Dan (KSdan) had posted here recently about how he climbs using the Lone Wolf Assault hang on stand. He also had shown a picture of how he packs his stand and sticks using foam blocks and it looked really compact and quiet. Well after a couple of PM's for further directions I put together my packing process to alleviate the tangle of straps and noise in my pass method. Which consisted of the stand with my pack on my back, the sticks nested together and slung over the stand and pack with a strap and then at that time my Safari quiver. Constantly being choked and clanking through the woods :help:
So in following his advice I attempted to copy his system. He uses some type of foam blocks and I didn't ask him where he obtained them. I'm sure there are many options out there for the foam blocks. Below is what I did for mine.
The blocks were made by using a sleeping bag pad cut into 6"X21" strips and gluing together 8 strips and then cutting in half to make to blocks approximately 6"H X 10.5" L X 6"W
And with that I thought I would do a pictorial for others if they desired to glean anything from it, so the next few post will be a step by step in pictures, thanks Dan!
First the basic stand, note I have modified mine but cutting off approximately 4" of the seat post (liked it better at a lower hight).
(http://i795.photobucket.com/albums/yy235/jalmay5th/Lone%20Wolf%20Assault%20packup/file-2.jpg)
(http://i795.photobucket.com/albums/yy235/jalmay5th/Lone%20Wolf%20Assault%20packup/file-4.jpg)
(http://i795.photobucket.com/albums/yy235/jalmay5th/Lone%20Wolf%20Assault%20packup/file-5.jpg)
One thing I did to add comfort and make it a lot easier to pack in f traveling a long distance was to add a set of military surplus pack straps and a lumbar support $26.00 with tax, but well worth it!
(http://i795.photobucket.com/albums/yy235/jalmay5th/Lone%20Wolf%20Assault%20packup/file-6.jpg)
The upper pack straps attach by a buckle device the lower ends of the straps and the lumbar support is attached using Zip Ties.
(http://i795.photobucket.com/albums/yy235/jalmay5th/Lone%20Wolf%20Assault%20packup/file-7.jpg)
(http://i795.photobucket.com/albums/yy235/jalmay5th/Lone%20Wolf%20Assault%20packup/file-9.jpg)
The stand and all of the components to be packed.
(http://i795.photobucket.com/albums/yy235/jalmay5th/Lone%20Wolf%20Assault%20packup/file-12.jpg)
Next series of photos are the blocks and the necessary notches.
(http://i795.photobucket.com/albums/yy235/jalmay5th/Lone%20Wolf%20Assault%20packup/file-13.jpg)
(http://i795.photobucket.com/albums/yy235/jalmay5th/Lone%20Wolf%20Assault%20packup/file-14.jpg)
(http://i795.photobucket.com/albums/yy235/jalmay5th/Lone%20Wolf%20Assault%20packup/file-15.jpg)
(http://i795.photobucket.com/albums/yy235/jalmay5th/Lone%20Wolf%20Assault%20packup/file-16.jpg)
Next, putting it all together...
Step one placing the foam blocks, first one
(http://i795.photobucket.com/albums/yy235/jalmay5th/Lone%20Wolf%20Assault%20packup/file-18.jpg)
Second one
(http://i795.photobucket.com/albums/yy235/jalmay5th/Lone%20Wolf%20Assault%20packup/file-19.jpg)
Next step is to attach the stands securing strap to the versa button and make a loop as shown to slide the sticks under and then into the foam notches. You will see it is easier to do this now then to wait till after you have all the sticks loaded and then try and secure the strap for cinching.
(http://i795.photobucket.com/albums/yy235/jalmay5th/Lone%20Wolf%20Assault%20packup/file-20.jpg)
Next slide the sticks into place under the strap loop and into their notches. The Y mount or claw that go's against the tree will rest on the seat cushion and the other end will hang below the stand with the foot pegs flipped to the side and out of the way of each other.
(http://i795.photobucket.com/albums/yy235/jalmay5th/Lone%20Wolf%20Assault%20packup/file-21.jpg)
(http://i795.photobucket.com/albums/yy235/jalmay5th/Lone%20Wolf%20Assault%20packup/file-22.jpg)
(http://i795.photobucket.com/albums/yy235/jalmay5th/Lone%20Wolf%20Assault%20packup/file-24.jpg)
Cinch the strap tight now.
(http://i795.photobucket.com/albums/yy235/jalmay5th/Lone%20Wolf%20Assault%20packup/file-23.jpg)
I have an extra ratchet strap that I used to secure the stands base to the tree after hanging it, I use it now to secure the sticks to the stand platform as shown.
(http://i795.photobucket.com/albums/yy235/jalmay5th/Lone%20Wolf%20Assault%20packup/file-25.jpg)
(http://i795.photobucket.com/albums/yy235/jalmay5th/Lone%20Wolf%20Assault%20packup/file-26.jpg)
Here's everything together to give you a idea as to what it looks like packed and ready to go.
