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The red squirrel climbing aider

I have had the steps move on me both from soft trees and also from my own learning curve in getting them tight. For some reason it doesn't seem to bother me, I have enough confidence that the steps aren't going far that I don't really get that "panic' feeling when they slip a little bit.



I recently did this. I have one hunt with them so far and it has worked awesome. I have 6 steps with a foot loop and 2 without for my platform.

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Thinking about this more lately since we determined you just need something to hold on to above the stepp when using the loops. I would try to attach your loop to both sides of the stepp rather than in the middle. That way when it is hanging it is spreading the load across the entire stepp rather than a single point. I think it would be more stable.
 
Thinking about this more lately since we determined you just need something to hold on to above the stepp when using the loops. I would try to attach your loop to both sides of the stepp rather than in the middle. That way when it is hanging it is spreading the load across the entire stepp rather than a single point. I think it would be more stable.

I agree with this. For a permanent solution I plan on sewing loops in the straps and attaching them to each side of the step. I have girth hitched them for now as I experiment. I have already realized that a 22" step is way to far in cold weather. I also plan on taking an extra step and tying above me for a hand hold.

The other thing I need to work out is if the extra troublethe loop creates packing them in and taking them out of a bag is worth it.
 
If you do loops you need to do it in a way that it can’t just slide off the standoff. I don’t think one would turn sideways if attached to both sides but if it did it would be possible for one side of the aider to come off.
 
If you do loops you need to do it in a way that it can’t just slide off the standoff. I don’t think one would turn sideways if attached to both sides but if it did it would be possible for one side of the aider to come off.

Yeah, I have been thinking about that. I am either going to run them through the v in some way, or if I slide them over the standoffs I think I can loop it around the crossbar to hold it in place. It' something I am going to play with but, that is a concern I share.
 
What about using a carabiner attached to the end loop, feeding that around the tree then snapping it to your aider rope instead of using a girth hitch? Wouldn't this make it easier to go around limbs and eliminate having to pull the whole aider back out of the loop then redoing the girth hitch each time your come to a limb? Any down side to this?

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It’s apparently not safe to use a carabiner in that way. I see several being used that way.
 
FYI, I know a lot of you guys are still dealing with heat down South. Where I'm at, we have temps hovering around freezing, which has given a combination of snow, fog, ice, and mist over the past week. That comes with heavier clothes, clunkier boots, and numb fingers. It's felt really sketchy using two step aiders at height on my sticks, to the point where I'm going to swap out to one step. Just a friendly reminder to be safe.

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Agree - I only use a one step aider. And the way I loop them over both steps they are secure and do not move much
 
What about using a carabiner attached to the end loop, feeding that around the tree then snapping it to your aider rope instead of using a girth hitch? Wouldn't this make it easier to go around limbs and eliminate having to pull the whole aider back out of the loop then redoing the girth hitch each time your come to a limb? Any down side to this?

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What @BassBoysLLP said. A screw link is really better in that application, but then you lose the advantage of being quick. Also, if you just have the rope girth hitched it will grip the tree pretty well on its own. Once you add any metal to it, it is more likely to slide down the tree when you take weight off it.
 
I've been stuck working in the Middle East the last two weeks. Absolute torture but these tinker threads have helped more than the live hunting threads. Thank you! I'm back Friday night. I'm so ready to Hunt!

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I've been stuck working in the Middle East the last two weeks. Absolute torture but these tinker threads have helped more than the live hunting threads. Thank you! I'm back Friday night. I'm so ready to Hunt!

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Go get 'em! I'm working a ton at home right now but I start a week off this weekend. It's been slow around here but my cell cams picked up bucks cruising the past day and I have seen a couple cruising on the ride to work so I am hoping they'll be moving around good next week.
 
So last weekend when I shot my doe, I left the aider on the top step, as I just kinda held onto one step and dropped down to the next! So I will be using Reds idea to climb back up and grab it!
 
