tree steps, climbing sticks, etc...

[mooseman76]

How do you prefer to climb a tree up to your stand?  I'm interested in the lightest, quietest, fastest way to get up to a lock on stand (no climbers, I have my favorite in that department).  I hear alot of good things about the Lone Wolf sticks, but they look small to me.  Do you feel safe climbing these.  I do use a lineman's belt to climb.  Thanks...Mike

[Dave Bulla]

That's been my dilema for years now.

For quite some time I've been using Jim Stepps "Stepp Ladder" system of tie on steps and really like them but they are not all that light and not very fast either.   The plus is that they are super solid, work in any tree and are hard to see in the woods.

Recently I've been using the Rapid Rails knockoff steel ladder sections and while I like them and they are much quicker than the stepp ladder steps, they are still bulky and heavy.

Here is a picture of my stand with the Stepp Ladder steps in place.

 

They are kinda hard to see in the pic but that's part of the whole point.  I hate steps or ladders with that danged black nylon web strap stuff.  I can spot that stuff a mile away in the woods and I expect deer can too.   Might not know what it is but if it looks out of place to me, I'm sure it does to the deer too.

These stepps allow you to stand with both feet on one step and if using a lineman belt, it is very easy and comfortable to lean back and tie on the next step.

Always heard good things about Lone Wolf sticks but never used any.  I've seen them in the woods and they do look "petite" but that may be an acceptable trade off for the low weight.  Kinda like the super tiny hang on stands that weigh 5 or 6 pounds like the little Loc-on ummmm Windwalker isn't it?

Oh, almost forgot, what I REALLY want to try is a good pair of gaffs but they are in the $200 range and honestly, they scare me just a little.

[Gaff]

my buddy just came by my house this weekend with his new lw climbing sticks. so we walked out to the woods behind the house to give um a try.

i was amazed at how fast they go up. but even more about how sturdy they are after you step on them. ( they lock to the unbelievable )

here is what we came up with but them.

1) 3 isnt enough. you need 4 pcs to get to the advertised 16 ft.

2) a linesmans belt is a must!! they'er a little hard to attach to the tree when your hanging from 10 feet up.

3) the steps are a little close to the tree. so on a large dia. tree i find that i cant really get my boot where i need to on the peg. i seem to have my toe on the step.

they deff. have there place in the woods. but for me, i dont think ill ever buy them. they cost to much for me to ever leave them in the woods. and i dont want to be bothered putting them up at dark in the am.

but thats just my .02

jamie

[Orion]

Mooseman.  How much do you weigh?  I believe Lone Wolf has a max weight recommendation for its climbing sticks.  I've been using them for several years and like them a lot.  Dressed in my heavy hunting duds, I probably go 230.  They look more delicate than they are.  I haven't bent or broken anything on them yet, and I put some pretty heavy stess on them at times, for example, all my weight on one step.  (Yes, I'm in a safety strap should something break.)  Easy and quick to put up.  Were permissible on public land, I often leave the stand and the top climbing stick in place.  To prevent or at least discourage theft, it's very easy to remove or set up the two bottom sticks at the end or beginning of the day, and pretty quiet to boot.

[Wary Buck]

Here's a two thumbs up vote for the Lone Wolf sticks.  Man, they set up really fast.  The straps on mine are NOT black, but a lighter color like gray or brown which is much preferred.  The ability of those steps to flip to the right or left side is a VERY nice feature.  They are light to carry in.  They are slightly corrugated on the tops of the steps which makes you less likely to slip (take your time).  I also took some camo fabric tape and taped the uprights and the things are darn near invisible on the tree.  

Like Orion, I weigh maybe 190 but with lots of clothes and a full pack and bow and arrows, I'm probably up there in the 220 range and I feel very safe on both the sticks and the Lone Wolf stand itself.

WAY BETTER than tree steps.

[RC]

Warren Womack has killed hundreds of deer using gaffs. My Buddy started using them this year and loves them.I`m thinking bout using them next year.RC

[Curveman]

I went to the Lone Wolf's this year. I weigh 230 nekkid and I can attest that they are VERY sturdy-the steps and the LW Alpha Elite as well. I agree with going with 4. I had to add a 5ft steel pole to get the height I wanted. So far they haven't been stolen but I am well off any bunny hugger's path anyway. I believe that anyone who really wants a stand or steps is going to get them but I hate using cheap products like tree steps etc. Lower risk with quality and design in my opinion. It is GREAT to be able to just flip the step over to go on the left or right and even place them around the tree to get past branches etc. I also have the Summits which allow you to stand with both feet on another stand. They are steel though so I have them on my fixed stand that was a short walk.  

[Doc Nock]

I'm with Dave on the Rapid Rails, but started with the original Wayne Prejeans-made aluminum ones...

I like they "nest" with each of 4 being slightly smaller so they lie flat to the stand to pack in.

I like they have the boxed foot so when woods are slippery I don't worry about my foot slipping off or out. and as I get older...with stiff knees and cold feet... I just feel so much safer.

