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Saddle hunting has boomed in popularity, as whitetail hunters embrace a minimalist mindset to save weight and bulk compared to traditional treestand options. Manufacturers and brands are in an arms race as they aim to offer lightweight and modular solutions to meet the demands of the modern mobile hunter. This bodes well for anyone hoping to upgrade their saddle kit, but the seemingly endless options can be intimidating to navigate. I tested nine of the best tree saddles on the market to narrow your search.
The Best Tree Saddles at a Glance
How I Tested the Best Tree Saddles
I’ve been hunting exclusively from a tree saddle since 2018, when I was lucky enough to kill a beautiful 8-point buck on opening day of Wisconsin’s archery season — I haven’t looked back since. I was immediately fond of a saddle’s lighter weight and smaller footprint compared to my old hang-and-hunt setup.
I’ve used saddles everywhere, from cottonwood-choked river bottoms in western whitetail country to the classic hardwoods of the midwest. I’ve tinkered with my setups over the years, adding DIY solutions for hauling sticks, platforms, and attaching extra gear.
I say all that because I used my experience hunting and experimenting with saddles to create my test methodology.
I evaluated saddles based on the features that are most important to me when buying one. This includes comfort, features, weight, and price. All saddles were completely kitted with dump pouches, ropes, and carabiners necessary to climb a tree. I spent at least one hour at hunting height, taking notes regarding comfort, hip pinch, how the bridge moved through loops as I pivoted my hips, and how the features advertised by the manufacturer translated to real-world use.
Comfort
I climbed 17 feet into a 15-inch diameter white oak using four climbing sticks with each tree saddle. Once at hunting height, I “hung out” (bad pun, I know) for one hour. I spent at least 30 minutes leaning and 30 minutes sitting with my knees bent and resting against the tree. I graded each saddle on a score of 1 to 5, with 5 being the most comfortable.
Features
It’s tricky to decipher marketing slang and understand how special features translate into the bowhunting world. I kept a list of all special features brands listed on each respective product and noted the functionality.
Weight
While all saddles are lighter than any of the best hang-on treestands on the market, it’s important to be mindful of the additional accessories, like platforms, extra ropes, and carabiners, that are required to saddle hunt. This can quickly add up and lead to a saddle kit that weighs as much (or more than) a lightweight treestand. With that in mind, I noted any saddle as “heavy” if it weighed more than 2 pounds without additional accessories and noted it in the cons section. Saddles were weighed with a digital scale that accurately measured to the nearest hundredth ounce.
Price
Saddles are offered at a wide range of prices. Of the models featured in this test, the most expensive was $430, and the most affordable was $150, yielding a mid-price of $309. It’s important to consider what’s included with your purchase to fully understand the value of each product. In this test, anything more expensive than $309 was listed as “expensive” and noted in the cons section.
The Best Tree Saddles: Reviews and Recommendations
Best Overall: Timber Ninja Black Belt Ultimate
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Pros
- Most comfortable saddle in the test
- Magnetic waist buckle is easy to operate
- Magnetic stick haulers quickly and easily attach sticks to saddle while climbing
- Magnetic platform hauler eliminates a DIY alternative
Key Features
-
Two-panel -
Weight:
1 pound 15 ounces -
MOLLE Webbing:
Two rows, one on each panel -
Waist Belt:
Webbing with magnetic buckle -
Leg Straps:
Webbing strap with G-hook -
Bridge Type:
AmSteel with rubberized bridge loops -
Special Features:
Magnetic platform holder, built-in Mud Flap stick carrier panel, and two magnetic stick haulers -
Comfort Score:
5 -
Price:
$350
The Timber Ninja Black Belt Ultimate sets itself apart from an already impressive lineup of saddles featured in the test because of its comfort and features.
As soon as I reached hunting height and leaned into the saddle, I was impressed by its comfort. I didn’t feel any hip pinch during the test, which solidified the Ultimate as the most comfortable tree saddle in the field while still producing a modest, sub-2-pound weight rating.
