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Diy aider with stirrups

C

Cameron

New Member
Joined
Dec 3, 2016
Messages
34
I'm still torn between trying SRT or a single aider that I sit-climb my way up 12 feet. I had originally thought the SRT would be better for the tamaracks and other evergreens here in NW Montana, but out skiing the other day I noticed several very straight, very limbless trees that may be perfect for shimmying an aider up. After reading through Noxninjas post and others, I'm wanting to get more info on DIY aider and stirrups. I've tied my own aider (once) but haven't tried stiffening the steps to make it easier to climb. I also want to try and essentially include the stirrup in the top step with a second loop. I have plenty of webbing so I dont really want to buy, plus I've always appreciated the DIY route more. I also have a speedy stitcher and a sewing machine if needed. Does anyone have a good resource for this or is it new ground? Also, it seems most people here who use aider a prefer the offset side steps vs an inline style.

Does anyone have any tips or good direction? If not, I may play around and see what I can come up with. This will be used with my Sitdrag saddle for a lightweight rig to always carry and provide an elevated option when I want a break or if the underbrush is too thick. Thanks!
 
Not sure what your looking to do when you mention stirrups. I can comment on the offset vs inline, I prefer inline. Way more stable for me and I use small 1/2" diameter plastic pipe to keep the steps firm and open.
 
Thanks Kenn,
What type of pipe do you use for the spreader?

The stirrups I'm thinking of are basically two loops of rope or webbing that are tied off to the tree for comfort. Some of the threads on here make it seem like the hunters can twist and stand as well with them. Since I'm wanting the saddle to be back up, I don't plan on carrying around a platform at all times and want something lightweight at the sacrifice of long term comfort.
 
Cameron said:
Thanks Kenn,
Some of the threads on here make it seem like the hunters can twist and stand as well with them.
Click to expand...
There are a few people doing this, but it is definitely not the norm. Try it out and see if it works for you!
 
If you have a big box store like lowes/ home depot, go to sprinkler section and they sell 24" long black plastic tubing for like $2. Think mine are 6" wide.
 
kenn1320 said:
If you have a big box store like lowes/ home depot, go to sprinkler section and they sell 24" long black plastic tubing for like $2. Think mine are 6" wide.
Click to expand...

They make a light grade version, but they also sell a schedule 80 version. I used the schedule 80 on my inline aiders. It's pretty heavy, but makes a very durable spreader.
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I use one stick climbing method with a two step aider. Want to try SRT ascending this offseason since rappelling was so much more convenient and fun. I've made my aider a with simple hose to stiffen and 550 cord. I prefer the hose for support.


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Thanks everyone. I'll pick up some rubber hose tonight if I can.

Does anyone have thought on tying two loops adjacent to the top rung to act as stirrups?
 
Justsomedude, do you use a big loop of webbing for the stirrups with another knot and loop in the middle?
Doe you use a rope for a treestrap and Prussik for the aiders and/or saddle? Your setup looks like it could work well. I have some webbing so I can tie some offset aiders real quick to try.
 
Overhand on a bight on each end for foot loops and another one in the middle (or an Alpine butterfly if you want to fancy).
At one point, I clipped it onto a Daisy Chain. But if you climb using an Aider, you would use a second tether.

And you might just want to add a 2nd Aider when you get to hunting height. I have wondered what it would be like to be able to put your feet at different heights using two aiders.

With Stirrups, you need to be very comfortable in your saddle as you can stand up to stretch but you wouldn't stand up for very long.
 
Aiders that I use don't seem to twist as much as the one's that loop around tubing on the stick. I tried the looping the end of the aider around the tubing and I had problems with it that way.
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What type of aider is that Ramjet? Store bought or diy? If Diy then how?
Looks great
 
ramjet said:
Aiders that I use don't seem to twist as much as the one's that loop around tubing on the stick. I tried the looping the end of the aider around the tubing and I had problems with it that way.
a3fc99049ef688b823d7788c2e2a9b71.jpg


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Click to expand...
I'm using my aider the same way, although I'm only using a one step aider. Originally I was concerned about putting stress on the edges of the steps doing it this way, but after testing it and using it all season I have zero concerns and I think it works great.
 
redsquirrel said:
I'm using my aider the same way, although I'm only using a one step aider. Originally I was concerned about putting stress on the edges of the steps doing it this way, but after testing it and using it all season I have zero concerns and I think it works great.
Click to expand...

Just wondering if you think the aider could slide off the step when it is attached like that


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Ontariofarmer said:
Just wondering if you think the aider could slide off the step when it is attached like that


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Click to expand...
I have mine attached a little different, its basically girth hitched on both sides. It could slide off, but it is more likely during transport than while climbing. I make sure they are on well before I step into it and then put my weight on it.
 
I kept mine from sliding off by making a small hole in the webbing and ran a ty rap threw the hole then secured it to the step. I never had one slide off of the step.
 
This DIY aider looks great. I was envisioning building something similar to this except making a 3 step aider and instead of a climbing stick using a simple rope around the tree for the attachment for a lighter set-up!
 
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