Quick Answer
When choosing the right tether material for safety in a saddle hunting setup, consider the durability, impact resistance, and flexibility of the material, with options like nylon, Dyneema, or Kevlar being suitable choices.
Material Durability and Impact Resistance
When it comes to tether material, durability and impact resistance are crucial. A good rule of thumb is to choose a material with a minimum breaking strength of 2500 pounds (11,340 Newtons) and a diameter of at least 1/8 inch (3.2 millimeters). This will ensure that the tether can withstand the forces generated during a fall and prevent failure. Materials like nylon and Dyneema meet these requirements, making them suitable choices for saddle hunting.
Flexibility and Shock Absorption
In addition to durability and impact resistance, flexibility and shock absorption are also important considerations. A tether that absorbs shock and allows for some degree of flexibility can help reduce the impact of a fall on the hunter. This can be achieved with the use of braided or twisted materials, such as a 3-strand twisted nylon or a braided Dyneema. These materials can stretch up to 20% of their original length before breaking, providing a degree of shock absorption and flexibility.
Attachment Points and Tether Length
Proper attachment points and tether length are also critical for safety. The attachment points should be securely tied to the harness and the saddle, with a minimum of two points to prevent the tether from failing in case of a break. The tether length should be adjusted to allow for a 1-2 foot (0.3-0.6 meter) drop before the harness is deployed, giving the hunter time to react and deploy the harness. A good starting point for tether length is to tie the tether to the harness at a point 2-3 inches (5-7.5 centimeters) below the hunter’s chest.
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