Climbing sticks/ladders

[maplegrovefisherman]

Does anyone use the portable climbing sticks/ladders to get up to there stands? I think Rivers Edge makes a narrow ladder. If you have used them would you recommend them versus the screw in steps.

[Deitz Dittrich]

I have strap on steps.. they come in 4 foot lenghts.. So usually I carry about 3 or 4 in the woods with me... The screw in steps scare the $%^@#%& ot of me.. I saw a guy whos step broke and he fell on the next step down and it tore him up!

I will be a ladder or climber stand guy for the rest of my life... yes they weigh more, buy my safety is more important than that!

[nimrod71]

I own and have used all. Since I found out screw ins are mostly illegal on public land, I have used the climbing sticks and strap on sectional ladders. They work great, better than screw ins for moving around. They are more visible, so if left out, they would be easier to steal. As with all equipment for the tree, when properly used - with caution- they are safe. Practice installing at home before venturing out in the dark. Another difference, the diameter of the tree is important with the strap on sectional ladders. I think the home improvemnet store at the 94 county road 30 exit has them fairly inexpensive right now.

[Gus]

I just bought the Lone Wolf climbing sticks this year and had the opening weekend to try them out. I'm a big guy and I'm not much of a fan of screw in tree steps. I was very impressed with these sticks. They are rated for 350 pounds and only weigh 7.5 pounds. They were incredibly stabil in the tree and I felt totally safe climbing with them. The guys at cabelas steered me to the lone wolf after I was about to buy the gorilla sticks which were only $10 cheaper. I'm glad I did. These stix are my new favorite toy!They also pack up pretty tight together and if you secure them with the velcro straps they don't make noise clanking together when walking out in the woods. (just be carefull undoing the velcro, that will make noise) But I think they are worth every penny.

These sticks paired with my Gorrilla Silverback magnum stand weigh in the same as my climber. I'm a very happy hunter this year.

[BLACKJACK]

I've went completely to the climbing sticks and ladders, they're easier and safer, plus those screw in steps are a pain in the a$$! Once you get up above ground level, then you're trying to hang on, screw in a step, then another one, then another one... The ladders and sticks work fine, i have several of the Rivers Edge, they good.

[Hossienda]

Gus,

If you don't mind my asking, how much did the sticks cost that you purchased?? I have always used screw in steps, but have thought about different options now that I have a family. The thought of falling and having a screw in step catch me is not very appealing.

-Hossienda

[Deitz Dittrich]

I think the ones I bought were about $12 per 4' section.

[Gus]

The Lone wolf climbing sticks are $100 at Cabelas where I got them. A little spendy compared to some other models but for what you get I'd buy them again in a second.

[Powerstroke]

My buddy bought the Summit Bucksteps. I got to use them with his new Gorilla stand on bow opener since he was using the climber.

They are also $100 and they weigh in at 10 lbs. They are 4 sections of 2 steps except they aren't just 1 step on a side like the Lone wolf ones. These have wide steps on the front of the stick for a sturdy step platform. They also next together and transport very easily. The steps also are great handholds while climbing.

[bottomdweller]

Maple, I have used the rivers edge stands. I have about six of them. Yes they are alittle narrow. But they are fairly lite, which is why I have them. I will never use screw in steps again ever!!!!! Just because I was using them when I fell and broke my back. Just not worth it. Climbers and ladders are the only way to go for safety. P.S WEAR A HARNESS and good luck

[Dave]

I bought a 16' (4-4'sections)climbing stick at Walmart a couple years ago for $35. Works great. Way better than screw in steps.

[bigbucks]

I use both sticks & screw ins. The tree I have one of my portables in currently is too crooked to use the sticks on. I put mine in using an extension ladder this time, as well as to hang the stand. If you're putting the stand up on a field edge you can drive to it's a great option to use a ladder, faster & a lot safer.