Inconel710
Member
- Joined
- Aug 3, 2018
- Messages
- 96
I use the basic Mechanix gloves. When I started using the WE Stepps this year, just tying the knot was tearing up my knuckles on the tree bark.
https://www.amazon.com/Mechanix-Wea...693686&sr=8-20&keywords=mechanix+brown+gloves
You don't have to get the camo ones, some like the yellow in case they drop them.
But I'll never set another climbing stick, stepp, or ring of steps without gloves on. Cold wet hands getting knuckles torn up sucks. Climbing with gloves makes a huge difference. Also, don't just throw them on and expect to be good with them, they take practice just like your other gear. Losing sensitivity in your fingertips requires some getting used to.
Ha! I've got a busted up knuckle right now from grazing treebark while spinning my EZ Kut!https://www.amazon.com/Mechanix-Wea...693686&sr=8-20&keywords=mechanix+brown+gloves
You don't have to get the camo ones, some like the yellow in case they drop them.
But I'll never set another climbing stick, stepp, or ring of steps without gloves on. Cold wet hands getting knuckles torn up sucks. Climbing with gloves makes a huge difference. Also, don't just throw them on and expect to be good with them, they take practice just like your other gear. Losing sensitivity in your fingertips requires some getting used to.
Quiet is essential, but time is useful as a reference, and plan to take say double the fast time in practice. If you feel like it takes too long, you're probably rushing and making noise. It's good to have a streamlined, efficient process that you can feel comfortable slowing down. A 5 minute process that you can stretch out to 30 minutes probably beats a 30 minute process for stealth.I take as long as it takes to get up quietly and with little movement. Seriously, I just do not understand the obsession with how fast - that IMO should be one of the last considerations. There are times I stand at the base of my tree for 15-20 minutes watching and listening before I set my first stick. And I cannot tell you how many times I pulled my bow up, while standing on a stick setting things up, and either shot a deer or had a close call.
IMO the folks worried about setting up quickly are also the ones that tend to have really sloppy approached to their stand. I think we all would be amazed if we knew how many bucks we educate on out set ups.... I often set a trail camera up at my stand location after a hunt, especially if I do not plan to come back that season, and I often get pics of nice bucks moments after I leave.... I honestly believe in those cases the buck was in his bed I was hunting and heard or saw me.... and I am careful on all aspects of approach and setting up.
I am an unabashed nanny-goat annhilator. I'm not nearly masochistic enough to hold out for big boys on the local public. But I do have a little spike bedded on a riverbank within earshot of my house. I may use the DaveT approach on him this Friday. He's close enough that I don't even need Crocs. I can make that hunt barefoot.if you are hunting does thaty probably works. if you are hunting mature bucks on public land would not be my choice of set ups. my closet AM spot requires a 2:30 alarm clock
IMO the folks worried about setting up quickly are also the ones that tend to have really sloppy approached to their stand. I think we all would be amazed if we knew how many bucks we educate on out set ups....
Ya. Where i had the buddy in the climber beat was trees i demonstrated that are to skinny for climber.
How about cold weather in the saddle. My concern is being able to change shirts and layer up while on the platform. I found that it was hard to tuck shirts in and get layers situated comfortable while bridge is connected and saddle on. I would hate to have to wear layers while climbing my aider and all. Would be pretty sweaty. Any tips?
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My active plan is to hang the setup first. Get back down cool off and then layer up. This will no doubt add time to the "setting up", yet it will avoid being sweaty and cold. If the weather is good and I only have to add top layers then I can put them on in the saddle. Yeah it takes some movement and some pulling and tugging to get it under the saddle, however its better than being a sweaty mess.
I know everyone is different, and there are some people who sweat just sitting still in 60 degree weather. I am very sweaty person. But if it’s below 60 degrees, I don’t sweat regardless of climbing method, platform used, or amount of layers.
My opinion is that if you’re struggling enough to sweat on a 20’ climb in cold weather, it’s because you don’t have your system down well enough. Or you’re walking in with all your layers on, and your body temperature is elevated pre climb.
I pack my layers in. And I make sure Im calm and breath caught before I start. I’m practiced in what I’m doing going up. On a rare occasion I get a tree that whips my butt, but it’s rare.
I know people say it a lot here, but practice at home!