Comparing Tree suits, saddles, saks etc

[Dave Bulla]

Ok, I hunt public land and need to get back in away from the crowds so a lightweight, portable, quiet and safe setup is essential.  I'm always looking for something better in the way of a tree stand and currently I'm looking at the "stands you wear" for want of a better category name.

I've been online googling Tree Suit, Tree Saddle, Sneaky Sak and Guido's Web trying to make up my mind which to try to buy.  I think I've decided but I'd like to hear pro's and cons from those of you who have USED any of them.  Here's a run down of what I've found.

It seems that the Tree Saddle is the grandaddy of them all and it appears to be very well made.  The website describes it's specs as follows:  "The Tree Saddle™ is manufactured entirely with military-spec. materials.  It has a 5000-pound snap-on with a 2500-pound adjuster buckle.  The webbing is 9600-pound nylon spec. material."  Sounds pretty bullet proff!  The leather one weighs 6#.  I like the fairly normal full body harness type setup with leg, waist and shoulder straps.

The Tree Suit is lower priced but is also rated at a lower weight of 250 pounds which is pretty much what I weigh.  I've read it described as being lower quality but have never seen one in person.  I found it advertized on a websight along with Lone Wolf stands which I know are top quality so..... I'll give it the benefit of the doubt.  I THINK you can turn completely away from the tree with your belly to the seat which sounds nice but if so, there must not be any leg straps which is a little scary.

Guido's Web, looks to be quite comfortable but bulkier with even more going on to wear it.  Semi rigid and rigid seat and backrest parts with ample padding sound comfortable but it's getting up close to hang on tree stand weights so what's the point?

Sneaky Sak doesn't even come up when I google it.  I got hits for TG, Bowsite etc where people talked about them but couldn't find a dedicated web site.

Lastly, ya still have to get up in the tree by some method.  I'd love to get a good set of Bashlin tree gaffs and a tree saddle.  I think it would be the ultimate in light weight and versatility.

So, whaddaya think?  Who has used which?  What did you like or dislike?  Why?  Most importantly, how would you rate the comfort and quietness of the one(s) you've used?  Can you sit comfortably for 6 hours?  10 hours?  2 hours?

[Tioga]

I have the TreeSuit and I'm greatly disappointed in it. First, the strapping is very hard and noisey and sounds like you are crushing a bag of potato chips when you put it on and everytime you brush against it. When I got it, I called the guy that makes them and he told me that he uses that strapping because it's the best and strongest available. Bullcrap. He told me that I should "work" the strapping to soften it up. More bull crap. I've tried everything in the book to soften it up, including soaking it in a bucket of soapy water for 4 months. Didn't work.

  Second, when you watch the video, which USED to be included for free with the system, he shows you how to take a squeek out of the seat with silicone caulk. That stuff stinks forever. And to be sure, the squeek is there everytime you move your butt.

  Third, the addition climber that can be purchased with it is junk. It's heavy, dangerous and noisey. It's so heavy, that you might just as well pack in a climbing treestand.

  The guy that sells these things did offer to give me a full refund when I first got the TreeSuit, but I figured I'd give it a fair chance. I did, and I can't recommend it at all.

  I don't know what kind of whitetailed deer the maker of this product hunts, nor his customers with testomonials about how great the product is. But I do know the whitetails that I hunt won't put up with the kind of noise this TreeSuit makes. Therefore, it gets a thumbs down from me.

[BMOELLER]

Dave, I have a sneaky sak. You are welcome to try it.  I've used it once so far and its ok.  Its hard to get a shot to your right, but then again it maybe the way I had it rigged in the tree.  The way I look at it, its a tool like anything else and has its place.  I really dont want to sit in it again for more than 3hrs.

[Wary Buck]

I bought a Sneaky-Sak years ago.  My brother uses it for trekking in on long hikes and hunting out of trees without a stand.  (I can see where it might be great in a long hike over an elk wallow for instance).  I've done the same but don't find it very comfortable at all.  What I do with it now is strap it on at the rig, and then walk to my pre-erected stands, and use it as my body harness, so it can be used double-duty.  Comfortable in that role, extends your shooting radius by adding confidence up in the tree, and probably just marginally less safe than the new hunter restraint systems.

I have no experience with the tree saddle and I know some swear by them, but for the life of me I cannot see how it is any better than a good, LIGHT tree stand in the same place.  You still need tree steps and a place to put your feet.  Seems like an ultra-light tree stand would be better.  I have an old Windwalker stand that fits in a pack.  My .02.

[pete p]

i like the tree suit. i have had mine for several yrs. i think they have refined the design since. i have taken some pig whitetails while using it.

[ChetterB]

Hello Dave, I can provide you some input on this subject -- I have owned and used: Tree Suit ( rope style, and belt)Guidos Web, Greens Tree Saddle, and a no name unit made by Ken Lewis of Wisconsin Rapids WI 715 325 2765.Comments:
Tree suit - to close to tree, no freedom, guidos Web, to bulky no 360 shooting, Greens Tree Saddle works good good quality, hard to hook up( still have) Ken Lewis Model best of the bunch -- well made easy to use, quiet, 360 shooting, under $200, give Ken a call, Thanks Jerry

[Dave Bulla]

Brian, I might have to take a look at yours some time.  I was really suprised that I couldn't find a web site for the sneaky sak.  I remember seeing pictures in magazines but can't recall details.  I think it was almost entirely made of webbing straps?

ChetterB, thanks for the info.  Does the Ken Lewis stand have a website?  Or, could you post a couple of pictures?  Is it closer in style to the tree saddle (hammock style) or the tree suit/quido's web with padding or semi rigid seat?

[BMOELLER]

It's all webbing straps.  You can find a picture in TBM.

