fbpx

14 Best Saddle Hunting Platforms In 2024

Best Saddle Hunting Platforms
Share With Others By Clicking Icons Below!

There are two main types of saddle hunting platforms; ring of steps platforms and single-piece platforms. Examples of both of these styles are shown in the following sections. With the exploding number of saddle hunters, a lot of new saddle hunting platforms have come onto the market. We’ll be diving into the many examples so you can determine which style of saddle platform is best for you.

This post contains Amazon and other affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Of course, you are not obligated to use my links, but it does help fund these posts in hopes of bringing more value to you!

Saddle Hunting Platforms

Saddles are used in combination with platforms. Saddle hunting platforms are a must-have piece of saddle hunting gear. The purpose of the platforms is to give your feet something to rest and maneuver on while you’re in your saddle. Without a platform, you will not be able to effectively hunt out of a tree saddle.

Ring of Steps Platforms

Ring of step platforms are objects that are placed around the diameter of the tree (in a ring) at the height you want to stand. These objects are radiate out from the tree about 90º and are generally 4-7 inches long.

Ameristep Ring of Steps Platform (Screw-in)

These screw-in steps are a little noisy but are small and lightweight making them easy to carry. You only need 2 or 3 if you’re using them in combination with climbing sticks, they take up very little space compared to other saddle hunting platforms. These are ideal when you can get permission to use them.

I like the Ameristep screw-ins because they have a lot of foot room and a good grip. They usually screw in very easily with one hand, but a downside is periodically you’ll get a bad one and you’ll have to use some effort to get it started.

Tree Saddle Hunting Climbing Methods and Platforms
Tree Saddle Hunting Climbing Platform – Ameristep Ring of Steps

Check Amazon's Price

Cranford Ring of Steps Platform (Rope-Style)

These rope-style Cranford steps will work if you’re looking for a lightweight option on public land. Since they fold up, they are compact. You’ll only need 3 or 4 if you’re using the top of your climbing stick as a step. These are really lightweight and packable options for creating a platform. They won’t be as stable as their Ameristep screw-in cousins.

Check Amazon's Price

Wild-Edge Inc. SteppLadder Ring of Steps Platform

The SteppLadder steps can also be used to make a ring of steps platform. They use cam-over technology to get a really good grip on the tree without needing a buckle or strap. Compared to the Amieristep and Cranmore steps they are bulkier but do offer increased foot surface area. It can be time-intensive to place multiple steps because it is done one at a time to create a platform.

Wild-Edge Tree Steps
Wild-Edge SteppLadder Steps. Photo From Here

 

Bullman Outdoors Silent Approach Ring of Steps Platform

Bullman Outdoors ring of steps is one of the more popular rings of steps. They’re a little bulky but are pretty lightweight because they’re made of plastic. Once ratcheted down to the tree they provide a good amount of surface area compared to other rings of steps. They also have teeth for additional grip on your boots.

 

Check Amazon's Price

Eastern Woods Outdoors – Ring of Steps Platform (Squirrel Steps)

Eastern Woods Outdoors has a very popular ring of steps as well. These are small and lightweight steps that are made of aluminum. You can purchase silencing tape with the steps to keep them from making noise and is highly recommended. Another nice feature of these steps is that they use an over-center buckle (OCB) instead of a ratchet strap so you can get them really right without the noise.

Eastern Woods Outdoors Squirrel Step
Eastern Woods Outdoors Squirrel Step Ring of Steps. Photo from here

The over-center buckle (OCB) is a great option for those who don’t like the noise a ratchet strap makes (I’m in that camp). These buckles cam over one time but will tighten down just about as good as a ratchet strap. They’re great for a ring of steps because they tighten down well, are easy to set up, and are quiet.

Eastern Woods Outdoors Over Center Buckle OCB Buckle
Eastern Woods Outdoors Over Center Buckle OCB Buckle. Photo From Here

Cranford Saddle Scaffold Set Ring of Steps Platform

Cranford recently started making a ring of steps option. These steps are interesting because they fold up so they’re compact and they are a little more ‘winged’ so they are less apt to move with side pressure. They come with a ratchet strap, but you can buy an OCB buckle and replace the ratchet strap if you desire.

Cranford Saddle Scaffold Set - Ring of Steps
Cranford Saddle Scaffold Set – Ring of Steps. Photo from Here

One-Piece Saddle Hunting Platforms

One-piece platforms are newer to the market than the older-school ring of steps. There are now a handful of companies that make these platforms. As the years progress these companies have continued to innovate their products. With each new version, these platforms become better and easier to use. Some of the best options on the market are listed below:

Lone Wolf Custom Gear – The Kuhnert’s Ambush Platform

The Kuhnert platform uses cam-over technology to get extra tight to the tree. This is the largest platform in this review. The platform size is 16.5 x 14.5 inches and weighs 4.81 lbs with a weight limit of 300 lbs. You are able to angle the platform to your desired angle with the leveler. This platform also pairs well with Lonewolf climbing sticks, the platform has little tabs that allow you to use the platform strap to secure climbing sticks when on the move. A unique feature of this platform is that it comes with backpack straps making it very easy to carry.

