The Best Tree Saddles

Most of the MeatEater crew landed on the Tethrd Phantom Elite as their go-to tree saddle, which earned it the best overall. Its modularity and adjustability are the reasons Tony Peterson and Mark Kenyon rely on the Phantom Elite for quick hang-and-hunts or all-day rut sits.

"I've used quite a few saddles over the years," Peterson said. "But my favorite is the Tethrd Phantom Elite. There is a lot to like about this saddle, and it's the most comfortable option I've ever used. I can't do all-day sits in some saddles, but this one is adjustable enough that it allows you to address pressure points and relieve them."

The Phantom Elite will run you $399-$429, depending on your size, but it offers plenty of modularity at a decent price. Whether you’re a minimalist or maximalist saddle hunter, the Phantom Elite allows you to tailor it to your needs.

"You can trick this saddle out with the SYS Haulers, or leave it minimal for a truly streamlined option, which is what I usually do," Peterson said. "Either way, it's just a killer option for a quick-strike three-hour hunt or your primary setup for a week of dark-to-dark rut sits."

Specifications

• Weight:3.2 lbs.
• Panels:1
• Pros:Minimal hip pinch, Super comfortable, Plenty of adjustability with pleated seat, Excellent Value, Tons of Molle loops
• Cons:Price, Doesn't include lineman rope or tree tether
• Price:$399-$429

For hunters who have never used a tree saddle, their first question typically involves comfort. While most tree saddles are comfortable, some are more so than others.

The Element's K.C. Smith spends more time in the saddle in a two-week span than most folks will in an entire season. So, he knows a comfortable saddle, like the CRÜZR XC, when he sees one.

"I've hunted in plenty of saddles, but I keep returning to the CRÜZR XC," he said. "It's the most comfortable saddle I've hunted in, and the pleated design fits you like an actual seat, rather than a band around your rear end. I think is one of the reasons It has minimal hip pinch."

I agree with K.C. I spent most of last year hunting from the CRÜZR XC, and it's one of the most comfortable tree saddles I've used. The XC (which stands for expansion chamber) allows you to adjust the seat, so you don't feel like it's hugging you too tightly or creating that hip pinch some saddles give on long sits. There's also two generous rows of Molle loops, which make it easy to clip on gear while climbing a tree. Though comfortable, the pleated design makes the seat sag whenever you're walking, especially on longer treks. But, for less than $300, the CRÜZR XC is the most comfortable tree saddle for hunting.

Specifications

• Weight:1.8 lbs.
• Panels:1 (Expandable)
• Pros:Lightweight, Quiet, Comfortable, Plenty of modularity, Made In USA
• Cons:Sags on long walks
• Price:$399-$429

Two-panel tree saddles provide a ton of adjustability, which makes all-day rut fests more tolerable. They allow you to switch up your position in the tree, eliminating any potential pressure points you might experience in a single-panel saddle. MeatEater’s Janis Putelis spends the early part of his Novembers in Wisconsin in a tree saddle. When it comes to all-day sits during the rut, he prefers the two-panel Timber Ninja Blackbelt Ultimate saddle.

"Timber Ninja's two-panel design allows for adjustability far beyond any single panel I've used," Putelis said. "The upper panel can ride anywhere from your upper glutes to the small of your back, while the lower panel can live from your glutes to your upper hamstring. If any particular position becomes uncomfortable, adjust the panels, and you're good for another couple hours."

Other than small pockets, Putelis had few gripes about this saddle. He also highlighted the magnetic stick holders as one of his favorite features because they "eliminate the need for after-market accessory bungees or holders."

The Blackbelt Ultimate is one of the pricier saddles at $409, which doesn’t include any ropes or pouches. But if all-day comfort in the tree sits near the top of your priority list, you should see this as a worthwhile investment.

