So I was just thinking about making a post on what I’ve found over time. What works for me and what doesn’t.
I’ve tried multiple options for platforms. Ring of steps, Wild edge steps, predator platform, lone wolf assassin platform and a lone wolf assault 2 stand.
Number 1, I don’t like needing a backpack. I don’t like bags period. I struggled to find a comfortable way to carry a predator or the assassin with climbing sticks and be hands free while walking.
Number 2, I want my weapon in my hand while walking. I have had opportunities while walking in before. Can you imagine bumping into the deer of a lifetime walking in and having your bow strapped to your back? That would be bad. I want to be able to shoot at the drop of a hat.
I like multiple climbing sticks because I’m familiar with them. I think I could climb a tree with climbing sticks blindfolded because I’ve done it so many times. I tried to use aiders and I just never can feel good about them after a couple kick outs.
So with all that being said here’s my .02cents on the subject. I keep weight down by leaving unnecessary stuff behind. I have a LW assault as mentioned that I’ve removed the seat from. It weighs 3 pounds more than my assassin so roughly 5 or 6 more than a predator.
The bigger size of a treestand platform does a couple things for me. It gives me all the flexibility needed to turn in any manner of ways necessary. I can even kneel down on it to shoot if I needed to. I can sit facing the tree like any other saddle setup or I can set it on a small bare patch on a cedar or any other bushy tree, face away from tree and sit sideways in the saddle. Removing the seat reduced weight by a couple pounds and I don’t need it with the saddle.
If I need to strip in and out of layers it’s easy for me to do on the bigger platform. I can bungee extra jacket, rain gear or overalls right to the stand to carry it in without a bag. The assault is small enough that it doesn’t stick out past my shoulders and catch on stuff.
I can also easily situate and fasten climbing sticks to it with just a couple niteize gear ties or bungees. I promise you I can get that lone wolf stand in any tree someone could hunt from a saddle platform or ring of steps. No doubt in my mind. I also like the full size stand a lot for leaning trees. The full size stand platform also allows me to use a nice molle waist belt which makes the weight feel like nothing. I’m not a big guy. I’m not a muscle man or work out guru. Yet I have no reservations about scouting for 3-4 hours with this stand and sticks on my back before an evening hunt. because of a good waist belt and comfortable shoulder straps.
I fully understand that many people like the idea of being lightweight with their setup. I do to but I made the trade off with comfort, safety, user friendliness over lightest setup. I know I’m never going to be a rappel guy, or a climbing spur guy. I have my reasons. My focus is on getting in the exact tree I need to get into to put an arrow in the spot I need to. I feel like this is my best option. Other than a stand and a bow my gear list is real small. Flashlight, bow rope, saddle, tether, lineman’s, bow hanger strap, milkweed pod, shooting glove, binoculars, phone, truck keys, license and tags.
