Dropped $250 on a fancy tree climbing saddle and it nearly broke my back

I bought this new Ergovation saddle from a big online store thinking it would be more comfortable for long days in the canopy. After three straight removals last Tuesday, my hips were killing me and I could barely walk the next morning. My old homemade saddle with a padded belt actually fits better for my body shape. Has anyone else had a pricey saddle that just didn't work out for them?

3 comments

3 Comments

torres.grant17d ago

Jumping off what the_christopher said about sniffing old harnesses for the perfect fit (that got a real laugh out of me), I think there's a weird psychological thing happening here too. Like, when you spend that much money on a single piece of gear, you almost feel like you HAVE to like it or you're admitting you made a dumb purchase. I did the exact same thing with a high end climbing helmet that gave me a headache after 20 minutes. Kept wearing it for three trips telling myself it would break in, but my cheapo old one never gave me a sore neck. Sometimes your body just rejects expensive stuff and you gotta listen to it.

harpery4717d ago

Yeah wait, I actually had to change my whole mindset on this. I used to be one of those people who thought spending more meant getting better gear, like the price tag was a guarantee of quality or something. But after buying a $300 harness that left me with a numb leg for a week, I totally get what you mean now. It's weird how something that's supposed to be so technical and expensive can just not fit your body right. My old webbing and carabiner setup from a garage sale actually works ten times better for me. I guess comfort is way more personal than the companies want to admit.

the_christopher17d ago

Showed up to my first climbing gym thinking I looked like a pro with my brand new $200 shoes that I could barely stand up in. Scrambled down the wall after two climbs with my ankles screaming and some kid in rental shoes flashed the route next to me. Now I'm that guy at the thrift store sniffing old harnesses for that perfect fit.