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Aider advice for a beginner

Rick T

New Member
Joined
Jun 24, 2022
Messages
25
I'm totally new to saddle hunting. I have 3 sticks and know I will need an aider(s). I'm leaning towards a 3 step movable. My other thought was just a single amsteel step on each stick. What would you all suggest?
Thank you.
 
2 or 3 sticks with 3 step aider u carry with u as u advance from stick to stick is 1 of the most common setups....I can't help u with which company to buy...maybe some of the others guys can help there.
Fairly straightforward diy if u wanted to go that route. 4 or 5 short steps is better that 3 long steps using an aider IMO
 
Agree with wildebeest on the 5 short steps vs. 3 long steps... I'm more of a fan of 1-2 step aiders affixed to the bottom step but that's just my preference... I see the move able aider as being able to get higher and obviously ur only dealing with one aider but it's less stable climbing and it's one more thing you need to coordinate moving the aider while climbing... attached 1-2 step aiders are way more secure and are simpler while climbing however they're a bit more annoying to pack up and deploy and you do t get quite as high as a moveable with 5 steps... it all comes down to preference really...
 
Keep in mind that the aider step will sag down when you step into it, so a 20" step-to-step can easily become a 22-23" step-to-step. Just keep that in mind when sizing. Also, if you're on the fence about 2 or 3 steps, etc. just get the extra step. If you don't need it, then just don't use it. Not hurting anybody to have an extra step hanging there unused, but can sure be nice if/when you want to use it.

A good way to try out aiders to see what works for you is to buy the cheaper amsteel and fuel-line aiders which are sold many places. Try a few with different step distances and different numbers of steps and you'll quickly learn what you like. Sell the others, or keep them around as spares.
 
Also practice with the shoes that you are hunting with. I hear a lot of newcomer giving up on aiders because they tried it in their backyard with sandals. Once you get the hang of it, aiders feel natural and just as sturdy as a regular step. Try 1-2 aiders for each sticks, once you are well practices, you might even try 3-4 steps moveable or fix and be able to eliminate a whole stick. THEN ONE STICK!!!!!
 
Also practice with the shoes that you are hunting with. I hear a lot of newcomer giving up on aiders because they tried it in their backyard with sandals. Once you get the hang of it, aiders feel natural and just as sturdy as a regular step. Try 1-2 aiders for each sticks, once you are well practices, you might even try 3-4 steps moveable or fix and be able to eliminate a whole stick. THEN ONE STICK!!!!!
Yeah. The one stick method looks really cool and minimalist. But I better learn multi stick first. Haha
 
Being light will help quite a bit. My advice is haunt the classifieds and pick one up. Or, get some rope and make one and climb at low height to figure out what you like. Others have touched on other aspects.
The challenge is low light, being loaded down, temperature and the number of steps. Climbing early in the morning at 20 degrees F when it’s difficult to see on a three step aider which is trying to kick out because the tree you thought was straight actually has a 15 degree list to starboard 15 feet up in the air is the issue. A three step aider is a nice way to go because it’s two less aiders you have to manage. An aider per stick is nice but you have to manage them, they get tangled up, etc. I have a backwoods mobile which is awesome but I don’t use it mobile. Here’s a few good discussions:
 
Thanks for the advice guys. Ended up getting a 3 step for bottom stick and 1 step aiders for the other 2 sticks. Practiced with them today. So far I like the set up. What do you guys use to hold stick to saddle while climbing? I was using little caribeaner because that's what I had on hand. Looking for something quicker and quieter.
Thanks
 
Thanks for the advice guys. Ended up getting a 3 step for bottom stick and 1 step aiders for the other 2 sticks. Practiced with them today. So far I like the set up. What do you guys use to hold stick to saddle while climbing? I was using little caribeaner because that's what I had on hand. Looking for something quicker and quieter.
Thanks

I use just a loop of accessory cord in a few places along the molle loops. One on back and one on each side. Works great for me. Haven't yet come across a stick or platform that I couldn't easily hang or remove from those loops with one-hand operation. And they are essentially free if you have any cord laying around. Haven't seen a need for any of the fancy hangers that are tailor made for specific sticks.

IMG_5374.JPG
 
I use just a loop of accessory cord in a few places along the molle loops. One on back and one on each side. Works great for me. Haven't yet come across a stick or platform that I couldn't easily hang or remove from those loops with one-hand operation. And they are essentially free if you have any cord laying around. Haven't seen a need for any of the fancy hangers that are tailor made for specific sticks.

View attachment 67217
Awesome! Simple, light and quiet
Thank you
 
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