I just got a set of rapid-rails for my birthday and have been practicing with them in the yard today.

I've got a question for you fellows experienced with using climbing sticks or rails in the field.

How do you get the rails up the tree with you?  The first one can be put on while standing on the ground and it's not much effort to come back down for the second rail.  When you get to the third and fourth rail though going down and back up the tree seems like too much.

I've thought about getting one of those hook type bow-holders than goes on your belt to hold the third rail when going up the tree...this would allow me fully use both hands when climbing too.

Any tips are aprreciated.

Thanks,
Mike Byrge

Hang them on the straps of the ones you've hung.  Just keep moving them as you go up.  Once I leave the ground, I don't touch the ground until I go home.  I use the rubber crutch caps on the feet of my rails, they probably make them easier to hang them like I mentioned.  They definitely make setting them MUCH quieter.

If you haven't, grab one of those tree hopper belts, they really make hanging ladders and stands a breeze.

Mike

What Morning Star said. After practicing a few times, you'll establish a routine that works for you. I just hang them from the highest brach I can reach from the ground and then from the highest branch I can reach from the climbing stick I happen to be on. When no branches are available, I'll hang a climbing stick to another clibing stick that's already attached to the tree. At times, I'll loosen my climbing belt just enough to jam a climbing stick up under it. It's not as difficult as it sounds. You know, necessity being the mother of invention...

With the LW sticks I attach the strap back around the stick and sling them over my shoulder almost like carrying a rifle with a sling.Just pull off one at a time as I hook them up.

Never thought of hanging them on the rails I've already hung...great idea!!

I've aready got a tree-hopper belt.  Prior to the rails I used strap-on steps and the belt made things much easier.

Thanks again.

Mike let me know if ya need agood Lock - on...I can hook ya up bud! Marco#78