Should I Buy a Saddle Hunting Kit?

The number of saddle and saddle accessory companies that exist today is far more than just five years ago when I started. Most saddle companies offer saddle kits that will get you started, but is it better to just buy this kit, or should you do a little more research and pick accessories that better equate to your hunting style?

What’s a Saddle “Kit”

Well, the basics to a saddle setup are your saddle, your lineman's rope, your tether, and your platform. Lets take a look at Tethrd’s saddle “kits”

Tethrd’s newest saddle is the Carnivore 2 Panel Saddle, which sells for $329.99. This is on the higher end for what saddles are going for nowadays, but Tethrd always has and always will produce a very high-quality saddle and their customer service and the community in general is fantastic, so I wouldn’t shy away from that price.

Now, they also offer a starter kit, which includes the Carnivore 2 Panel Saddle (Reg or XL), Lineman Belt (11mm or 8mm), Tree Tether (11mm or 8mm), Modular Saddle Pockets, Modular Saddle Yoke. This will run you about $620.95, which is a very significant investment. Especially if you are just getting into saddle hunting.

Tethrd offers one more “kit” which is their all inclusive “complete starter kit” which includes the Carnivore 2 Panel Saddle (Reg or XL), Lineman Belt (11mm), Tree Tether (11mm), CFX Platform (Reg or XL), One Sticks (4pk), and Modular Saddle Pockets (2) for around $1,370. All you need is something to shoot the deer with and a place to shoot the deer. If it's your place and you don’t have a lot of ticks, you might even do it in your birthday suit (definitely don’t recommend it).

Is a Saddle Kit Worth It?

Now, with everything I know today and with all of the different saddle and saddle accessories out there, would I still buy one?

Here’s what I would say. If you can get the saddle, your linemen’s belt, and tether in the same bundle, do it. As a beginner saddle hunter, these are the pieces of equipment that are your lifeline and skimping or being unfamiliar with safe alternatives is a dangerous place to be. Whether it’s Tethrd, or Trophyline or Arsenal, or any of the other well known companies, they all use the top-quality materials and they will last a long time.

What About a “Complete Kit”?

If you don’t have unlimited funds and are unsure if you’ll even like saddle hunting, which is exactly the position I was in when I was getting ready to go to college in 2021, then there are some areas where you could spend less money and still be safe, when entering the saddle world.

I bought the hawk helium 20” climbing sticks, which you can find for around $100-130. I went ahead and bought a daisy chain strap for them instead of the ratchet after doing some research, but I have used them the past four years, and yes while they can be a little clunky and uncomfortable, they did fine by me and I’ve killed plenty of deer.

The same goes with the platform. I bought the original Predator platform from Tethrd and still have it to this day. I don’t mind it weighing a little more, and having a bigger footprint. Honestly it feels a little better that way. If you’re a bigger guy, you might want to research the biggest platform on the market because that is something that would definitely make a difference.

My Final Thoughts on Saddle Hunting Kits

They absolutely have a place, especially among beginner saddle hunters. Getting your basic setup from one company can give you a piece of mind and probably save you a few bucks also. When it comes to building out the rest of your saddle setup, there is no substitute from research. Watch videos, read articles, and ask folks what works best for them, and why. While you shouldn’t take shortcuts on the saddle or the actual things holding you to the tree like your lineman's belt and tether, there are some budget accessories that can help you get in the woods and feel comfortable while doing something that for the first dozen or so times, will feel rather uncomfortable.