One Step Aider Alternative/ No-Metal Knaider

[tyson12590]

I know that lots of guys like using fixed one step aiders on their climbing sticks but I have tried a few different styles and I am yet to try one that I like. I don't like the idea of trying to find the step in the dark while it swings around avoiding your boot. I don't like the idea of them blowing around in the wind and I don't like the idea of trying to secure them neatly when stacking the sticks.

Instead of a one step aider on each stick, I sewed up a no-metal knaider. This setup combines the design of a JC Knaider with Paul Crave's aider idea to create a metal free (besides the G hook) knaider. The use of wide 2 inch seat belt webbing makes it real comfortable on your boot. The lack of a metal hook makes it quieter and lighter. I have found slipping the loop over my step very easy to do and you are able to see it well in the dark. The elastic shock cord keeps the bottom loop on your boot and their is no need for a castration band which wouldn't work anyways with 2" webbing.

I have more tinkering and testing to do but so far this set up is showing promise. I hope this might help somebody. If you can thread inject, give it a try.

 

[Red Beard]

Bueno!

 

[bigjoe]

Great idea

 

[joesoup]

Brilliant concept sir! Ultralight, and simple!

So tell me how well does it go on/off the step, especially in the dark. I see more of a problem getting it off than on. ???

I also don't see this working for single step sticks unless you had an aider on both boots.

 

[joesoup]

Brilliant concept sir! Ultralight, and simple!

So tell me how well does it go on/off the step, especially in the dark. I see more of a problem getting it off than on. ???

I also don't see this working for single step sticks unless you had an aider on both boots.

Also @tyson12590 where did you procure the s-hook or whatever you call it on the leg strap? How does that adjust?

 

[tyson12590]

Brilliant concept sir! Ultralight, and simple!

So tell me how well does it go on/off the step, especially in the dark. I see more of a problem getting it off than on. ???

I also don't see this working for single step sticks unless you had an aider on both boots.

I've done about a dozen climbs with it and so far it goes on and off the step very easy. I am using modified API Huntin sticks which have fixed double steps. I am not sure how it would behave on single steps or any other style double steps. I purposely used a light color strap to help me see it in the dark and with my headlamp. In my opinion getting the loop over the step is much easier than getting your foot on a hanging aider. Being that it is 18 inches or so higher, it is easier to see and you can actually reach down with one hand and assist it on to the step if you need to.

 

[Jokerswild]

My worry would be wearing tear on the webbing. Styx have naturally rough or sharp edges for traction. I would replace these regularly

 

[tyson12590]

Also @tyson12590 where did you procure the s-hook or whatever you call it on the leg strap? How does that adjust?

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Here is a link to the aluminum G-hook I used. Tethrd's T-Hooks would probably be better but I am on a tight budget. The strap tightens really easy by pulling the tag end and loosens by pulling on one end of the hook.

 

[tyson12590]

My worry would be wearing tear on the webbing. Styx have naturally rough or sharp edges for traction. I would replace these regularly

I agree. I will be keeping a close eye on that. I am also planning on making one with the loop being double layered. This should help with the durability and help the loop stay open. So far it has shown zero wear and looks to be holding up well.

 

[Jokerswild]

I really like the elastic ankle band. I'm definitely adding that to my double swaider system

 

[Jokerswild]

I really like the elastic ankle band. I'm definitely adding that to my double swaider system

 

[ArcherAdam]

Brilliant! Nice thing is you should not need to take it off while up the tree.

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[ColbyBlack]

I love seeing how different people tackled the same problem. I had the same problem as you so I just made a basket step.

 

[tyson12590]

I love seeing how different people tackled the same problem. I had the same problem as you so I just made a basket step.
View attachment 23594

Good work. The more options the better!

 

[pesqimon]

I like it. I think the API steps are not so aggressive as the Helium steps. If I did this for my heliums, I might reinforce the part that goes over the step. But these 2" straps are pretty robust as is.

One thing I would nit pick, is the credit for the knaider design typically goes to Peterk1234 . JCLINE84 gets the credit for making the knaider available to the masses. Both great guys.

 

[tyson12590]

One thing I would nit pick, is the credit for the knaider design typically goes to Peterk1234 . JCLINE84 gets the credit for making the knaider available to the masses. Both great guys.

Thanks for the clarification. I knew JCLINE84 didn't come up with the idea but I wasn't sure who did.

 

[Imike267]

This works really well I've made these as a movable aider option for double step sticks.. I do a couple things a little different 1 line the connection loop with a cordura web this creates some abrasion resistance for you loop and 2 instead of connecting at the knee I install a shock cord that hooks to your waist this keeps the aider tight to you without having to maneuver your knee to hook up

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[pesqimon]

This works really well I've made these as a movable aider option for double step sticks.. I do a couple things a little different 1 line the connection loop with a cordura web this creates some abrasion resistance for you loop and 2 instead of connecting at the knee I install a shock cord that hooks to your waist this keeps the aider tight to you without having to maneuver your knee to hook up

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I like these changes, but when I think about how I would do this, I would make mine go to the top step. Otherwise, how are you removing the aider from the bottom step without effot (bending down, contorting, etc)?

 

[Imike267]

With the shock cord you can reach to your waist and flip it off the step with very little effort.... the reason I go with the bottom step is it significantly the chance of aider kick out

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[tyson12590]

I like these changes, but when I think about how I would do this, I would make mine go to the top step. Otherwise, how are you removing the aider from the bottom step without effot (bending down, contorting, etc)?

Good point. There is definitely multiple ways to accomplish the same thing. One benefit to having it attached to the knee is that it is smaller and less bulky and you don't have to reach down to pull it off you just shift your leg over. I also think the knee connection helps to prevent kick outs.