I started climbing on tree steps in the 80’s using Deer Me Tree Steps.
Got into mobile hunting and tried various climbing methods. After using aiders for a couple years, I decided if I have a situation while climbing an aider would be involved. Wanting to ditch aiders but lighten my load, I have tried just about every tree step for climbing. All of these were tried with whoopie slings, daisy chains and straps.
The Apex steps with a daisy are not that great, I can’t seem to get them tight enough. With a strap they work. The Tree Hopper steps are my second choice but they weigh more and do not pack as well. In addition, the Apex steps are more comfortable, larger steps surface area and parallel to the ground. With the Tree Hopper steps my foot is standing on the outside edge of the step and are not very comfortable.
I had Jerry at CGM make me these tree step straps using the AustriAlpin frame buckles. Steps RTH weigh 6.5oz. These work almost as good as the buckle tree straps with the benefit of being able to attach to tree without threading a long strap through the buckle each time.
I may not use these to completely climb the tree, just to replace aiders, I will use 4 steps hung from ground and 3 to 4 sticks. Four steps and three Novix mini sticks come in at 6Lbs 2oz. I may run 6 steps and two stick on those long walks getting my weight down to 5lbs 7oz.
Got into mobile hunting and tried various climbing methods. After using aiders for a couple years, I decided if I have a situation while climbing an aider would be involved. Wanting to ditch aiders but lighten my load, I have tried just about every tree step for climbing. All of these were tried with whoopie slings, daisy chains and straps.
The Apex steps with a daisy are not that great, I can’t seem to get them tight enough. With a strap they work. The Tree Hopper steps are my second choice but they weigh more and do not pack as well. In addition, the Apex steps are more comfortable, larger steps surface area and parallel to the ground. With the Tree Hopper steps my foot is standing on the outside edge of the step and are not very comfortable.
I had Jerry at CGM make me these tree step straps using the AustriAlpin frame buckles. Steps RTH weigh 6.5oz. These work almost as good as the buckle tree straps with the benefit of being able to attach to tree without threading a long strap through the buckle each time.
I may not use these to completely climb the tree, just to replace aiders, I will use 4 steps hung from ground and 3 to 4 sticks. Four steps and three Novix mini sticks come in at 6Lbs 2oz. I may run 6 steps and two stick on those long walks getting my weight down to 5lbs 7oz.
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