DIY platform/climbing method combo

[zakkarys]

I had someone ask on my previous thread my climbing method and I figured I'd make another post and put up some pictures because i don't think much anybody is doing it the way i am.

This is a simple design just a 2x2 board with two side steps and eye bolts that I use to ratchet strap it to the tree when i get to hunting height. I climb with it by using some 8mm rope with a loop on one end that I attached to the platform with a marlin spike hitch. The other end i timber hitch to whatever tree i climb (which only takes me a second to tie on) and typically I'll open up my last two loops on my timber hitch and run my tag end through so it doesn't unravel on me as I climb. After I attach to the tree I'll step inside the loop and use it to lift myself up the tree, I'll then leg lock the tree with my free leg and slide my top tether up. Then I'll put all my weight in the saddle and hang while i move the bottom tether/platform up and repeat the process.

The last picture is the one i made and hunted from the last couple years. Its been through a lot and a split in the wood made me decide it was time to retire it and make a new one I just put it up for reference. The only difference in design is instead of drilling holes and weakening the wood to run rope through it. I tied it on with a marlin spike hitch. When I put this together I wanted it to be cheap, light weight, bare minimum to get me off the ground hunting. I can't remember the fellow's name i had seen on YouTube use a similar set up to climb only he used just a 2x2 with two holes drilled in and a rope passing thru it. I liked this idea and "improved" on it by adding the outer side steps and the eye bolts to stabilize it to the tree.

 

[imstihlaguy]

So if im understanding this right, you basically climb with this step as you would in 2TC, but you have the step instead of a foot loop?

 

[zakkarys]

Yep, exactly. Then when I get to height I'll ratchet strap it off as tight as i can get it and the two outside steps give me just enough "platform" to hunt from pretty comfortably.

 

[Samcirrus]

Thats a great DIY!

 

[imstihlaguy]

That is pretty neat. You don't find your step kicking out while climbing? With it just hanging there?

 

[zakkarys]

So I've never had that happen in my experience but I can understand that being a concern. When I put weight onto it I only step up with the one foot using my other leg to lock the tree and move my top tether up. I'll sort of step onto the center of the step at an angle keeping the inside of my foot to the tree and the weight pulls you into the tree as you step up but it kicking out to the side is always a possibility I guess. Its takes a bit of learning and getting used to. Definitely not for everyone but to me its still better than carrying a bunch of sticks and a platform cause in my opinion I may as well use a climber stand.

 

[Plebe]

That is pretty neat. You don't find your step kicking out while climbing? With it just hanging there?

 

[zakkarys]

I actually havent seen this one yet. I climb in a similar fashion although i dont use a loop to keep my feet to the board. Very cool, gives me ideas on how i can improve the next design!

 

[Iron_llama]

Very clever, I like it!

 

[Razorbak66]

This is pretty cool I’m gonna try it