Saddle hunting has a reputation for being expensive — and it can be, if you buy every premium piece at once. But you can get into a safe, capable mobile setup without draining your account. Here's how to build a budget saddle hunting kit that still gets the job done.
Start with the non-negotiables
Some things you don't cheap out on: your saddle, tether, and lineman's belt are your safety system — buy quality, rated gear here, even used from a reputable source. Everything else, you can be smart about.
Where to save: your climb
Premium carbon climbing sticks can run $300–$500 a set. Our patent-pending APEX Ladder System gets you up the tree in solid steel for a fraction of that — and it's backed by a 1-year warranty. Start with the 5-Pack.
Round it out
Add a simple platform or top step, a bridge and a couple of rated carabiners, and a knee pad or two for comfort. Practice at ground level before you ever hunt. That's a complete, capable setup — without the premium price tag.
Just getting started? Read our Saddle Hunting for Beginners guide.
Safety Warning & Liability Disclaimer
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION — read in full before assembly or use.
The Apex Ladder System by S.T.A.L.K. Outdoor Gear is a portable climbing and access system intended for recreational, hunting, camping, hiking, utility access, and non-life-safety firefighting access only. This product is not designed, manufactured, or intended to function as life-safety, rescue, or fall-arrest equipment and must never be relied upon as such.
Climbing, elevated access, and outdoor activities are inherently dangerous and involve risks that may result in serious injury, paralysis, or death. By purchasing, possessing, assembling, or using the Apex Ladder System, you acknowledge and voluntarily assume all risks associated with its use, including but not limited to falls, equipment failure, environmental conditions, improper installation, misuse, or user error.
The user is solely responsible for proper installation, anchoring, inspection, maintenance, and determining fitness for use. The Apex Ladder System must be inspected before and after every use and removed from service immediately if any wear, damage, defect, or abnormal condition is observed. Appropriate safety harnesses, lineman’s belts, and fall-protection equipment should be used at all times.
Any alleged defect must be reported in writing to S.T.A.L.K. Outdoor Gear within five (5) days of discovery and prior to further use of the product. Unauthorized repairs, modification, or continued use void all claims. The sole remedy for any approved claim shall be repair, replacement, or refund at the sole discretion of S.T.A.L.K. Outdoor Gear.
To the fullest extent permitted by law, you agree to release, defend, indemnify, and hold harmless S.T.A.L.K. Outdoor Gear, its owners, officers, employees, affiliates, and partners from any and all claims, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, or expenses arising from or related to the use or misuse of this product, including claims of negligence or alleged product defect.
This disclaimer and all disputes arising from use of the Apex Ladder System shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas.
For complete details, read our full Safety & Liability Information. Document Version: ALS-SAFETY-v1.0 | Updated: December 2025.