Hunting public area, it's take down each time. I have left them up a few times and take the bottom 2 or 3 ladders and either pack them out or hide them somewhere on the way in.

I liked Jim Stepps system, but tying knots in the dark 15' in the air...nah. Not that savvy with knots!

[Kyle Lancaster]

I have the Lone wolf sticks and they're great. Like someone said for above 15 ft. you'll need 4 steps. 4 sticks weigh 10 lbs ( I think?). I'm talking the full sticks, not the mini's. I also use the Simmons System. It's a hand drill (wood pecker) and 8-10 hardened steel bolts. The hole package weighs no more than 6 lbs. and will get you 20 ft. high. It's very compact and fits in a pocket of my fanny pack.
Kyle

[mooseman76]

Thanks guys.  Where I hunt I couldn't leave them up or they would no longer belong to me.  I could probably leave the stand and maybe the top section as most of the slobs around here wouldn't be ambitious enough to find a way up to get em.  I like the idea of setting a couple stands before the season and just carrying my "steps" with me.  I really like the look of the rapid rails, they look the most comfy and safe to me.  I'll have to see if I can find some different types to play with before I buy anything.  Thanks again...Mike

[Dustin Waters]

I hunt private ground where I can afford to leave stuff in trees.  I still however use screw in steps and pad lock all of my stands to the trees.  I figure if someone wants to steal my steps at most they are getting 25 bucks from me.  But they arent getting my stand short of taking a pair of bolt cutters to the woods and trying to work them through a bike chain at 18'.  Screw in steps are a biatch to put in to hardwoods, and sometimes you have to make that sacrifice, but I prefer to find softwood trees to hang them in.  The hardwood trees will take a step but it will also cause you to work up a sweat when you first hang them.  So if you plan on hanging in some place new each time you go in maybe the steps arent really what you are looking for.

[mooseman76]

Dustin, I have or have owned a pile of steps myself.  Both screw in and strap on.  They do the job, but you can't use screw in steps on public land here in PA.  I hunt a combo of public/private and want something to use no matter where I end up (sometimes switches mid drive depending on the wind, etc...)

Mike

[Ybuck]

Never thought i'd say this, but my answer to your question is: the good old fashion screw in tree step.
Ive tried a few climbing stick sets, and they do work well. I like them for pre-hunt setups.
But for walking in to hang and hunt the same day, ya can't beat the screw in steps. Lite, quiet, and quick.
Steve.

[DaveBriner]

The LW sticks go up fast, quiet, and safely with practice.  Within three to four hunts you'll be setting your stands in about 10min.  The stability once on the tree is what really amazes me, even the crooked ones!
Dave

[Lippe]

I have a set of LW sticks & 2 sets of alum rapid rails. I prefer the rr's. Your foot won't slip off sideways & 4 of them are about the same price as 3 LW sticks. They just seem safer to me.

Lippe

[Plug]

I use home made hang on steps.  Make them from 4" angle iron. Drill the holes and cut the slot with a torch or saws-all.  Run 3/8" x 3" stainless steel lag bolts into the tree with a socket/ratchet wrench.  The nice thing is you can take off the bottom steps to 8' high so no one can get in your stand without a ladder or somesuch. It takes me about 2 minutes to hang on the bottom steps and climb the tree. All done very quietly.

 

[sswv]

I used pole gaffs for years until a low back operation made it a little 'iffy'. I then went to screw-in steps until an accident this past fall when one pulled out leaving an awfull gash almost in my armpit. I now use climbing sticks for the lock-ons and climbing stands on occasion.

be safe with whatever you choose

[Doc Nock]

Mike,

I see you're about 90 min away from me in Lititz... but I'd be happy to show you the set up I have if you ever even get close...

What I did was buy the 4-pack of aluminum RRails and then use the longest 3. I don't mind a big step at the ground level... then space them closer as I go up...always try to step from top ladder rung to the stand and not UP on the stand.

As stated, the "boxed foot" precludes things slipping out...frost, wet... whatever. I've even had the bottom kick loose on a set of rails and they stay put! My friend allows me to hunt his place and has climbing sticks and the LW stuff... I'm always very careful as I fear that my big rubber boot will slip off sideways..especially when climibing down in the dark all stiff and cold!  

I get up through Port Royal on way to Centre to hunt periodically...but usually on the fly!

Keep in touch if we can hook up...I think it would help you decide!

 PM me for a phone #.

[ryped]

I've used screw in steps and strap on steps in the past and this year tried LW sticks.  These are by far the best way to go in my opinion.  Very sturdy and fast, can be set up in dark easily.  Get an extra stick.

[Rod Bear]

mooseman: My opinion only. I think the LW sticks are flat out dangerous. First of all, the step does not stick out far enough from the tree to get a good foot hold. Second if you happen to fall, if your upper hand in hanging onto the section above you, the serrated edge will rip you hand apart. This happened to me in B.C. Twelve stitches later, and $150, I learned my lesson. Currently I am using Chilppewa wedge lock sticks. Greatest thing I have used. Down side they are to heavey. I think the ground blind is the answer. Good luck in your search