I hunt public land here, and because of the area I hunt, tree stand theft is a real problem. My best solution(besides hunting on the ground) is I plan to used strap type tree steps for the first 8 feet or so, then have the 16ft tree sticks strapped, ratcheted, and locked to the tree. Should put my stand around 20ft being able to step down on it from the ladder. Ill remove the strap steps as I leave each day.

Has anyone used the strap style steps before? Is one brand better than the other?

I have tried strap on steps, but don't recall the brand.  For my money though, I would suggest Lone Wolf or Muddy strap on sticks.  You can get them in 2 or 3 step sticks.  They go up easily and are very solid and secure.  Much easier in my mind than having to strap on each individual step.

X2 Whip.  I have a bag of those steps and by the time you get them strapped on you could have installed a couple of sticks and taken them down.

The only time I still use the steps is to strap aroung my tree to hold the bow, backpack and etc..

I used,  and really liked strap on steps.  I have a dozen.  However, I haven't used them at all since getting 4 of the Lone Wolf sticks.  Much quicker.  I still think they are fine,  but the sticks are quicker.

ChuckC

I have the Stepladder brand steps, fairly lightweight and easy to use. Very strong and are only about 7 bucks apiece. You can check them out on YouTube.

Sorry its Steppladder with 2 p's

LW tree sticks are very fast to take off and put on the way you want to use them.  I don't go as high as you so I use only three sticks.  However, it's very easy to take off the bottom two as I decend the tree and take them with me.  Likewise, easy to put them on.  Can attach both sticks from the ground, the upper one loosely.  Then, just get on your first stick and take a step or two up and position and tighten the second stick and you're ready to go.

Regardless, if somebody discovers your stand and really wants it, he'll figure out a way to get it.  I chain and lock mine in as well.  Haven't had one stolen yet because I usually set up pretty far from the beaten path, but just figure it's a matter of time.

I also like the stepp ladder steps, although I have changed the rope on mine to Amsttel blue 1/4" climbing rope.  Much more flexible, quieter and easier to install.

Thanks for the advice. I hunt about 1.5 miles back so I figured the strap steps would be lighter and easier to take back, but if I can find a good deal on lone wolf sticks I can go that way.

If someone wants the sticks and stand, im gonna make them work for it. I figure with the sticks being up 8 feet and everything chained it'll keep honest hunters honest.

I use to use API strap on steps, but don't think they are being made anymore... not sure any strap on steps are being made. All the ones I used had a tenancy to slip and twist on the tree.

Some people make their own.

Adam, I hunt public land here in Iowa as well and went to the climbing sticks.  I bought 4 of the steel Gorilla sticks from Gander Mountain here locally.  Work like a charm.

Another stepp ladder user. When I first saw them at kzoo i was awed by them. Bought 4 sets and if you watch the video on them they are easy to use.
If you take the bottom 4 off they are put on standing on the ground for first 3 and go up very easy.
Need to look into the other rope mentioned as replacements in the next years.

I know you are asking about steps,but why not eliminate all of the work of setting up the steps and the stand and just go with a climber stand since you are always taking it out with you,climb up,hunt,climb down,Done

I bought some Climbpaws that are a strap on individual step.  I thought they would be good for really uneven trees and help from a weight standpoint as I could put them into my backpack.  Unfortunately if I had to do it all over again I would just buy another set of lonewolf sticks. THe climb paws are slow and in the dark it was slow to set up. They work fine but the lone wolf are so light that I don't feel like I gained anything. If I'm carrying in a stand I can put the stack the sticks together and put them on the stand.

I just take the bottom two sticks with me and leave the stand and the top stick up in the tree. I haven't lost one yet on public land.

CK

QuoteOriginally posted by 1flyfish:
I know you are asking about steps,but why not eliminate all of the work of setting up the steps and the stand and just go with a climber stand since you are always taking it out with you,climb up,hunt,climb down,Done

very few of the trees back there are straight enough for a climber. im also trying to avoid haveing the extra 15-20 pounds on my back.

I use the muddy sticks and love them, they are a little on the heavy side but not to bad to carry in.   I also have climb paws, but found them slow and somewhat cumbersome.  So i put 4 on a strap and now use them as the top platform.