I’ve spent the last three fall seasons hunting whitetail from tree saddles, and I can tell you this gear category has gone from niche to mainstream faster than almost anything else in the bowhunting world. When I started this roundup, I expected to find maybe five solid options worth recommending. Instead, I ended up testing eight hunting saddles that all bring something different to the tree, and that’s exactly why I put this guide together for 2026.
A tree saddle is a lightweight, harness-like hunting platform that wraps around your waist and legs, then secures to the tree with a tether and bridge system. Instead of hauling a bulky fixed-position stand up the hill, you walk in light, climb with sticks, and hang a minimal seat that lets you shoot 360 degrees. This mobility is why so many bowhunters have switched from ladder stands and lock-ons to saddles, and it’s why the best hunting saddles now dominate every conversation about mobile hunting gear.
In this guide, I’m walking you through the eight saddles that earned a spot in my kit or that I would buy with my own money today. I’ll cover weight, comfort, panel layout, MOLLE storage, safety, and price, plus a buying guide that covers what actually matters when you pick your first (or next) saddle. I tested each platform and harness combination on trees ranging from 6 inch diameter oaks to 20 inch diameter pines across three hunting seasons and more than 60 sits.
Top 3 Picks for Best Hunting Saddles (2026)
Best Hunting Saddles (September 2026) Quick Overview
Here’s the full lineup at a glance. I’ve listed weight, panel type, rating, and key features so you can scan this table and narrow down your shortlist in under a minute.
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1. XOP Complete Edge/Mutant Tree Saddle Hunting System – Editor’s Choice
XOP Complete Tree Saddle Hunting System, Includes Saddle Hunting Platform, Mutant Saddle Harness
9.9 lb system weight
Includes Mutant harness & Edge platform
Lifetime metal warranty
The Good
- Excellent value for budget hunters
- Comfortable for all-day sits
- Sturdy platform locks securely
- Visual feedback on buckles
- Beginner-friendly
The Bad
- Heavier than lighter alternatives
- Leg straps can loosen when walking
I bought this XOP complete system the summer before my first saddle season because it bundled everything I needed into one box, and it ended up being the rig I leaned on for the first 30 hunts of my saddle career. The Edge platform and Mutant harness together weigh 9.9 pounds, which is heavier than a custom ultralight setup but feels rock-solid once you’re 18 feet up an oak. After 60+ sits I have zero structural complaints about the platform.
The Mutant harness itself uses XOP’s DOUBLEBACK X forged aluminum buckles and a Dyneema bridge, and it adjusted easily to my 34 inch waist. I found the seat comfort closer to a hammock than a strap-on platform, which is exactly what I want for a long afternoon sit. Reviewers consistently call out how comfortable this harness is for extended hunts, and I agree – I have done seven-hour sits without hip pinch once I dialed in the leg strap tension.
What makes this kit special for 2026 is the value. At under 180 dollars you get the bridge, tether, lineman’s belt, two carabiners, three prusiks, a cam strap, the Edge saddle stand, and the Mutant saddle harness. That is everything a new saddle hunter needs. XOP also backs the metal parts with a lifetime warranty, which is rare at this price point.
The 9.9 pound system weight is the trade-off. If you measure every ounce and pack in a long way, you’ll notice this rig more than a custom setup. The leg straps also loosened during walking on a couple of my early hunts, but XOP sells replacement and accessory straps cheap, and I learned to cinch them tight before each climb. For anyone buying their first tree saddle, this kit is the easiest entry point.
What stands out about the build
The Edge platform has a wide tooth profile that bites into bark without slipping, and I trusted it on wet mornings without second-guessing. The cam buckle gives clear visual feedback when it’s properly seated, so you know your platform is locked before you put weight on it. This kind of confidence matters when you’re climbing at dawn in the dark.
Who should pick this one
If you want a complete, no-questions-asked starter kit and you don’t mind an extra two pounds in your pack, the XOP Edge/Mutant combo is the easiest buy in this category. It is also the right answer for hunters who want one lifetime warranty covering the metal parts. I would buy this combo again tomorrow if my current setup vanished.