The Kuhnert's Ambush Saddle Platform
The Kuhnert’s Ambush Saddle Platform. Photo from here

Out On A Limb – The Ridge Runner Platform

The Ridge Runner Platform is a new and great design. Because of its innovative shape, you can maneuver all the way around this platform so you can shoot at all angles (360º) easier than other platforms on the market. It’s also easy to get secure to the tree because it uses cam-over technology. It’s 18 x 8 inches and weighs 3.5 lbs. The traction on this platform is great, it has large notches that grip boots well, and utilizes an anti-skid finish. This platform also has a leveling system to get your platform where you like it. 

Out on a Limb Ridge Runner Platform for Saddle Hunting
Out on a Limb Ridge Runner Platform for Saddle Hunting. Photo From Here.

Tethrd – Predator Platform

The Tethrd Predator is one of the most well-known saddle hunting platforms on the market. It works well, it’s lightweight, and it’s sleek making it a favorite among saddle hunters. It uses cam-over technology to get extra tight to the tree. This platform is 12 x 13 inches and is 3 inches tall when packed up and weighs 3 lbs. The sides of the platform are grooved and have a small wing allowing for good side control and potentially shooting 360º around the tree. There is a way to level the platform which adds to the comfort.

Tethrd Predator Saddle Hunting Platform
Tethrd Predator Saddle Hunting Platform. Photo From Here

Trophyline – The EDP Platform

This platform comes in at 13.5 x 13 inches and weighs 3.81 lbs and has a 300 lbs load limit. It has a small step above the versa button for extra maneavering. Having a small step here allows you to maneauver for side shots and rest your feet while keeping the platform secure. The Lone Wolf Kuhnert also has this feature but is smaller. Overall it’s a very similar platform to the Tethrd Predator in shape and weight. 

Trophyline The EDP Platform For Saddle Hunting
Trophyline The EDP Platform For Saddle Hunting. Photo From Here

XOP Outdoors – Ultra Series Edge Saddle Platform

This platform is 13.75 x 11 inches which is pretty compact. However, somehow it is the heaviest platform in this review, coming in at 5.4 lbs. This is over a half-pound more than the 16.5 x 14.5 Lone Wolf Kuhnert Platform. Although this platform is heavy, it has a weight rating of 350 lbs which is more than any other platform in this review which can only hold 300 lbs. The layout of this platform is very similar to the Kuhnert’s Platform but is probably 1/3 smaller. The notching of this platform gives it a solid bite on your boots when maneuvering. It also has an easy hand-tightening leveling system.

For Just The Platform: Check Amazon's Price

For The Saddle Hunting Kit: Check Amazon's Price 

Hawk – Helium Hammock Apex Platform

The Apex platform is 12 x 11.77 making it the smallest overall in this review. Although it is the smallest platform it comes in at the 3rd lightest platform at 3.6 lbs and it is rated to 300 lbs. The build of the Apex is very similar to the Tethrd Predator platform. Unlike the Tethrd Predator though, this platform does not have much for grip and doesn’t have any winged protrusions to aid with 360º shooting. Other reviews also mention that this platform is not able to handle side-pressure as well as the Tethrd. That said, this platform is very affordable compared to other platforms. You can often find it for under 100$.

Check Amazon's Price

Platform Attachments For Climbing Sticks

Climbing stick companies have started creating their own platforms that are specifically designed to be used in conjunction with the tops of their climbing sticks. This makes the platform installation faster and easier than before. This style of platform is new to the market and it will be interesting to see how these evolve as saddle hunting continues.

Wild-Edge Inc. – WEI Perch Platform Attachment

This platform is an attachment that can be purchased separately for the Wild-Edge SteppLadder climbing steps. The platform fits like a puzzle piece into the SteppLadder step. This platform a convenient if you’re already using the SteppLadder steps. These attachments turn regular Wild-Edge SteppLadder steps into a mini-version of the Ridge Runner Platforms.

    Wild-Edge Inc. Perch Platform Attachment
    Wild-Edge Inc. Perch Platform Attachment. Photo From Here

    Eastern Woods Outdoors – The U.P. Ultimate Platform Attachment

    The U.P. Ultimate Platform by Eastern Woods Outdoors is a good example of a climbing stick company that has created a top-of-stick platform for their line of climbing sticks – the Ultralight Feathersticks. These sticks were one of the best climbing sticks in my comparison review of 17 climbing sticks.

    Ultralight Feathersticks Platform Attachment
    Ultralight Feathersticks Platform Attachment. Photo From Eastern Woods Outdoors

    More Saddle Hunting Resources:

    One of the best things about saddle hunting is there are seemingly endless combinations of saddle hunting gear. This allows you to fully customize your saddle hunting setups to what will work best for your style of hunting. Additionally, more saddle hunting companies are coming into the market and more innovations are occurring. It’s an exciting time to be a saddle hunter!

    Hopefully, this article has helped you find some useful saddle hunting gear for your setup. You can find more saddle hunting resources below:

    Saddle Hunting Articles:

    Best Places To Shop For Hunting Gear

    Some great places to find hunting gifts include:

    Find Me On:

    Article Written By: Jason Tome

    You May Also Like