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If you slide them (aider single loop) over the Jim Stepp standoffs (strap with loops) which is what I do and you want to ensure they do not slip off - very simple fix zip tie THEM TO CENTER support rod as well. Problem solved. And I doubt very seriously one would kick out if you attach it correctly and apply pressure straight down. Folks if you keep your tether tight as you climb what is the concern.... I mean really? I had a stick kick out with only a lineman's belt and while it presented a problem I walked away with only a mild bruise. With a tree tether kept tight just how far do you think you are going to fall? SLOW the heck down and keep the tether tight as you climb. If you are really worried about it add a prussic above the ropeman/foot loop and attach to your saddle as well.


I actually plan on using Red's tether technique with 2 sticks as I think I can get to 15-18 foot easily like that with only 2 sticks w/foot loops and the red tether foot loop.
 
Ok gave the Jim Stepp and foot aider a try while out hunting.... yeah I know you should practice first.... anyway not for me. I don't have perfectly straight trees and it is far to cumbersome in daylight with all the ropes hanging.... can't imagine trying this in the dark..... might work for some but not this fat boy. Back to sticks. Muy pronto
 
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I just got back in the US last night after a 2 week stint in the middle east for work. This thread had me intrigued the whole time.

Anyway, jet lag had me up at 2 am so after an odd look from my wife, I figured I would throw on the headlamp and give Red's method a try in the backyard on a couple different trees.

Wow! This works amazing. The ascender foot loop is money. So simple and it takes all the awkwardness of trying to step into an aider when making a big move, especially with large boots.

On the leaning tree I definitely utilized the adjustability of the linemans belt. I kept it high and large before stepping up. Once I stepped up and pull on the tether rope ascender, I would follow with tightening the lineman ascender which made positioning a breeze. Then I repeated.

I only went up a couple stepps but I can see this is a winner. I just need a better pack for the system. Hats off @redsquirrel
This one is money.

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I just got back in the US last night after a 2 week stint in the middle east for work. This thread had me intrigued the whole time.

Anyway, jet lag had me up at 2 am so after an odd look from my wife, I figured I would throw on the headlamp and give Red's method a try in the backyard on a couple different trees.

Wow! This works amazing. The ascender foot loop is money. So simple and it takes all the awkwardness of trying to step into an aider when making a big move, especially with large boots.

On the leaning tree I definitely utilized the adjustability of the linemans belt. I kept it high and large before stepping up. Once I stepped up and pull on the tether rope ascender, I would follow with tightening the lineman ascender which made positioning a breeze. Then I repeated.

I only went up a couple stepps but I can see this is a winner. I just need a better pack for the system. Hats off @redsquirrel
This one is money.

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I tried a bunch of bags for this but in the end I settled on the wild edge bag, 2 stepps larger, so you can easily fit the Aider in. Of course, I modded the bag. Pics to come on that. And if I ever shoot a buck I’m gonna get this on video too
 


I tried a bunch of bags for this but in the end I settled on the wild edge bag, 2 stepps larger, so you can easily fit the Aider in. Of course, I modded the bag. Pics to come on that. And if I ever shoot a buck I’m gonna get this on video too
I was wondering the same. I usually carry a backpack. I just need a light, minimalist bag to keep the stepps at arms reach when climb. I don't need another bulky pack. The stepp bag rolls up to nothing and can double as a dump pouch in the tree.

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Looking forward to this video. Have no experience with these Jim steps or the other brand and ask real happy with my modified leverage sticks but this has peaked my interest. Really want to see how this rope teather works. Hell of an idea.
 
Looking forward to this video. Have no experience with these Jim steps or the other brand and ask real happy with my modified leverage sticks but this has peaked my interest. Really want to see how this rope teather works. Hell of an idea.
If you have a tether and an ascender (ropeman, Kong duck, etc), you can see the benefit without the stepps. It makes more out of the "short" climbing systems....steps, stepps, mini sticks, etc. The bigger the "short" climbing system, the smaller the benefit.

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I must be doing something wrong? The desent was where I had most of my issues.... that ave I think I was to aggresive in spacing? I went for an uncontrolled spin on a leaning tree. I'll try again in off season. A video would help?
 
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