20+ feet with 9.5oz.....

[flinginairos]

So does this method mean your always drilling about head high?

After your first bolt off the ground, yes. If you adjust the aider so weight is on both feet it won't be bad at all. The hole doesn't need to be as high as you can reach either. I'd say around nose-forehead level.

 

[Oakridge]

Okay that makes sense. Thank for the vid, makes it easy to see now

 

[skyjacker]

Definitely trying this ... with titanium or steel. Don't trust CF yet. Maybe one day ... thanks @flinginairos. One concern that might just be annoying, does drilling right above your face get shavings in your eyes and down your clothes? Also has anyone tried the coated bolts from Treehopper. Wondering if they would damper the sound and fix the noise issue with titanium and steel vs CF.

https://www.treehopperllc.com/shop/tree-step-bolts-pack-of-10-coated/

 

[elk yinzer]

I like it. This method really shines for a run and gun method for a backcountry hunt or hunt where you hiking several miles with limited pack space. it is tough to beat the combined packability and weight of CF bolts. Well done.

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This is a thought. Run of the mill truck based whitetail hunting these extreme ounce counting climbs are nuts to me. Backcountry is where I see some feasibility. A thought I had is you could turn a saddle into a pack lid or load sling, double the versatility of carrying it in. Throw some of these bolts in your pack, bam, you practically have a net-zero way to get into a tree on a backcountry pack based hunt if you really want to.

 

[flinginairos]

This is a thought. Run of the mill truck based whitetail hunting these extreme ounce counting climbs are nuts to me. Backcountry is where I see some feasibility. A thought I had is you could turn a saddle into a pack lid or load sling, double the versatility of carrying it in. Throw some of these bolts in your pack, bam, you practically have a net-zero way to get into a tree on a backcountry pack based hunt if you really want to.

I like your way of thinking!

 

[flinginairos]

This is a thought. Run of the mill truck based whitetail hunting these extreme ounce counting climbs are nuts to me. Backcountry is where I see some feasibility. A thought I had is you could turn a saddle into a pack lid or load sling, double the versatility of carrying it in. Throw some of these bolts in your pack, bam, you practically have a net-zero way to get into a tree on a backcountry pack based hunt if you really want to.

Add in NutterBusters 7oz tether, 9.5 oz climbing method and the Mantis saddle and you're looking at a 2-3lb setup if you are ok with standing on bolts as a platform.

 

[Oakridge]

Even a set of squirrel steps would only add another pound!

 

[mattsteg]

yep, that's exactly what I'm gonna do. Not sure why I didn't think of it when I tried it out lol. If you already have the holes drilled you don't need to but standing on one leg for long isn't much fun lol.

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This is a thought. Run of the mill truck based whitetail hunting these extreme ounce counting climbs are nuts to me. Backcountry is where I see some feasibility. A thought I had is you could turn a saddle into a pack lid or load sling, double the versatility of carrying it in. Throw some of these bolts in your pack, bam, you practically have a net-zero way to get into a tree on a backcountry pack based hunt if you really want to.

The value in bolts is more in packing size than weight imo. And the value here might be more in less drilling and bulk, plus a multiuse item with the versastrap. And for example a non-backcountry guy going to srt presets can get a run/gun option by carrying like 4 bolts.

 

[alwayshuntin]

Oh boy, gotta try this!

 

[Pj0230]

At least one of you roguish people will give an honest answer. On a similar note I was reading some regs on some federal land I plan to hunt this year. It has some rather large trees. It’s against the rules to hunt from a tree that metal objects have been screwed or driven into. Carbon fiber isn’t metal so maybe I need to follow the whole 1/2” carbon bolt thread.

Hmm, I like your thinking, but what made the hole for the CR.

 

[IkemanTX]

I tried something almost exactly like this before season this year and felt very uncomfortable on it. I couldn’t keep my foot from shifting on me. I was running it more like a swaider/knaider though.

I figure as light as my CF bolts are already, I really have no need to go lighter or deal with struggling with balance. I’m only at about a mi it’s a hole when I keep the bit sharp, so it’s not a big deal to drill 20 holes instead of 10.


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[EricS]

Hmm, I like your thinking, but what made the hole for the CR.

Highly trained carpenter bees


@IkemanTX drilling 20 holes is that your ring of steps and bowhanger or are you using 20 bolts to get to hunting height?

 

[IkemanTX]

One thing different with your setup, is the wider foot is on the opposite side of the tree than your bolt... I bet that is a lot more stable than how I was doing it.

You are skipping every other bolt, whereas I was skipping two then drilling two (one on each side). I can definitely see how this would be more comfortable than how I did it.

I think I’d put them on the other side of the tree though... you must be wrong handed... I drill best on the right side.


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[IkemanTX]

Highly trained carpenter bees


@IkemanTX drilling 20 holes is that your ring of steps and bowhanger or are you using 20 bolts to get to hunting height?

That is my max stand height including drilling all ring steps, bow holder, and backpack holder.


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[PJC]

Pretty cool! At 195 pounds I might skip the carbon bolts but this method looks really cool! Might also carry a spare bolt just in case one finds it's way to the ground.

I go 270 in all my gear. I used carbon bolts last year and had no issues at all. When I heard that two others had broken one, I tested all mine at ground level by literally jumping up and down on them. No failures, but my feet couldn’t take any more testing.

 

[PJC]

Why bother with the bolts at all???

2 straps with one being long and the other short; 1 girth hitched to each foot on one end and both girth hitched to the tree on the other end, long one on top, short one on bottom. Raise right leg up and girth hitch that strap to tree. Step up. Raise left leg up and girth hitch that strap to tree. Step. Repeat.

I’ve thought a lot about that. Have you done this? Do you have a video?


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[PJC]

Love the idea of not drilling 15 bolt holes Nice work!


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Plus you can do all of your drilling on your strong side. For me, drilling on my left side is quite difficult with a hand drill. I’m right handed.


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[dalton916]

I’ve thought a lot about that. Have you done this? Do you have a video?


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No video. It’s awkward and noisy.

 

[Newhunter1]

I have about 30 bolts in combinations of grade 8, titanium and carbon fiber. Last night I took ten feet of 1/8 amsteel and created a daisy chain aider with a foot loop that will grip my boot. I also put a 4" section of heater hose and it works like a charm. I am impressed with the finished product and have tested it out already.

 

[mtsrunner]

Revising this old thread. This works great. I made my aider from 1/8” Amsteel. Basically a 6’ Whoopsie Daisy.

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