"Find the food, and you'll find the deer." — Fred Bear
Complete Saddle Hunting Gear List for Public Land (Ultralight Setup)
Most saddle hunters carry too much gear.
Then they wonder why they're gassed after a two-mile walk in.
Here's what you actually need — and what you can leave at home.
Why Weight Matters on Public Land
Public land hunting = long walks.
No permanent setups. No ATVs dropping you at your stand. Just you, your gear, and however many miles it takes to find unpressured deer.
The math:
- 20 lbs of gear over 3 miles = 60 lb-miles of work
- 12 lbs of gear over 3 miles = 36 lb-miles of work
That's a 40% reduction in energy expenditure.
Translation: You hunt longer. You go deeper. You make less noise. You execute better shots.
Every pound over 15 lbs total system weight affects your performance.
Pro Tip: If you wouldn't ruck with it in the military, don't carry it into the woods. Weight discipline matters.
The Core System — What You Actually Need
This is the complete ultralight saddle hunting setup.
Saddle
Where you park your backside for hours.
What to look for:
- Long adjustable or collapsible panel
- Minimal adjustments (fewer failure points)
- Comfort above all else
My recommendation: Choose the saddle that's most comfortable for you. This will affect your longevity and comfort in the tree more than any other piece of gear.
Platform
Where you stand.
What to look for:
- Aluminum or carbon fiber (avoid steel)
- Large enough for both feet
- Folds compact
My recommendation: Get something light and save money here. The lighter it is, the more expensive it is. Balance your budget accordingly.
Pro Tip: Your platform takes more abuse than any other piece of gear. Inspect it before every season. Bent aluminum = catastrophic failure.
Climbing Sticks
How you get up the tree.
What to look for:
- Stackable design
- Lightweight
- Silent contact points (rubber or foam)
My recommendation: Tethrd OneSticks. They run around $500 for a 4-pack, but they're worth it for the weight savings and packability.
Weight hack: Use 3 sticks instead of 4. Get comfortable climbing higher per stick. Saves weight immediately.
Pro Tip: I bought the full set and I regret it. I now use 1 with an aider when I hunt.
Lineman's Belt
Keeps you safe while setting up.
What to look for:
- Rated for climbing (minimum 2,000 lbs)
- Adjustable length
- Carabiner or prusik connection
My recommendation: Buy quality over everything. This is life safety equipment. Don't cheap out. Don't skip it. Ever.
Tether
Your connection to the tree while hunting.
What to look for:
- Climbing-rated rope (minimum 2,000 lbs)
- Long enough for full range of motion
- Prusik or carabiner attachment
My recommendation: Buy quality over everything. This keeps you alive.
Bow Hanger
Where your bow lives during the sit.
What to look for:
- Public land legal (no screw-ins)
- Silent (no metal clanking)
- Lightweight (under 5oz total system)
- Complete system (no extra purchases)
My recommendation: Wayward Wire. 3.7oz complete system. Includes hanger, 2 gear hooks, and cordage. Fits in your pocket.
Pro Tip: Whatever system you choose, it needs to fit in your pocket. If it's strapped to the outside of your pack, you'll snag it on every branch walking in.
Pack
Carries everything. Doubles as your seat cushion.
What to look for:
- Purpose-built hunting pack
- Meat hauling capability (if you tag out)
- Hip belt for load transfer
- Quiet fabric (no swishing nylon)
My recommendation: Find something purpose-built within your budget. Go with something smaller than what you believe you need. I personally use the Platow Pack by Trophyline and I like it, but it still has too much space for me personally. Ideally I'd just walk in with everything I need on me.
Pro Tip: Your pack sits between you and the tree when you're in your saddle. It's your backrest and your knee pad. Choose accordingly.
Bow or Rifle
Your weapon.
Bow hunters: Compound or recurve. Your choice.
Gun hunters: Lightweight rifle or muzzleloader.
Weight note: Every ounce counts.
Knife
Field dressing. Quartering. Utility work.
What to look for:
- Fixed blade (folders fail when covered in blood)
- 3-4 inch blade (optimal for field work)
- Full tang
Budget option: Mora Companion.
Pro option: Get a fixed blade made by a local blacksmith. Best option, hands down.
Headlamp
You'll be walking out in the dark. Count on it.
What to look for:
- Red light mode (preserves night vision)
- Minimum 200 lumens
- Long battery life
Budget option: Any headlamp with red mode under $30.
Pro option: Petzl Tactikka or Black Diamond Storm.
Pro Tip: White light, in my experience, doesn't tend to spook deer. Just rock it. Don't worry about getting red or green or blue. It doesn't matter.
The Wayward Ridge Approach
We build gear for ultralight public land hunters.
Wayward Wire bow hanger: 3.7oz complete system. Lighter than anything else that actually works.
The Detachment: get rid of bino harnesses and upgrade to this new kit that replaces your bino harness for full customizability - ANY molle pouch can be attached to it for a custom chest rig. And for the minimalist it even replaces your bag.
Stay Sharp,
— Jake