Trial and Error, until it Works

[BowhunterXC]

Last year I was using 3 Muddy Pro climbing sticks (originals with 3 fixed steps) and my Cruzr XC. I had a blast, but wanted to try something different in a climbing method, for this year. Hopefully, I could lighten the amount of carry gear.

I tried the "one stick" method and had trouble getting it to work for me, so I gave up.
Liking the rappel part, I tried the 2TC method and liked it, but struggled to get actual climbing part to work smoothly. Meanwhile, I learned a lot of hitches, knots and other device accessories like micro pulleys, and various ways to make a particular hitch work without any devices. All I can say is that I gave it a shot.

This morning, I tried using just 1 of my Muddy Pro sticks, in an attempt to give the "one stick" method another go. I don't know what I was doing different from what I was doing this past Spring, but I had no problems climbing with this method. I'm going to add a cable aider to the bottom of one of this stick and I should be good to go! I just placed an order for one, from Eastern Woods Outdoors and it should be here in a few days.

It pays to keep trying different methods, until you find one that works for you.

 

[Micneador]

It pays to keep trying different methods, until you find one that works for you.

Same here, the multiple bolt threads make me want to grab a versa strap and give em a go again

 

[BowhunterXC]

Couldn't wait for the cable aider, so I made one out of one of my climbing ropes. Also, added a pull-up handle to the top of the stick. This is one of the original Muddy Pro climbing sticks with 3 fixed steps and 32" long. It packs nice too, on my military molle pack with my TrophyRidge Mission platform inside.
I tried it out this morning and I'm good to go!

I had some spectators, while was in the tree.

 

[boyne bowhunter]

Now if you leave that step on the back side of the tree from your platform you combine the comfort of the platform with the ability to walk around the tree like a ring of steps.

 

[BayouToad]

Same here. I really like the Versastrap daisy chain, and I like the Treehopper platform. Wanted a one-stick, but didn't want a platform on it. Ended up buy the OOL Shikar mini. Leaving it with just the bottom step. No top platform to have to reach around. I will get about 12-15" less or so per move, but for me I want simplicity and packability. I can fold up the mini to practically nothing. There are a million different combinations available, just have to find what works for you.

 

[JASmith]

Oh boy. Here you go, won't be long and you will find yourself thinking. "Wow, if only this one stick was a bit shorter" It's fun!!!

 

[BowhunterXC]

Oh boy. Here you go, won't be long and you will find yourself thinking. "Wow, if only this one stick was a bit shorter" It's fun!!!

I've already given that some thought. However, I like this stick being a bit longer because I only use the bottom 2 steps, before I make another move upwards.
Plus, once I setup my Mission platform, I can use the top step (set level with my platform) to walk around for shots on the other side of the tree. Many thanks to @boyne bowhunter for the suggestion!!!