. Like all saddles you just have to play around with it preseason to figure out best settings. I don’t use knee pads I wear Kuiu guide pro pants with knee pads built in. They aren’t much but take the bite off the bark of the tree. I sit 90% of time in saddle and instead of big cumbersome knee pads I use my waist band for my pack as my knee pad. Took a minute to figure this out but I hang bag from my Ultimaider gear strap which I find to be a must. I get the bag hanging just right so my waist band is in proper level and it works like a charm and my pack is I perfect spot to give access to it. Back band is a must in my opinion too. I’m goin to be changing though I believe to a hybrid setup since I’ve switched to a traditional bow and shooting from saddle for me with trad bow isn’t comfortable at this point. Need my base to be my feet not my waist like it is saddle hunting. This was biggest change for me goin to a saddle but with a little practice with compound I got it but haven’t had same luck with the trad bow. Slight adjustment but same principles for comfort using hybrid setup as a saddle though and actually feels like more options.

Got the Trophyline covert pro. 2.0. Started at the end of last season. Been practicing all off season. Looking forward to archery season

Yes on knee pads

Would you be able to make a quick short or try to explain what you're using to bundle and secure your bridge prior to use?

I’m using the custom gear modification cobra saddle this will be my second year 😊

I’ve been hybrid hunting with a latitude saddle and a .5. Switching entirely to the saddle this year though just to simplify things.

Great video! Got my method 2 for Christmas and I’m beyond excited to get out and hunt in it at the end of August! What pack would you recommend? That’s the last thing I need before the season gets here. I’ve got the full size seeker platform, latitude SS sticks. Need a pack that’ll haul that stuff plus my cold weather gear for later in the season (firstlite solitude bibs and jacket) I don’t really care to get a huge frame pack as I don’t plan on packing a deer out. Thanks for the video and any advice you have on a pack! Good luck this season!

Well to be honest saddle hunting pretty much sucks I tried the method 2 and the apex canyon and After 3 or 4 hours I've had enough of hanging strongly perfer a climber or hang on