Specifications

• Weight:1.6 lbs.
• Panels:2
• Pros:Comfortable for all-day sits, Adjustable panels allow you to fine-tune your setup, Lightweight
• Cons:Pricey, Optional pockets run small
• Price:$409

Saddle hunting requires a ton of upfront costs. By the time you buy a saddle, necessary ropes, climbing sticks, and a platform, you’ll spend $1000. This doesn’t even include pouches for your ropes, climbing ascenders, Stealth stripping, and other items that can streamline saddle hunting. While you certainly don’t want to cut any corners when it comes to safety, you also have to work with your budget, and that might not include a $400 tree saddle. Luckily, saddles like the Latitude Outdoors Maverick offer affordable and durable options for hunters on a budget.

There’s nothing flashy about the Maverick tree saddle. Its minimalist design is built for quick hang-and-hunts, rather than all-day sits. There’s not a ton of adjustability when it comes to the seat, but it’s comfortable enough. The folding bottom panel also allows you to flip it up during transportation or adjust the seat while you’re in the tree. I’m not a fan of the rope-style belt, as it tends to move more than buckle-style belts, though its security isn’t an issue.

For new saddle hunters or those on a budget, Latitude Outdoors’ Maverick tree saddle offers a ton of value for just under $200. If you’re testing out the waters, the Maverick might be your gateway drug to saddle hunting.

Specifications

• Weight:1.25 lbs.
• Panels:1
• Pros:Excellent Price, Lightest saddle in review, Seat folds up for adjustability
• Cons:Lack of Molle loops, Rope-style belt
• Price:$199

Like the Timber Ninja Blackbelt Ultimate, the Latitude Outdoors Method 2 offers a ton of adjustability. One of the cool things about the Method 2 is the magnetic connection between the two panels. This convenient feature allows you to adjust the panels with one hand, and you don’t have to worry about fidgeting with straps, though you can leave them connected with the removable clips.

I find most tree saddles are comfortable enough, but the Method 2’s adjustability should appeal to hunters who are concerned with hip pinch or comfort in general. I’d like to see another row of Molle loops on the top of the bottom panel, just because it feels like a natural point of placement for a platform or climbing stick attachment. I’d rather have a buckle, but the rope-style belt is metal-free and has plenty of adjustability.

Unlike Latitude’s Maverick, the Method 2’s price isn’t a steal but fair. You can get just the saddle for $299 or the kit, which includes ropes and a dump pouch, for $429. If you prefer two-panel saddles, the Method 2 warrants serious consideration.

Specifications

• Weight:1.9 lbs.
• Panels:2
• Pros:Magnetic panel attachments highly adjustable, Comfortable, Lightweight, Accessible price
• Cons:Rope style belt
• Price:$299

Saddles rarely include additional accessories, especially necessary ones required to hunt. If they do, they don’t come cheap. Tethrd’s Workhorse saddle (under their Grit moniker), includes a tree tether, lineman rope, integrated pockets, and a back recliner for $299. If you’re unfamiliar with the going rate of saddle equipment, that’s a heck of a deal. You’ll easily spend $100 just on ropes. Additional pockets or dump pouches can run anywhere north of $40 apiece. The sub-$300 price tag makes the Workhorse saddle a steal.

Perhaps the best thing about the Workhorse is the saddle-bag-sized pockets. Not only do you have plenty of room to store your lineman belt and tree tether, but you can stash plenty of other gear, like a HYS strap, gloves, bow hanger, etc., as well.

There’s a lack of adjustability when it comes to the seat, but the Regular and XL sizes should accommodate most hunters. If I didn’t already have a few saddles, this one would be on the top of my list. The Workhorse’s overall value leaves little room for criticism. I will say the material, though quiet, isn’t as breathable as most options that use mesh seats. And if you’re burning some miles in the early season, things could get a bit swampy.

You also won’t find any of Tethrd’s premium features on this saddle, like an abundance of Molle loops or the comfort channels, and it’s only available in Mossy Oak Bottomland or Realtree APX. However, if you’re a new saddle hunter or on a budget, the Workhorse should catch your attention.

Specifications

• Weight:
• Panels:1
• Pros:Includes tether, lineman rope, recliner, Generous storage space, Awesome value
• Cons:Limited camo options, Heavy
• Price:$299