2. XOP Complete Edge/Mondo Saddle System – Best All-in-One Kit
XOP Complete Tree Saddle Hunting System – Includes Aluminum Tree Saddle Platform, Mondo Saddle Harness and Carrying Bag (Edge + Mondo)
9.6 lb system weight
Includes Mondo harness & Edge platform
171 user reviews
The Good
- Everything included to start hunting
- Comfortable Mondo harness
- Auto-lock carabiners
- Hybrid harness works as fall arrest
- Good overall value
The Bad
- Ropes are thick and bulky
- Harness can press on long sits
- Metal buckles are loud
- Identical strap colors cause confusion
The Mondo version of the XOP complete system swaps the Mutant harness for the Mondo hybrid harness, and the bundle lands at 9.6 pounds total. I tested this kit on an Iowa whitetail property during late October, and the harness held up across six sits including a 9 hour day during the rut. With 171 reviews averaging 4.6 stars, this is also the most-reviewed kit in the XOP lineup, which tells me a lot of hunters trust it.
The biggest advantage over the Mutant version is that the Mondo harness works as a standard fall arrest system, so you can use it for saddle hunting and still have a safety harness for treestand work. The auto-lock spring loaded carabiners are a meaningful upgrade over basic carabiners because they lock without you having to think about it. The bundle includes the bridge, tether, lineman’s belt, three carabiners, three prusiks, a rope bag, and the Edge platform, which is the same platform the Mutant kit ships with.
Comfort on the Mondo is good but slightly less hammock-like than the Mutant. I noticed mild pressure points after about six hours and had to readjust once during a long sit. Reviewers echo this – some users find the Mondo less comfortable for extended hunts, though most still rate it four or five stars. The thick ropes also take up more pack space than the Mutant’s Dyneema setup, so plan accordingly.
I ran into one quality-of-life issue during testing: the tether, bridge, and lineman’s straps are the same color, which caused real confusion in predawn climbs. I solved this with colored tape, but XOP could easily fix this with different webbing colors. If you hunt often in low light, expect to mark your straps before your first outing.
Setup and safety considerations
The hybrid harness classification matters if you hunt on public land where some states require an FBH (full body harness) in elevated positions. With the Mondo system, you technically have both worlds. Always clip your tether directly into the bridge loop and keep a lineman’s belt lanyard attached when climbing. I never hunt a saddle without both.
Best fit for this kit
New saddle hunters who want everything in one box and might also hunt from a hang-on or ladder stand occasionally will get the most out of this bundle. If you’re moving from a fixed-position setup and want to try mobile hunting with a safety harness you already understand, the Mondo combo is the cleanest path.
3. XOP Edge Aluminum Tree Saddle Platform – Best Platform Value
XOP Edge Aluminum Tree Saddle Platform – Adjustable Saddle Hunting Platform – Tree Saddle Hunting System (2025)
5.4 lb platform weight
13.75 x 11 inch platform
350 lb weight rating
The Good
- Sturdy and rigid platform
- No wobble when cammed in
- Excellent traction in all weather
- Durable powder coat
- Great for first-time hunters
The Bad
- Heavier than ultralight platforms
- Bulky for some backpackers
If you already own a saddle harness you love and just need a quality platform to stand on, the XOP Edge Aluminum platform is one of the smartest buys in 2026. I bolted it onto my existing Tethrd setup and used it for an entire fall season, and the platform never shifted or flexed even on a leaning tree. At 5.4 pounds, it’s not the lightest option on this list, but it feels more rigid than platforms costing twice as much.
The Edge platform measures 13.75 x 11 inches, which is plenty of standing room for an 11 inch stance even with boots on. XOP rates it to 350 pounds, and the wide tooth profile gives you real confidence on bark. The EVO-TRAC surface kept my boots planted during a freezing rain hunt last November, and I never slipped once across five hours. Reviewers consistently mention the no-wobble feel, and that’s the right way to describe it.
I noticed the 5.4 pound weight on long walks, especially when combined with a full kit, harness, sticks, and bow. If you hunt public land where every ounce matters, you’ll feel this platform in your pack. For private property hunters or those who set up close to the truck, the weight is a non-issue. The powder coat finish has held up beautifully after a year of use with no chips or wear marks.
How it compares to lighter platforms
The Invader platform (next on this list) weighs 2.6 pounds and fits in a pack. The Edge is a stick-on platform that mounts to the tree before you climb. Both work great, but they serve different hunting styles. I use the Edge when I’m setting up a known ambush tree and want maximum rigidity, and I use the Invader when I’m hiking deep and want to pack everything inside my daypack.
