5 Useful Pieces of Gear for Every Saddle Hunter

Now, with a few years of saddle hunting experience behind me, I am becoming more comfortable and focused. It may sound strange to some, but I believe one of the most important things I’ve learned is what indispensable gear I need in the saddle when deer hunting.

In my first year of hunting from a saddle, I went on multiple hunts that quickly taught me what gear I needed to bring for the next one, what would improve the experience, and what I should leave at home. The first hunt was a long, hot afternoon on public land during the early part of the season. On that hunt, I learned that I needed to lighten my pack for easier transport and consider more important aspects, such as hydration.

A few weeks later, while hunting early October on a special draw hunt in southern Missouri, I sat four hours one afternoon, in what sometimes was a drizzling rain, and other times, a flat-out downpour. During that hunt, I realized I needed more waterproof gear after I had to consider getting down from the tree, as well as staying seated in the rain and continuing to hunt. I’ll discuss more details as we examine the five must-have items every saddle hunter should carry to ensure comfort, stealth, and all-day performance.

Long sits, early mornings, and warm-weather hunts all demand one crucial thing: proper hydration. That’s why an insulated water bottle is a simple yet essential piece of gear for every saddle hunter. Unlike noisy plastic or disposable bottles that crinkle at the worst possible times, an insulated metal bottle stays quiet, tough, and keeps drinks hot or cold for hours.

I learned this the hard way during an early-season public land hunt. It was the second week of the season in late September, and two good friends and I had split up to hunt different spots near a well-known river. I was in my saddle and settled by 1:45 p.m., and my first thought was, “Holy cow, it’s hot!”

Between the hike in, climbing sticks, platform setup, and getting my saddle situated, I was drenched and needed about thirty minutes just to cool down. I reached into my pack and took a few sips from a small, mediocre water bottle. By 3:00 p.m., right as I expected deer movement to pick up, I realized I had made a mistake: I was already out of water. And with several hours left before dark, plus a full teardown and pack-out still ahead, I knew I was in for a long evening.

Thankfully, when we regrouped at the truck, one of my buddies had a spare bottle of water in his cooler. That experience taught me a valuable lesson. Ever since, I’ve always carried a solid water supply and made sure it’s packed in something that can keep it cold for the long haul.

Carrying and hunting with a 32-ounce insulated bottle keeps you focused on the hunt, not your thirst. Whether you’re deep in the woods or sitting above a bedding area, staying hydrated is necessary for mental sharpness and physical comfort, especially during the warmer early season or when carrying gear over long distances.

When you’re suspended in a tree, movement and noise matter. An accessory belt that attaches around the tree is convenient, organized, and doesn’t damage trees like a screw in hook can sometimes do. When deer hunting, specifically with a bow, I like to have my rangefinder, grunt tube, wind checker, binoculars, and other gear with me at all times.

Before hunting with a saddle, I was accustomed to carrying a large backpack and packing all my gear inside. One of the lessons I learned when I began using a saddle was that reaching into a bag every time I needed something created movement and made me feel like I was hanging uncomfortably. Once I began using an accessory belt around the tree, I felt more organized and safer in my saddle. When comfortable, I feel more focused on the hunt.

Look for a loop-style belt that allows you to hang a bow holder and other gear-specific hangers in the exact spot on the tree where needed, and it fits most tree sizes. In saddle hunting, the goal is to move less and reach quickly, and an accessory belt is a great tool to organize your gear and avoid unnecessary digging into your backpack mid-hunt.

A good accessory belt prevents you from digging through your backpack too often, but that doesn’t mean a pack isn’t an essential part of a saddle hunter’s gear. In fact, it might be one of the most important items on the list. Your backpack is more than just a bag; it’s your base of operations in the woods while hunting, and on the hike to and from your vehicle and stand. A good saddle hunting backpack needs to be compact yet roomy enough to hold climbing sticks, camera gear, extra layers, snacks, and your saddle system.

Choose a pack with multiple compartments and external gear straps to secure sticks and your platform. With the platform pouch attached, I can fit my sticks, platform, and everything else I need, all while keeping the pack lightweight and streamlined. Proper weight distribution and quiet fabrics are important for stealthy entry and exit. However, the ideal saddle hunting pack should easily carry all your gear to and from the tree and then serve as your portable file cabinet when hanging within reach during the hunt.

All your favorite gear and accessories are useless if you can’t access your bow easily. You’ve put effort into finding the perfect tree, so the last thing you want is to fumble for your bow when a buck appears. A sturdy bow holder that attaches quickly to your saddle bridge, tether, or tree keeps your bow within reach and ready to use.

Whether you prefer a gear hanger on the tree or a bridge hook system, your bow should be secure, quiet, and instantly accessible. Bow holders not only add comfort during long sits but also reduce fatigue, helping you stay still and increasing your odds of success. I quickly learned the importance of using a bow holder after my bow got tangled in my tether rope and other parts of my saddle setup. It’s key to find a reliable hanger and practice using it in your backyard to get comfortable with your setup.

Every saddle hunter knows that most of the action happens during low light, either getting in before first light or sneaking out after dark. A powerful headlamp is a non-negotiable item in your kit. Look for a model with red and white light modes to protect your night vision while still providing ample illumination.

At the beginning of this article, I mentioned I’d share more about some of the mistakes I’ve made, and here’s one of the big ones. During one of my first morning sits in a saddle, I started climbing down around midday, removing my climbing sticks as I descended. When I stepped onto the third section from the bottom, the stick suddenly slipped, and I dropped seven or eight inches down the tree. I was stunned. What just happened? Turns out, earlier that morning, while setting up in near total darkness, I had unknowingly run the strap over a small limb. This kept the stick from tightening securely to the tree. Because I couldn’t see clearly, I made an error that could’ve ended in disaster.

Hands-free operation is necessary when you’re climbing, adjusting gear, attaching sticks properly, or even blood-trailing after a successful hunt. A battery-operated or rechargeable headlamp with adjustable brightness and long battery life can help prevent headaches and even save your life.

Saddle hunting is all about staying mobile, quiet, and efficient. While minimalism appeals to many, having the right essentials can be the difference between frustration and success. With an insulated water bottle, accessory belt, reliable backpack, bow holder, and powerful headlamp, you’ll be better prepared for long sits, rough terrain, and that exciting moment when a buck steps into view.