I liked the magnetic components used throughout the saddle, which included a waist buckle and stick and platform haulers. Not only is the waist belt magnetic, the center buckle can be set offset to one side, which eliminates stacking buckles on top of each other. The built-in Mud Flap can carry up to four lightweight climbing sticks, which I especially appreciate for quick, early-season hunts when I don’t want to lug a backpack. The rubberized coating on the bridge and lineman loops allow you to cinch down the ropes for a fine-tuned, non-slip fit.
While pricey, Timber Ninja also offers a full lineup of premium accessory bags. The Ultimate integrates with streamlined saddle bags (right and left specific) and can even accept an additional lumbar pouch. All Timber Ninja pouches are water resistant and feature a high-visibility orange interior to help find small objects in low-light scenarios.
These are high-quality accessories, but I wish they had a bit more room, dual zippers (so you can pull from both directions), and a tab to hold your pouch in place while zipping the pocket closed.
Timber Ninja moved manufacturing overseas in early 2025. The change in direction came after being hit by Hurricane Helene in 2024 while dealing with challenges of material sourcing, rising labor costs, and supply chain disruptions. For the customer, this means you can expect lower prices on Timber Ninja products ($409.99 to $349.99 on the Black Belt Ultimate) while the brand retains the same or even improved quality in other areas.
Best Value: Tethrd Grit Workhorse Saddle Kit
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Pros
- Best value in the lineup
- Includes tether, lineman rope, and back support recliner
- Quiet fabric offered in Mossy Oak Bottomland or Realtree APX
Cons
- Bridge can slip in loops
- Heavy
Key Features
-
Single panel -
Weight:
2 pounds 5 ounces -
Saddle bags integrated into the saddle -
Waist Belt:
Webbing with quick connect buckle -
Leg Straps:
Webbing with quick connect buckle -
Bridge Type:
Adjustable AmSteel -
Special Features:
Includes tether, lineman rope, and back support recliner in the box, integrated zippered pockets built into the waist belt, and adjustable AmSteel bridge -
Comfort:
4.5 -
Price:
$330
The Grit Workhorse by Tethrd is by far the best value in saddle hunting. In addition to a highly capable saddle, you’ll also find an 11mm lineman rope, 11mm tether, and recliner backband included in the box — a $140 value that most manufacturers require you to purchase separately. While the value is incredible, don’t be fooled, the Grit Workhorse isn’t just a beginner’s tree saddle. While it’s certainly an ideal option for anyone new to saddle hunting, it’s also highly capable for a seasoned vet.
The integrated zippered pockets are built into the waist belt and provide plenty of storage volume while maintaining a sleek profile that’s easily operated by one hand. The pockets provide plenty of room for the included 11mm rope and tether, recliner, and additional accessories like neck gaiter, headlamp, or whatever small items you can think of. Even when fully loaded, the pockets fit snug against your hips to eliminate unwanted bulk.
The material is incredibly soft and quiet, and resists abrasions. While the Grit Workhorse weighs over 2 pounds, it’s important to understand that weight includes the pockets. For context, the Timber Ninja Black Belt Ultimate weighs 2 pounds 7 ounces with a lumbar pocket and two side pockets.
Read Next: The Best Hunting Arrows
Best Two-Panel: Latitude Method 3
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Pros
- Magnetic panel management system is easy to use and secures panels in place
- Comfortable
- Metal-free design makes it incredibly quiet
- Affordable
Cons
- Heaviest saddle in the test
- Material can get warm if worn during transport, especially during early seasons
Key Features
-
Weight: 2 pounds 7 ounces -
MOLLE webbing: 1 row on waist belt (top panel) -
Waist belt: prusik knot -
Leg straps: removable webbing strap with G-hook -
Bridge type: Latitude’s proprietary rope-style “Butter Bridge” -
Special features: metal-free construction, magnetic Quick-Connect System attaches panels while on the move -
Comfort: 5 -
Price: $299.99
The Method 3 is Latitude’s latest addition to their saddle lineup. Similar to the Method 2, the Method 3 uses thoughtfully placed magnets to create a saddle that functions as a single- or two-panel, depending on your preference. Unlike the Method 2 that used several small magnets that needed to be aligned for optimal functionality, the Method 3 has a continuous strip built into the panels to eliminate the hassle of aligning magnets. The panels effortlessly pop in and out of place, and I was especially impressed by how they stay together while walking. I never experienced the panels coming apart in transport.