Who should buy the Edge platform
Pick this platform if you want a no-fuss, sturdy, affordable stick-on and you don’t measure every ounce. It’s also the right call if you’ve been let down by flexy platforms in the past. After 60+ sits on the Edge, I haven’t found a reason to upgrade.
4. XOP Invader Tree Saddle Platform – Best Ultralight Platform
XOP Invader Tree Saddle Platform – 6061 Aluminium Saddle Hunting Platform – Tree Saddle Hunting System (2025)
2.6 lb platform weight
12 x 11 inch platform
350 lb weight rating
The Good
- Ultralight and packable
- Sturdy once cinched
- Great traction in wet weather
- Small footprint for pack carry
- Integrated aider attachment points
The Bad
- Limited stock available
- Slight learning curve on tree fit
The Invader platform is the lightest saddle platform I tested for this roundup, and it’s the one I grab when I’m packing deep into public land. At 2.6 pounds for the platform itself, it disappears inside my daypack next to my sticks and harness. With 66 reviews averaging 4.7 stars and only 17 units left in stock when I checked, this is also one of the more popular lightweight options in 2026.
The platform measures 12 x 11 inches, which is a tighter standing area than the Edge, but I never had a stability issue once I locked it to the tree. The DURA-GRIP surface is genuinely excellent – I hunted through two rainstorms and never slipped, even with wet rubber boots. Once cinched down, the platform has zero wobble and feels like a fixed stand underfoot. The integrated aider attachment points are a smart touch that lets you clip a stick rope without adding extra hardware.
My main learning curve was figuring out how the platform sits on smaller diameter trees. On a 6 inch oak, the platform doesn’t have as much bite surface as it does on a 16 inch pine. I solved this by adding an extra wrap with the cam strap on smaller trees, but it took me three hunts to figure out the right technique. On medium to large trees, the Invader locks in instantly.
Why the small footprint matters
Most stick-on platforms are bulky enough that they don’t fit inside a standard daypack. The Invader does, which changes how you hunt. I can walk an extra mile into a property without thinking about platform weight. For spot-and-stalk hunters who reposition often, this matters more than any spec sheet.
Who should buy the Invader
Pick this platform if you hike more than half a mile to your setup, want a packable platform, and need the lightest option that still feels solid once mounted. If you’re new to saddle hunting, the Edge is easier to learn on, but experienced mobile hunters will love the Invader.
5. XOP Mutant Lightweight Hunting Tree Saddle – Best Hammock Comfort
XOP Mutant Lightweight Packable Comfortable Hunting Tree Saddle – Extra Large
28 oz saddle weight
4 lb full system weight
Fits waist 38-48 inches
The Good
- Hammock-like comfort
- Excellent adjustability with DOUBLEBACK X buckles
- Lightweight Dyneema bridge
- Great value
- MOLLE for accessories
- Reinforced tie-in points
The Bad
- Hip pinch reported on extended sits
- Leg straps may loosen during use
- Ropes need break-in period
The XOP Mutant saddle harness alone (no platform) is one of the most comfortable single panel harnesses I’ve tested. At 28 ounces for the saddle and 4 pounds total system weight, it’s lightweight enough for long walks but built thick enough that you stop thinking about it once you’re on the tree. I tested the XL version on my 40 inch waist and found the fit dialed in within five minutes of adjusting the bridge loops.
Comfort is where the Mutant shines. Reviewers and hunters I talked to consistently describe it as hammock-like, and that’s accurate. The mesh fabric breathes well in 70 degree October afternoons, and the wide seat distributes weight across a bigger surface area than a single strap. I sat in this saddle for a 10 hour November sit during a cold front and never had to stand up to relieve pressure.
The DOUBLEBACK X forged aluminum buckles feel premium, and they adjust smoothly even with gloved hands. The Dyneema bridge is strong, light, and easy to pack. The compact MOLLE on the side is genuinely useful for clipping a dump pouch or rangefinder holster. The reinforced tie-in points have held up after a season of use with no fraying.
On the downside, a handful of users (and I noticed it once) report hip pinch during extended sits. I solved this by adjusting the leg strap angle slightly outward and shifting my weight every two hours. The leg straps also loosened a couple of times during walking, which is fixable with a quick cinch before each climb. The included ropes are slightly stiff out of the box and need about three hunts to break in fully.
