Weaver Arborist Saddles

Buying guide

Why Weaver saddles are still around

Weaver has been making climbing saddles for a long time, and you will find them on crews everywhere. They are straightforward, durable and priced so a crew can outfit new climbers without breaking the budget. For a lot of arborists, a Weaver saddle was the first one they climbed in.

The Weaver Cougar saddle is a popular model, with padding and support that suits everyday pruning and removal work.

Weaver saddles are also a common pick for crews that need spare saddles in the truck. When a climber's saddle is out for repair or a new hire starts, having a straightforward, well-fitting saddle on hand keeps the job moving.

Weaver saddles are also easy to service. Webbing, leather and hardware are simple to inspect, and replacement parts are widely available for many models, which helps keep a saddle in use for its full service life.

Choosing a Weaver climbing saddle

Look at how you climb. If you mostly use a moving rope system and a flip line, a traditional saddle with side D-rings and a front tie-in covers the basics well. If you plan to climb SRS a lot or want a bridge that moves with you, compare with European saddles such as the Petzl Sequoia.

Fit matters more than features. Use Weaver's sizing guide for waist and legs, and try the saddle on with the clothes you climb in.

If you climb a lot of different trees and use a flip line often, side D-rings are especially important. Make sure they sit comfortably on your hips and do not dig in when you lean back on the lanyard.

If you are buying for a crew, consider sizing a few climbers at once. A saddle that fits well makes new climbers more confident and more productive, and it helps them focus on technique instead of discomfort.

Adding to your saddle

Many climbers add a chest harness, such as the Weaver Chest Box, when they start ascending stationary rope. Tool holders and gear loops help organize a rack. Check that any accessory works with your saddle and does not interfere with life-support components.

Hang test any new setup close to the ground before climbing.

Accessories can also make an older saddle more comfortable. Padding upgrades and tool holders can extend the life of a saddle you already like.

Inspection and retirement

Inspect webbing, stitching, leather, buckles and D-rings before every climb. Look for cuts, abrasion, chemical contamination and cracked hardware. Retire the saddle when it shows significant wear, after a fall or when it reaches the maker's service life.

A saddle is life-support equipment: buy one that meets the applicable standard, follow the manufacturer's instructions and ANSI Z133, inspect it before every climb and retire it when wear reaches the maker's limits. Get trained before you climb on any new system.

Keep a simple log of when you put the saddle into service and any parts you replaced. It makes inspection easier and helps you plan replacement.