The Method 3 uses a drawstring system to tailor the saddle’s fit when being used as a two-panel. Simply deploy the bottom panel and use the drawstring stoppers to dial in the fitment. The slack material in the drawstring stoppers also function as an ultralight, built-in stick hauler to loop over climbing sticks.
If you’re looking for comfort, the Method 3 delivers. Integrated water-resistant padding on both panels is a plush feature that makes it superior to all saddles in the test for all-day comfort. As is usually the case, comfort comes at a slight weight penalty. At 2 pounds 7 ounces, it’s heavy. My Method 3 weighed in at 4 pounds 1 ounce once fully set up with dump pouches and ropes.
I added Latitude’s brand-new Operator Pouch to my Method 3, which I think is the best accessory on the market. The Operator Pouch is easy to operate with one hand and maintains its structure when empty, which makes it easy to stow gear away in low light. A fleece liner makes for silent operation, and quick-detach design uses buckles to remove it from your saddle to maintain a sleek profile while hunting.
At $299, the Method 3 is the best value in the test. I was impressed by the value of the Method 2 one year ago (which also retailed for $299). Given the upgraded features, functionality, and materials in the Method 3, I’m pleasantly surprised Latitude didn’t raise prices despite packing even more value into a top-notch product.
Best Single-Panel: Trophyline Venatic
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Pros
- Waist belt doesn’t slip once set due to the rubberized interior
- Breathable ripstop nylon material
- Rubberized MOLLE attachment points
- Waist belt sleeve keeps your buckle centered
- Comfortable
- Made in USA
Cons
- Wish the bridge didn’t need a carabiner to attach
- Bridge isn’t made of AmSteel
Key Features
-
Single panel -
Weight:
1 pound 10 ounces -
MOLLE webbing:
Two rows, on constructed of traditional MOLLE plus an additional rigid rubber design -
Waist Belt:
Webbing with Raptor buckle -
Leg Straps:
Webbing with Raptor buckle -
Bridge Type:
Adjustable 33.38-inch rope bridge (polyester jacket over stranded nylon core) -
Special Features:
Rubberized inside back panel to prevent slipping, free-floating waist belt sleeve, bridge garage to secure bridge during transport, seat strap to compress seat while walking, and rubberized MOLLE attachment points -
Comfort:
4.9 -
Price:
$320
The Trophyline Venatic is thoughtfully designed, integrating many tech features unique to the Trophyline lineup. A rubber-coated interior locks the waist belt securely in place to eliminate unwanted sliding while walking or climbing. I was instantly fond of the free-floating waist belt sleeve, which allowed me to align the buckle over my belt to prevent any discomfort while sitting. The Venatic integrates a bridge keeper into the waist belt, called Bridge Garage, which stows the bridge out of the way while walking. In addition, the seat strap compresses the material so the saddle doesn’t sag or feel cumbersome during long hikes.
The leg straps sit mid-thigh and don’t ride up after a few hours in the tree. I prefer to sit with my knees against the tree when hunting for more than a few hours, and found the Venatic to be incredibly comfortable as it cupped my waist without unwanted pinching.
The bridge requires a carabiner to attach to the saddle, which adds a bit of weight and requires aftermarket stealth stripping to avoid any unwanted noise. I’d prefer an AmSteel bridge over nylon. Despite that, the Venatic is the best single panel on the market.
