New to the forums here, so hope you don't mind a newbie weighing in! I'm in my first full season as a saddle hunter. I started late last deer season with some DIY configurations that were ok at best, so I bought the Tethrd Phantom during the offseason. I've used it almost exclusively this year, outside of a couple of lock on sits. I'm still tweaking my gear and process, but I am all in. All I can speak from is my experience, but I the first thing I can tell you is that I was not very efficient at the beginning and began to question if it was worth it. My guess is a lot of folks do that and likely never fight through it to get to the good part. I made noise and I'm sure looked like an idiot hanging from the tree, trying to get sticks hung, platform set etc. If you're a mobile hunter like me, you've probably been hunting out of climbers forever, so you have that process down. You've climbed hundreds of trees the same way, every time and it's just familiar to you. All that said, to say there will be a learning curve, but if you're willing to learn and keep at it, you'll probably find it's a really awesome way to hunt. I've made some pretty quick progress this year, and no longer debate over climber or saddle. Personally I'm not super sensitive to weight, so my set up is 4 x 20" Helium sticks, each with cable aiders attached. I have a DIY platform at the moment, but plan to get one of the larger production platforms for next year. Again, not really worried about weight, and I believe the extra foot room will give you more mobility around the tree when the shot calls for it. With that set up, I can get to 22 feet or so (I'm only 5'9" with boots on!) and I can do it relatively quickly. I've got a Tethrd HYS strap for my gear once I get in the tree, not unlike what some of the pictures here have shown. With that thing, I can be set up and ready to go super fast. I've been impressed with the comfort too. I've had some pretty long sits this year, and can't complain about being uncomfortable. I do recommend one of the back/recliner straps if you do plan on long sits...game changer.

I'll quit rambling, but to try and summarize, I'm totally digging it. Again, weight aside, the packability is unquestionable...much easier to navigate through the woods with than a climber. The flexibility and options you have with the trees you can climb, is undeniably better than with a climber. The range of motion allows so many more shot opportunities than a standard harness and stand. It's safer because if you're doing it right, you're pretty much tied off the entire time, up and down. Like I said, it's my preferred method now on both public and private land. If you're a mobile hunter and are willing to put in the time to learn your process, you'll probably come away with the same thoughts. Tons of good info online that has helped me as well. I've leaned on saddlehunter.com a lot and still find hacks that I can apply to get better and better. Feel free to message me if you have any specific questions.

Rick
www.southerngameandtackle.com