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A Summary of Climbing Methods

pesqimon

pesqimon

Well-Known Member
Joined
Apr 25, 2018
Messages
2,325
Location
Massachusetts
I would like to invite folks to comment on the different climbing methods including the circumstances that you prefer to use them or reasons they don't work so well. Thinking this could be a good repository for beginners. Maybe comment on the learning curve, cost, weight, packability, versatility. Please comment on as many methods as you want.

Ground Hunting
Ladder (beanpole types of things)
Screw ins (including bolts)
Climbing Sticks (including "one stick method)
Spurs (or EONPOW thingies)
Anti-gravity Crocs
Hand Climber Platform
Rope (SRT or DRT, "Sam's method")
Strap on steps (Cranfords, Silent Approach, etc)
Wild Edge Stepps
Climbing branches

Have I forgotten any methods? I tried to be comprehensive, even including ground hunting because perhaps sometimes going up the tree isn't the way to go.
 
I have tried several of these methods and eliminated a few of them based on one reason or another. Here are my comments and preferences.

EONPOW - Although these seemed like a neat concept, I found that they were cumbersome and could potentially clank together if I was not careful. I did not like that I was limited by tree diameter ~16"with this method.

Spurs - I found them quick, easily packable and one of the lightest weight options available. They are not legal on all public land but i was able to use them on private. My biggest issue was getting comfortable on leaning and/or shaggy bark trees. Anytime i climbed a leaning tree, I found that gravity would cause me to swing to the low side of the tree and it was difficult to get back up on the high side of the tree. The final issue that i had was taking them off and putting them back on in the tree and the potential of dropping a spur. I have shelved this option for now, but may revisit it in the future.

Anti-gravity Crocs - I haven't been able to find the store carrying this method.... Must be on backorder like most of the others.

Hand Climber Platform - I setup a lone wolf hand climbers platform as used it. I eliminated this method due to the limited tree diameter and having to navigate around branches. I tend to prefer trees with a lot of branches and this method reminded me of using my old climbing stand. I don't like having to hunt for a suitable tree in the right area. I like to find the right area, and make any tree work.

Climbing sticks - I used the full length XOP sticks which were a carryover from my t*** st*** days. They were heavy ~15.5lbs with straps, and cumbersome to get up the tree. I didn't like climbing back down the tree to fetch the 3rd and 4th stick. Hanging them off my waist didn't work very well as i am under 6ft tall. I resorted to using a sling and carrying them clamped together which worked and incorporated aiders to gain extra height. I eliminated the full length sticks due to weight and packability. My plan is to one day revisit this method with shorter sticks (either beast sticks or modified heliums).

Wild Edge Stepps - There are several different methods associated with the Wild Edge Stepps (Cain, Knaider/Swaider, standard version). I have used all 3 methods and prefer the Cain method with the vertical lineman rope option. Although it added a little weight due to having to carry a few extra steps vs the Knaider/Swaider method, it eliminated the standard lineman rope and the added time for going around limbs with switching to a backup lineman rope. The steps have a learning curve with them and do take time to get comfortable with them. It is also hard to deny the security when you hear that step cam over and lock onto the tree. i like the packability of the Wild Edge steps and being able to toss them into my bag without making noise.

Screw in steps / bolts - These seem like the lightest and most packable option available but i have not tried them. They are not legal where i hunt.
 
Ground Hunting: sometimes a good option.
Climbing Sticks: not much in terms of learning curve. Standard sticks tend to be heavy and a tad cumbersome. That being said I have not used Infalts sticks and I am aware they are lighter. Most people mod theirs and I have just started to as well. This decreases the weight and increases the packability. Seem best when combined with an aider.

Wild Edge Stepps: I have not tried them but have seen situations where they would favourable and have 4 on order.

Anti-gravity crocs: I think DaveY may be hoarding them I haven't found them. But I have a nice solid pair of wooden shoes which I intend to use to walk over swamps .

Climbing Branches: I have done a mix of this and sticks on one tree. Typically I think it might be uncommon to find a tree that's easy for climbing branches but also allows adequate shooting opportunities. The uncommon nature meaning you will want a back up method.
 
I think I've tried most of them. Here goes:

Sticks - Fast up and down. Beginner friendly. A royal PITA to pack in and out. Have to take steps to quiet them. Hang up on brush. Public land legal. DaveT's modified heliums used with a movable aider are in my opionion a good standard to refer to. Very good option if you climb a lot of pines, since they will usually not penetrate bark and get sap everywhere.

Wild Edge Steps - A solid, public land legal climbing method AND platform. I use 8 and a knaider if I'm somewhere I think bolts or spurs would be a problem. I set two at the top and use them as a sort of platform/ROS hybrid. Big learning curve. Very packable. I can throw a bag of them inside a small daypack and have everything I need to hang and hunt.

Spurs - Very quick up and down. Bothersome to take on and off. Honestly, I feel that the time you lose there offsets the speed boost climbing. Not public land legal usually. Fair amount of learning curve, and a gaff-out is a possibility. I use mine mostly for pines, or on quickie "throw away" hunts in areas I don't anticipate returning to. They pack slightly better than sticks, but they're still a little cumbersome to me. The aluminum and carbon models are lightweight. Doesn't allow for a quick way out of a tree in the event of an emergency.

Bolts - Grade 8, titanium, or carbon. Carbon bolts are hands down my favorite way to climb. Not the fastest way up a tree the first time, but quicker than even spurs if you're returning to a preset tree. Quicker than you would think if you're drilling a new tree. My whole rig to get to 30ft is 1lb and about the size of a coke can. No real learning curve for me personally. Not public land legal usually. Can get tiring drilling after a while.

Ground - I actually do this a good bit squirrel hunting, and occasionally for deer. Just sling a tether around a tree, kick away the leaf litter in a circle around the trunk, and hunt. Very comfortable, very quick. Very safe.
 
Great responses so far. Would anyone like to comment on SRT or Strap on steps?


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