Best Lightweight: Timber Ninja Black Belt Nano
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Pros
- Lightest saddle in the test
- 4-way stretch material
- Magnetic waist buckle is easy to operate
- Magnetic stick haulers quickly and easily attach sticks to saddle while climbing
- Magnetic platform hauler eliminates a DIY alternative
- Rubberized bridge and lineman’s belt loops provide non-slip surface for ropes to bite
- Packs down to the size of a Nalgene bottle
Key Features
-
Two-panel -
Weight:
1 pound 4 ounces -
MOLLE Webbing:
One row on the top of the panel and one row on the bottom of the panel -
Waist Belt:
Webbing with magnetic buckle -
Leg Straps:
Webbing strap with G-hook -
Bridge Type:
AmSteel with rubberized bridge loops -
Special Features:
Magnetic platform holder, built-in Mud Flap stick carrier panel, and two magnetic stick haulers -
Comfort:
4.5 -
Price:
$250
Weighing in just over 1 pound, the Timber Ninja Black Belt Nano is the lightest tree saddle on the market. The Nano uses a four-way stretch material that doesn’t constrict movement, making it a great option for public land hunters with long hikes ahead of them. This unique material allows you to wear the saddle at or above your waistline and stretch it over your glutes for a comfortable, tailored fit. I found myself positioning other single-panel saddles below my beltline, which isn’t as comfortable, so this was a welcomed surprise. If you’d rather stow it in your backpack while walking to or from the tree, the Nano compresses to roughly the size of a Nalgene bottle, which easily fits in a water bottle pocket to free up space in the main compartment of your backpack.
The Nano uses many of the same features found on the Ultimate from Timber Ninja, but in a smaller, single-panel configuration. I especially liked the rubberized bridge and lineman’s belt loops, which allow you to cinch down your ropes and rest assured they won’t slide as you rotate your hips or adjust your position. The magnetic components, including stick and platform haulers and waist belt, are unlike anything else on the market. I attached the stick haulers to my sticks before heading to the woods, making it very simple to quickly and silently clip them onto my waist belt before climbing the tree.
While the features built into the Nano (and other Timber Ninja saddles) are impressive, I’d like to see a few improvements to their accessories. Specifically, I wish the side pouches had two zippers (so you can pull from either direction), a bit more space, and tabs to grab while pulling your zipper closed.
The Nano dropped from $329.99 to $249.99 after moving manufacturing overseas in early 2025.
The Rest of the Field
Tethrd Carnivore 2 Panel
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Key Features
-
Weight: 2 pounds 4 ounces -
MOLLE webbing: 2 rows – 1 on waist belt on top panel, 1 on bottom of bottom panel -
Waist belt: ADF Raptor Buckle -
Leg straps: webbing strap with quick connect buckle -
Bridge type: Adjustable AmSteel with integrated Bridge Barrels that allow panels to float freely -
Special features: Rapid Accessory Deployment (R.A.D.) system connects bottom panel to top, Freedom Belt allows belt to float freely within the waist channel (to avoid belt stacking) -
Comfort: 4.75 -
Price: $329.99
Key Features
- Two-panel
- Weight: 2 pounds 4 ounces
- MOLLE webbing: 2 rows – 1 on waist belt on top panel, 1 on bottom of bottom panel
- Waist belt: ADF Raptor Buckle
- Leg straps: webbing strap with quick connect buckle
- Bridge type: adjustable AmSteel with integrated Bridge Barrels that allow panels to float freely
- Special features: Rapid Accessory Deployment (R.A.D.) system connects bottom panel to top, Freedom Belt allows belt to float freely within the waist channel (to avoid belt stacking)
- Comfort: 4.75
- Price: $329.99
Pros
- Comfortable
- Breathable mesh fabric
- R.A.D. System secures panels together
- Lightweight, packable design
Cons
- Price
- R.A.D. System requires perfect alignment to contain the panels
The Carnivore 2 Panel is Tethrd’s latest take on two-panel comfort, and it’s clear they built this saddle to handle long sits. The Quad Lock UtiliBridge is an entirely new bridge system to Tethrd saddles. I’m always skeptical of knots and extra ropes on any saddle, but I was impressed at how simple the Quad Lock functions. Similar to the Comfort Channels on previous Tethrd saddles, the Quad Lock system allows you to adjust tension higher or lower on your hips. Bridge Barrels come installed on the saddle and allow the bridge to float freely, creating effortless micro adjustments in the tree.
During setup, I accidentally pushed my Bridge Barrel through the knot while testing adjustability. I was immediately nervous I’d made a mistake I couldn’t fix without help from YouTube, but was surprised at how easily the Bridge Barrel installs.
