RIVAL - Complete Saddle Hunting Kit

Absolutely love it, since I got mine I won’t touch a regular deer stand again, I can literally go anywhere and get into tight spaces with it

I have enjoyed my kit. I am new to saddle hunting, but have already used it on four different hunts (each greater than 4 hours). I find the saddle comfortable and well made as well as lineman, tether and bridge. I do see where suspenders would be beneficial when hiking in to a location with your saddle already on and connecting your platform to your saddle when you ascend/descend. I have done both (wear it in and pack it in).

The CAYS 2.0 back is as advertised in the name, it holds a lot of (you know). The strap that came with it broke the first time I used it (connector clip) - no big deal but it was rated to hold quite a bit of weight - do not trust 25’ up with anything valuable. One of the pocket zippers arrived without a pull, also no big deal because there are like a thousand pockets on the bag ( slight exaggeration). Quality pack, a little too much for me on a single, short distance hunt.

The rival platform is nice and spacious; however, that comes with a price - weight! It is a good bit heavier than competitor platform that my son and his friend are using. Setup is easy and stable.

The rival sticks are good quality and well made but I do not prefer the attachment method. I love them when they are on the tree, but installing on ascent and removing on descent provides challenges. Mostly on doing it silently. The cam buckles inevitably will ( I repeat WILL) come in contact with your stick and make noise. I have attempted to quiet this down with stealth strips but short of covering the entire set-up, it is impossible. Cam buckles are very difficult to cover and keep anything adhesive from getting on/in working parts. I wish the cam buckles were rubber coated to prevent this. These sticks are also heavier and more time consuming to use than competitor sticks that my son has.

All in all, I am happy with the kit, but wish I had not fallen for the less expensive “kit” marketing strategy. If I had it to do over again, I would piece-mill my setup and accept the fact that in the end, would cost more.

Great product, set up was super quick and very easy to use!

Great all in one kit. Starting with the unboxing. All gear comes packaged in great brand boxes and bags protected well with bubble wrap. The quality of all equipment is impressive. Durable well made products with high quality materials and exceptional fit and finish. Cays 2.0 is a well made backpack. Quality reminiscent of eberlestock and mystery ranch. Saddle is comfortable and light.I work in construction and constantly inspect and maintain safety rated equipment. Trophyline gear is designed with safety equipment quality in a sleek bottomland paint job. Wouldnt hesitate to recommend to my fellow hunters.