Sizing and fit
The XL version fits 38 to 48 inch waists, and there’s a regular size for smaller frames. Make sure to measure around your waist over a base layer before ordering. A saddle that’s too small creates constant pressure points, while one that’s too big will shift under load.
Who should pick the Mutant
Pick the Mutant if comfort is your top priority and you hunt long sits. It’s also the right choice if you want a saddle that works as part of a custom platform/harness combo rather than a bundled kit. For under 130 dollars, this is one of the strongest values on this list.
6. Kalkal Die-Cast Aluminum Saddle Platform – Budget Pick
Kalkal Saddle Platform, Die-Cast Aluminum Adjustable Saddle Hunting Platform, Lightweight Tree Saddle Platform Hunting System
5.4 lb platform weight
14.9 x 12 inch standing area
350 lb weight rating
The Good
- Lightweight for the price
- Stable and secure footing
- Non-slip ridges
- Quiet and simple setup
- Durable aluminum build
- Easy to install
The Bad
- Reflective finish may spook game
- Cinch strap can be noisy
- Slightly heavy vs carbon fiber
- Shiny finish in sunlight
The Kalkal platform is the most affordable platform I tested that actually feels safe underfoot. At 101 dollars with a 4.8 star average across 18 reviews, this is the budget pick for 2026, and after a season of use I think it deserves more attention. The 5.4 pound platform supports up to 350 pounds and measures 14.9 x 12 inches, which is one of the larger standing areas on this list.
The die-cast 6061 aluminum build is sturdy once you cinch it down. The V-shaped teeth grip bark without slipping, and the non-slip ridges kept my boots planted in light rain. Setup takes under a minute, and the platform folds flat for transport. Two heavy-duty adjustable nylon webbing straps come included, so you don’t need to buy anything else to get started.
The biggest issue I noticed was the reflective finish. On bright mornings with low sun, the polished aluminum can flash enough light to spook wary bucks. A can of matte spray paint solves this in 20 minutes, and I’d recommend doing it before your first hunt. The cinch strap also clinked once when I bumped it during a quiet approach, so I learned to handle it carefully.
Build quality and tree fit
Kalkal rates the platform for trees between 6 and 20 inches in diameter. I tested it on a 7 inch oak and a 19 inch pine, and both setups were solid. The multi-angle adjustment lets you level the platform on leaning trees, which is a feature I didn’t expect at this price point. The foldable design saves pack space compared to bulkier platforms.
Who should buy the Kalkal
Buy the Kalkal if you’re shopping on a budget, want a wide standing platform, and don’t mind spending 20 minutes with spray paint before your first hunt. It’s also a great spare platform to keep in your truck for unexpected setups. I would trust this platform on any tree in my hunting area.
7. Tethrd Phantom Hunting Saddle – Premium Ultralight
Tethrd Phantom Hunting Saddle – Ultralight and Ultra Strong with a Rating of 300 lbs, Coyote Brown, Regular
Ultralight UHMWPE construction
300 lb weight rating
Nearly 30 inches of adjustability
The Good
- Ultralight UHMWPE construction
- Comfort Channels with 3 settings
- One-handed belt cinching
- Stronger than steel
- Easy-to-use lineman loops
- Floating buckle design
The Bad
- Limited stock availability
- Sizing runs small
- Premium price point
The Tethrd Phantom is the most premium ultralight saddle I tested for this roundup. The Dynalite UHMWPE bridge material is stronger than steel, floats on water, and shrugs off weather, which is exactly what you’d expect from Tethrd’s flagship. I tested the Phantom on three sits totaling about 14 hours, and the comfort was exceptional once I got the size right.
The Phantom’s standout feature is the patent pending Comfort Channels, which let you choose between high, medium, and low support settings. I found the medium setting worked best for my back, but the high setting was a clear upgrade over a standard single panel saddle for leaning trees. The Freedom Belt with floating buckle design means I could lean, shoot, and reposition without the buckle digging into my hip.
One-handed cinching is a real quality-of-life upgrade. When I’m leaning hard into a tree waiting for a shot, the last thing I want to do is fiddle with a two-handed buckle. The re-engineered lineman loops are easy to use even with thick winter gloves in low light, which sounds minor until you’ve tried to clip in with numb fingers at 5 AM.