Two-panel saddles provide premium comfort, but require a system to keep the panels connected during transport. Tethrd’s answer is their proprietary Rapid Accessory Deployment (R.A.D.) buttons. To disconnect the panels, pull the R.A.D. button away from your waist and drop the bottom panel to your desired spot. Reconnecting them takes a bit of familiarization since you’re connected two small objects to each other, but once connected, the panels aren’t going to break loose.
At just 2 pounds 4 ounces, the Carnivore is on the lighter side of two-panel saddles. Admittedly, I wasn’t a huge fan of the Ultra-Lock (which weighs more than 3 pounds), so the Carnivore is a great upgrade. I especially appreciate the Carnivore’s breathable mesh fabric which doesn’t maintain a rigid structure like other saddles in the test. While this might seem like a simple observation, it’s a detail that goes a long way if you prefer to stow your saddle inside a backpack during long hikes. The mesh fabric can be folded into a small ball that doesn’t take up unnecessary room in your pack.
Timber Ninja Black Belt Duel
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Key Features
- Two-panel
- Weight: 1 pound 6 ounces
- MOLLE webbing: 2 rows – 1 on waist belt on top panel, 1 on top of bottom panel
- Waist belt: webbing with magnetic
- Leg straps: webbing strap with G-hook
- Bridge type: AmSteel with rubberized bridge loops
- Special features: magnetic platform holder and two magnetic stick haulers
- Comfort: 5
- Price: $299.99
Pros
- Affordable
- Lightweight
- Magnetic stick haulers quickly and easily attach sticks to saddle while climbing
- Magnetic platform hauler eliminates a DIY alternative
Cons
- Would prefer an AmSteel bridge
If you’re seeking the same functionality of the best overall saddle in this test but don’t need all the bells and whistles, the Timber Ninja Black Belt Duel is your answer. The Duel is a simplified version of the Ultimate at a more affordable pricepoint ($299.99 for the Duel compared to $349.99 for the Ultimate, respectively). Comparatively, the Black Belt Duel does not include the magnetic stick haulers, Mud Flap, or amsteel bridge. Instead, the Duel uses Timber Ninja’s proprietary Predator Bridge, similar to other rope bridges on the market. Both saddles utilize a magnetic buckle that provides consistent fit and easy adjustments.
The Duel’s panels connect using a G-Hook system that’s easy to adjust tension. Simply pull the tail end of the webbing strap down to use the Duel as a single panel or while walking to or from your stand. Reduce tension on the webbing strap and pull the bottom panel away from the top for two-panel comfort, ideal for getting comfortable on long sits in the tree.
The Duel is the lightest two-panel saddle in the test, weighing in at just 1 pound 6 ounces. The NinjaMax fabric that encompasses the body of the Duel is soft and quiet. While all Timber Ninja saddles are currently offered in this material, I found it to be significantly quieter than my 2024 Black Belt Ultimate (which utilizes a different domestic fabric). As of 2025, all Timber Ninja accessory pouches are also offered in this material, which I especially noticed to be quieter than the 2024 and earlier versions when rubbing against the tree.
CRUZR XC
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Pros
- Affordable
- Breathable mesh fabric
- Expandable body provides additional comfort
- Multiple MOLLE offerings to accept a wide range of accessories
- Dual adjust waist belt
Cons
- Expandable body sags at times
Key Features
-
Expandable -
Weight:
1 pound 14 ounces -
MOLLE Webbing:
Two rows on top, one loose and one tight -
Waist Belt:
ADF Raptor Buckle -
Leg Straps:
Webbing strap with quick connect buckle -
Bridge Type:
Adjustable AmSteel -
Special Features:
Xpansion Chamber mesh pleated panel, gray or black color options -
Comfort:
4.5 -
Price:
$260
At $260 the CRUZR XC hits above its weight class when it comes to value. The expandable body extends to cover well below your glutes, making it very comfortable regardless if you prefer to lean or sit while hunting. Two rows of MOLLE accommodate nearly any accessory — the top row is loose and intended for clipping carabiners or other accessories, while the second row is tight and built for aftermarket MOLLE accessories.
