Latitude Method 3 Review | GearJunkie Tested

Getting an opportunity at a good deer requires a lot of time in the woods. Sometimes it’s not about how far you can go, but how long you can stay in the tree. It doesn’t matter how light your treestand or saddle is; if it’s not comfortable, you’ll dream up every reason to call it quits early.

I’ve had the privilege of testing a ton of saddles. Most of them are comfortable, but the Latitude Outdoors Method 3 tops them all in that regard. No, it’s not the lightest saddle out there, but it’s definitely the most comfortable. If that comfort keeps you on stand longer, then I’d say it earns every ounce of its weight.

In short: The Latitude Method 3 offers excellent adjustability and comfort for long rut sits in the tree, with secure straps and steady panel control. It’s not the most breathable option, but the comfort tradeoff pays off when you need to stay put.

Latitude Method 3 Saddle Review

Testing the Latitude Method 3

I’ve put the Latitude Method 3 through the rigors of the deer woods this season, including a few all-day rut sits on an out-of-state hunting trip. I immediately added two Operator pouches to the saddle (one regular and one XL), an upgrade worth every penny. While hunting, I noted how the saddle transported to and from sits, if there were any hotspots or pressure points, and how it handled after long hours in the tree.

A lot of hunting saddles tend to loosen in the leg straps while you hike into a spot. I really appreciated how the Method 3 stayed snug, so I didn’t have to stop and keep adjusting them.

The same goes for the rope belt. I’ve been skeptical about Latitude’s rope belt in the past, but after using the Method 3 extensively, I’m a fan. It adjusts quickly and stays snug, and I didn’t have to worry about it falling down, even with fully loaded Operator pouches.

The drawstrings for the panel adjustments also stayed in place and helped keep both panels together, along with the robust magnets. I never felt like the saddle would come apart on the walk in or hanging in the tree.

The drawstrings also double as stick holders. The Method 3 only has a single row of MOLLE loops, so the built-in holders are a fantastic touch and a great representation of this saddle’s economical design.

Serious Stability

Because there’s so much adjustability in this saddle, you have to be really stubborn to sit in a position that creates any hip pinch. The adjustable bridge and two-panel design give you a ton of setup possibilities in the tree.

During a couple of dark-to-dark sits, I ran through various panel positions, which made it easy to stay comfortable all day on stand. One of the best things about the strong magnetic connection is that you have the ability to run this saddle as a true single or double panel.

For hunters considering Method 3, I would highly suggest adding a few operator pouches. These silent, roomy pouches have plenty of room to hold your lineman’s rope, tether, bow hanger, tow rope, headlamp, and whatever else you need to quickly and conveniently access. That extra room in the pouches means you don’t have to worry about taking a pack for quick hang and hunts or when you need to travel light.

What the Latitude Method 3 Does Best

Aside from its reasonable price, the Method 3 is definitely the most comfortable saddle I’ve used. Mesh padding and ample adjustability in the bridge and panel positions allow hunters to tailor this saddle to their specific fit. Whether you’re upgrading your current rig or just getting into saddle hunting, the Method 3 works for new or seasoned saddle hunters.

Where the Latitude Method 3 Can Improve

All the comfort and padding come with a cost. The Method 3 won’t be mistaken for lightweight, but it still shouldn’t be considered heavy. That padding doesn’t promote the best breathability either. During some warm, early-season hunts, I definitely got warm walking into some spots. Luckily, that part of the season doesn’t last long, and the tradeoff means it’ll help keep your can warm when the temps drop.

Final Thoughts on the Latitude Method 3

Latitude’s Method 3 does something most companies claim but fail to do: make actual improvements on its predecessor. The Method 3 isn’t just another marketing ploy to push a new product in a new year. It boasts intuitive features that saddle hunters should appreciate while providing ample comfort in the tree.