[Dave Bulla]

Yea Brian, I think that's where I saw the picture before.  I think it was a guy in a tiny little pine tree or something like that.

[heydeerman]

Dave,

I have used the Treesuit since the 3rd year they started making them. I started with the old rope system and now have 2 of the newer ones. In fact I prefer to hunt out of hang on stands that I can leave and I also use a Summit Viper.

The treesuit is not something I would recommend buying and hunting with the next day. It has its limitations and they are different with every hunter. I have found there to be very little limitations and they get fewer every time I use it. Try to shoot the base of the tree your hunting out of in any climber or hang on. You can do it in the treesuit. Shooting angles are more form friendly in the suit.

Its not the most comfortable thing to be in but I found it more comfortable than my old Lone Wolf stand but not nearly as comfortable as my Summit climber. It is comfortable enough to hunt in though. I spent 9.5 hours in the suit a few weeks ago on a bear hunt. Got down and felt fine. The last 3 hours were a little rough but it would have been the same in any stand.

I have had no problems with squeeks or belts making noise. I have learned to put the belt strap higher than my head then I can move half way around the tree without moving the assembly attached to the tree.

Its easy to pack in, I use screw in steps and the suit and they fit nicely in a cheap back pack I bought a Wally. I use to use LW sticks and have some Ameristep plastic steps that I cut the straps off and put them on a ratchet strap.

I recommend the Treesuit. I no longer have a vested interest since I no longer sell them so my word is based on my personal experience. I have had mine for several years and although I use it sparingly it does what they say it will do every time. No complaints here.

[LocDoc]

I have both the Treesuit and the leather version of the Tree Saddle.
I vote saddle for comfort, ease of use, and quietness. The Treesuit is not bad, but the saddle does have it beat. Spend the extra money and get the right size for your build.

Plus, the folks at Tree Saddle have some of the best customer service I have ever encountered.

[ChetterB]

Hello Dave, Sorry can not do pictures, and Ken does not have a web site. Best to call him and he can discribe it to you. I will try -- it is a padded foam plastic seat that hinges in half when folded flat you step through two loops for yor legs & a D ring which contains a climbing strap, your above hook up, and a back support strap. you climb, hook up and hunt, very simple quick, quiet, and comfortable, safe!!! please give Ken a call he can better explain it, Jerry.

[Dave Bulla]

Looks like I'm gonna get a Tree Saddle from the TG classifieds.  I'll post back later when I get a chance to try it.

[wihill]

Haven't used the others, but I use my TreeSaddle every time I head into the tall timber.

It's not perfect, but it's more than enough for me.  It sure beats tripping and dragging everything in the woods like my buddy's Summit.  Great stand, super comfortable, but very clunky.

[dnovo]

I have the tree saddle and have no experience with the other brands. I like mine a lot and it is faster and easier than setting up a stand. I use the rapid rails which I much prefer over steps and or lone wolf sticks of which I have used both extensively. The tree saddle is very comfortable and I have spent up to 5 hours in one. I would recommend knee pads for sure because your knees are resting against the tree and can get sore.

[Autumnarcher]

I had a tree suit. Hated it. For me, the problem was the straps. There are 2 straps that come down from the tree to your waist, which are the main support straps. The problem I had, was when I would draw my bow, right before I hit full draw my elbow bumped the strap. TOTALLY ruined shot concentration. I could not shoot out of it.
I tried everythingI could, and never could completely solve the problem. I sold it.

[5deer]

I love my sneaky sak. Ive used it in all sizes and shapes of trees. Ive found it to be safe and comfortable. I like heavy and dense trees,just climb  in and cut a few limbs for shooting - sit back and get ready

[BD]

1st year using the saddle and have used it about 10 times (no shots yet). The more I use it, the more iffy I am on it as it is OK in the comfort department, but not great and it seems that you have to move a lot more to get into shot position than you do with a  treestand. Probably not a problem if you're 18 feet up all the time, but I have some areas that are too thick and if I get that high I can't see or shoot very well the the areas I'm trying to cover. I'm going to keep using it for now, but again the more I use it, the more I think maybe I should just use my lone wolf again. The knee pads are definietly needed.It doesn't seem very simple to swing around the tree when the deer are in close either so I'm not sure if you really gain much in terms of shooting opportunites around the tree.

[Joe]

I've used both the Anderson Tree Sling and Greens Tree saddle. I'm 5'11" and weigh about 240 so pretty close in size to you, Dave.

Tree Sling is alot lighter and works for about 2-3 hours before you fatigue. The Tree Saddle is really well made and comfortable. I have one of the older ones and use LBE military suspenders with it to reduce the weight from my waist and help carry it while walking distances. I slip the suspenders off after tying into the tree so I can adjust as much as possible.
The tree saddle is comfortable and very well made. The company is great to deal with and would be my decision hands down.
IMO the biggest concern about using these types of harnesses is having an adjustable tie off to the tree so you can get closer or further from the tree if needed and getting a good, solid foot support system.

[joebuck]

For the money Treesaddle vs Guidos web.....Guido's Web hands down. Major difference is in the TReeSaddle, the trunk of tree is in your face and crotch all the time. That got old for me quick. Guidos Web has a alluminum bar that keeps you 6" off the tree truck. If you slip on a tree step in the TreeSaddle, your face goes crashing into the tree.. Guidos the bar brakes the fall. Guidos Web is also hand made by one person. Top to finish..it is made of the highest quality straps and buckles plus you can call the owner of the company anytime for advise....Guidos also has a rigid seat which is so comfortable... Guido's hookup to the tree is twice as fast as TreeSaddle and you DON"T have to use 2 different belts like you do on the TreeSaddle......I own Guidos, TreeSaddle and Tree Suit.. I have killed deer out of all three.. I have exclusively used only Guidos web the last 3 years.