The CRUZR XC has a dual adjustable waist belt, which helps tailor a perfect fit and avoid stacking your waist buckle on top of your belt. The AmSteel bridge bites the loops well and doesn’t adjust when shifting positions or rotating my hips in the tree. While the expandable body is comfortable (especially for sitting), I found it prone to sagging while walking, earning its only con.
XOP Mondo
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Pros
- Affordable
- Hybrid design is versatile, ideal for anyone looking for a treestand safety harness that can also operate as a saddle
- Includes all ropes and carabiners
Cons
- Weight
- Would prefer an AmSteel bridge
Key Features
-
Single panel -
Weight:
2 pounds 3 ounces -
MOLLE Webbing:
One row on top of the panel -
Waist Belt:
Webbing with quick connect buckle -
Leg Straps:
Webbing with quick connect buckle -
Bridge Type:
Friction hitch climbing ropes -
Special Features:
Doubles as an ASTM-certified treestand full-body fall-arrest system -
Comfort:
3.7 -
Price:
$150
Serving as an ASTM-certified treestand full-body fall-arrest system and saddle, the XOP Mondo is the only hybrid saddle in the field. At $150, the Mondo is on par with what you’d expect to pay for any premium full-body treestand harness (Hunter Safety System Pro Series at $170, or HAWK Elevate Lite at $100, for example), but also provides the flexibility to be used as a saddle. This unique style is ideal for someone curious about saddle hunting but unsure if they want to fully commit. The Mondo is a comfortable and capable treestand harness, but affords the flexibility of serving double duty as a tree saddle. It even includes all the necessary ropes and auto-locking carabiners you need to start climbing.
I’d prefer an AmSteel bridge over the included friction hitch climbing ropes. The integrated MOLLE fits looser than most flat MOLLE webbing, which limits the number of accessories the Mondo will accommodate. The Mondo suffers in comfort, specifically from the treestand-style yoke that consistently pulled the saddle high on my lower back, which I found myself fighting to adjust. As a result, it earned a 3.7 rating, the lowest in the test.
How to Choose a Tree Saddle
Single- vs Two-Panel Tree Saddles
Single-panel tree saddles are simple, utilizing a single piece of fabric without moving pieces. They’re easy to use and stow away nicely in a backpack, ideal for those who prefer to pack their saddle instead of wearing it while walking to the tree. Double-panel saddles, as the name implies, use two separated panels to provide a tailored fit. While a bit bulkier than single panels, a double-panel saddle provides incredible comfort, especially for those who like to sit while in the tree. Hybrid saddles utilize an expandable body to provide extra material when seated, but stows away while you’re on the move or leaning in the tree.
Hunting Style
Consider the type of hunting you do most frequently and buy a saddle that meets your needs. If you’re a minimalist that hikes far from the road and prefers to stuff your saddle in a backpack, a single panel is a great fit. A double-panel is ideal for those who prioritize comfort, especially those who may spend dark-to-dark in the tree. Hybrid options are ideal for anyone who wants a do-it-all system and doesn’t mind lugging a bit of extra weight.
Tree Saddle Features
Saddles are loaded with features to make your hunt easier. While things like integrated stick or platform carriers are nice, they come at a price. These top-end features are nice, and well worth their price tag. However, if you’re a minimalist or DIY-er, you can customize a more simplistic saddle to accommodate your needs. I’ve used Nite Ize gear ties and S-biners as an affordable, do-it-yourself hack to attach a platform and climbing sticks to my saddle when ascending or descending.
Manufacturer Support
Consider the level of support you’ll receive from the manufacturer when purchasing a saddle. All of the brands featured in this test have responsive technical support and are active on social media, and all responded to my questions in a timely manner. I have no doubt any customer would receive the same level of support, so don’t be bashful with questions.
Final Thoughts on the Best Tree Saddles
We’re in the golden days of saddle hunting, as manufacturers are constantly improving and adjusting their products to meet the demands of today’s mobile hunters with purpose-built saddles. The best tree saddles are quiet, comfortable, and packed with features to help us enjoy our time in the woods. All of the saddles featured in this test fulfill these requirements and will help you hunt more effectively.
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