Sorry for the last two they were self timed photos and the focus was off :saywhat: .
Not sure if the straps would be better attached to the opposite end and the stick ends pointing up and behind my head, time will tell.
(http://i795.photobucket.com/albums/yy235/jalmay5th/Lone%20Wolf%20Assault%20packup/file-27.jpg)
(http://i795.photobucket.com/albums/yy235/jalmay5th/Lone%20Wolf%20Assault%20packup/file-28.jpg)
(http://i795.photobucket.com/albums/yy235/jalmay5th/Lone%20Wolf%20Assault%20packup/file-29.jpg)
(http://i795.photobucket.com/albums/yy235/jalmay5th/Lone%20Wolf%20Assault%20packup/file-41.jpg)
(http://i795.photobucket.com/albums/yy235/jalmay5th/Lone%20Wolf%20Assault%20packup/file-43.jpg)
Perfect. Though I wear the stand turned the other way around. I also felt the buckles. And I just use a couple bungee cords and nothing ever works loose- while I can easily stick extra clothes under the bungees.
Great work. You will love it. Wear a turkey vest with everything in the same pockets all the time. Been doing this for 15+ years. One time up the tree, 10 min. or less. Mobility and never need set foot in woods until you are ready to hunt a spot.
Dan
Dan,
The only item not on the stand is my pack and this usually add another 10#, where did you get your turkey vest and can you post pic's of it? I looked for one while in the Surplus store for a vest of some type to pack in the extras but didn't see anything suitable.
As for which way to wear the stand, I was unsure which way to mount the straps will play around wit it and see what works best, thanks for the tips.
What do you do with the big foam blocks after you're set up?
Looks interesting... as with Dan, I would also change the orientation of stand so the widest part of the platform is at you lower back.
With the widest part of the platform at your upper back, it could inhibit you coming to full draw (if an opportunity arises while backpacking in) as the back of your arms could hit the platform. In addition, if you squatted down, it looks like the climbing sticks would possibly poke you in the back of the legs.
Curt,
I haven't used the set up yet, but Dan said to just hide them at the base of the tree. He never leaves his stand overnight and pack out at the end of the hunt.
Don,
There is space between the sticks and my body, but i'm thinking you guys are correct and will change the orientation later on today. My thoughts were bumping my head with the sticks or hanging up on brush, but i can adjust the straps to lower the stand down and keep the sticks lower.
That's an old school, lone wolf hang on. The best method I have come up with is a have a badlands 2200 pack, my clothes go in, food ect. The stand will strap to the back and so will the sticks. I hunt public land and walk for miles, move all the time.
The way the pack carries, I never no it's back there, and have everything I need, I use pack the standard sticks, the a back pack on the stand, it killed my shoulders, not anymore.
Plus a double bull blind will fit in the bat wings on the pack.
Not to mention, the cape and horns and meat ride in the back after you make the harvest, hide the stand and sticks, come back get the rest of the meat and stand, ect.
Done.
Thanks for posting this John...I have a Lone Wolf with sticks to that I havnt used in a while. I think with the straps and blocks it would make it quiet and easy to carry.
After some of the suggestions on the proper way to carry the stand I re-configured the strap orientation to carry the stand with the small end at the head position. here the new arrangement works better and does have more freedom of movement.
(http://i795.photobucket.com/albums/yy235/jalmay5th/Lone%20Wolf%20Assault%20packup/file-49.jpg)
(http://i795.photobucket.com/albums/yy235/jalmay5th/Lone%20Wolf%20Assault%20packup/file-53.jpg)
(http://i795.photobucket.com/albums/yy235/jalmay5th/Lone%20Wolf%20Assault%20packup/file-51.jpg)
I guess the sticks don't nest on the older stands as they do with the newer ones? I would prefer to have any extra stick length hanging below the stand. I can see you getting hung up as you try to duck beneath branches etc?
Steve,
Look on the first page for that configuration, i'm trying it both ways to see what works best. The arrangement with the sticks up does ride better and give alot more range of movement if a shot is afforded during walking.
I must be missing something - why not just stack the sticks and put them on the stand as the stand and sticks are designed to do? I find that to be very quiet and secure. I usually carry five sticks and the stand, along with a safety rope. If I need to carry a pack, I tie it onto the stand.
(http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa328/brockman2/0192.jpg)
(http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa328/brockman2/0242.jpg)
I with Roughrider...
Dan, The problem with that set-up is that with the sticks stacked like that, where would you put a #20 pack?
Over the top of the sticks in the middle and it's so far from your back the pack feels like #40....
Off to the side and the weight is so far off center it doesn't ride or feel very good carrying.
If not carrying a pack full of gear and clothing, then stacking at they are intended isn't bad.
