10/21/2026
Panther Platforms
For anybody getting into saddle hunting or looking for a great way to get up the tree, check out the Panther Ultralight Platform
I’ve been saddle hunting since 2019, and over the past seven seasons, I’ve tried just about every climbing method out there. I’ve used SRT, the Lone Wolf hand climber (my least favorite), three climbing sticks, preset sticks, and for the past three seasons, I’ve been one-stick climbing.
This year, I decided to give the Panther Ultralight Platform a try. I’ll admit, the price made me hesitate, but after using it, I’ve decided to sell all my other climbing equipment. That should cover what I paid for the Panther, with money left over!
The biggest difference for me is the ease of climbing and how I feel when I reach hunting height.
With one-stick climbing, I was constantly swinging around the tree, reaching down to detach my stick, moving it up, and reattaching it. It worked, but I always found it awkward and physically demanding.
With the Panther, the process is much simpler. Yesterday, I had to navigate around a couple of limbs. All I had to do was attach my second tether above the limb, detach the platform, reposition and secure it above the limb, and climb back up my aiders to continue climbing.
Even with those obstacles, I reached hunting height quicker than usual. And here’s what impressed me most: It was fairly warm outside, but I wasn’t sweating, tired, or worn out when I got to the top. That’s a huge improvement for me.
I’m not saying the other climbing methods are bad. They all work, and everyone has their preferences. But after seven seasons of trying different setups, the Panther Ultralight has been a game changer for me.
Is it expensive? Absolutely. Would I buy it again? Based on my experience so far, without hesitation.
Just sharing my personal experience. Hopefully, this helps someone considering making the switch!
