Saddle Hooks & Gear Storage Clips

Buying guide

Planning your saddle layout

Climbers who stay organized aloft tend to rack gear the same way every time. A dedicated chainsaw hook keeps a top-handle saw hanging clear of your rope, ready to grab. A lanyard management clip, such as the ISC Nessie, keeps the tail of your lanyard out of the way. A large tool hook like the Rock Exotica Transporter can carry spare rope or a rigging setup to the top of the tree.

Think about which side you cut on, where your hand saw sits and which side your lanyard adjuster lives, then place hooks so nothing crosses over your primary rope or bridge.

Saddle rope holders and large hooks also help when you carry a rigging line or a second climbing rope into the tree. Keep the load balanced on both sides of your saddle so it does not pull you off center on long climbs.

Do a dry run on the ground. Hang everything you plan to carry, then sit in the saddle and reach for each item with your eyes closed. If you fumble for something, move it. A few minutes of setup saves a lot of frustration aloft.

Fit and limits

Check that hooks fit the gear loops or rails on your saddle and that they are rated for the weight you will hang. These are storage points only, not life-support attachment points. Inspect plastic hooks for cracks, especially after cold weather, and replace anything that has started to deform under a heavy saw.

Saddle hunters also use similar gear hangers, but tree workers carry heavier loads like chainsaws, so pick hardware sized for arborist use.

Weight limits are worth a second look if you carry a full-size saw aloft. A hook that handles a hand saw all day may flex or crack under a heavy chainsaw. Pick a chainsaw hook made for that load, and check the mounting point on the saddle is rated to carry it too.

Keeping gear from dropping

Dropped gear is a hazard to the ground crew. Use hooks with gates or retention where you can, tether hand saws, and keep the drop zone clear and communicated. A tidy saddle is part of a safe job site.

Count your gear before you go up and after you come down. It is an easy habit that catches a missing hook or a hand saw left in a crotch before it becomes a problem for the next person under the tree.

Types of storage hooks

Polymer hooks are light and gentle on rope and tools. Metal tool hooks carry heavier loads like a full-size chainsaw. Clips with gates or spring keepers hold gear more securely when you invert or move through the canopy. Some climbers mix several types: a heavy chainsaw hook on one side, polymer hooks for slings and lanyards, and a gated clip for the hand saw tether.

Consider the gear loops on your saddle. Some saddles use rails that accept clip-on hooks, while others use fixed loops that work better with carabiner-style storage.

Replace worn or cracked hooks as soon as you notice them, and keep a spare or two in your gear bag.