Petzl Sequoia Tree Climbing Saddle Review After 6 Months of Use 

It’s not in the context of being tied into two climbing lines and two lanyards all at the same time. The point of two lines is for better work positioning in certain situations where being tied into two lines may offer a more comfortable position than just one line OR hopping off one line and hopping on another if moving around a widespread canopy, etc. without having to adjust my TIP. I primarily climb DdRT. The purpose of the second lanyard is for better positioning when advancing or repositioning a climbing line so I’m tied in twice while doing that. One lanyard near my rope bridge or lower d-rings for better seating and a second lanyard in the side d-rings, makes for two points of attachment and more comfortability if I’m repositioning a climb line TIP. With that being said, I do things my way, I’m not saying it’s better than the way someone else does it, just what works for me. Especially because the majority of the work I do is pruning, so I do a lot of moving around throughout a canopy. There are some times where I am only tied in once with just a lanyard or climb line (briefly though) like if I’m ascending or moving around, etc. Every situation and tree is different. Using two climb lines / two lanyards is something I’ve started experimenting with more within the last year and a half to two years.

Thanks for the gear recommendation and I definitely have more climbing videos in mind! 😃

Thanks for the suggestion!

Yeah I think it’s a great saddle! Never had any issues with feeling like it’s weighing me down or anything. Very comfortable padding as well.

I would guess some of those larger outfits must have a lot of regulations / standards from what I’ve heard. Nothing wrong with taking extra precautions though. Especially if it helps a climber feel more confident and secure.

The lanyard is a steel core, just the outer orange covering has wear and tear but the steel core is fully intact and has no damage so I have felt comfortable climbing with it.

@@cgfitnessandarboriculture I get it but it looks bad on video

@@arboristBlairGlenn You do make a good point there. I see what you’re saying. I appreciate your honesty.

@@cgfitnessandarboriculture my son bought the same belt three years ago and loves it. He is a master at SRT. I have been climbing DRT for the last 48 years. Decided to learn SRT so I also bought this same saddle. Check my channel Arborist Blair Glenn Thanks

@@arboristBlairGlenn eh

Thanks for sharing! I wasn’t aware there was a knock off version of this saddle on Amazon. Are you referring to the YXGOOD harness that’s around $60? So far I’ve just clipped into the one rope bridge and for what I do work wise it works. But I might make some adjustments later on. Especially doing a lot of pruning I see some benefit in possibly a second rope bridge for work positioning with a second line etc. I’ll definitely check out some of that gear you mentioned. Thanks

Thanks for the gear tip and for taking the time to share your experience with this saddle! I have not encountered the issue you described, but if I ever do and find a fix I’ll be sure to put it out there.

I have not tried a chainsaw hook yet with this saddle, but it is something I’ve thought about for down the road as I know a lot of climbers utilize them and with good results.

I use an upside down screw gate steel carabiner to store the saw on my sequoia works great.

Think about the monkey beaver saddle,with the suspenders, transporters work great .got 2 on my saddle,

I have. The Rock Exotica is rock solid. The Shembiner is floppy as hell and is only good for hanging lanyards IMHO.

Thanks for the suggestion!

That was in fact the saddle I had before, still have it actually. It’s cheap price wise compared to something like the Petzl, but I used it over a period of a couple years and it seemed pretty durable and comfortable.

I have that saddle. Just wanted to test out the style before I bought expensive one. One thing to note, I've yet to find a way to attach a chainsaw hook/holder. All the loops that look like they would work are stitched completely down top and bottom to the saddle. You'd have to cut some of the stitching to get a chainsaw hook mounted to the saddle.

@@kaylebdunwoodie9079 I may get one just to try also. To get loops you could try just sewing some half inch or one inch webbing onto the saddle by hand. Doesn't have to go all the way through the belt. I think if you just sewed through the outer layer of the belt they would be strong enough to hold accessories.

It’s a Kask Super Plasma helmet with the “mirror” visor.

@@cgfitnessandarboriculture and look forward to future movies. Got the pop corn ready.

@@cgfitnessandarboriculture I am hungry to learn.

Thanks for sharing! I’ve never tried a chainsaw hook as of yet, I’ve always just hooked it into one of the available loops on my saddle. Simple enough, but maybe one day I’ll try a hook out. I’ve thought about adding a second bridge as well, and definitely maybe a ring or something else to reduce the wear and tear on the bridge.

@@cgfitnessandarboriculture Thought about using a ring on the bridge too (many climbers use them) but I cant see the point really. The petzl ring and petzl carabiners are so similar in circumference there doesn't look to be any benefit to adding the ring onto the bridge. That's why I added the pinto pulley onto the bridge instead of a ring as the pulley certainly reduces wear and makes twisting the saddle really easy and smooth.

Thanks!

Yes, I am self-employed and tree care is my primary job.

If you are referring to the blue rope lanyard, I always have a stopper knot at the end that does not have the snap. And frayed ends can be resolved by cutting that part off / using a lighter to burn them to tighten the end of the rope back up.

The saddle in this video is around $400-$500. The other saddle I mentioned was from Amazon and was under $100, but my experience with it was that it was a quality saddle. Someone just starting out or who is on a budget may not be able to afford a more expensive one. When it comes to climbing gear I definitely don’t think you should just go for the cheapest, but just because a piece of gear costs less doesn’t automatically mean it isn’t of good quality. As for the d-rings, just like with any other piece of gear routine inspection should be done. I can understand your concern though about the screws and why it may be less appealing. For me personally usually if I’m clipped into the d-rings it’s not my only TIP, and if it is it’s very brief.

@@cgfitnessandarboriculture I know how much it is.

@@Sethhaun78 its not a bad saddle

@@cgfitnessandarboriculture id like to see more info about any critical failings with the d rings coming apart.. it might be something the average climber doesnt have to worry about.. but also dont buy one if these used