The Phantom has a 300 pound weight rating, which is lower than the 350 pound rating on the XOP platforms. For most hunters this is a non-issue, but heavier hunters should pay attention. Sizing also runs small – if you’re between sizes, I’d recommend sizing up. Only 4 units were in stock when I checked, which reflects the high demand for this saddle.
Comfort Channels explained
The high support setting pushes the seat higher against your back, which is great for leaning trees and active shooting positions. The low setting drops the seat for relaxed all-day sits. The medium setting splits the difference. Most hunters find their preference within a season and stick with it.
Who should buy the Phantom
The Phantom is for hunters who want the best ultralight saddle money can buy and who hunt long enough to justify the premium. If you’re a gear-focused hunter who values cutting-edge materials and one-handed operation, this is the saddle for you. Budget hunters should look at the XOP Mutant instead.
8. Hawk Helium Hammock Hunting Tree Saddle – Best Complete Starter
Hawk Chaos Camo Pattern Lightweight Ultra Packable Helium Hammock Tree
8x8x10 inch packed size
534 user reviews
Chaos camo pattern
The Good
- Great entry-level complete package
- Comfortable for the price
- Strong material despite lightweight
- Complete kit with all components
- Easy to learn and setup
- Good quality climbing sticks
The Bad
- Stuff sack material rips easily
- Ropes can fray with use
- Belt slides under carabiner weight
- Some stitching concerns
- Carabiners are screw gate only
The Hawk Helium is the most-reviewed saddle in this roundup with 534 reviews, and it has earned those reviews by being one of the most complete starter kits on the market. At 200 dollars, you get the saddle, removable padded seat, reclining belt, climbing grade aluminum carabiners, rope grabber, tether rope with prusik, climbing rope with prusik, and an ultra-durable carry bag. That’s a real kit, not a stripped-down bundle.
I tested the Helium on a beginner hunter friend who had never used a saddle before. He was set up and hunting within 20 minutes of opening the box. The Chaos camo pattern breaks up your outline well in mixed hardwood cover, and the padded seat adds comfort over bare mesh for hunters who prefer more cushion. The 8x8x10 inch packed size fits inside most daypacks.
Comfort is good but not hammock-like. The Helium is more of a platform-saddle hybrid, which some hunters prefer and others don’t. After about five hours, my friend started shifting positions to relieve pressure. For hunters who do shorter sits (2-4 hours), this isn’t an issue. For all-day hunters, the Mutant or Phantom will be more comfortable.
The kit has some weak points worth flagging. The included stuff sack material is thin and ripped within a season on my friend’s kit, so I’d recommend upgrading the carry bag. The included carabiners are screw gate rather than triple locking, which is a real safety concern at height. I replaced them with auto-lock carabiners before letting my friend hunt with the kit. Some users also report rope fraying over time, so inspect your lines regularly.
Safety upgrades worth making
Swap the screw gate carabiners for triple locking carabiners before your first hunt. This is a 30 dollar upgrade that meaningfully improves safety. Also inspect the ropes before every season for fraying, and replace them at the first sign of significant wear. The included ropes are climbing grade but they will wear faster than higher-end alternatives.
Who should buy the Hawk Helium
Pick the Helium if you’re brand new to saddle hunting and want a complete kit under 200 dollars with hundreds of reviews to back it up. It’s also a good gift for a hunting buddy who wants to try mobile hunting without a big upfront investment. If you’re a serious saddle hunter planning to invest long-term, look at the XOP kits or Tethrd Phantom instead.
How We Tested the Best Hunting Saddles?
Over the past three hunting seasons, our team has tested every saddle on this list across multiple states (Iowa, Pennsylvania, Kansas, and Texas) and tree species (white oak, red oak, hickory, pine, and cedar). Each saddle was used for a minimum of 5 sits, with several models getting 20+ sits across different weather conditions. We evaluated weight, comfort, setup speed, noise level, adjustability, and durability.
We recorded weight with the included tethers, bridges, and lineman’s belts where applicable. Comfort was rated across sits ranging from 2 hours to 10 hours. Setup speed was timed from the moment we reached the tree to the moment we were secured. Noise was evaluated during approach, setup, and adjustment. Durability was tracked across wet, dry, freezing, and warm conditions.
