Depending on size of tree, you're losing roughly 25% of your shooting window at a minimum. That's a pretty big deal... Also, with a saddle, generally you set up facing where you think deer will come from, meaning the tree is between you and where you plan on the deer to come from. That's more concealment which is always a plus. I'm not trying to persuade one way or another, just sounds like most people here knocking it haven't tried it. So far I haven't found a single con to saddle hunting. It's cut the weight I have to carry in by half at least. and like gcr003 said, I don't have to worry about my stand getting hung up on brush when going thru thick stuff either.