At least that's what I've found.....
Guru, I suppose that would be a problem with that heavy of a pack. I don't know what the pack I normally take hunting weighs, but I would guess 15 - 20 pounds, and it hasn't been a problem hooked over the top of the climbing sticks and nestled in beside them against the stand. I often strap it tight so it doesn't move as I walk. I haven't noticed that it feels that off balance, though I probably haven't packed one that way for over two miles. If there were large, bulky items in the pack, perhaps they could be removed from the pack and lashed onto the stand on the "other side" of the climbing sticks from the pack itself.
That is a good set up and I have thought about getting a set but to be honest the woodpecker system works great with less stuff to carry. High point is you can hunt the same tree again by just slipping in the bolts the next time. Tree fills in every year. Chris Spikes is an expert with the system.RC
My experien ce Dan isthat the sticks come loose and shift during walking while "nested" as designed. This way keep them flat for a lower profile and seems to Balance better a d easier to travel when comfortable. As my pastor say "eat the chicken spit the bones" if may not be for everyone.
RC we can't use screw in step on public land in MS.
Good reason not then.lol. Did`nt mean to say a bad thing. The sticks work great. My Friend Keith Bruner has used them a couple of years and loves them. I will probably get some for use around here during the live oak drop.Happy Holidays,RC.
QuoteOriginally posted by Warren Cowen:
I with Roughrider...
+1 here... The only other thing I may do is a bungee cord over the sticks to hold down a jacket along with one of Teresa's wool haversacks...
South MS- I do have my sticks lower so they are at my neck line. Where my shoulders and head go, the stand goes with no noise or hang up.
Rough (and others)- I don't like the sticks stacked as the profile is farther out and I found it made noise when going through brush. Further, I never want any metal to "clank" when I am setting up. When I arrive at the site, the sticks never touch each other. Further, the foam blocks actually make the pack up much quicker for me.
Guru- I never use a pack for my stand hunting. Tried it but gave it up. A good turkey vest is awesome. Everything has its appropriate pocket where I can grab it. . .pruners, a saw, a screw in holder/step, etc. with ease as I climb. Boned out meat can be easily placed in the vest. The profile and distribution of essential equipment on my body puts no wt. on my shoulders- with the added hip belt on the stand- I can easily shoot my bow as I scout/hunt.
When I arrive, all I do is take off the stand, remove the sticks, throw the blocks under the leaves, put the stand back on my back and start climbing- one time up. All I need for my hunt is in the vest.
I am sure there are other systems. . . but this has really worked for me as I have refined it over the last 18 years.
Merry Christmas
Dan
Everyone has choices and specific needs, that's why we have such a variety of everything. I seldom "run & gun", usually hunt a stand at least a few times once it's up. Some stands go in the same tree year after year, some are up in August, come down in January.
When I do need to set up a stand and hunt t immediately, I've had little problem with doing it quietly with the stands/sticks stacked as designed. Once I get to the bottom of the tree, I usually take the stand off, take the sticks off the stand, put the stand back on my back. I tie the rope to my bow and pack (if I have one), then put the first two sticks on the tree. The other 2 or 3 sticks are either hung from the branches, the second stick, or slid under the belt of my safety harness. As I climb, with the safety harness attached "lineman's style", I attach the remaining sticks, hang the stand, climb in, pull up my bow, and hunt. If I'm going to return to the spot, I'll tie the rope around the tree above my head and clip my safety harness into the prusic knot I have on the rope so I can safely descend and ascend the tree each time.
That works for me. We each develop our own styles as we prefer.
Dan,
My sticks would be lower if not for me shortening the seat rod by 4". To keep the sticks resting on the seat as you have it make mine stick up higher. Anyway appreciate your advice.
RC, were good you said nothing wrong, it's just a legallity issue here on public land. I have the woodpecker system and yes it is alot litgher but the sticks set up quicker and with less sweat lol.
South MS- Oh- I see what you recognize. My stand is modified with a higher seat than normal (I am 6'4") [other mods too!]. So, it will lay out a little different. But I have set this up for probably dozen guys- even different types of stands. Never worried much about the seat. The blocks hold the sticks. Notice too how the top of the sticks and stand bracket are directly behind my head.
Also- my profile is about 3"(3-4 sticks does not matter) compared to 8" (4 sticks) when you stock stack them.
(http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m252/danrudman/fullfoldedLWtreestand-1.jpg)
Modern technology lol while answering the last post had a. Doe and yearling come in. They had me busted but couldn't locate me I got off a rushed shhot and missed! :(
The preferred method of carrying the LW on your back is with the toothed tree gripper pointed up.
Let me tell you it is not fun to stumble and have those teeth hit you in the back of the head! I saw more stars than deer that day.
Please do yourself a big favor and flip it around to point the teeth toward the ground.