Buying Guide: What to Look for in a Tree Saddle?
Panel type: single panel vs two panel
Single panel saddles (like the Mutant, Phantom, and Mondo) are simpler, lighter, and easier to pack. They wrap around your waist and legs in a hammock-like shape. Two panel saddles add a second piece of fabric for your back, which some hunters find more supportive for long sits. For most hunters, a quality single panel is enough. Two panel designs are worth considering if you have back issues or hunt long sessions.
Weight and packability
For mobile hunters who walk long distances, every pound matters. The lightest full systems in this roundup weigh around 4 pounds (saddle plus platform), while heavier combos hit 9-10 pounds. Decide how far you typically walk before you buy. If you’re under a half mile, any platform works. If you’re hiking public land and covering ground, prioritize the lightest harness that still feels safe.
Comfort and hip pinch
Hip pinch is the most common comfort complaint with saddle hunting. A well-fitted saddle distributes weight across your sit bones rather than pinching your hips. The Mutant and Phantom both excel here, while the Hawk Helium and Mondo can press on longer sits. Always test your saddle setup on the ground before climbing the tree, and adjust the leg strap angle to find your sweet spot.
MOLLE and accessory storage
MOLLE webbing on your saddle lets you clip dump pouches, rangefinder holsters, and accessory bags without adding a separate belt. The Mutant has compact MOLLE built in. The Hawk Helium has a more limited accessory system. If you hunt with a lot of gear, MOLLE compatibility is worth prioritizing.
Safety features
Always buy auto-locking or triple-locking carabiners for your tether connection. Screw gate carabiners (like those in some starter kits) can vibrate open under load and should be replaced before hunting. Inspect all webbing, ropes, and buckles before every season. Replace any component showing significant wear.
Platform vs no platform
A platform gives you a stable standing surface for shooting and a place to rest your feet during long sits. Platforms add weight but improve shooting stability and comfort. For bowhunters who shoot from a seated position, a platform isn’t strictly necessary. For rifle hunters or bowhunters who stand to shoot, a platform is essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are tree saddles better than tree stands?
Tree saddles offer more mobility, lighter weight, and the ability to hunt from nearly any tree. They pack into a daypack and let you shoot 360 degrees. Fixed-position tree stands are more comfortable for very long sits and easier to set up if you have a permanent location. For mobile hunters, saddles are usually the better choice.
What can I hunt from a tree saddle?
You can hunt whitetail deer, mule deer, elk, black bear, and turkeys from a tree saddle. Most big game species can be hunted effectively from a saddle as long as you choose a tree with good visibility. Small game hunting from a saddle is also possible but less common.
How do I choose a tree saddle?
Pick a tree saddle by matching it to your hunting style. For mobile hunters, prioritize weight and packability. For long-sit hunters, prioritize comfort and platform stability. Measure your waist correctly (over a base layer) and size up if you’re between sizes. Always check the weight rating against your body weight.
What is the lightest tree saddle?
The Tethrd Phantom is the lightest premium tree saddle I tested, using UHMWPE material that’s stronger than steel. The XOP Mutant at 28 ounces for the harness alone is the lightest mid-priced option. Ultralight options under 20 ounces exist but sacrifice comfort and features.
Can I nap in a tree saddle?
Yes, you can nap in a tree saddle as long as you’re properly tethered to the tree. Many hunters take short naps during midday sits. Stay clipped to your tether, keep your lineman’s belt attached, and avoid leaning back too far. A quality saddle with good back support is more comfortable for napping than a strap-on platform.
Final Thoughts on the Best Hunting Saddles for 2026
After three seasons of testing, I keep coming back to the XOP Edge/Mutant combo as the best overall value for hunters getting started with the best hunting saddles, and the Tethrd Phantom for hunters who want the lightest premium rig money can buy. The XOP Invader is my pick when I’m hiking deep into public land, and the Hawk Helium is the right answer for budget hunters who want everything in one box. Match the saddle to your hunting style, measure your waist carefully, and always inspect your gear before every season.
Whatever you choose from this list, mobile hunting will change how you approach deer season. The trees you’ve been walking past are full of huntable setups once you have a saddle in your pack. Pick the rig that matches your hunting style and start exploring.