Summit Viper SD setup

[Core]

Bought this at the tail end of 2015. Guessing I've used around 60 times since.

New for this year in an attempt to reduce the crazy amount of stuff I bring into the woods and reduce fiddling around with a pack, I have added these $10 Fieldline fanny packs to the frame. This is the same concept as the official summit climber bags, but these are cheaper and, I think, less likely to wiggly around and be generally annoying.

These are currently in-store at my local Dicks store. I liked the back because the loops are readily usable for ziptying to the frame.

For now I've left them as functional fanny packs to confirm everything works in the woods, and just duct taped the straps snug out of the way.

Attached with three zip ties and importantly this setup will not impede the ability of the seat straps to get all the way front.

 

Should the pack be excessively loose when weighted down with a coffee thermos or the bungee snaps fail, I will probably use a very thin piece of plywood as a backer and rivet the pack to that. I'm positive that would work great, but is not likely to be necessary. And frankly, some stout duct tape would certainly work well for this in place of zip ties.

Here are the molle straps I got on ebay a few years back. A must-have. Eschewing the molle frame and attaching directly to the stand bottom, with paracord loops to keep it centered, it has worked flawlessly.

If you're wondering what the black paracord is on the front center the purpose of that is that this stand, when combined with the Sherpa game cart, can be used with a pulley system to haul the entire rig up steep inclines. One area I hunt, to get the deer out, involves a terrifically step hill, and after dragging deer up it twice I vowed that the next time would be with a mechanical advantage. 

Here is the kidney setup. It works well, but I honestly never need it because i'm never walking far enough to bother.

Here it is ready to go (except the very top part of back rest is hanging low out of the picture here--normally I use its integrated bungee to attach it to top of frame.

 

Edited September 28, 2019 by Core

[2012_taco]

Nice job! I like shoulder harnesses, the factory straps are not the most comfortable. I have the 2 side bags and the summit front bag on my climber and i never really thought about altering them? Although i don't care for the way the front bag always hits my knees, especially when i really load it up. Now you got me thinking... how can I improve my setup?

[Core]

25 minutes ago, 2012_taco said:

Nice job! I like shoulder harnesses, the factory straps are not the most comfortable. I have the 2 side bags and the summit front bag on my climber and i never really thought about altering them? Although i don't care for the way the front bag always hits my knees, especially when i really load it up. Now you got me thinking... how can I improve my setup?

I was about to go with a single bag at the front and realized that what you're experiencing would drive me up the wall with constant banging on knees, hence the side satchels

[rachunter]

I picked up a viper a few years ago from CL but never had a chance to use it. The guy put a new set with pocket a bow holder and replaced the connection cord with thirdhand straps. I’m going to bring it up for the muzzle loader season in a few weeks. I’m definitely getting those molly straps for it. I have them on my lone wolf stand and there great. 

Nice set up!!

[loworange88]

I had an  old camo fanny pack, cut the straps off, and zip tied it to the right side of my Viper Mini.  I carry just the essentials.  If it doesnt fit, I dont take it.  Also  I tied up my hoist rope to the frame, and coil it up and stuff it into the smaller front pocket of the pack.  Ive had this set up for maybe 2-3 years now.  I only used one fanny pack, because 2 would just be more weight with more stuff.

Also the Molle shoulder and waist gear are 100X better than the stock Summit straps.

[loworange88]

On 9/28/2019 at 9:45 AM, rachunter said:

I picked up a viper a few years ago from CL but never had a chance to use it. The guy put a new set with pocket a bow holder and replaced the connection cord with thirdhand straps. I’m going to bring it up for the muzzle loader season in a few weeks. I’m definitely getting those molly straps for it. I have them on my lone wolf stand and there great. 

Nice set up!!

the Third Hand straps are nice, makes the stand very solid when you get up in the tree.

[The_Real_TCIII]

3 hours ago, loworange88 said:

the Third Hand straps are nice, makes the stand very solid when you get up in the tree.

They are an absolute essential IMO. I have the bowholder too and climb with my bow in it

[chrisw]

Don't forget the third hand bowholder either!

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[loworange88]

Yes the third hand bow holder is nice.  I don’t really like climbing with the bow in it, but while sitting, it’s nice.  Holds my bow, xbow, and I’ve hung my rifle/muzzleloader from it via the sling.

[Core]

On 9/30/2019 at 4:03 PM, The_Real_TCIII said:

They are an absolute essential IMO. I have the bowholder too and climb with my bow in it

Ah, I gotta get one. I just rest the bow on my rail. Only ever dropped it once but it's an accident waiting to happen.

When permanently attached will the viper still nest properly for transport?

Edited October 3, 2019 by Core

[rachunter]

I’m setting up the treestand I picked up a few years ago and there’s two foot hooks and a bungee cord on the bottom platform?but on the original seat the bungee cord is on the top of the seat. The replacement seat doesn’t have one. I’m guessing the one on the seat goes around the tree but what’s the one on the bottom for?



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[chrisw]

Ah, I gotta get one. I just rest the bow on my rail. Only ever dropped it once but it's an accident waiting to happen.
When permanently attached will the viper still nest properly for transport?

Yep, I mounted mine once and haven't touched it since, I don't climb with my bow in it, I hoist it up then put it in, but it's way better than messing with bow arms or leaning it across the rail.

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[The_Real_TCIII]

I’m setting up the treestand I picked up a few years ago and there’s two foot hooks and a bungee cord on the bottom platform?but on the original seat the bungee cord is on the top of the seat. The replacement seat doesn’t have one. I’m guessing the one on the seat goes around the tree but what’s the one on the bottom for?



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I think that bottom bungee goes behind your feet when you climb. I cut it off. My feet don't touch the stirrups at all I should remove those as well

[crappyice]

What he^^^ said. You are supposed to get your toes in the plastic part and the bungee around the heel of your boot. Pretty sure my daughters size 7 dance shoes would fit in there....about that you are out of lick IMO.I never used it but its still attached in case i need an extra bungee.


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[bruno1]

12 hours ago, rachunter said:

I’m setting up the treestand I picked up a few years ago and there’s two foot hooks and a bungee cord on the bottom platform?but on the original seat the bungee cord is on the top of the seat. The replacement seat doesn’t have one. I’m guessing the one on the seat goes around the tree but what’s the one on the bottom for?



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